The last day to pay school taxes in New York State without a penalty was September 30. But, that deadline might get pushed back in the Port Jervis School District if the state approves the district’s application for the 21-day disaster emergency relief tax extension.
The Board of Education authorized the application at last night’s meeting. Board approval was needed before the superintendent could apply for the one-time extension that is being offered to districts in State Disaster Emergency areas.
Initially, only two Orange County School Districts – Warwick Valley and Washingtonville – applied for the extension. Both are located in communities ravaged by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. This week, Port Jervis joined the growing list of districts in areas with limited flood damage that are submitting applications.
Since it is not clear if Port Jervis fully qualifies for the disaster relief extension, Assistant Superintendent for Business Lorelei Case says the district must continue to collect the penalty for late payments until it receives a determination from the state. A two percent penalty is being added to payments received until October 31. A three percent penalty will be added to payments made from November 1-4.
If the penalty-free extension is granted to Port Jervis, Case said the district will fully refund tax payers who paid penalty fees.
School tax payments can be mailed to the district or paid in person at the teller windows at TD Bank, 205 East Main Street, through November 4. Tax payers who have a question or need a copy of their tax bill can call the district collector (845) 858-3100, Ext. 15535. The Tax Office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For the tax payers’ convenience, she is at TD Bank week days mornings through Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon, to answer tax questions.
