BE READY: MANY TAX BILLS ARE GOING UP

Watch the mailbox: Cape Girardeau County tax bills will arrive any day.

Both personal property and real estate taxes are due by Dec. 31.

County Collector Harold Kuehle said 55,000 tax bills are being mailed.

"We are mailing 6,000 to 7,000 envelopes a day, and it will take us through Friday to get them all out," said Kuehle.

A number of taxpayers will see an increase in taxes.

"The reason is a combination of reassessment and a tax increase in the Cape Girardeau School District," Kuehle said.

School district voters in April approved a tax increase that first appears on this year's tax bill. The result of reassessment, which also took place in the spring, will be evident.

"We've already had questions," Kuehle said.

County Assessor Jerry Reynolds said: "We always brace for phone calls and questions after tax bills go out. We're prepared.

"With reassessment and the levy increase in Cape, there will be some questions, no doubt."

Taxpayers were notified in May of reassessment changes.

Taxes for all incorporated towns and cities in the county, except Gordonville, Oak Ridge and Old Appletown, will be collected on the county tax bill.

"If you own real estate, you owe a tax," Kuehle said. "Anyone owning real estate at the end of the year is responsible to see that the taxes are paid.

Failure to receive a tax bill, if taxes are due, does not relieve taxpayers of paying, plus any interest and penalties that may be due if the taxes become delinquent, Kuehle said.

Those who haven't received a tax bill by Dec. 1 should contact the collector's office at 243-4476.

Kuehle recommends that tax bills be examined immediately to make sure all information is correct. Tax bills should have been received on each piece of real estate owned.

The personal property tax bill should list each vehicle owned on Jan. 1, 1997, along with other taxable personal property.

In past years, Kuehle said, a large group of people paid their taxes within three weeks of receiving the bills. "The big push is after Christmas," he said.

Use of the mail to pay taxes is increasing every year, he said. About 60 percent of tax bills are expected to be paid by mail. Just a few years ago about 33 percent were paid by mail.

Return envelopes are included with tax bills. Or, taxes may be paid in person at the county collectors' offices in Cape Girardeau, 44 N. Lorimier, and in Jackson, 1 Barton Square.