Date: Tue 25-May-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

property-tax

Full Text:

Property Tax Bills Go Out Next Week

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Newtown residents who own a home, a piece of land or a car can expect to

receive the first installment of their tax bills later this month. Tax bills

go out on Tuesday, June 29.

In April, taxpayers approved a $62.1 million budget, which represents a 3.7

percent increase in spending over the current budget. The tax rate went up by

a mill to 27.9 mills.

According to Tax Assessor Denise Hames, a home valued at $250,000, which would

be assessed at $175,000 will have to pay $4,883 in local property taxes next

year -- an increase of $175.

There are a total of 8 ,946 residential accounts in Newtown . More than 200 of

the homes in this category were built this past year. There are 21 ,650 motor

vehicles registered in Newtown with an average value of around $6,4 00.

This year, along with a bill, the tax collector's office is sending out a

detailed guide to assessments and property taxes. Tax Collector Carol Mahoney

believes this will help residents better understand the process.

As the guide explains, three types of properties are assessed and subject to

taxes: real estate, motor vehicle and personal property. This year's tax rate

of 27 .9 mills is equivalent to $27 .90 of taxes per $1,000 of net assessed

value.

The due date for motor vehicle bills and the first installment on real estate

and personal property bills is July 1, 1999 , payable through August 2 , 1999

without interest charges. Payment after August 2 will be subject to 3 percent

interest in August and 1« percent additional interest each month after that.

Mrs Mahoney said many residents panic when they see the July 1 due date. They

often ask, "How do you expect me to pay my bill on time when I just got it

today?"

Other people call up in shock over the assessed value of their car. "If I

could get this much for the car I'd be happy," they say.

But, as Mrs Mahoney explains, the value of all vehicles is found in the Blue

Book, which does not take the condition of the vehicle into consideration.

Tax bills can be paid in two installments, with the first being paid by August

2 and the second being August 1.

The 1999 -2000 fiscal year budget for Newtown estimates that $8.52 million

will be received from the state for state-financed programs. The tax

collector's office points out that without this state assistance, this year's

tax rate would be 33 .2 mills.

For more information on taxes, tax credits, or exemptions, contact the

assessor's office at 270-4240 or the tax collector's office at 270-4320.