“The seven percent charge is painful but it is set by state law,” Tax Assessor-Collector Leo Vasquez explained. “However, we can help reduce the pain somewhat by accepting a partial payment on your tax bill as late as Monday. That way, you reduce the amount of penalty and interest you pay.

“Pay your 2009 property taxes online at www.hctax.net,”  Vasquez urged. “That will save you time and trouble and can be done 24 hours a day. However, do allow yourself a few minutes to complete the transaction by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1.”

Those paying online can use any combination of credit cards, debit cards and/or e-Checks. The same options are available if you pay by touch-tone telephone. Call 713-368-CARD (2273).

All of the 16 tax office branches now take credit and debit cards at the counter. And all have a computer terminal kiosk that taxpayers can use to pay via credit card. A surcharge of 2.15 percent is added to each credit card transaction, as well as MasterCard debit transactions. When using a VISA debit card, there is a flat fee of $3.95. E-Checks are free.

For taxpayers’ convenience, the Harris County Downtown Tax Office Branch at 1001 Preston will extend its hours until 6 p.m. on both Friday, Jan. 29, and Monday, Feb. 1. The other 15 branch offices will be open their normal hours, 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cash, checks, money orders and credit or debit cards are accepted methods of payment at the counter. 

Only on Friday, Jan. 29, and Monday, Feb. 1, will the Downtown office extend its hours until 6 p.m.

Also, Tax Office employees will be available at the Harris County Appraisal District office at 13013 North Freeway on Friday, Jan. 29, and Monday, Feb. 1, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to accept checks or money orders for property tax payments.

For more information, taxpayers may call 713-368-2000 or visit the Tax Office Web site at www.hctax.net.