Scott County tax bills in the mail

BENTON, Mo. -- Although this is the first year Scott County taxes are abated, residents should still look for and open the statement from the county collector.

"The county general revenue tax was abated due to the half-cent sales tax approved by voters," said Mark Hensley, Scott County collector of revenue. "There is no county tax. As you look your statement over, in the area where the taxing districts are listed, the county will have the words 'NO TAX' instead of a dollar amount."

The county collector is still responsible for sending statements out and collecting taxes for other levies, such as for the road and bridge and Johnson grass funds, as well as the other taxing entities in the county such as schools, fire and ambulance districts, the health department and libraries.

And with the end of the year approaching, it is time to start thinking about paying these taxes.

"Taxes are due by Dec. 31," Hensley said. "Our 2009 personal property and real estate bills have been mailed out. If you do not receive a tax bill by the end of November, just contact the collector's office."

Dewayne Nowlin, collector of revenue for New Madrid County and Mississippi County Collector Faye P. Elliott said their tax statements were recently all mailed out as well.

"They should start seeing them Monday -- some will see them Saturday, some will see them Tuesday," Nowlin said. "Definitely give me a call if you haven't got one by the end of the week."

Paying taxes on time is important, county collectors noted, as taxpayers avoid late fees and penalties. "If paying by mail, the postmark determines the timeliness of payment," Hensley said. "So if you make your check out Dec. 31 and it has a Jan. 1 or 2 postmark, it is still delinquent."

Both Scott County and New Madrid County collectors pointed out that those who are unable to make it to the courthouse during regular business hours don't have to depend on the U.S. Postal Service. There is a night deposit box outside the courthouse at the south end, Hensley said. County residents may also pay in person at Scott County Collector's Office satellite offices in Chaffee, Scott City and Sikeston, he said.

In some counties, "you can also pay your taxes on the Internet," Nowlin said -- an option New Madrid County residents have had for four years now.

Nowlin said to pay online, go to https://mylocalgov.com/MC CA/paytaxespage.htm.

"Then click New Madrid County and that will take you to my site," he said. "You can pay real estate and personal property [taxes] there."

Whatever method property owners choose, they should remember paying property taxes on time are their responsibility whether or not they get a tax statement.

"Failure to receive your tax bill does not relieve the taxpayer's obligation to pay the tax and applicable late fees," Hensley said. "Taxes not paid in full on or before Dec. 31 will be assessed penalties and late fees in accordance to Missouri state statutes."