3rd Party Payment Options Creating Taxing Situation In Vernon

VERNON, CT — Vernon officials Thursday said that some residents trying to make online tax and sewer payments are inadvertently using third-party payment services that are not affiliated with the town, and, in some cases, that is resulting in delayed payments and taxpayers facing interest.

Officials said that taxpayers who want to pay online should go to the town website, www.vernon-ct.gov, and click on the "Tax and Sewer Payments" button on the home page.

In some cases, taxpayers who have paid through the third-party payment services have missed payment deadlines and were assessed interest. The town has no control over when or if payments made through third-party payment services will be received by the Vernon tax collector, officials said.

"If you choose to pay your taxes or sewer fees online, please do it through the town website, so that you can be assured your payment will be properly credited in a timely manner,” Mayor Daniel Champagne said.

Vernon Finance Director Jeffrey O’Neill said the tax collector learned of the problem after several residents paid their taxes through a third-party service and were assessed interest because the town did not receive the payment on time. The payment service received the taxpayers' electronic payments, then cut a check and mailed it to the town, O'Neill said.

"If the check arrives after the due date, interest is charged," O’Neill said. "State law does not allow the town to waive interest on late payments."

Even a few cents in unpaid taxes can hold up vehicle registration, officials added.

Tax payments can also be made by mail or in person, officials said.

The tax collector’s office is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.