Month: September 2020

Friendly Tax Website

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) multi-year IT modernization initiative that will improve the customer’s experience and deliver additional, user-friendly features such as mobile device-friendly design, secure web messaging, and advanced tax filing reminders.

 

The launch is highlighted by the new, online tax filing and payment portal called DRS myconneCT. Certain taxes filed by businesses are included in the initial phase, and the program will include  all state tax filings made with DRS in future phases.

 

Information about the portal will be included in business.ct.gov, the one-stop-shop for businesses launched in July, and is part of the broader efforts of the Lamont administration to streamline and modernize government services.

 

“This new portal is just one piece of our larger efforts to make sure that businesses spend less time talking to us at the state – and more time growing their business,” Governor Lamont said. “This work has continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic because we are committed to ensuring that businesses have what they need to be successful in Connecticut in all climates. We know that our commitment to continuing this work no matter what will help us come out of the pandemic even stronger – and I am excited to see this program grow.”

 

“The DRS modernization aligns with the administration’s vision of state government services that are available online, secure, and customer-focused,” Acting Revenue Services Commissioner John Biello said. “Following months of preparation, the professionals here at DRS are well-positioned to continue to deliver world-class customer service using our new and improved tax administration system. This exciting initiative will elevate how DRS conducts business, and how taxpayers interact with the agency.”

 

“Everyone deserves the same modern, convenient online experience they get when shopping or banking when they are dealing with state government,” Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballe said. “Our goal with business.ct.gov

, including these capabilities from DRS, is to ensure businesses, consumers, and residents spend less time talking to us and trying to figure out what they need to do, and more time with their families, building their business, and enjoying our state.”

 

Beginning today, taxpayers can create their myconneCT username and can use myconneCT to file state returns, make payments, and view their filing histories, among other self-service options, for the following business state tax types administered by DRS:

 

·       Sales and Use/Business Use

·       Withholding

·       Room Occupancy (B&B Occupancy)

·       Prepaid Wireless E 9-1-1 Fee

·       Admissions and Dues

·       Tourism Surcharge

·       Rental Surcharge

·       Dry Cleaning Surcharge

 

Other state tax types, such as individual income tax, will be included in future additions to myconneCT. More information about myconneCT can be found on the DRS website

This press release was made possible by:
Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/

WESTPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONS AGAINST THE REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY SIGNAGE

Westport, CT) – With the approaching November elections has also come the traditional posting of political signage expressing support for various candidates. Unfortunately, as has been the case in the past, once again the Westport Police Department has begun to receive complaints related to the disappearance, removal and/or theft of these types of signs. Residents and visitors are advised against taking it upon themselves to remove signs that do not belong to them, from either public or private property.  The enforcement of the town’s rules is the responsibility of the town of Westport, not that of private citizens.  The removal of signs from public or private property by someone not authorized to do so by the town, or by the owner of the sign, may constitute theft.  Entering onto private property to remove signs may also constitute trespassing. Both of these acts can ultimately result in arrest. The following policy has been established by Westport Town Officials in order to provide coordination for the placement of temporary signs by Westport non-profit organizations wishing to advertise one-time-only charitable events. Signs placed on public property advertising a private business or company will be removed.

 

General Guidelines for ALL Temporary Signs

 Town property includes traffic islands and road rights of way.
 The Town may not approve, nor is it responsible for, any signs erected on State of Connecticut property. It is not advisable to place signs on State of Connecticut property (including rights of way and islands along Routes 1, 136, 57, 33, and the Sherwood Island Connector, nor on the exit or entrance ramps of I-95 or the Merritt Parkway) as the State may remove them.
 No sign may be placed on any school property without the prior permission
of the Superintendent’s Office.

 No sign may be placed within the interior of Compo Beach or Longshore
Club Park.
 No sign may be placed on Town Hall property.
 No sign may be placed on trees or utility poles.
 No sign may interfere with traffic visibility.
 Signs on private property require property owner approval. Signs on private property shall not extend beyond the property line or into the Town right-of- way and is suggested they be removed within 2 days after the publicized event or election.

