By: Ilana Siyance
Thousands of New York City homeowners were saved from the annual tax lien sale, for now. On Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo again delayed the sale, issuing a 30-day-long executive order stopping the tax lien sale, as per Crain’s NY.
The city’s Department of Finance had scheduled the tax lien sale for May 15, and it had already been delayed till Friday September 4. Because of the ongoing Coronavirus claims of homeowners who have been unable to pay property or water bills to private debt collectors. The sale was scheduled to take place on May 15. but was postponed until Friday, Sept. 4. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the sale will not take place till October 3rd. “COVID-19 caused enormous disruption in the daily lives of New Yorkers, including their ability to keep a roof over their head,” Governor Cuomo said. “The tax and water lien sale was delayed in May in recognition of this hardship, and given the current economic climate, it makes sense to delay it again so that homeowners aren’t facing further uncertainty. This measure is part and parcel with our ongoing efforts to help New Yorkers weather the ongoing public health emergency.”
The annual tax lien sale is where the city sells the tax lien claims of homeowners who failed to pay property or water bills to private debt collectors. As reported by AM NY, Mayor Bill de Blasio also issued his own statement only a few minutes after the governor, delaying the sale until September 25, in order to allow New Yorkers more time to pay debts or set up payment plans. The governor’s set date will take effect. “COVID-19 has hit the pocketbooks of New Yorkers hard, and we’re doing whatever we can to give New Yorkers some relief,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Postponing the lien sale will allow New Yorkers more time to work with the City on their best path forward.”
City Hall also advised struggling homeowners to utilize DOF programs including: exemptions to lower the amount of taxes outstanding, payment plans, or a Property Tax and Interest Deferral program. The DOE is also offering a monthly property tax billing service to so that owners can spread the payment out. More info about these options can be found on www1.nyc.gov.
