By Hank Russell
The Suffolk County Comptroller’s Office is urging property owners to pay their taxes on time as the agency collected $45 million in delinquent property tax payments in the month of June. The payments went to the comptroller’s office after taxpayers failed to meet the May 31 deadline.
Since May 31 fell on a weekend this year, taxpayers had until the next business day (June 1) to pay their town. Once taxes are turned over to the county, the comptroller, by law, must collect a penalty of 5% of the outstanding tax plus interest of 1% per month, calculated from February 1. Taxes remaining unpaid as of August 31 will also be charged a tax sale advertising fee.
In other words, those who missed the June 1 deadline are assessed a 5% penaltyfor June. If they failed to pay by June 30, the penalty increases to 6% for July and 7% for August if they miss the July 31 deadline.
The comptroller is authorized to accept partial payments of a minimum of $200 towards any outstanding property tax.
Checks may be made payable to the Suffolk County Comptroller and mailed with property information to: Suffolk County Comptroller, 330 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901. Payment of a tax sent in the mail is deemed received by the date postmarked on the letter. A metered postmark is not acceptable.
It is suggested that a taxpayer making a tax payment by mail which is approaching a deadline date should send it by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. It is recommended to make every effort to pay outstanding property taxes as soon as possible so that interest does not continue to accrue.
Property owners can also pay over the phone by calling 631-852-3000. VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, as well as e-checks are accepted. They can also pay in person at Suffolk County Comptroller, Finance and Taxation Division, 330 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Those who wish to pay online may do so at paymysuffolktaxes.com.
Delinquent property owners can only pay 2024/2025 and prior year taxes. The 2025/2026 tax bills are not yet available online, pending submission and review of town data.