Tax collections pick up as deadline nears

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. However, if anyone is concerned about COVID exposure, they can use the dropbox (left of the main door), mail, or go to to the SCAD website (shackelford cad.com) for online payments. 

“If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office and we’ll see what we can do to help,” said Snyder. “We just want everyone to feel as comfortable as possible in this environment.” 

Collection Rate

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

Most likely we’re still seeing the effects of ­COVID both on payment timing and economically,” he said. “We have been getting a lot more in the mail lately though, so it may catch up. We are still expecting to be in the range of 90 to 95 percent by Feb. 1.”

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 Monday this year, payments that are not in the drop box at the open of business on Feb. 1 or postmarked on or before Jan. 31 will be considered delinquent, according to 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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