Property taxes due for first half of 2011: King County offers secure and efficient online payment system

King County property owners have until Monday, May 2 to pay the first half of their 2011 property taxes.

King County property owners have until Monday, May 2 to pay the first half of their 2011 property taxes.

The statutory due date for first-half property taxes is normally April 30, but since this date falls on a Saturday this year, the actual due date has been moved to the next business day. After May 2, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently.

Tax payments can be made:

• By mail if postmarked no later than May 2, 2011. Taxpayers should include their tax statement and write the property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail.

• In person at Room 600 – Treasury Operations, King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. On Friday, April 29 and Monday, May 2, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m.

• At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. Taxpayers can find the address, phone number, and operating hours of the center in their area by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/operations/csc.aspx.

• Online using King County’s convenient, secure online eTax application. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account called an “eCheck.”

The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills. To pay online or view property tax information, taxpayers can visit www.kingcounty.gov/propertytax.

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, contact King County Treasury Operations through its website at www.kingcounty.gov/propertytax, through the automated voice system at (206)-296-0923, or through customer service at (206)-296-3850.

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor’s Office at (206)-296-3920.