Taxpayers pack receivers' offices for early payment after GOP overhaul

<p>Residents in Hempstead were lined up out the door at the Receiver of Taxes Office Tuesday to pay their school and property taxes before the new Republican tax overhaul goes into effect.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 26, 2017, 7:46 PM

Updated 2,485 days ago

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Homeowners made an end-of-year dash to pay their property taxes Tuesday before the new federal tax code takes effect.
News 12 Long Island was at the Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Office, where long lines stretched out the door. 
The town expects thousands of homeowners in the next few days before the new federal tax law sets a $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions.
On Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an emergency order that allowed residents to pay their taxes early. 
John Calandra says the combined school and property taxes on his Wantagh home are more than $10,000. 
"At least I can get the tax credit this year versus next year when I won't be able to get it the full amount. At least I can save some money," he told News 12. 
Pre-paying in Nassau takes a little extra effort because general tax bills haven't been mailed out yet.  
"Our IT department and tax staff worked out a system where we have the general tax numbers from Nassau County. We're looking it up and telling them what the taxes will be," says Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Donald Clavin. 
Suffolk residents already have their tax bills. 
Officials say it would be wise to check with a tax professional before considering early payment of taxes.