Counties are currently collecting property taxes due on January 31
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- It's that dreadful time of year: property taxes are due! Counties are currently collecting property taxes which are due January 31.
Keep in mind since the deadline falls on a weekend most counties will accept payments on Monday, Feb. 2. Potter and Randall counties are both extending the deadline until Monday.
Officials say even with a slow economy most tax payers are coming in and paying right now.
For those who are not going to be able to pay by the deadline, there's good news.
"Even if you can't pay it all today, come in and pay as much as you can because the penalty and interest will only be (owed) on the balance," said Sharon Hollingsworth, Randall county tax assessor-collector.
The interest on a current balance will be 7 percent in February, 9 percent in March, 11 percent in April and so on. In July the big penalties come about. Taxpayers could get hit with a 20 percent collection fee if they put off paying until July.
According to Hollingsworth the best thing to do is plan ahead if your financially tight.
"The best thing to do is come in October as soon as you receive your statement, and start making partial payments, so by January 31st, the total due won't be such a shocker," said Hollingsworth.
Both Potter and Randall counties offer online payments at www.officialpayments.com and both accept payment over the phone at 1-800-272-9829.
For Randall county, you can pay in the Canyon office or the Amarillo office which also has a drop box that is open 24/7 at the west side of the annex building on Georgia St. In Potter county you only have one option to pay. Go to the bottom floor of the Sante Fe building to make your payment.
If you plan to mail in your property tax payment keep this in mind. For Potter county your checks can be post marked on February 2nd. For Randall county on the other hand you must have checks post marked by January 31st. This will prevent you from any unexpected penalties.
"It is that dreadful time of year, your taxes are due, and if you haven't made arrangements you need to come in," said Hollingsworth.
