If you want to deduct your 2011 property taxes this year for federal income tax purposes, the taxes must be paid on or before Dec. 31.

“You’ll enjoy the holidays more if you pay your taxes or at least have a plan to get them paid,” Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Don Sumners said.

If taking the tax deduction on your 2011 federal tax return is not a concern, you can pay your property taxes for 2011 on or before Jan. 31, 2012 without penalty or interest.

“Your opportunities to pay or get assistance in person are dwindling,” Sumners said. “Like Harris County does every year, offices will be closed a few days for the holidays. All of the 15 branches will be closed Monday, Dec. 26. Due to Jan. 1, 2012 being on a Sunday, the offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 2 for New Year’s Day.”

Property tax bills are available online at www.hctax.net.

Receipts for tax payments will show the date paid or your envelope’s U.S. Postal Service postmark. However, to comply with the state’s next business day payment law, taxes paid on the first business day of 2012, which is Tuesday, Jan. 3, will be posted as paid on Dec. 31 whether paid in person, online or by mail if the envelope is postmarked on or before Jan. 3 by the U.S. Postal Service.

All of the 15 tax office branches take credit and debit cards at the counter. All have a computer terminal kiosk that taxpayers can use to pay via credit card or e-Check. A surcharge of 2.15 percent is added to each credit card transaction, as well as MasterCard debit transactions. When using a VISA debit card, there is a flat fee of $3.95. E-Checks are free.

“Of course, our computers don’t get holidays off. You can pay online, 24 hours a day,” Sumners said.

Taxpayers may use any combination of credit cards and/or e-Checks for payment online and by calling 713-368-2273. The Harris County Tax Office also accepts partial payments of property taxes.

For more information call 713-368-2000 or visit the tax information Center, located at 1001 Preston, 1st Floor, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except holidays or online at www.hctax.net.

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