PRESS RELEASE

Chicopee Mayor Vieau Announces Relief on Excise/Real Estate Taxes

CHICOPEE – On Friday, April 3, 2020, Mayor John L. Vieau announces relief on Excise and Real Estate taxes. The bill enacted by Massachusetts State Legislature on Thursday night, and signed by Governor Baker this afternoon gives the Mayor the ability to implement flexibility on tax payment deadlines and to waive late fees or other penalties for any delayed payments due to COVID-19.

“We are grateful to the Legislature for recognizing and acting swiftly to create a bill that helps provides some financial relief for our residents through this unexpected challenge,” stated Mayor Vieau. “We appreciate Governor Baker taking quick action to adopt this law.”

The City of Chicopee will accept this law by extending the due date on 4th quarter/second half real estate taxes tax bills from May 1, 2020, to June 1, 2020. This will allow for the waiving of payment of interest and other penalty fees in the event of late payment of any excise, tax, betterment assessment, or the apportionment thereof, water rate or annual sewer use of other charge added to a tax for any payments with a due date on or after March 10, 2020, and made after its respective due date but before June 30, 2020.

For Chicopee residents who are currently facing financial difficulties and waiting for stimulus money to come, this is one way in which the City can assist in the short term. If you cannot pay on time, penalties and interest will be waived through June 30th. This waiver does not apply to any tax payments due prior to March 10, 2020.

“If you are able to make your tax payments on time, we would urge you to do so.”

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