Last night, the RTM approved 1st Selectman Jim Marpe’s tax relief deferment program.
The program — worked out with the help of a number of town officials — acts as an extended grace period on tax payments for Westport taxpayers suffering financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Payments made any time within 3 months from each bill’s due date will not incur interest charges or penalties.
Applications for the deferment program must include one of these hardships:
- Household has suffered a reduction in income of at least 20 percent due to COVID-19.
- Business or nonprofit revenue from March, 2020 to June, 2020 is expected to be reduced by at least 30 percent compared to the same time last year.
- For landlords: Income is significantly reduced.
The tax deferment program does not forgive tax payments. Late penalties will apply retroactively, at 18% annually or 1.5% per month.
Applicants must submit documentation. Deadlines are May 22 for April 1 taxes, and July 1 for July 1 taxes. Click here for the form, and other information.
Because Town Hall is closed to the public, residents with questions should call 203-341-1147 or email TaxRelief@WestportCT.Gov.
NOTE: Banks and mortgage services that hold tax payments in escrow must continue to pay the town when the taxes are due, even if the homeowner participates in a moratorium on mortgage payments.