Property Tax Payment Deadline Approaches
CANTON—Van Zandt County property owners who have not yet paid their 2009 tax bill have two weeks to do it before penalties accumulate.
The tax payment deadline is Jan. 31, but because that date falls on a Sunday this year, everyone is being given an extra day on Monday, Feb. 1.
"Our office will be open until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 and we will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 1," Van Zandt County Chief Appraiser Brenda Barnett said. "Since the 31st falls on a weekend, walk-in payments and mailed payments will not be delinquent if they are paid or postmarked on Feb. 1."
Barnett said tax payment collections have been "good" thus far.
"They have been a little sluggish, but not what you would think for the condition of the economy," she said. "I think this part of the state, our area of East Texas, has not been so hard hit as the metropolitan areas as far as job losses."
Barnett estimated collections might be 2 percent behind the rate of a typical year in mid-January.
"People are making every effort," she said. "Also, so many of our properties have taxes held in escrow by the mortgage companies that, unless the property is in foreclosure, we just do not see many delinquencies. We have been absolutely blessed in our area."
Penalties and interest can accumulate quickly for delinquent tax payments, starting at a 7 percent rate in February and going up 2 percent each month after that to June. Taxes not paid by June 30 are subject to an 18 percent penalties and interest add-on as well as attorney fees.
Barnett said her office sends a reminder by mail in May for those property owners who still have not paid taxes by that time.
She also mentioned that for property owners over the age of 65, a quarterly payment arrangement can be made. Those interested in that arrangement must go to the Van Zandt County Appraisal District office to sign up for it.
The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The phone number is (903) 567-4956 or (903) 567-6171.