With 2022 in full swing, Americans are busy tying loose ends on 2021 taxes. For the Texas residents of Smith County, the January 31 deadline to pay property taxes is quickly looming. Fortunately, the adoption of technology might make paying those fees just a little bit easier this year.
Last week, Smith County’s Tax Assessor-Collector, Gary Barber, posted a video reminder to residents to complete their property taxes as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest. Residents and Business Owners should have received their property tax statements in October. Barger urges those who have not yet received a tax statement to call the office immediately at 903-590-2920 to avoid late fees.
Fortunately, there’s a quick and easy way to pay property taxes in Smith County. The latest bills include a scannable QR code. When you focus on it with your smartphone’s camera, it will open the payment page of your county account profile, where you can pay your property taxes. In addition, the Smith County Tax Collector website is always available to pay property tax bills.
For those who prefer traditional methods of paying bills, the county accepts payment via mail. Residents should return their statements with a check for tax owed, and the envelope must be postmarked no later than January 31 to avoid a late fine. Similarly, taxpayers may submit their payments in person using the drop box at the Cotton Belt Building. Staff request that residents include their phone numbers on the paperwork in case there is any need to contact them.
While the Tax Office cannot accept payment via cash using the drop box, residents can pay via cash, check, money order, or card in person. Taxpayers should beware of the 2.5% fee for payments made via debit or credit card. The office in the Cotton Belt Building is open for in-person payments from Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Substations in Lindale and Noonday also accept in-person payments.
Missing the deadline will incur an immediate 7% penalty. The fine increases 2% after each
