MOUNT VERNON — A computer glitch has slowed the printing and distribution of property tax statements, according to Knox County Treasurer Sandra Mizer, but the deadline for paying without penalty will be extended to reflect the delay. Payment of property taxes for the first half of the year will now be due by Friday, Feb. 8.
“The county has a new software program,” Mizer said. “There were some glitches that had to be sorted out, and that stopped the printing of the bills.”
Mizer said the statements are being mailed out today, and that residents should receive their statements soon. If residents do not have their property tax bills by the end of the week, she said, they should contact the treasurer’s office at 393-6739, because property owners are responsible for paying their taxes even if they don’t receive a statement. Taxpayers should also notify the treasurer’s office if there is a change of mailing address.
The bills will have a new look, according to Mizer. One thing she particularly wants residents to notice is the box on the right side of the bill which shows where taxpayers’ money goes. Where previously the box only broke amounts down by government area, such as school or county, it will now break the figures down to show exactly how much of the tax bill goes, for instance, to local schools, the Knox County Career Center, the health department, the senior citizen levy, MRDD and other such destinations. Mizer also said residents with accounts in escrow who have their statements go directly to a bank to be paid can stop by the treasurer’s office at 117 E. High St. for a printout of the tax distribution breakdown.
Mizer adds that House Bill 390 allows an extension of time for payment of real estate and manufactured home taxes for members of the National Guard and reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United State who have been called to active or other duty under Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle, or the Governor’s directive of Sept. 29, 2001, or a successor to that directive. HB 390 became effective March 4, 2002. Applications are available in the Knox County Treasurer’s Office.
