Cohoes joins list of cities accepting early 2018 tax payments

COHOES, N.Y. » The city of Cohoes has joined the growing list of local municipalities that will accept 2018 property tax payments in 2017.

In a news release, Mayor Shawn Morse said the City Treasurer’s Office will collect city and county property tax payments this week only, to help local taxpayers reduce the cost of new limits on state and local tax deductions included in the new federal tax law.

“We have worked diligently in the past few days to ensure we can provide every opportunity for our taxpayers to save money,” Morse said. “My goal has been and always will be to find ways to help reduce the tax liabilities on the hard-working middleclass families of our community.”

Payments made via mail must be postmarked by Saturday, while payments can also be made in person at the Treasurer’s Office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily through Friday. Morse said online payments cannot be accepted, however.

Residents can obtain the amount of their tax bill by emailing treasurer@ ci.cohoes.ny.us, calling 518233-2111 or coming into the City Treasurer’s office in City Hall. Morse warned the city cannot guarantee whether the Internal Revenue Service will allow a 2017 deduction for prepaying 2018 taxes, suggesting residents contact an accountant, attorney or the IRS for more information.

Meanwhile, the city of Troy has begun accepting advance payments, as well, after announcing it would do so on Tuesday. Property owners can make secure online payments on the City Treasurer’s Office page at www. troyny.gov/departments/ treasurer/. Online prepayments will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, while payments can also be made in person at the City Treasurer’s Office in City Hall daily between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. through Friday.

Similar to Morse, officials warned the city takes no position and makes no representations about prepayment of 2018 property taxes in 2017. Home and property owners are advised to consult a tax professional regarding allowable deductions prior to using the prepayment option.

For more information, call the City Treasurer’s Office at 518-279-7115.