Town of Oyster Bay officials today called upon New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo to extend the deadline for the collection of the second half of General taxes until August 31^st without the imposition of a penalty. With the tremendous financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to have a negative effect on residents throughout the state, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato have urged the state to extend the collection date to help those hardest hit be able to pay taxes despite the financial challenges that have resulted from a closed economy.

 

“COVID-19 has taken a devastating toll on local families and the economy, and while I am confident that we will overcome this disease and continue to put people back to work, I believe that local governments should take any measures possible to help ease the strain on our residents, and help allay their fears,” Supervisor Saladino. “It is for all these reasons that Receiver Pravato and I have requested a deadline extension for payment of the second half of General taxes until August 31^st, without imposition of a penalty.”

 

Throughout the pandemic, the Receiver’s Office has aggressively advocated for leeway and leniency for our hard hit residents when it comes to paying taxes. Prior to the collection of the second half School taxes earlier this spring, Receiver Pravato and Supervisor Saladino successfully lobbied New York State for an extension to the collection date, without the imposition of a penalty. When taxes are due, Receiver Pravato has encouraged residents to make their payments on line, where Receiver Pravato arranged for taxpayers to remit payment via eCheck at a reduced fee. Residents can alternatively pay via credit card online, where a third-party vendor charges a processing fee, or mail their payments to the Receiver’s Office.

 

“Given the current phased in reopening of our economy, not every citizen is back to work, and for that reason, we believe an extension of the collection deadline for the second half General taxes is not only appropriate, but would go a long way to calming the fears of our residents who are currently under the strain of serious economic hardship,” Receiver Pravato added. “Simply put, extending this deadline is critical in helping us continue our efforts to help our residents.”