HOUSTON – January 28, 2008 - Harris County Tax Assessor - Collector Paul Bettencourt is reminding property taxpayers that they need to pay their 2007 property taxes by the January 31st due date. On February 1, a 7% penalty and interest charge will be assessed.

        The Harris County Downtown Tax Office Branch at 1001 Preston will extend its hours on Thursday, January 31st, until 6 p.m. Tax Office employees will also be available to receive property tax payments at the Harris County Appraisal District office at 13013 North Freeway on January 30th and 31st, until 5:30 p.m. Only payments by check or money order will be accepted at the HCAD office.

         “We don’t want taxpayers to pay hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in late penalties that can be so easily avoided by making their 2007 tax payments by January 31,” said Bettencourt. “Even if you are unable to pay the entire bill, at least make a partial payment. The longer you wait, the more you’re going to pay,” Bettencourt added.

         Taxpayers can save time and travel by paying their property taxes on the Tax Office Web site at www.hctax.net.  The online payment option gives property taxpayers the choice of using any combination of credit cards and/or e-Checks or partial payments. Online payments can be conveniently made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. In addition, full payment can be made by touch-tone telephone at 713-368-CARD (2273).  A non-refundable transaction fee of 2.15% is charged on all credit card payments.  E-checks are free of charge.

       Taxpayers can always drop their check in the mail, as long as they make sure to have it postmarked no later than January 31.

        “If you miss paying your property taxes by Thursday, January 31^st it will cost the average Houston area homeowner about $232 more to pay their property tax bill,” said Bettencourt. “Pay what you can to avoid the 7% penalty on Friday, February 1st,” he added.

       For individual property tax assistance, please visit any of the 16 tax branches or call 713-368-2000. To view statements online or get more information, log on to www.hctax.net.

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