The placement and locations of temporary signs on Town property for the purpose of advertising a charitable event requires review and approval by the Westport Police Chief, Director of Planning and Zoning, and Director of Parks & Recreation, or their designated representatives. Qualifying organizations (i.e. local non-profits) may send a copy of the attached request, including proposed locations, for the placement of temporary signs to: Selectman's Office, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 or selectman@westportct.gov.

The following conditions will apply to charitable events:
 A maximum of 15 signs are allowed for each such event. This includes directional signs.
 The signs may be erected not more than 2 weeks before the event and must be removed within 2 days after the publicized event.
 The size of the sign cannot exceed 2 feet by 3 feet.
 Non-compliance may result in the removal of signs.

Political signs are considered an expression of free speech and are allowed on public property. The General Guidelines noted above apply to temporary signs for political purposes.

Please note that this Press Release pertains to Town of Westport roads, and not State Roads, like Route 1, Route 33, Route 57 and Route 136.

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

Milford News: Strip Mall Fire

2020-09-23@10:30pm–#Milford CT– #ctfire– Firefighters were called to Bridgeport Avenue and Naugatuck Avenue due to heavy smoke in the area.  Turns out to be a fire in the basement in the back of strip mall that houses a cleaners and shoe repair shop.  Fire is now showing at the roof in the back.

 

This news report is made possible by:

 

AG Warns Of Utility Scams

Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today urged Connecticut residents to be on alert for utility scams after multiple reports of consumers receiving calls purporting to be from Eversource and threatening imminent shut-off of electricity if a payment was not made.

The scammers have called Eversource and UI customers pretending to be from the utility company and demanding payments in the form of prepaid gift cards. Eversource does not demand immediate payment by phone, particularly via a prepaid gift card. These scams are not new, but they have become increasingly sophisticated. The scammers have sensitive information, including the customer’s account numbers and personal details, leading several consumers to believe they are speaking with an employee of Eversource.

“Our office has received multiple reports of individuals claiming to be from Eversource and threatening to shut off their power unless they pay a certain fee. Sadly, these scams can be sophisticated, and some Connecticut residents have fallen for them, losing their hard-earned money to bad actors looking to make a quick buck,” Attorney General Tong said. “If you are suspicious of a call from your utility company, hang up the phone and call your utility company directly.”

One victim of the scam paid $2,000 to the fraudulent callers. The victim received a robocall voicemail on his cell phone asking for him to call them back about his broken meter. When he called back, the entire Eversource automated customer care system was spoofed, leading him to believe he was speaking with an Eversource representative. The scammer even knew all three of his Eversource account numbers and his daughter’s name, which is connected to his residential account. The victim was told to pay $2,000 in a prepaid gift card or they would not fix his meter.

Another victim, who is elderly, was told by the scammers that she was four months behind on her bill and needed to pay $295 in the form of a gift card or her electricity would be shut off. When she called back to read the card number to the scammer, they demanded $395 more. At this point the victim realized it was a scam.

Consumers who receive suspicious phone calls about their Eversource service can verify the status of your account by contacting Eversource directly at 800-286-2000. You can also contact the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Unit at 860-808-5420. To report a scam using the Attorney General’s online complaint system, click here.

 

This press release is made possible by:

 

Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/

Election Security

WASHINGTON, DC, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of legislation he introduced in the Senate to improve election security. The Defending the Integrity of Voting Systems Act would make it a federal crime to hack any voting systems used in a federal election and now awaits President Trump’s signature.

“As foreign adversaries seek to undermine our democracy, our election systems are in dire need of strong safeguards. Our adversaries have shown a willingness and capability to hack the infrastructure that powers our democracy, however, our laws and enforcement lag far behind this dire threat. This bill provides the Department of Justice with powerful tools to vigorously prosecute and stop malicious hackers. I am grateful to my colleagues in the House for recognizing the urgency of improving election security and approving this bill by voice vote,” said Blumenthal. “This bill must now quickly become law so every vote counts. Nearly a month out from our 2020 elections, there’s no time to waste.”

 

This press release is made possible by:

 

Visit BMW of Bridgeport at: https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/
Exit mobile version