Most people pay up before tax deadline

More than 90 percent of Columbia County's property owners paid their taxes this year by the Nov. 15 deadline.

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"We have wonderful taxpayers in Columbia County, because the collections are right on target," said county Tax Commissioner Kay Allen. "We have collected 90.3 percent of the taxes for 2010."

The percentage of those not paying is typical, Allen said.

"It's just about on target," she said. "We expect year to year about 8 to 10 percent delinquency, and this year is right in line with that."

Allen said her office will send out delinquent tax notices on Dec. 20, but that many people already have paid since missing the deadline.

"We've had some come in just this morning," she said on Monday.

Those who missed the deadline are charged 1 percent interest for each month taxes are delinquent. After 90 days, delinquents will be charged a 10 percent penalty on taxes owed.

Continued failure to pay taxes could result in the Tax Commissioner's office placing a lien on the property and eventually selling it to make up that income.

To pay in person, visit tax offices on the second floor of Building C in the Evans Government Center on Ronald Reagan Drive, or in Appling across Ray Owens Road from the courthouse.

Payments also can be made online at www.columbia countyga.gov/taxcommissioner, or by calling (866) 381-4893. A drop box for payments is located in the parking lot to the left of Building A in the government center.