As the holiday season approaches, one year-end tradition that many of us experience also occurs. Most people realize that real estate and personal property taxes are due on or before January 5, 2012. That being the case we always have a large number of taxpayers that come in during the holiday season to pay their tax bills. Long lines and a long wait time are usually the norm during this period. Please be aware of things that can be done to avoid waiting in line for an extremely long time.

1. Have a copy of your bill for all properties you are paying.
2. Be prepared to pay in cash if you are paying for a blocked vehicle tax bill.
3. We have installed a payment drop box. This is located in the Customer Service area of Tax Administration. This drop box can be used only if you are paying by check and you have your bill available. Any payments dropped in this box will be given credit for paying on the same business day.
4. Come early. The lines are usually pretty long from the middle of December through the month of January.
5. If you have questions about your bill or wish to discuss payment options please come as soon as possible to our office. After January 5, 2012 our ability to work out any arrangements are severely limited. Additionally, the high number of taxpayers here at that time puts a strain on our resources.
6. Utilize the on-line e services to make credit card payments or e-check payments. This can be done from home without having to even come in the office. Just Click HERE. A processing fee applies to credit card transactions.
7. Mail payments to Durham County Tax Administration, P.O. Box 3397, Durham, NC 27702 Typically, mail payments are processed within 2 business days.
8. Use the Tax Administration website Tax Records Search to research information or to print out bills if any are missing.

If you have any questions or need more information regarding any of these items, please call Tax Administration Customer Service at (919)560-0300.