The Orange Board of Selectmen voted unanimously at a special meeting Jan. 28 to defer taxes for federal employees in the town affected by the recently-ended partial federal government shutdown.
The move came on the heels of a bill passed by the state legislature and signed by Gov. Ned Lamont Jan. 22 giving municipalities the discretion to defer taxes for the employees.
Approximately 1,500 of the federal employees who were furloughed or required to work without pay live in Connecticut. Those employees missed two paychecks over the course of the 35-day shutdown. Though they have been guaranteed back pay, many will continue to face tough spending decisions as they make up for a month of delayed wages.
The deferment in Orange applies to taxes on real property, personal property or motor vehicles, and water or sewer rates, charges or assessments. It ends 60 days after the person is no longer considered an “affected” employee. No interest or additional charges will be incurred during the grace period.
Affected employees can confirm their eligibility by providing the tax collector with proof of federal employment and signing an affidavit confirming the details of their residence and employment.