Travis County Tax Assessor
95% Local Property Taxes Collected!
35,000 Delinquent Taxpayers Get Notice!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2010
Contact: Tina Morton, 854-9706
Today approximately $2,090,000,000 in property taxes has been collected and disbursed to local taxing units (such as AISD, the City of Austin, ACC, Travis County) that provide essential services. Common services funded by property taxes include fire protection, public education, emergency services, law enforcement, parks and roads. School budgets rely almost exclusively on local taxes while other taxing units, like cities, have additional revenue sources.
"On behalf of 108 taxing units, I say 'Thank you' to each and every property owner who paid on time. We know that many taxpayers sacrifice to pay taxes and it's important to acknowledge that sacrifice," said Nelda Wells Spears, Travis County Tax Assessor Collector.
This week 35,000 property owners will be notified by mail of failure to pay 2009 taxes. Over the past 34 months, the owners of approximately 7,800 parcels have signed up for payment plans to pay off their delinquent taxes over time. Many try to pay within a short time to avoid increasing penalty and interest charges.
According to law, penalty and interest begins at 7% in February and quickly rises to 18% by July. In a year's time, the total is 24%.
"If you receive a delinquent tax notice, don’t delay in contacting us," Ms.Spears said. "The longer you wait the costlier it will be to pay off your tax liability."
Call (512) 854-9473 or visit www.traviscountytax.org for assistance.
Last Modified: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 5:17 PM