Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

Edited:
I am SO annoyed and upset. Do I have ANY recourse? Do you think that they can lower this steep fee?

Message edited 7/2/2013 3:41:04 PM.

Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

Unfortunately, I don't think so since there is no way to prove you actually mailed the check on 5/29. Our late fee is stated directly on our tax bill so I doubt they would lower it but, it doesn't hurt to ask.

We had an issue once with processing (but, had mailed it earlier in the month so we were able to fix it) so we drop off our taxes at town hall now to avoid any potential issue.

Re: Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

Probably not because anyone who forgets to pay can tel the town the "check got lost in the mail". In the future send it certified so you have proof of mailing. Or pay your taxes online either through your bank or through the town's website.

I pat my TOB taxes through their website. ACH through my bank. If I pay early they give me a discount.

Re: Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

Thanks for all the advise!

Message edited 7/2/2013 3:41:34 PM.

Re: Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

Unfortunately, because you sent it via regular mail not overnight, fed ex or with a return receipt so you have proof of mailing, you will not be able to do anything about the penalties and interest.

The reason they charge you higher penalties and interest on the second half is because the Town no longer is collecting the taxes, it goes over to the Suffolk County Treasurer as a tax lien.

Re: Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

2 years ago we somehow forgot to pay our 2nd half taxes. We had to pay 5% penalty and 5% interest. We now pay the whole thing at the beginning of the year so we dont forget.

They charge the 5% interest on the total with the penalty

It sucks that they charge interest on the penalty.

Message edited 7/2/2013 6:49:59 PM.

Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

I think I would request that the penalty be forgiven. They may be more flexible than you think. I would go in person and maybe cry. Not kidding.

Re: Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

There's no way they'll accept that the check got lost as a reason to waive or reduce fees...just think of how many people probably use that excuse, it's the oldest trick in the book! Send it certified next time. For now, I think you have to suck it up, pay, and live and learn.

Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

This makes me so glad I escrow my taxes!

Re: Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

deleted

Message edited 7/2/2013 3:41:56 PM.

Re: Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

Unfortunately, it's the way the Suffolk Tax Act is written. The original reasoning behind it was that they are giving you enough of a break by not requiring the full payment in January and that since as of June 1, the SC Treasurer has to get involved, they need to recoup some of that expense. I honestly think it was a way to help bring in some extra money into the County's coffers.

The only way to change it is to have legislation passed to change it.

Re: Late Payments on Property Taxes- PLEASE ADVISE

Only legislation will change this policy. Mill's answer above is on point.

Message edited 7/2/2013 3:41:18 PM.