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Community Corner

Town to Pass Along DMV Fee to Delinquent Taxpayers

It's only $5, but over the course of a year it adds up to $6,600, says tax collector.

East Haven residents who are delinquent on their motor vehicle taxes might have another expense to worry about.

The Town Council passed an ordinance this week authorizing the tax collector to charge delinquent taxpayers for a state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) fee for providing information on their vehicles.

Tax Collector Lisa Basilicato said each year the town sends a list of delinquent motor vehicle taxpayers to the DMV, which blocks the taxpayer from renewing a registration until the taxes are paid. The service helps to collect local taxes, but the DMV charges about $6,600 for it.

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“I don’t see why taxpayers should pay for this,” Basilicato said.

She said state law allows the town to recoup the cost by charging delinquent taxpayers $5 for each delinquency. For example, if a taxpayer has two cars that are delinquent, or one car delinquent for two years, he/she would receive two $5 fees totaling $10.

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Editor's note: This article was updated to add additional information from Tax Collector Lisa Basilicato.

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