TAXPAYERS WANT CHANGE IN LAW SO THEY CAN PAY PORTION OF TAX BILL AT A TIME.
E MAILS FROM TAXPAYERS POSTED BELOW….
Yesterday, I sent out an e mail alert advising residents that I will be pushing for a change in the county law to make it easier for taxpayers to pay their combined county/town/fire district tax bills. Currently, taxpayers must pay their entire tax bill by April 30th. Local governments are not authorized to accept partial tax payments if a taxpayer is unable to pay the entire bill in April. They are assessed penalties on the entire bill. I believe that the law should be amended so that taxpayers would not have to pay the entire county/town/fire district bill at once. Taxpayers should pay part of the bill in the spring and the balance later in the year. I am also suggesting that local governments be allowed to accept part of the tax bills if a taxpayer doesn’t have the funds available to pay the entire bill. Penalties would be assessed on the unpaid arrears- not the total tax bill.
THE RESPONSE TO THE SUGGESTION HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING. THIS IS WHAT SOME TAXPAYERS HAVE HAD TO SAY. I have deleted the names and e mail address from the letters.
PAUL FEINER
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From: bs__@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 8:12 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
The tax bill is something that cannot always be paid all at once in these times. With so many things changing so should this process.
Brad
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From: fun__62@netscape.net
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 8:16 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: taxes
Dear Mr. Feiner:
Your suggestions on the changes to the tax bill law are excellent.
Mary
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From: jlb__@verizon.net]
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 8:28 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
How about paying on a true quarterly basis?
Jack
From: ebras__@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 4:16 PM
To: gblist@cit-e.net; Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
This is a great suggestion. The tax bill arrives on April 1st like April Fool's day and causes much stress and anxiety because you never know what the bill will look like.
In these difficult times the people of Greenburgh cannot survive all the pressures being brought to bear.
We would truly appreciate being able to make partial payments.
Thanks for making the suggestions.
Elaine
From: bb___@hudsonscenic.com
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 9:15 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: RE: Change Tax Law
Dear Mr. Feiner:
I agree with you 100% - This should have been done a long time ago. Taxes are too high and we are paying everything in the same month.
Respectfully,
Barbara
From: Luan__@aol.com
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 12:39 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Respose - Taxes
Your Ideas sound great.
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From: b___2@verizon.net
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 2:29 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
Paul
Another good idea! As many options on payment plans in these hard times will yield more taxes for the Town and less fees for Town residents.
Please lobby the County.
Blanche
From: cas___@aol.com
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 3:47 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: tax bills
Hi Paul:
Not only should we be able to make partial payments--we should also change the timing of the bills. Who decided April is the right time to receive the bill--April is the month when federal, state and city taxes are due--and that makes people anxious enough
susan
From: na___ein@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 4:01 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: totally agree
during these difficult this would be most welcome by all. I fear in the absence of a move like this, the municipality will find itself absent lots of payments and loyal taxpayers penalized. No one will win-----
From: Ali___3@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 4:01 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
Excellent idea!
There should be several methods of being able to pay within a prescribed period of time.
Monthly would work for most people, I would think. Or even quarterly.
From: Book___@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 4:02 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
I would very much support this initiative. I think the county/town/fire tax bill should be allowed to be paid in annual, semi-annual and / or quarterly installments. There would be a slight fee or surcharge for semi-annual and a slightly higher fee for quarterly. For someone like me, I have an escrow waiver through my mortgage lender, at no cost, b/c they agree that the taxes are so high it would unfairly penalize me by having to escrow one and a half times the annual bill. They would be escrowing well over $30k annually and getting the float on my money. That being said, I cannot always "self-escrow" my taxes and find it very difficult to pay an almost $10k bill in one shot, especially with April 15th looming.
This is one of the reasons I reached out to you and want to discuss in greater detail.
From: quee__@verizon.net
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 4:21 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
Given the onerous tax burden that we have already--aren't we No. 1 in the NATION??--I think these are great ideas. Too bad they weren't implemented years ago! Bravo!!
Deborah
From: don__@optonline.net
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 4:40 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: RE: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
Paul,
Agreed. It is a big bite all at one time, which wasn’t so much of an issue when we were working. Now that we’re on fixed income, it’s a strain.
