PAY TODAY OR PAY 7% MORE TOMORROW

HOUSTON – January 31, 2005 – Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Paul Bettencourt reminds property taxpayers that today, January 31st is the deadline to pay 2004 Harris County property taxes.

“If you don’t pay your property taxes by the midnight deadline, it will cost you an extra 7% more tomorrow. For the average Houston-area home, the tax bill is already up 9.2% this year. Waiting just one day increases (your) bill by 16.8% over last year.” said Bettencourt. “Remember, to keep the ‘Taxman’ at bay, pay your property taxes today!”

Harris County property taxpayers may choose to pay their current 2004 property taxes online at www.hctax.net by e-check or credit card. E-checks are free checks processed without a transaction fee. Credit card payments may also be made by touch-tone phone by calling 713-368-CARD (2273). A non-refundable transaction fee of 2.15% is added to all credit card charges.

“Taxpayers can always use the tried and true method of placing their ‘check-in-the-mail’ postmarked on January 31st, or you can pay online at www.hctax.net until 11:59:59 tonight.” added Bettencourt.

The downtown Tax Office will remain open late accepting payments until 6:00 p.m. Harris County Tax Office employees will also be accepting property tax payments by check at the Harris County Appraisal District’s new location at 13013 Northwest Freeway until 6:00 p.m. today.

“Taxpayers who are unable to pay their full amount of taxes due, should at least try to make partial payments,” noted Bettencourt. “The longer you wait, the more you’re going to pay. If you wait until July 1st, you’ll be paying almost 42% more.”

For individual property tax assistance, please visit any of the 15 Tax Office locations today. The downtown Tax Office is staying open until 6:00 p.m. For assistance by phone call 713-368-2000, or for online help visit the Tax Office website at www.hctax.net.

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