For those planning to pay first half property taxes, a reminder the Brazos County tax office will be closed Thursday and Friday.
Tax Assessor-Collector Kristy Roe says because November ends on Saturday, the first half deadline is next Monday.
Payments can be made online, which includes a processing fee; or use the drop off box at the tax office.
Click below for comments from Kristy Roe, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver.
Click HERE for more information from the tax office website.
News release below is courtesy of Tax Assessor-Collector Kristy Roe:
Traffic in the Brazos County Tax Office has been brisk in the Property Tax lobby, but the tax office is still preparing for long lines of taxpayers waiting for the last possible opportunity to make that optional first half payment on their property tax bill. For those taxpayers that plan to take advantage of the “split payment” option on their 2013 property taxes, the calendar is providing a few extra days to make that first payment. A split payment must be submitted on or before November 30 to qualify, but since the last day of November falls on Saturday this year, taxpayers will have until Monday December 2nd to squeeze in the first installment.
For Brazos County taxpayers taking advantage of the split payment option, once that first half payment is accepted, the second half is payable at any time through June 30 of 2014 with no penalty or interest. The payments must be made as two equal payments to qualify for the extended payment deadline.
For those taxpayers who decide not to take advantage of the split payment plan, the full tax amount must be paid by January 31, 2014 to avoid penalty and interest for late payment. Unlike the split payment, partial payments can be accepted against the full payment option. Taxpayers mailing their tax payments are encouraged to place that payment in the mailbox by November 30th to make sure they receive a postmark of December 2nd. Payments postmarked December 3rd or later cannot be accepted as half payments, and the balance of the tax will be due by January 31.
The Brazos County Tax Office offers several payment options that may help take the stress out of making the deadline for payment. The tax office now accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express in house for property tax payments. Internet payments with your credit card and E-check payments can be made from our website www.brazostax.org. After accessing their account, taxpayers can choose the payment type and be redirected to the Official Payments website to complete the payment process. In addition, credit card payments can be made over the telephone by calling 1-800-2paytax. Taxpayers paying by telephone will need to reference the jurisdiction code 5313 for Brazos County tax payments. There is a convenience fee for using these services, and taxpayers using the internet to pay their taxes must finalize the transaction before midnight December 2nd.
Taxpayers also have access to a drop box for after hours and weekend payments, or if you are bringing your payment in person and do not wish to wait in line. The payment box is located between the property tax and voter registration departments along William J. Bryan Parkway. Drop payments should include account information and should be made with a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order.
Bring your tax statements or a list of the properties you wish to pay with you when paying in person. The clerks will be able to serve you faster and you will be sure of paying all of your accounts. You are responsible for identifying exactly what properties you intend to pay. Failure to identify and pay an account now, does not allow this office to accept the payment without penalty and interest for late payment at a later date.
For additional information, please contact the Brazos County Tax Office at 979-361-4470.