Property Tax Deadline Looms
Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can said to be certain, except death and taxes, Benjamin Franklin wrote. Property owners are familiar with the different deadlines for paying their property taxes and it is no surprise to remind all our clients and property owners that the second installment of their 2013-2014 are due on April 10th. However what is interesting is that as of Thursday, March 27th, only 30 percent of county property owners had paid all of their property taxes for the year. That means that there are a total estimated 590,000 properties that have not yet paid their taxes in full. As a reminder, those that are delinquent and tardy on their payment will have a fee of 10 percent and $10 fee added to their outstanding balance.
In anticipation of the rush of payments that will be received there are several outlets that are available to pay the taxes available to property owners. Different methods available to make payments include: online at www.dtreastax.com, phone, mail, or in person. Payment online can be made through a free e-check program which will credit accounts the same day that they are received, for those that are inclined to procrastinate. One of the advantages of the e-check program is that it circumvents the sometimes 10 business days required for traditional brick-and-mortar banks to perform the same function. To assist those that are planning on dropping their tax payments off in person, all five branches of the county tax collector offices will be open extended hours from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. to accommodate those that might be working and running behind.
“Our branch offices are all ready to serve our taxpayers,” said Dan McAllister, the county treasurer-tax collector. “As a reminder, the Downtown San Diego branch is the only office that will accept cash. Credit card payments are accepted online and by phone. To avoid credit card fees, pay online through our website via e-check. Pay early and avoid the long lines.”
987,829 property tax notifications were sent out in September for a total of about $4.8 billion in tax revenue. With the outstanding second installments still awaiting to be received there is an estimated $1.69 billion of tax revenue to be collected through the first part of April.
The five county addresses to make payments in person are:
- 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 162 in San Diego
- 590 Third Avenue in Chula Vista
- 200 South Magnolia in El Cajon
- 9225 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in Kearny Mesa
- 141 E. Carmel Street in San Marcos