1. I never received my bill, or received it late; do I still have to pay the penalty?
Yes, the failure to mail a statement or the failure of a property owner to receive a statement will not affect the validity of the taxes or interest prescribed by law (New York State Real Property Tax Law §922). In addition, neither the Tax Collector nor any other official has legal authority to waive statutory penalty charges. These are fixed by the Real Property Tax Law. If they are waived, the collecting officer will be personally responsible. As all records are audited by State examiners, there is absolutely no discretion in this matter. The Constitution and the law of the State mandates the procedure.
2. If I mail my payment on the due date do I have to pay a penalty?
No. New York State Real Property Tax Law §925, provides as follows: “Payment of taxes by mail, when enclosed in a postpaid wrapper (envelope) properly addressed to the appropriate collecting officer and is deposited in a post office or official depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Post Office shall, upon delivery, be deemed to have been made to such officer on the date of the United States Postmark on such wrapper. The provisions of this section shall not apply in the case of postmarks not made by the United States Post Office. A postage meter postmark is not a postmark made by the United States Post Office and, therefore, is not within in the provisions of Real Property Tax Law §925. Payments can not be deemed timely because of a postage meter postmark date on an envelope containing a tax payment (Op. New York State Comp. 69-170).
If taxes are not received until after the due date, they are not paid until after the due date unless they fall squarely within the provisions of section 925 of the Real Property Tax Law, and the penalty must be added and collected. No Town Official or employee can waive the penalty (Op. New York State Comp. 68-626).
3. Do you accept payment with credit cards?
Yes. Credit Card Payments are accepted online only. There is a bank surcharge added and will be calculated before your complete your checkout.
4. Can I pay my taxes in installments?
The Town of Bethel accepts payments in three installments. The first in January, the second in March, and the third and final payment in March. Please be aware the penalties are still in effect and does not exempt you from paying them. Please contact this office for the amount due if you are interested in this option, especially the final payment due.
5. Can I pre-pay my taxes?
No, the warrant constitutes the mantle of authority for the collecting officer to receive the taxes. Therefore, the warrant must be regarded as the instrument which empowers the collecting officer to begin the collection. Collection authority can not begin prior to the date of the warrant.
6. What if my mailing address changes?
Address changes must be made in writing. Notify either the Tax Office or the Assessor’s Office by mail, e-mail or fax if you wish to change your mailing address by clicking on this link Address Change Request
7. What if my mortgage is paid up?
In order to make sure you will receive the tax bills prior to the penalty period (February for Town/County Taxes), you must notify the Tax Office in your Town. Send or fax a copy of the “Satisfaction of Mortgage” letter from your lender.
8. How do I apply for exemptions?
All exemptions are handled by the Assessor’s Office. Any questions, please call Assessor at (845) 583-4350 ext 103 or 104 or e-mail bethelassessor@hvc.rr.com
9. Why don’t I see the STAR exemption?
The basic STAR exemption only affects your School Tax portion of your primary residence.
10. Why do I have to pay for a second notice?
If taxes have not been paid during the 30 days following the period when the taxes could have been paid without any interest or penalty, then on or after the 31st day following such interest-free period, the collecting officer is required to send a notice of delinquent taxes to the mailing address of the owner. A duplicate copy of this notice must also be sent to the third party as requested according to Real Property Tax Law, 923. The notice must be sent not later than 85 days after expiration of the interest free period, or 15 days prior to expiration of the warrant whichever is earlier. The town board has adopted a local law or resolution imposing the $2 to be added to the taxes, to cover cost of mailing of each such notice under section 987(1). When the town board requires this charge, it becomes part of the total amount due and cannot be waived.