SHALIMAR — Over $9.1 million was saved by Okaloosa County property owners who took advantage of the 4 percent early payment discount last month.
“Our office collected $228.5 million during November, with over 66 percent of that total collected using our convenient and secure online services,“ said Tax Collector Ben Anderson. “The best part is that the millions of dollars saved by property owners stayed in the hands of citizens, rather than in the hands of government!”
The Tax Collector reported an all-time high for property taxes collected in November, reaching 83.5 percent of the 2021 tax roll, beating out last year’s record of 82%.
“We are extremely pleased by the record collection numbers accomplished in only 24 working days from the opening of the tax roll,” said Justin Gordon, director of tax services. “We owe this success to both our team and to the over 12,000 property owners who took advantage of our secure online payment option.
“We recorded a 27% increase in property taxes paid online this year versus last year, a huge success,” he added.
Several payment options are available to property owners needing to pay property taxes. The most convenient is by using your bank account (E-check) at OkaloosaTax.com.
“Paying online with your Bank Account (E-check) is a smart and easy way to make your payment," said Chief of Financial Operations Keri Holguin. "It’s as if you were writing us a check, but only electronically using your routing and account number. It’s convenient, secure, and free.”
Those who paid online with E-Check saved precious time and over $1.1 million in convenience fees this November.
All Tax Collector Offices will be closed on Dec. 23 and 24 in observance of Christmas. Offices will again be closed on Dec. 31 for the New Year’s.
Citizens with questions concerning Tax Collector Services should visit OkaloosaTax.com or call from their mobile device by dialing #TAX (#829).
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Property owners save millions with early tax payments