Almost $1.25 million in previously delinquent taxes and water, sewer and cleaning charges have been collected in East Providence.

The delinquent payments were collected under the new Income Tax Refund Offset Program of Rhode Island’s taxation division. It seeks to help cities and towns recover real estate, personal property and motor vehicle taxes as well as water and sewer fees by taking state income tax refunds if necessary.

East Providence is the first municipality in the state to participate in the offset program.

Each debtor identified in East Providence was sent a letter on Oct. 1 that informed them of the city’s intent to collect the back tax or fee under this program. The city sent out 9,700 letters that account for $10.9 million in delinquencies.

As of Oct. 31, more than $1,248,000 in delinquent taxes and fees were collected under this program. Another $300,000 in direct-offset returns are expected to be collected by Dec. 1.

East Providence had collected about $400,000 in delinquent taxes and fees last spring under the same program, which was launched in the city. The offset program will continue to be used in East Providence.