Federal workers hurt by the 35-day government shutdown may be able to win an extension on paying their property taxes under a bill awaiting Gov. Cuomo’s signature.
State Sen. James Gaughran, who cosponsored the bill, and Huntington Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman said Thursday that the legislation will allow federal employees, spouses of federal employees who were furloughed, or unpaid federal workers a 90-day extension to pay their property taxes. The bills passed the State Legislature and are expected to be signed by the governor.
Government contract workers and those who pay their taxes with their mortgages held by banks are not eligible.
Once Cuomo signs the bills, municipalities have to vote to accept the extension.
Gaughran said, “This legislation to extend deadlines for tax payments to local governments is vitally important for the federal employees who went 35 days without a paycheck during these tough winter months. Since deadlines for tax payments to local governments differ across New York State, it is essential that we get this information out to federal workers so that they can take advantage of this small offering by New York State.”
He also said the extension was voted with the idea of a second shutdown in mind.
Because Huntington’s taxes were due Jan. 10, workers would have had to ask for an extension.
Guthman said, “We are pleased to be able to offer this small bit of assistance to the thousands of workers and their families who were unfairly affected by the government shutdown.”