Connecticut House Bill HB05473

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23

Caption

An Act Authorizing The Payment Of Municipal Taxes And Fees In Additional Installments.

Impact

If enacted, HB05473 would primarily impact local government tax collection mechanisms, providing municipalities with the authority to manage tax payment plans more efficiently. It aims to streamline the process by allowing electronic management of billing notifications and payments, thereby reducing administrative costs associated with paper billing. This aligns with broader trends of digitization in municipal finance, where efficient, technology-driven solutions can enhance service delivery to residents.

Summary

House Bill 05473 proposes an amendment to Title 12 of the general statutes to authorize municipalities to permit taxpayers to pay municipal taxes and fees in more than four installments per year. This bill is designed to give municipalities the flexibility to offer additional payment options to taxpayers, thereby potentially easing the financial burden on residents. By allowing this flexibility, local governments can better accommodate the diverse financial situations of their constituents.

Contention

While the bill is designed to benefit taxpayers and local governments, there may be concerns regarding its implementation. Some stakeholders may express apprehension about the digital divide that could affect residents who are less comfortable with technology or lack access to reliable internet services. Moreover, there might be discussions around how these changes will affect existing tax revenue streams and whether they will adequately compensate for the administrative changes.

Notable_points

The bill reflects a growing recognition of the need to adapt public finance practices to meet modern expectations. The optional nature of the installment plans allows for greater taxpayer discretion, paving the way for tailored approaches to municipal tax collection. Furthermore, by minimizing reliance on physical mail, the bill has implications for both cost savings and environmental sustainability, as it reduces paper use in municipal billing processes.