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ALBANY, NY – City of Albany Treasurer, Darius Shahinfar, announced that legislation he requested be introduced by the Albany Common Council and Albany County Legislature to permit City of Albany property owners to delay payment of their 2021 tax bills without penalty until May 31, 2021, 120 days beyond the usual due date, has been passed unanimously by the Common Council. This legislation was made possible by Governor Cuomo’s signing of a state law (Real Property Tax Law, article 19-A) on January 30, 2021 permitting localities to delay late penalties on tax bills for up to 120 days.
“This legislation is in response to numerous inquiries that I, and other City elected officials, have received from residents, businesses and landlords about how we can help lessen the financial burdens imposed by COVID-19,” said Treasurer Darius Shahnifar. “I want to thank the Common Council for acting so quickly to introduce the tax penalty deferment, and for passing it unanimously on February 18.”
County Legislative action is also required to delay the penalties, and County Local Law E for 2021 was swiftly introduced by the Albany County Legislature on February 8, 2021, to permit the City to delay late penalties on 2021 property taxes. They are scheduled to act on Local Law E at their meeting on April 12, 2021.
“I want to thank Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce, County Executive Dan McCoy, and their staffs, as well as County Legislator Matt Peter, for working so diligently to fast-track this legislation,” said Shahnifar.
While we await passage of Local Law E, taxpayers may pay City of Albany property tax bills without penalty online (the full amount due), by check via mail, or in person at City Hall by check or cash, with the base (January) amount due, including first installment payments.
“We are prepared to work with those who paid any late penalties to refund that money once the County passes its law,” said Shahnifar. “In the event the bill is not signed into law by Albany County, the City will bill any late penalties owed separately.”
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