Property Tax Collection Procedure

Taxes for the fiscal year are paid on the grand list of the prior October 1, and are due July 1 and January 1. Real estate taxes of less than $100 are due in full in July. Personal property taxes of less than $3500 are due in full in July. Motor vehicle taxes are payable in one installment on July 1 with motor vehicle supplemental bills payable on January 1. Payments not received by August 1 and February 1 become delinquent, with interest charged at the rate of 1.50% per month from the original due date of the tax.(If the final day falls on a weekend the last day to pay is the following Monday.)

In accordance with State law, the oldest outstanding tax is collected first. Outstanding real estate and personal property tax accounts are liened each year on or before June 1 with legal demands and alias tax warrants used in the collection of personal property and motor vehicle tax bills. Motor vehicle delinquents are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and registrations are withheld until delinquent bills are paid. Delinquent motor vehicle and personal property accounts are transferred to a suspense account when it is determined they are uncollectible and they cease to be carried as receivables. Suspense accounts are referred to a collection agency for collection. Per state statute tax bills (even suspense accounts) remain collectible for 15 years from the date first due and continue to accrue interest at the statutory rate of 18% per year.