Newport Launches Upgraded Tax Billing & New Utility Billing Systems

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

New Platforms Aim to Simplify Online Payments

NEWPORT, R.I. (WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20, 2025) – Newport residents can expect a pair of updates to pay their bills this month as both the City’s Tax payment and Utility billing systems get needed upgrades.

Tax bills are now arriving in mailboxes with a new design that includes clearer account information, a new customer portal link, and a total tax bill that reflects all eligible exemptions residents may be entitled to.

Residents should also note that the first quarter due date has been extended to September 5, 2025, moving from the traditional August 5 deadline. This change also shifts the tax appeal period, which will now run from September 5 through December 4. Updated tax rates include a slight decrease across most property categories, with owner-occupied rates set at $7.177, non-owner occupied at $8.689, and commercial at $10.766. The personal property rate remains unchanged at $14.880.

Meanwhile, the Department of Utilities is preparing to launch a new billing system aimed at making payments more secure and user-friendly. The upgraded platform will feature an improved online portal, expanded payment options such as Apple Pay, Venmo, and Google Pay, and no processing fees for online transactions. Residents will also have the ability to enroll in paperless billing and pay-by-text.

All customers will be assigned a new Customer ID and an updated Account Number (with an additional dash and number at the end) in their mailed August bill. Utilizing their updated account information, customers can set up their new online account once the system goes live. For assistance, customers are encouraged to download the City’s Set-Up Guide at www.CityofNewport.com/Waterbilling. Previous billing history will carry over, but customers will need to re-enter payment details and re-enroll in services such as autopay and ACH.
The first online bills under the new system are expected to be issued by the end of August, and will include an adjusted sewer use charge of $25.97 per 1,000 gallons (effective August 1, 2025) as approved as part of the City’s FY2026 budget process.

As part of the transition, all in-person utility payments will now be accepted exclusively at the Department of Utilities office at 70 Halsey Street. City Hall’s Collections Office will no longer process utility payments. Customers who would like to pay in-person can do so by visiting the Department of Utilities Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m or using the After Hours Drop Box to the left of the entrance. Payments can be made via mail by check or money order containing your updated account number on the memo line. Mailed payments must be addressed to ‘City of Newport, Department of Utilities’ and can be sent to the Department of Utilities at PO Box 1195, Providence, RI 02901-1195 or to the office located at 70 Halsey Street.

For questions or assistance, residents may contact the Utilities Billing Office at (401) 845-5604 or email utilitybilling@cityofnewport.com.