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Friday, 29.03.2024
eGovernment Forschung seit 2001 | eGovernment Research since 2001
Boosted by better economic times and streamlined payment methods, Tarrant County's property tax collections soared past $100 million in the largest-ever collection for the October-through-December period, Tax Assessor-Collector Betsy Price said Tuesday. The $107 million collection from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 is nearly 44 percent of the county's total levy of $245 million, Price said. Last year's take during the period was $88.9 million, she said.

Price attributed the rise in early payments to improved confidence in the economy, new home construction, and brisk home sales and refinancings, she said.

Other things that may have helped have been accepting payments online and by credit card, she said. A change in the federal tax code that allows people to deduct sales taxes may have prompted some to add to their deductions by getting property taxes paid in 2004, Price said.

The prompt payments will generate additional dollars, because the county can earn interest on the funds until they are spent, Budget Director Debbie Schneider said. However, interest rates are low at present, which will mean the extra amounts earned on interest will not be large, she said.

Unless taxes are paid in installments, payments must be postmarked by Jan. 31 to avoid penalties and interest.

IN THE KNOW

Property taxes must be postmarked by Jan. 31 to avoid penalties and interest, unless arrangements are made to pay them in installments.

Taxes may be paid at the Tax Assessor-Collector's Office at 100 E. Weatherford St. They also may be paid online at the county's Web site, www.tarrantcounty.com, by going through "online services e-government" and then clicking on "property tax e-payment." Payment can also be made over the phone at (800) 540-0844.

Property owners may also pay their taxes in two installments. The first half-payment was due Nov. 30; the remainder is due June 30.

Taxes that are paid by the end of the year may be claimed on 2004 federal income taxes.

Autor: Bill Teeter

Quelle: Fort Worth Star Telegram, 19.01.2005

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