Deadline looms for deduction
Property tax bills due by Dec. 31 for tax credit

Smith County taxpayers need to know that Sunday, Dec. 31, is the last day residents can pay their tax bills if they want the deduction from this year’s income tax.

Property tax bills can still be paid by credit card on the Internet at any time.

“If your tax payment is mailed, it has to be postmarked by Dec. 31 to get credit for the 2006 tax year,” said Smith County Tax Assessor Collector Gary Barber.

Property owners have until Jan. 31, 2007, to pay with no penalty or interest.

Tax bills were due upon receipt, according to the Smith County tax office.

“All the statements have been mailed, so if you haven’t received a statement yet, please contact our office,” said Barber. “State law says you’re still responsible for the taxes, even if something gets lost in the mail.”

Payments can be mailed – postmarked by those dates – or delivered to the tax office in the in the county’s Cotton Belt Building at 1517 W. Front St.

Payments can be in cash, check or money order and, now, by credit card.

“Continuing this year, credit card payments can be made online,” Barber said. “You would need to log on to www.certifiedpayments.net.

“Use bureau code 5350820, and there will be a convenience fee of 2.5 percent. ”

Users will be able to print out a receipt good for income tax purposes. The money will be posted to their tax account three days after the transaction, Barber said.

Taxpayers can wait in line at the tax office for a receipt, or they can use a drop-box at the location, and their receipts will be mailed.

Penalties for late payment begin on Feb. 1, at 7 percent.

That increases by 2 percent per month until July, when attorney fees are added, as well.

Those fees are 15 percent of the tax bill; after that, another 1 percent is added per month until payment is made.

Elderly (over 65) and disabled residents qualify to make quarterly payments; no penalties or interest are assessed if payments are made on time.

For more information on this program, contact the tax office at its new number: 903- 590-2920.

The tax office does accept partial payments on current and delinquent taxes, but those too must be made by Jan. 31 to avoid penalties for 2006.

The tax office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.