Archive: News

Dave Heck (left) gives copies of NYS Real property Tax Law to Town Attorney Guy Krogh and Supervisor Scott PinneyLansing resident Dave Heck told the Town Board that he wants to see the Town tax deadline extended a few days to accommodate senior citizens and others who are on a fixed income.  The deadline is January 31st, which Heck said is a hardship to seniors who don't get their monthly checks until the beginning of each month.

"When you're retired you start getting a pension," he said.  "In my case it comes on the first of the month.  Social Security comes the first of the month.  A tax payment on January 31st is very difficult.  It's an inconvenience to seniors."

He said other localities give an extra day to seniors to pay taxes.  He noted that the Town of Groton placed a Shopper ad this year to remind senior citizens that they have an extra five business days to pay their town taxes.  Heck called the Groton Town Clerk and was told that New York State Property Tax Law section 925-b states that towns have the option to allow a five day extension without penalty to seniors 65 years of age or older who qualify for the Star and Senior Star exemptions..

Heck passed out copies to the Town Board of the portion of the law that allows the extension.  He said that this was the first year Groton allowed the extension.  The Town Board must vote on a resolution to extend the deadline.  He noted that counties can not extend their payment deadline.  Heck has been lobbying for the extension for several years, but only came across the provision that allows it this year.

He asked the Town Board to consider passing such a resolution for Lansing.  Town Supervisor Scott Pinney said the board would take a look at the law and consider voting on an extension for Lansing seniors.

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