County taxes are due now

Although taxes are a certainty in life, for many people in Columbia County it also goes hand in hand with procrastination.

As of Nov. 2, the county was still awaiting $24 million in individual property tax payments, which are due no later than Tuesday, Columbia County Tax Commissioner Kay Allen said.

With just two days left for residents to pay their taxes, Allen said she expects many will wait until the very last minute.

The tax commissioner said she anticipates long lines.

For that reason, Allen says residents looking to pay their property tax bill in time for Tuesday's deadline would be best served by either dropping off the payment in a drop box located to the side of Building A of the Evans Government Complex or by mailing in their payment in time to meet the deadline to Kay K. Allen, Tax Commissioner, P.O. Box 3030, Evans, GA 30809.

Allen said that taxpayers also can visit the office in Appling if they are making a normal payment.

"If it's anything unusual, they'll have to come down here'' to the Evans office, Allen said. "But just a straight payment, then we can take it in Appling.''

For all those who don't meet the due date, Allen said there will be a penalty, with one percent interest being charged up until 90 days after the due date. After the 90 days, a 10 percent penalty will be charged if the tax has not been paid.

Allen said homeowners who have mortgage companies pay the tax from part of a monthly payment can contact her office to make sure the company has paid the tax.

If such a payment is late, she said the penalty is charged to the mortgage company.

"If they're late, they do have to pay it,'' she said.

To reach the tax commissioner's office, call 261-8299.