Poloncarz introduces resolution to extend interest-free period to pay county taxes for individuals furloughed during shutdown

County executive’s proposal would extend interest-free period by 90 days after end of furlough

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz has introduced a resolution that would provide a temporary extension of the interest-free period to pay Erie County property taxes by 90 days after the end of the furlough period for individuals furloughed by the federal government or non-pay federal employees due to a period of a lapse in discretionary appropriations by the federal government. The resolution will be considered by the Erie County Legislature today.

“The federal shutdown had tremendous negative ripple effects and did significant financial damage to thousands of workers and their families. These workers were used as pawns and punished by an administration in Washington that does not care about them, their families, or their communities,” Poloncarz said. “My proposal would extend the interest-free period for these individuals to pay their county property taxes by 90 days, giving them a little breathing room and easing their worry about the approaching deadline.”

NYS Real Property Tax Law, amended earlier this month to allow for this temporary extension, requires Erie County pass a resolution enacting the extension. Upon legislature approval of the resolution, the Department of Erie County Real Property Tax Services will waive interest charges on property owned by furloughed federal employees that pay after Feb. 15, 2019, which is the last day in the towns of the first class, and March 15 for towns of the second class.

Taxpayers will need to provide federal identification.

The resolution can be read HERE.