SEPTEMBER 10, 2014
Maricopa County Treasurer reminds property owners to pay your taxes online
Paying online is easy and convenient
PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office, in conjunction with its Pay Your Taxes Online program, wants to remind Maricopa County property owners that the first half of residential property taxes is due October 1, 2014 and becomes delinquent after 5 p.m. November 1, 2014. Property taxes can be paid online. It’s easy, secure, convenient and fast. Just go to www.treasurer.maricopa.gov and follow the easy step-by-step instructions.
Not only does online bill pay save money and time, but you can take advantage of your credit card rewards program—so if you are a member of an airline mileage program, you can earn miles when paying your property tax. (The property owner must pay a minimal card processing fee when paying by credit card.)
Only one tax bill with two payment coupons attached is sent to the address of record shown on the county assessor’s tax roll. Taxes are due in two equal payments on October 1 and March 1 (or the next business day) respectively, and become delinquent after 5 p.m. on November 1 and May 1 respectively. Interest is not collected on the first half if the full year is paid prior to December 31. If the taxes are paid by a mortgage company an information statement is mailed to the property owner in September. Taxes can also be paid at any CHASE bank, by mail, or at the treasurer’s office. Interest on delinquent taxes is 16 percent simple and accrues on the first day of each month including weekends and holidays.
Property taxes are owed even if no bill is received. The treasurer is only required to post notice that the taxes are due, and is not required to mail individual tax bills. It is the responsibility of the owner to determine the amount of taxes owed and timely pay the amount due. The amount of taxes owed can be found on the treasurer’s website, or by calling 602-506-8511. Subscribers to the free ParcelWatch service receive email notification when taxes are due.
Delinquent taxes constitute a lien on the property and must, by law, be offered for sale by auction in February following the second payment, which is February 2016 for the 2014 taxes. When someone buys a tax lien it is owned by a private party and the county treasurer no longer has any authority other than to accept the redemption payment and convey it to the lien holder and remove the lien. The lienholder can begin foreclosure three years after the auction, which would be February 2019, if the lien is not redeemed.
For complete information about late fees, tax exemptions, the ParcelWatch program or other frequently asked questions, visit www.treasurer.maricopa.gov. If you have questions regarding your property tax bill, log on to the Treasurer’s office or call customer service at 602-506-8511.
