Property tax collections pick up

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 even with limited access at the SCAD lobby, according to chief appraiser Clayton Snyder.

“We’ve been busy since the first part of December, and it’s picked up this month,” said Snyder, who added that the front door remains locked because of COVID concerns.

“If anyone needs to come in to talk in person, they can call, and we’ll let them in,” said Snyder. “We are just trying to limit traffic to one person at a time so there’s not as much chance of exposure.”

He also said that he or other personnel will come out to vehicles if needed to talk to taxpayers.

In addition, there is a dropbox to the left of the main door, and as always, payments can be mailed.

“We just want everyone to feel as comfortable as possible in this environment,” said the chief appraiser.

Collection Rate

As of mid-December, collections were a little behind last year’s totals, which was not unexpected, Snyder said.

“I have been advising entites all year to expect a point or so lower this year in collection rates because people have been impacted so much by COVID,” he said. “We have been getting a lot more in the mail lately though, so it may catch up.”

Snyder said that payments may also be coming in slower because statements were sent out so much later than usual, due to delayed information about Moran ISD that came from the Callahan appraisal district. 

“When everything’s said and done, we usually have 96 to 99 percent collections,” said Snyder. “We’ll just have to wait and see if we hit that.”

Payment Plans

According to Snyder, payment plans are basically the same as last year, and can be set up as long as the taxpayer calls the office by the end of this month to finalize arrangements.

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 Sunday this year, payments can be made on Monday, Feb. 1. Walk-in payments can be brought in or dropped off in the night deposit slot. Anything in the night deposit on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 2 will not be considered late, said Snyder.

A self-addressed stamped envelope needs to be enclosed with mailed payments in order for taxpayers to receive a receipt by return mail.

Taxpayers may use the online pay option by going to the local tax office’s website at www.shackelford cad.com.  

For any questions that a taxpayer might have, Snyder added, they should call the office at 325-762-2207.

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