Thanks for thinking of this,
Donna
From: elm___@verizon.net
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 4:44 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
We would agree with this provision given that most federal and state tax is due April 15th. A full payment on April 30th, places additional burden on the tax payer.
We would recommend a a quarterly system where payments would be due roughly at quarter end similar to those who pay estimated taxes.
Elmer
From: cea___.net
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 5:04 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Tax Burden
Paul,
It would be easier to pay my bill if the County taxes didn't exist. These are difficult times that
call for changes for the survival of tax payers. With all the taxes due at once, it's an unfair burden.
Also, if the Greenburgh Central School district overcharged the taxpayers, where's our refund?
Lorraine
From: jam___@optonline.net
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 5:14 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Tax payment
If you could have them split the taxes into 2 payments, say 4 months apart, that would help.
Jim
From: hyl__@verizon.net
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 5:29 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
as usual a great suggestion, go for it Hy
From: mo___@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 5:35 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Taxes
Paul:
I also would like to pay my property taxes in part payments. It is difficult to get up a huge sum of money to pay them. I also think that those who pay partially should not have to pay a penalty on the total bill. Thank you for trying to do something about this.
Marion
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From: kle___@us.ibm.com
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 5:37 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: County Tax Bill due April
Hi Paul,
I would like to see the April tax bill moved to, say June or July. As mentioned, many
people that owe IRS taxes need to pay by April 15th, and then have to come up with
several thousand dollars for property tax by the end of the month.
Kelvin
From: Sha___da@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 5:56 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re Taxes
I think you have a very sensitive take on this issue.
Thanks.
Sheila
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From: won___@hotmail.com
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 10:43 PM
To: Paul Feiner; gblist@cit-e.net
Subject: RE: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
Mr. Feiner,
I really appreciate your suggestion below. My husband lost his job in Nov and $6,000 in property tax is due in April. Thank you for being so considerate for those of us who have lost jobs. I hope you can convince the county of the need for this change.
Thanks again,
Helen
From: tedt___@juno.com
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 10:43 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Tax Bills
Paul:
As usual a great idea; Same should be pursued, Every day you hear of citizens indicating that they just keep up; not only folks on fixed income but those employed at present but unsure of their continued employment.
Teddy
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From: mer___l@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 4:25 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject:
Paul,
Excellent suggestion. When people have to pay say $2,000-3,000 in quarterly tax payments for state and federal taxes in April, plus any taxes due and on top of that $6,000-9,000 in Town and County taxes all in one shot, this is really heavy. Making it payable in two installments (like the school taxes) and a month other than April will be welcome by all I think.
Merrill
From: Hil__@aol.com
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 12:11 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
Paul Feiner, Supervisor, Town of Greenburgh re amending the current Tax Law to provide greater flexibility to Taxpayers who must meet their tax obligation on or before the end of April. Also, in my opinion changing the date from the month of April would lessen the burden on Taxpayers who must pay their federal taxes in April.
During the current turmoil caused by a worldwide economic crisis, job losses, unemployment, and fiscal calamity in my opinion would be a laudable act. Let's March.
Rest assured you have my wholehearted support in this effort.
Sam
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-----Original Message-----
From: Joanne
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 12:37 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: taxes
Paul
This is a good first step. I believe that taxpayers should be
allowed to pay real estate and school taxes, this is all taxes being
billed through the town in monthly installments just as if they would
if the bank were holding the mortgage. This would allow for better
budgeting.
------------------------------------------------- From: mistys__@aol.com
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 8:04 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: COUNTY LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO TAX BILLS DON'T HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE
I think this is a great idea. My friend who lives in the Village of Larchmont can pay in five installments during the year. I believe the law should be changed to make it easier for the citizens of the Unincorporated of Greenburgh. Thank you and have a nice day.
From: Henry
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 2:31 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: tax payment
great idea to spread. Have freinds abroad who have their property taxes
taken out of their bank accounts monthly. Perhaps even a better deal.
Best regards,
Henry
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16 comments:
Paul if the taxes weren't so high people would not have to worry. So ,Paul lower our taxes. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out.
