Coronavirus-Related Tax Deferment Program Launched In New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, CT — Qualified taxpayers in New Canaan will have the opportunity to defer real estate and other tax payments for three months — to July 1 — due to the coronavirus pandemic, following the Town Council's April 22 approval of a tax deferment program.

In addition to property taxes, residents also can defer payments on personal property taxes
motor vehicle taxes, and sewer fees, in recognition of the financial hardships brought on the by the COVID-19 crisis.

This action was taken in response to Gov. Ned Lamont’s April 1, 2020 Executive Order 7S (EO7S) — Protection of Public Health and Safety during COVID-19 Pandemic and Response.
EO7S allows local legislative bodies authority to adopt programs to support local taxpayers
affected by the COVID-19 crisis. (Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.)

This is from the town's tax deferment announcement:

The tax deferment program is open to all qualified residents, non-profits and
businesses, including landlords. To qualify, non-landlord taxpayers must attest that their
income has decreased by at least 20 percent during the emergency period due to layoffs, furloughs, business closures or other factor related to COVID-19. Landlord taxpayers must attest that their income has decreased by 30 percent. For those who pay their taxes in escrow, financial institutions will continue to remit property taxes to the Town to meet the original July 1st date.

"Tonight the Town Council approved the deferral of property taxes for 3 months
(without interest) for residents who are significantly affected by the COVID-19 crisis," said Town Council Chairman John Engel. "A simple application requiring minimal data will be required. Our goal was to give affected residents the greatest benefit without impacting the town’s ability to operate smoothly and I believe we achieved that tonight.

"I want to particularly thank the town’s Chief Financial Officer, Lunda Asmani for helping
us better understand the town’s financial position in this period of great uncertainty. With his
help the town’s leadership delivered the leanest budget in years and now plans its cash
management with confidence that we will continue to provide the excellent services residents
expect."

Program instructions and forms will be posted on the Tax Collector’s page of the Town
website shortly.

For further information on the tax deferral program, contact: Lunda Asmani, Chief
Financial Officer, 203-594-3024.