Walker County is bringing in more property taxes than ever before, according to Tax Commissioner Carolyn Walker.
As of May, the county has collected 92.3 percent of its property taxes, and Walker said that it is a significant increase.
"This is wonderful for Walker County," she said. "In the past, collections were only 75 percent at the most."
Collected rates will give the school board and courts their anticipated revenue in a timely matter. Walker said hopefully this means there will be no tax increases this year.
She attributes the increase in collected property taxes to the variety of payment methods accepted. Allowing taxpayers to pay with cash, credit card, over the phone, via mail and Internet has given them the accessibility to pay on time, she said.
Prior to her office being established, Walker said there was not the opportunity for diverse payment methods as there is today.
Walker County tax officials said their main focus is working with taxpayers. The office sends out reminder postcards and offers assistance such as payment agreements and partial payments, which allow taxpayers to make payments without penalties.
"Our tax commissioner's job is to collect the taxes, not put anyone out of their home," Deputy Tax Commissioner Karen Walker said. "You have to do it as a business, but you have to do it with a heart. It's a fine line, and Carolyn walks that line very well."
Walker is in her third term as tax commissioner.
Tax Time
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