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Connecticut Issues Reminder About Taxpayer Assistance Program

Dated Aug. 6, 2020

SUMMARY BY TAX ANALYSTS

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services has encouraged taxpayers who have not yet filed and paid their state income taxes to do so promptly, and also advised taxpayers of the continued availability of its taxpayer assistance program, Priority One, which was launched in April to help individuals and businesses who are experiencing difficulty meeting their current collection obligations to the department because of COVID-19.

Did you miss the July 15th tax filing deadline?

DRS Priority One Assistance Program remains available to taxpayers

08/04/2020

(Hartford, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is urging those who missed the July 15th Connecticut income tax filing deadline to file returns and make necessary payments as soon as possible. Despite the extension of time to file to July 15, 2020, DRS recognizes that some taxpayers still may not have been able to file their state income tax returns or pay their taxes.

DRS is available to help taxpayers avoid falling further behind. Acting Revenue Services Commissioner John Biello said the Priority One Taxpayer Assistance Program — established in mid-April for taxpayers unable to meet their current collections obligations due to the COVID-19 pandemic — remains available. The Priority One Program connects taxpayers with a DRS professional, who will review individual circumstances and determine potential relief options.

"Given the circumstances, the majority of Connecticut taxpayers were extremely conscientious in meeting the extended July 15th income tax filing deadline," said Acting Commissioner Biello. "That said, DRS understands that the COVID-19 outbreak has challenged many. If you owe taxes and can't pay, the best thing you can do is file your income tax return and we will work with you to make arrangements to pay your taxes. DRS is here to help."

DRS Priority One Contact Information

Hotline: 860-541-7650 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; to speak to a DRS representative, or to leave a voicemail)

Email: DRSPriorityOne_CollectionsAssist@po.state.ct.us

File and pay electronically

The most efficient way to file and pay is online, including via the DRS Taxpayer Service Center (https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/TSC/TSC-Online), which is easy, secure, and free to use. Paper tax returns and payments by check will take longer to be processed. DRS strongly encourages taxpayers and tax professionals to file and pay electronically.

Helpful information on the DRS website

The DRS website (https://portal.ct.gov/DRS) includes Frequently Asked Questions that are updated regularly. Taxpayers who need to contact DRS may send an e-mail to DRS@po.state.ct.us. To reach DRS by phone during normal business hours — Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — call 860-297-5962 (from anywhere); 800-382-9463 (within CT, outside Greater Hartford area only); or 860-297-4911 (Hearing Impaired, TDD/TT users only).

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