Local Tax Bills Sent Out

By Steve Bigham

Newtown residents who own a home, piece of land, or a car began receiving their tax bills in the mail early this week. The tax collector’s office mailed out 35,845 tax bills last Friday.

A total of 10,626 bills were sent out for residential and vacant land accounts with 23,910 additional bills going out to motor vehicle owners; 1,240 personal property bills were also sent out.

In May, taxpayers approved a $77.2 million budget, which represented nearly a 10 percent increase in spending over the current budget. The tax rate went up by two mills to 33.8 mills.

Under the new budget, a home in Newtown with a market value of $340,000 will cost its owners an additional $350 in taxes. Newtown residents who own a home, a piece of land, or a car can expect to receive the first installment of their tax bills in late June.

For the first time, taxpayers now have the option to pay their taxes with a credit card. Those paying with plastic will have to pay the three percent surcharge.

 The due date for motor vehicle bills and the first installment on real estate and personal property bills is July 1, 2002, payable through August 1, 2002, without interest charges. Payment after August 1 will be subject to three percent interest in August and 1.5 percent additional interest each month after that.

According to the tax collector’s office, three types of properties are assessed and subject to taxes: real estate, motor vehicle, and personal property. This year’s tax rate of 33.8 mills is equivalent to $33.80 of taxes per $1,000 of net assessed value.

 Mrs Mahoney said many taxpayers 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 1 and the second being February 1.

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.