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Jan. 31 tax deadline nears

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Albany News

By Melinda L. Lucas

As is typical, property tax payments at the Shackelford County Appraisal District accelerated just before the end of the year and have continued to come in steadily, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

Taxpayers have the option of mailing in their payment as well as coming inside or using the dropbox to the left of the front door. Payments can be made using credit or debit cards on the SCAD website (shackelfordcad.com) by searching for specific account(s) using the property search section. Online payments are assessed a convenience fee by the processing company.

Collection Rate

As of December, collections were back to pre-COVID levels and on average four points ahead of last year, Snyder said.

“We are expecting to come in lower than the prior year at about 88 to 90 percent by Feb. 1, due to a lawsuit filed by one of the wind farms,” Snyder said.

He explained that the lawsuit appeals a valuation decision made by the local Appraisal Review Board last summer, which upheld the SCAD’s assesssed value.

“While litigation is pending, the corporation is only responsible to pay the undisputed amount of taxes to the taxing units to avoid penalty and interest,” he said. “Our pending litigation amounts to about $250,000 in taxes that will be withheld until conclusion, and then, depending on the outcome, struck off or altered to a new outstanding balance.”

Payment Plans

According to Snyder, payment plans are basically the same as last year, and can be set up when the taxpayer calls the office for arrangements to be made.

Local homeowners with the homestead exemption who are over the age of 65, and also those who have a disability exemption through Social Security may qualify for special payment plans.

Over-65 homeowners may also take advantage of a “deferment option,” which delays collection of homestead taxes until the property owner is deceased. At that time, the total amount of taxes is taken from the estate.

These homeowners fill out a one-time form, so it is not required annually.

Snyder reminded taxpayers who are interested in any kind of payment plan that they must call this month.

Deadline Details

Hours at the SCAD office are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Staff members stagger their lunch hours in order to keep the office open during that time for the public’s convenience.

Since Jan. 31 falls on a regular weekday this year, payments that are not in the drop box at the open of business on Feb. 1 or postmarked Jan. 31 will be considered delinquent, according to Snyder.

Self-addressed stamped envelopes should be enclosed with mailed payments if taxpayers want receipts by return mail.

The online pay option can be accessedd at www.shackelford cad.com.

Taxpayers can 325-762-2207 with questions.