TAXPAYERS RUSH TO MAKE DEADLINE

JACKSON -- The line trailed down the hallway as taxpayers waited to pay their county taxes before today's Dec. 31 deadline.

Both real estate and personal property taxes are due today. The late penalty automatically begins Jan. 2.

"It has been, very, very, very busy today," Collector Harold Kuehle said Tuesday.

And he expects the crowds to continue through the 4:30 p.m. deadline.

Traditionally, many people wait until the last days to pay taxes, causing long lines and a wait at the collector's office as tax bills are processed.

"Nobody wants to pay their taxes," Kuehle said. "But people in line are having fun: They're talking back and forth and everyone seems to be in a good mood."

For those who don't want to wait in line, tax payments can be mailed to the collector. As long as the payment is postmarked by Dec. 31, no penalty will be assessed.

But, Kuehle said, for those who pay by mail, receipts will take a little longer to be returned.

"This year we received more mail than we ever received," Kuehle said. As a result, the office is about a week or so behind in returning receipts.

In November, the collector sent out 55,000 tax bills. But failure to receive a bill doesn't relieve taxpayers of paying any taxes due.

"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."

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