The Shadow
Covington City Treasurer Eunice D. Clark has announced that all the new real estate tax bills with the second half of personal property taxes were mailed on Oct. 22.
This allows the taxpayer more than 30 days to make payments and to avoid the rush before the deadline of Dec. 5.
Taxpayers are also reminded that any taxes not paid on or before Dec. 5 can have legal action taken against them as early as Dec. 6.
Any late penalties that are shown on the personal property bills are assessed by the commissioner of the revenue’s office for failure to file or for not filing timely with office.
You may not reduce any amounts on tax bills. If you sold an auto, you still owe taxes for the whole year.
Also, be aware that late file penalties are charged on both halves.
Any other questions regarding the new assessments on taxes of real estate or personal property may be answered by calling (540) 962-6350. Late payment penalties will be assessed after Dec. 5, 2014.
Taxpayers should receive separate bills for each piece of real estate owned. Please be sure to count the number of land parcels you own and match them with your tax tickets.
All taxes were mailed to the last address unless a bank, tax service or mortgage company holds your real estate in escrow.
The Virginia State Code section 58.1-3912 requires the banks, etc. to ask for the tax bills in writing from the treasurer’s office. If a taxpayer receives a statement that should go to the bank, call your bank and forward the bill to them.
The local treasurer will mail you a paid receipt after payment has been made.
If the property has been sold, the treasurer’s office requests that the statement be forwarded to the new owner or sent to the lawyer who handled the sale of property to forward to the correct owner.
The city treasurer’s office at City Hall will be open Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to receive payment for all types of taxes. Please note the office does not close for lunch.
Failure to receive a tax statement does not relieve the taxpayer of penalty or interest according to the Virginia State Code. If you do not receive a statement, you may call (540) 965-6340 for a duplicate bill.
Payment may be made in person at City Hall on the main floor or by mailing the bottom portion of the tax statements to Treasurer Eunice Dressler Clark, CGT, P.O. Box 878, Covington, Va. 24426. Be sure to use the local post office for a hand-stamped verification date on Dec. 5.
The taxpayer has the option to pay real estate and personal property taxes with any of the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover.
They may also pay from the convenience of any computer by visiting www.officialpayments.com.
Be sure to use the city’s code number 6218 and include a phone number where you may be reached during the day. This will help you receive proper credit to your account. You are also reminded to keep your confirmation sheet.
