Amnesty Extended for Tax Payments In Bastrop, LA
Released: January, 2011
Property owners have been given an additional reprieve to pay their property taxes to the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office or face penalties. Bastrop, Morehouse taxpayers have until Jan. 14.
Bastrop, La. — Property owners have been given an additional reprieve to pay their property taxes to the Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office or face penalties.
Last week, MPSO Chief Civil Deputy Jeff Winnon said taxpayers would have a grace period until Jan. 7 before the office would begin enforcing penalties and interest on late payments.
On Wednesday, Sheriff Mike Tubbs said the amnesty period would be extended until Jan. 14.
According to Winnon, a little over $10 million in property taxes were collected in December. Just over $12 million total will be collected for the year 2010 to support 15 agencies that levy taxes in the parish.
Those who fail to pay their taxes by Jan. 14 will owe an additional one percent per month for late payment.
Taxes that have not been paid by Feb. 1 will be handled by the New Orleans-based Archon Information Services, which will directly contact the delinquent taxpayers and collect a 10 percent penalty in addition to the one percent penalty.
“After [Feb. 1], it’s in their hands,” said Winnon. “They’re very effective.”
Toward the end of February, the MPSO will begin sending out certified notices to delinquent taxpayers and more penalties will be added.
Earlier this year, the MPSO contracted with the nCourt company to provide online payment services. Property owners have had the option of paying online by going to www.mpso.net and selecting “Pay Fines & Property Taxes Online.”
During the last week of 2010, only 35 people had used the online payment option.
Winnon said the number has “increased greatly” this week as more people have become aware of the service.
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