Paul, what would be the costs of this proposal?
Bet you haven't a clue. (And don't use the current low interest rate as the norm, because once you start this, there's no going back.)
Dear Mr. Feiner -
Every year you trot out the idea that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay their annual tax bills in a single payment.
Every year you use this red herring to distract taxpayers from the central isssue - the unjustified rise in taxes.
Every year someone, like me, points out that if people set aside 1/12 of their current tax bill in a savings account every month, there would be less complaining.
And every year, people continue to act irresponsibly and you want to help them to avoid reality.
This year, however, there is a difference. The Town of Greenburgh has been criticized by the Comptroller of NY State for the inadequacy of its internal financial controls.
This year the best argument for not spreading out the Town taxes over 12 months and allowing partial payments is a very real concern that in the end, the Town might have spent all the money for next year's payment on this year's expenses because it lacks the appropriate accounting controls to differentiate what payment stream should match which expenses.
Until and unless you (as the Chief Fiscal Officer of Greenburgh) take charge and you personally insist on the creation of fiscally sound controls, taxpayers have no reason to believe they won't risk trouble with their partial payments.
Put you house in order before suggesting adding to the potential issues.
Am I the only smart one who pays monthly with my mortgage company escrow account?????
I support this initiative which will help struggling taxpayers.
I dont have an escrow, but I know how to budget.
Would anyone like to buy my house for what the town thinks its worth?
The supervisor has ideas, which are not followed through. This will not be implemented unless someone else takes charge.
I have had some meetings on this today. I am very optimistic that some actions will be taken by the Board that will address some of the taxpayer concerns.
This will take more than a couple of meetings and optimism to make it a reality.
I have confidence that action will be taken. Don't root for failure. Think positive!
LOL ... Does anyone believe that these "taxpayer responses" are real?!
We encourage all Greenburgh citizens to pay your taxes late
Paul,
How do you get around the fact that YOU, THE BOARD & YOUR DEPARTMENT HEADS KNEW that sewer hook in fees were supposed to be credited back to the citizens from that sewer district. This e-mail from Al Regula proves THAT YOU KNEW! Is Tim Lewis going to say that this e-mail was illegal as well???
E-Mail From Albert Regula, Commissioner of Public Works
From: AL Regula
Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2008 5:23 PM
To: Judith A. Beville
Cc: Town Board; Michael Kolesar; Edye McCarthy; John Lucido;
Timothy Lewis; Kenneth Cioce; Bart J. Talamini
Subject: RE: Question for Department Heads
The connection fee set in the resolution extending the sewer district to include the Scarsdale Pump Station was set based on Section 160-4(Reduction in Fees) of the Town Code which allows a reduction of a connection Fee for an applicant that bears the expense of extending the
Town's sewer main as part of their project. The fee in this case was
reduced to $1500.00 in recognition of the fact that the Town received
from the applicant 540 linear feet of 8" sewer main and 4 manholes, the value of which exceeds $150,000.00. The $1500.00 fee is to be credited to FA #4 and will result in a reduction in the amount to be collected
from the other members of the district in future tax levys.
Albert S. Regula
Commissioner of Public Works
Town of Greenburgh
177 Hillside Ave.
Greenburgh, NY 10607
The e-mail referenced above is undoubtably cause for great concern for Town officials. The Town Attorney will have a difficult time attempting to declare that Mr. Regula unlawfully wrote it. It went to the entire Town Board. Why didn't Francis say it was illegal? It went to Tim Lewis. The e-mail is dated April 9, 2008, why hasn't Mr. Lewis declared it illegal?
The reason: It isn't illegal. Mr. Regula placed the Town in great legal jeopardy with this e-mail. The Town can't say it didn't know about sewer hook in fees. Mr. Regula lays out the procedure and is backed completely by Greenburgh's laws.
How do you answer this one Mr. Feiner?
The tax increase this year is unfair. The upcoming increase in the school taxes are unfair. But there is nothing that we can do about it. There is taxation without representation and that's the way it is. Services are cut, taxes are increased. That's the way things are and there is nothing that can be done about it. No one listens. No one feels the pain except for the taxpayer, especially those without jobs.
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