Real Estate Taxes
General Information
Real Estate taxes are calculated using the appraiser's valuation of the property as of January 1st and the mill levy for the taxing unit associated with the property. The mill levies are finalized in early October and tax information is available beginning on November 1st.
Tax bills are usually mailed out by mid November. If you do not receive a tax statement by December 1st please contact our office.
Real Estate taxes are paid in arrears with the first half due by December 20th and the second half due by May 10th of the following year. Taxes must be received in our office or postmarked by these dates to avoid interest. NO SECOND HALF NOTICES ARE SENT.
Forms of payment accepted are cash, check, or credit card. If paying by credit card there is a convenience fee associated with the payment based on the amount being charged.
Mortgage Company Payments
Some tax payers may have their real estate taxes paid by a mortgage company. For these taxpayers, the original tax statement is mailed to the mortgage company and duplicate copy of the statement is mailed to the taxpayer. If you receive a tax statement that was to go to the mortgage company we ask that you contact your mortgage company and forward the statement to them for payment. If you receive a duplicate tax statement showing no amounts due and you no longer have an escrow account with a mortgage company please contact our office.
Delinquent tax notices are mailed to the property owner and not the mortgage company. If you receive a past due notice please contact our office.
Delinquent Real Estate Taxes
First half real estate taxes become delinquent on December 21st. Interest accrues daily on the first half amount due until paid. Second half real estate taxes can be paid anytime on or before May 10th without interest. If taxes remain unpaid after May 10th, the full amount with interest must be paid.
Delinquent notices are mailed out in July. Delinquent Tax Listings are printed in the newspaper beginning the first Tuesday in August. Once the delinquent taxes are listed in the newspaper a publication fee is due in addition to the outstanding taxes and accrued interest.
Delinquent real estate goes into redemption on the first Tuesday in September. If the taxes remain unpaid after Five years from that redemption date, the property becomes eligible for a tax foreclosure sale . The property is sold at a public auction after due process has been served.
