Early taxpayers can now receive discount

Warren County residents who pay their property taxes early will now be eligible for a discount.

The new program is thanks to county commissioners who voted unanimously at this month’s commission meeting to allow Trustee Darlene Bryant to implement the discounts this year under a state law that authorizes Tennessee county governments to do so at their discretion.

Property taxes are not due until February 2008, but under the new legislation Warren County taxpayers who pay their taxes in October will now receive a 2 percent discount. Those who pay in November will receive a 1 percent discount.

And perhaps the best part is that local property owners will be able take advantage of the program this year, since it takes effect in 2007.

Bryant, who was elected and took office last year, says she discovered the program while attending classes to learn about her office, and decided to approach commissioners about implementing it here in Warren County.

‘We had a trustee’s meeting in May where I had the opportunity to talk to some of the other trustees in the state and see what they thought about it,’ said Bryant. ‘Several of them were doing this and said it had really helped. One of the trustees told me he collects about 42 percent in October now. When I looked at ours I think we were collecting about 8 percent in October. Of course you never know, but I hope that now we’ll be getting some more in early.’

Bryant says the program will benefit both taxpayers, since they will get a discount by paying early, and the county, which will receive a portion of the property tax earlier than usual which should help prevent county government from running short of funds prior to the collection of taxes in February.

‘I think it’s kind of a win-win situation for both parties,’ Bryant said.

Bryant said she wants to make residents aware of some other programs for taxpayers, such as the Tax Relief Program. This program is available to taxpayers 65 and older, or veterans who are 100 percent disabled, whose income does not exceed $24,000 per year. Taxpayers who qualify will receive a government reimbursement of $142 on their taxes.

Bryant says this program has changed over the past few years, so taxpayers may need to come in and apply under the new regulations.

‘The year before last you had to make $12,000 or less to be eligible,’ Bryant said. ‘So we didn’t have a whole lot of people who signed up. I think around 100. Then last year they increased it to $20,000 or less, so we had several hundred people sign up, and we were really busy last year.

‘And now they have passed legislation increasing it to $24,000 or less,’ Bryant said. ‘And though it’s not as big a jump as the $12,000 to the $20,000, it’s still going to help get a few more people on it. So we hope to sign up even more people this year.’

Bryant said some of the regulations have changed for disabled veterans as well this year.

Previously only combat-related injuries qualified, but as of this year it has been changed to include veterans with any service-related injury.

The final program Bryant wants to make taxpayers aware of is the Internet search and payment of taxes.

‘You can go to the Web site at www.tennesseetrustee.com,’ Bryant said. ‘Which is kind of self-explanatory. You click on county, then Warren County. Then if I want to find out what an individual’s taxes are I can just enter their name and go in there to look and see what they are and if they’ve paid them. This really benefits those who are doing tax searches for deeds, mainly attorneys and bankers, but if you are looking to buy a house and need to know what the taxes are on it, then you can look it up.

‘You can also pay your taxes online,’ Bryant said. ‘It’s that same Web site. It gives the choice of look up or pay, and if you want to pay, then it’s just like sending a payment over the Internet.’

Bryant pointed out there is a 2 percent charge for Internet payment, but it could still benefit taxpayers who are out of town when their taxes come due and want to avoid penalties for late payment.

For more information about these programs contact the local trustee’s office at 473-2935.