Property Tax Deadline Approaching

The 2012 property tax deadline – Jan. 31 – is coming up quickly. Travis County residents who haven't paid in full by that date will start facing penalties and interest the following day, at rates that total 24% after one year. Daunting, no?

But for some, the best solution may be to set up a monthly payment agreement online. According to Tax Assessor-Collector Bruce Elfant (elected in November to replace Nelda Wells Spears and interim collector Tina Morton), "A payment arrangement does not eliminate the required penalty and interest, but it does protect the owner from further legal action." The online application will give residents an immediate response, as well as an estimate of what a monthly payment would amount to.

To qualify, residents must agree to pay in full within 12 months for real estate holdings (six months for business properties), remain in good standing on other accounts, and provide the county with an email address. Down payments, while not required, may be made online, in person, or by mail.

Contact the tax office online (www.traviscountytax.org), by email (Tax_Office@co.travis.tx.us), by phone (854-9473), by mail (PO Box 149328, Austin, Texas, 78714), or in person (5501 Airport) between 7:30am and 5:30pm Monday through Friday.