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PrintCOLUMBIA — For some Boone County residents, New Year’s Eve is not just about fireworks and midnight champagne. It also means a dent in the pocketbook, as they head to the Roger B. Wilson Boone County Government Center or the post office to pay their taxes on the last day of the year.
Real estate and personal property taxes become delinquent Tuesday. To avoid late penalties, property owners need to pay by the end of the day Monday.
Pat Lensmeyer, Boone County collector, said her office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for last-minute payments. However, she warned of long lines, which usually crowd the County Government Center on Dec. 31.
“If people don’t have time to pay on the 31st, then they should mail their check or money order,” Lensmeyer said. Payments must be postmarked by Monday, she said.
Lines also wound their way through the County Government Center on Friday afternoon, but most customers didn’t complain.
“The earlier people start planning, the better it is,” said Gwendolyn Clark. “This is the first time I’m standing in a line.”
Dan Thornhill, who was also in line, said the center is less crowded earlier in the day.
“I came here at nine o’clock in the morning, and there was no line,” he said. “I just went straight through.”
Taxpayers can place their checks in a drop box until midnight Monday at the entrance to the County Government Center at Ninth and Ash streets.
“I just use the drop box, and it’s very simple,” said Ramona Lane, who on Friday afternoon was there about to put her payment in the box.
People can pay their taxes online, using major credit cards or an electronic check. However, a fee of 2.75 percent of the tax bill is charged with credit card use. For e-checks, there is a $2.75 flat fee.
“Online payments increase every year, but it’s about below 5 percent,” Lensmeyer said.
Property owners can pay their property taxes by phone by calling the 24-hour toll-free 888-272-9829. Fees also are charged on phone payments. Property owners must have their property tax bill number ready, along with the Boone County jurisdiction code: 3517.
For further information, go to www.showmeboone.com/COLLECTOR/ or call the Boone County Collector’s Office at 886-4285.
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