Seems that, although 84% of Norfolk taxpayers qualify, only a handful – 53 as of yesterday – have applied for the new real estate tax deferral program that Norfolk implemented. As the result, it appears that the 8/1 deadline for filing will be extended, likely through the end of the month. Councilman Barclay Winn pushed for this program – the first of its kind in the state – as a way for residents to delay paying taxes on the increase.
The low turnout has Winn concerned that residents don’t know about the plan or are confusing the new plan with others that have age requirements and lower income thresholds.
Or perhaps they have some of the concerns I pointed out earlier. Will extending the deadline result in more takers? We’ll find out soon enough.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 