Deadline to pay taxes approaches; square up or face a penalty

Wednesday, April 10, is the last day for property owners to pay the second installment of their 2023-24 property taxes bill without penalty. Taxpayers are encouraged to pay early to avoid penalties.Payments sent by mail must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before April 10. Property tax payments can be made online at www.marincounty.org/taxbillonline or by phone at (800) 985-7277. The tax collector’s online and telephone payment service uses a secure internet portal and there is no service fee when paying with an electronic check (e-check).For taxpayers’ convenience, an express tax payment drop box will also be located under the Marin County Civic Center’s southern archway at 3501 Civic Center Drive in San Rafael, from Monday, April 8 through 10th.  The hours for the Tax Collector’s office and express payment drop box are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 8-9th, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 10.For questions about property tax billing, contact the Tax Collector’s Office at (415) 473-6133 or by email. Questions about assessed values are best answered by the County Assessor at (415) 473-7215.Parcel tax exemption information and forms are available at marincounty.org/propertytaxexemptions or can be obtained directly from the district that offers the exemption. Parcel tax exemption eligibility and filing deadlines vary by district and are administered by those districts, not the Tax Collector. Income based parcel tax exemption applications must be submitted annually before tax bills are prepared.The State Controller’s Office has extended accepting applications for the Property Tax Postponement (PTP) program until September 2024.  To be eligible for PTP, you must:Be at least 62 years of age, or blind, or have a disability;Own and occupy the home as your primary place of residence;Have a total household income of $51,762 or less, as defined in California Revenue and Taxation Code 20503;Have at least 40 percent equity in the property; andNot have a reverse mortgage on the propertyFor more information on PTP, call 1-800-952-5661 or email the Controller’s Office. Visit the SCO website  for more information.