County to delay filing property tax liens
February 23, 2009
County to delay filing property tax liens
County to delay filing property tax liens
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Allegheny County officials in charge of collecting unpaid real estate taxes yesterday announced a 60-day reprieve, which they hope will give delinquent taxpayers a chance to save their properties.
County Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty, Sheriff William Mullen and Treasurer John Weinstein announced they will delay the official filing of the 2007 county real estate tax liens until Oct. 1.
The officials said the approximately 40,000 liens ordinarily would have been filed by the controller in July or August. The delay will give delinquent taxpayers additional time to pay without incurring further penalties and costs.
“In these harsh economic times, measures must be taken to alleviate some of the financial pressures felt by citizens,” said Mr. Flaherty. “Delaying the filing is a viable solution that should enable seniors and lower-income individuals the additional time needed to seek assistance.”
Mr. Weinstein said the delayed filing should be “seen as an incentive for people to come in and talk to us about their financial situation.”
“Two months is an adequate amount of time for people who are cash-strapped to do something about their predicament,” he said. “They can talk to us and maybe we can figure out a payment plan or some other alternative that doesn’t involve us putting their property in a sheriff’s sale.”
The three officials also will appoint a Taxpayer Task Force to study how the county can help delinquent taxpayers.
The panel will be responsible for examining specific measures and making recommendations that can be implemented for those affected by the nation’s housing crisis.
County Chief Executive Dan Onorato’s spokesman, Kevin Evanto, said, “Mr. Onorato is looking forward to working with the proposed task force on this issue.”