General Information
Tax Payments and Posting Dates:
Payments are posted to the taxpayer's account as per the postmark date per Connecticut General Statute 12-146. In the event there is no postmark date (i.e., electronic banking checks), the payment will be posted as of the date the check is received. If you choose to use electronic check payment, which we discourage because postmarks are not used, please allow ample time for mailing of electronic checks to avoid interest charges from becoming due.
Watertown taxpayers may pay their Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle taxes online. Please remember that if your account has been sent for further collections, you cannot use this payment feature and must call the tax office for further instructions.
Online Payments:
Online payments can be made using all major credit cards, a debit card, an electronic check as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. The credit card servicer, Invoice Cloud, charges different convenience fees for these services. See below.
Card Payments:
Card payments can be made online and at the tax office window using all major credit cards or a debit card. The credit card servicer charges a convenience fee for using this service. The fee is 2.99% or a minimum of $3.95 which is determined by the amount being charged. No part of this convenience fee is paid to the Town of Watertown. This fee will be charged to your credit card at the same time as your tax payment and will show on your credit card statement as a separate item. You will be advised of the non-refundable fee prior to processing your payment.
ACH Payments (Electronic Check):
Online payments can be made using a checking or savings account. You will need the routing and account number to use this service. There is a convenience fee of .95 for each payment that is less than or equal to $125,000. Please click on the link below to make an online payment.
Partial payments are accepted and applied according to State Statute 12-146. In order to make a partial payment online, add the entire account into the cart and then you can edit the amount when entering the payment information.
Accounts are turned over to a collection agency, State Marshals, constables, and the town attorney for collections. All costs and fees are at the taxpayers’ expense. These actions may affect your credit rating for several years. Once collection proceedings have commenced, partial payments will not be an option.
DO YOU OWE DELINQUENT MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES?
If you need a motor vehicle release you will need to pay your taxes in full with cash. The Department of Motor Vehicle has been notified of delinquencies and renewals will be denied until all taxes are paid in full.
As a matter of law, the taxpayer becomes liable to the Town for taxes on the due date. That liability is not created by nor dependent upon receipt of a tax bill. Therefore, the failure to receive such a bill does not relieve the taxpayer of the requirement to pay statutorily required interest on the late payments. It is not to be assumed that if you do not receive a tax bill, you do not owe taxes. The State of Connecticut General Statutes, Section 12-130 states: "failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax".
Real Estate: First installment due July 1st, (delinquent after August 1st) and the second installment due January 1st, (delinquent after February 1st). If your bill is under $100, it is paid in only one installment in July. One statement mailed late June includes both payment stubs for the July and January payments. This is the only statement mailed for the year. Those interested can sign up for a reminder e-alert.
Motor Vehicle: Due July 1st. August 1st is the last day to pay without penalty. Bill mailed last week of June.
Personal Property: Due July 1st. August 1st is the last day to pay without penalty. Bill mailed last week of June.