Coventry Tax Amnesty Bill Becomes Law

Legislation has been enacted into law that will allow the Town of Coventry to establish a tax amnesty program for the new fiscal year, which begins this month.

Approved by the General Assembly, legislation (2012-H7979) sponsored by Rep. Scott J. Guthrie (D-Dist. 28, Coventry) became effective this week without the governor's signature.

The legislation, introduced at the request of the Coventry Town Council, will give Coventry taxpayers an extra 45 days to pay their quarterly tax bills.

The new law specifically gives the Town Council authority to establish the program for the 2013 Fiscal Year, which begins in July, applying the 45-day amnesty period to tangible property taxes and motor vehicle taxes for residents who have owned their property or vehicle for at least five years. Individuals seeking to take advantage of the amnesty period would need to present a waiver request at any time during the 45-day period.

The Coventry Council sanctioned the plan at its March meeting after it was proposed by Councilman Ted Jendzejec.

Also enacted into law was a second Coventry bill, which makes a number of changes to the charter of the Central Coventry Fire District.

That bill, (2012-H8104A), was also introduced by Representative Guthrie.

Among the changes are moving the annual meeting from the second Monday in September to the first Monday in October and giving voters at the meeting authority to order taxes for the purchase of necessary vehicles and equipment to operate and maintain emergency medical services.