General Information

Property bills are mailed in the first part of December of each year to the owner of record as of November 1st.  If there is a mortgage on the property, the mortgage holder receives a copy of the tax bill.  Depending when the property was transferred, new owners should contact their title company or review their closing statement to determine who is responsible for paying the taxes.  Unpaid taxes will continue to accrue against the property unless the bill is paid.

Tax season begins January 1st when taxes become due.  A 5% discount is allowed on real estate and mobile home taxes if paid in full on or before February 16th, 2010.  Discount does not apply to specials.

Taxes may be paid in installments.  First installment of current real estate taxes are due by March 1st.  First installment is 1/2 of the general tax and all of specials and drains.  2nd installment is due by October 15th. If a partial payment is made it must be at least 10% of the balance owing. All prior year taxes must be paid before current year payments will be accepted.  Taxes collected January 1 are for the previous calendar year.

Penalty for current year taxes:      

For taxes owing for prior years, interest is incurred at the rate of 1% per month on the unpaid balance.  Interest is put on the first of the month.

Taxes paid at the Courthouse may be paid by cash, check or Discover Credit Card.  There is a fee to use a Discover Card in the office.

Payments can also be made at numerous banks. 

Specials

The Treasurer's Office collects the yearly specials and drains that are on the tax statement.  For information about specials you will need to contact the City Auditor of the city that you need.  Click here for contact information.