Jan 18

Written by:
1/18/2012 8:11 AM 

The Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector’s office reminds property owners that Tuesday January 31st, 2012, is the state mandated deadline to pay 2011 property taxes.

 Tax Assessor Deborah M. Hunt said, “State law requires any 2011 property taxes not paid on or before January 31st to be considered delinquent and must have an additional 7 percent penalty and interest added to the tax bill as of February 1st.”  The Tax Assessor’s office recognizes January 31st USPS postmarks on all mail as received on time.  Taxpayers who wish to pay in person are urged not to wait until the last day to pay, as lines are expected to be long.  There is a night drop box at the Georgetown office only, to the right of the front door.   Any payments postmarked or carried into the office on or after February 1 will be charged penalty and interest.  Mailed payments should be sent to 904 S. Main St., Georgetown, TX, 78626.

“We encourage those who are not able to pay the full amount by January 31st, to pay as much as possible.  Some people may feel if they don’t have the money to pay the full amount of their property taxes by January 31st, that their only option is to take out a property tax loan with a private lender.  Unfortunately, these loans have interest rates as high as 18 percent in addition to processing fees that can amount to thousands of dollars.

“Instead, I encourage taxpayers to pay as much as they can each month through June.  Increased penalties, interest and attorney’s fees are applied to the remaining balance on delinquent accounts as of July 1.  If they have a balance remaining in July, taxpayers may come to our office and sign a payout agreement with our tax attorneys.  We have more flexibility and are able to be more understanding when there are extenuating circumstances than tax lien lenders.  Our goal is to collect property taxes for the jurisdictions that we represent, not to foreclose on their property.” stated Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector Deborah Hunt.

For answers to many questions about property taxes, visit the County Tax Assessor/Collector’s website at http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/TaxAssessorCollector  or call 512-943-1603. 
Tax Assessor/Collector offices are open 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday and are located at:
Georgetown Office: 904 S. Main St. 
Round Rock Office: 1801 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Ste. 115
Cedar Park Office: 350 Discovery Blvd.
Taylor Office: 412 Vance St.