LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

 Laredo, TX—The City of Laredo Tax Department is issuing an urgent reminder to all citizens that City of Laredo 2011 Property Taxes are due on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.   Property tax statements were mailed October 2011.

 City property taxes provide more tax dollars for local services in Texas than any other source.  Property taxes help pay for city streets, police, fire protection, and many other services.  For this reason, it is very important to pay taxes on time.

 City of Laredo 2011 property taxes not paid before February 1^st will become delinquent and assessed penalty and interest in accordance with the Texas Property Tax Code, as follows:

Date                Penalty                        Interest          Attorney Fee              Total %

                        Applied to Base           Applied to Base          Applied to Base and P&I

¹February 1^st         6%                    1%                       0                                         7%

March 1^st              7%                    2%                       0                                         9%

²April 1^st               8%                    3%                       0                                        11%

May 1^st                9%                     4%                       0                                        13%

June 1^st                10%                    5%                       0                                        15%

July 1^st                12%                    6%                      15%                                    33%

August 1^st           12%                   7%                      15%                                    34%

September 1^st     12%                    8%                      15%                                    35%

1% Interest added on the 1^st of each month thereafter.  

^1.                    For taxpayers who have an active lawsuit for prior year taxes: Any unpaid balance for the 2011 Tax Year  will be turned over to the delinquent tax attorney on February 1, 2012 and will incur an 6% penalty, 1% interest, and 15% Attorney Fees (for a total of 22%).

^2.                    Personal Property accounts will be turned over to the delinquent tax attorney on April 1, 2012 and will incur an 8% penalty, 3% interest, and 15% Attorney Fees (for a total of 26%).

  A taxpayer can avoid paying penalties, interest, and attorney fees by paying their 2011 Taxes before they become delinquent on February 1, 2012.

 In addition to penalties, interest, and attorney fees to be collected for delinquent taxes, there may be further action taken such as seizure of property, issuance of tax warrants, and filing lawsuits against taxpayers that owe delinquent taxes. 

 Taxpayers who qualify for an Over 65 or Disability Exemption may pay their 2011 property taxes in four installments.  Please notify the City of Laredo Tax Department on the first payment that taxes will be paid in the following installments: 

·         First installment must be paid by January 31, 2012; and

·         Second installment must be paid by March 31, 2012; and

·         Third installment must be paid by May 31, 2012; and

·         Fourth installment must be paid by July 31, 2012.

  For taxpayers who took advantage of the split payment option, the second payment is due by June 30, 2012.

 Normal business hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The main office is located at the new City Hall Annex at 1102 Bob Bullock Loop.  In addition, you can continue to make payments at City Hall located at 1110 Houston Street, 1^st floor.  Payments are accepted in the following currency: cash, checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, credit card, and electronic transfers.  Taxpayers can also view account information or pay their bill on-line by visiting www.cityoflaredo.com.

 If you have not received your property tax statement or have any questions on any of the above, please call the City of Laredo Tax Office at 727-6403.