Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Leo Vasquez’s office has mailed more than 130,000 delinquent tax notices, he has announced. Those who pay their delinquent tax bills in June will avoid an increase in their tax bill of 23 percent on July 1, 2010.
(For example, a tax bill of $100 in January has grown by $15 penalty and interest in June, making the bill $115, and will grow to $142 on July 1.)
“It will cost these taxpayers a lot more if they do not pay soon,” Vasquez pointed out. “To avoid higher penalties, taxpayers who do not have a prior year delinquency can sign an installment agreement with my office and make a partial payment. Please call us today to make these arrangements,” he urged.
To avoid any more penalties and interest, Vasquez wants property taxpayers to ‘Skip the Lines’ and pay online or by telephone.
The Tax Office accepts full or partial payment of property taxes. Taxpayers may use any combination of credit cards and/or e-Checks for payment online at www.hctax.net. Credit card and e-Check payments are also accepted by touch-tone telephone by calling 713-368-CARD (2273). We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA credit or debit cards. A non-refundable surcharge of 2.15 percent will be added to each credit card payment transaction processed. VISA debit cards will be charged a flat fee of $3.95. E-checks are free.
The mailing includes approximately 7,000 notices to homeowners who are over 65 or disabled. These notices will include a Harris County Appraisal District form to request a property tax deferral, which allows these homeowners to delay payment of their property taxes. Active military personnel may also qualify for a deferral/waiver.
If taxpayers wish to arrange for an installment agreement or a military deferral/waiver or have any other questions regarding their property tax account, taxpayers should contact the Tax Office at 713-368-2000. Taxpayers who are over 65 or disabled should complete the form enclosed with the notice and send it to the Harris County Appraisal District or call HCAD at 713-957-7800.
