Shalimar, FL - Okaloosa County Property Owners saved more than $8.4 million by taking advantage of the 4% early payment discount last month. “Our offices collected $211.9 million during November, with over $126 million of that total collected using our convenient and secure online services,“ states Tax Collector Ben Anderson. Anderson continues, “The millions saved is better spent in the hands of citizens rather than in the hands of government!
In response to COVID-19, earlier in the year, the Tax Collector Office shifted to appointment-only services. As a result, they faced significant challenges in accommodating the 20,000 customers they expected to visit their offices in November.
“To address these concerns, our team worked hard to provide secure and convenient payment options in place of an in-person office visit. These included drop box locations and a redesigned secure online payment website,” says Justin Gordon, Director of Tax Services. Gordon adds, “We saw a 51% increase in online payments this year versus last year, a huge success! Collections reached an all-time high of 82% of the entire 2020 tax roll. Accomplished in only 24 working days from the opening of the tax roll. We owe this success to those who took advantage of our secure online payment option, and we thank them.”
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. Chief of Financial Operations, Keri Holguin explains, “Paying online with your Bank Account (E-check) is a smart and easy way to make your payment. It’s as if you were writing us a check, but only electronically using your routing and account number. It’s convenient, secure, and it’s FREE!” In November, over 12,000 property owners took advantage of this FREE option, saving time and nearly $900,000 in convenience fees.
All Tax Collector Offices will be CLOSED on December 24th and 25th in observance of Christmas. Offices will again be CLOSED for the New Year beginning at 2 PM on December 31 through January 1.
Citizens with questions concerning Tax Collector Services should visit OkaloosaTax.com or call from their mobile device by dialing #TAX (#829).
PROPERTY TAX DISCOUNT PERIOD DEADLINE APPROACHING