2009 Billing - Important Dates

The early payment discount date is September 3, 2009.

The last day to pay without penalty or interest is November 16, 2009. Interest at the rate of 1% per month or part thereof applies after that date. A 10% late payment penalty applies after December 21, 2009.

If a downward adjustment is made to a bill, a refund will be sent to the person or mortgage company paying the tax. If an upward adjustment is made, the mortgage company and/or the taxpayer will receive a balance due bill.

Tax Billing Procedures For Business, Personal and Real Estate Taxes

Typically, Richmond County tax bills for business, personal, and real estate taxes are mailed in mid-September to taxpayers including those whose property taxes are to be paid from a mortgage company escrow account. The payments are eligible for a 1% discount (from most categories of tax) if paid in full within 20 days of the original mail out date.

The bills are typically due on November 15, bearing interest at 1% per month or part thereof after that date. The bills are also subject to a flat 10% late payment penalty if not paid by December 20 or the due date, whichever is later.

Delinquent Taxes

A 30-day notice is mailed to delinquent taxpayers after the delinquent date notifying them of our intent to record a lien on their property in the office of the clerk of Superior Court if the balance is not paid within those 30 days. Once the delinquent tax balances are recorded in the office of the Clerk of Superior Court, collection procedures begin which can result in the sale of the taxed property at public auction in the lobby of the Municipal Building on the first Tuesday of the month.

In addition, the recording of the tax balance is reflected on the credit record of the taxpayer. For more information view Tax Levy Sales.

Definitions

• Property taxes (ad valorem taxes) are taxes on real and personal property.
• Real property includes land and improvements (buildings, etc).
• Personal property refers to furniture, fixtures, tools, inventory, and equipment used in the operation of  business. Personal property also refers to boats and/or motors and aircraft. Effective January 1, 2003, personal property exemptions were increased from $500 to $7,500 total value (does not apply to motor vehicles or mobile homes).

For a more detailed list of definitions that will help you 
understand your tax bill, click HERE.