County Treasurer Now Accepting Partial Tax Payments

08/11/2011
The Douglas County Treasurer's office can now accept partial payments on late or delinquent real estate and personal property taxes. Technology upgrades at the County made it possible for the Treasurer's office to credit payments and adjust interest on amounts less than first-half, second-half or full payment of a taxpayer's bill. Upgrades are not currently available for pre-payment prior to billing. The purchase of Manatron tax software was approved by the 2008 Board of County Commissioners and the new system has been in use less than one year. Douglas, Sedgwick and Jefferson counties were the first in the State to use the program, meaning lots of adjustment to meet Kansas requirements and big demands on staff. However, the County is beginning to see benefits of the investment. In a Board meeting on July 20th County Commissioner Nancy Thellman stated that, with the stalled economy, her constituents are asking for smaller, more frequent tax payment options than two times per year. The Board of County Commissioners directed County Treasurer Paula Gilchrist to research the possibilities and report back. Gilchrist is proud to announce that staff has successfully implemented partial payment procedures for taxes that have been billed, which, at this time, would be late or delinquent accounts. When 2011 tax bills are mailed later this year, first-half will still be due December 20, but taxpayers will have the option to make partial payments toward their second-half, right up to the May 10 deadline. Treasurer's office and County Commission will continue to push for software improvements to facilitate pre-payment, or "escrow", of future-year taxes. Guidelines for Partial Payment of Billed Taxes - Real Estate and Personal Property *Contact your lender or mortgage company, if applicable, to ensure they allow a payment plan *Interest and fees continue to accrue on any unpaid balance *Partial payment of taxes will NOT stop publication, lien, tax foreclosure proceedings or additional fees *Partial payments will be applied to oldest outstanding tax years first and current taxes when past due are paid in full *Full payment of personal property taxes is required for vehicle registration *Payments will be applied to amount due and interest will be recalculated on the balance *There is no application fee or minimum payment *A Payment Agreement with regular monthly installments is suggested *Please call 785-832-5178 for more information

Media Contact:
Douglas County Treasurer
Treasurer's Office
785-832-5178
taxes@douglas-county.com