Published: November 20, 2009 09:42 am      

County tax statements to arrive in mailboxes soon

Grady County Treasurer Robin Burton said her office mailed tax statements recently, and it will soon be time for county residents to pay their property taxes.

Failure to pay property taxes, Burton said, can lead to strict consequences.

“If you have not received your (statement), please contact our office,” Burton said. “I want everyone to understand the importance of paying your taxes in a timely manner.

“Failure to pay your taxes can eventually lead to the loss of your property.”

Taxes are due Jan. 15.

The following offers more answers about property taxes:

• How are taxes determined?

The amount of tax payable annually on a property is based on an assessment process and the total mill levies for the taxing authorities who provide public services. The County Assessor establishes the value of all property for tax purposes and the budget maker uses the total assessed value and all the approved taxing authorities budgets to determine mill levies.

• A mill is one-tenth of a penny of $1 revenue for each $1,000 of assessed valuation.

• Why do I have to pay property taxes?

Property taxes pay for local government services. Tax dollars support schools, the county general fund, EMS, the county health department and vo-tech schools.

• When are my taxes due?

Property taxes are due by Jan. 15 and may be made in two equal payments. To avoid interest charges, the first payment must be made by Jan. 15, with the second half due on April 15.

If one-half of the tax due is not received by Jan. 15. the full amount becomes delinquent.

Payments bearing U. S. postmarks reflecting those dates are acceptable.

Payments may be made online at the treasurer’s Web site, www.okcountytreasurers.com.

• What if I do not receive a tax statement?

Failure to receive a tax statement does not exempt the taxpayer from paying taxes. If you have not received a tax statement by Dec. 1, contact the treasurer’s office at 405-224-5337 and a duplicate statement will be sent to you.

• What happens if both my mortgage company and I pay the taxes?

The first payment received is processed and distributed to the taxing authorities. If a subsequent payment is received for the same property, it is returned to the taxpayer.

• I just bought this property, so why am I being billed for last year’s taxes?

Taxes levied on real and personal property are a lien on the property without respect to ownership and have priority over all liens until they are paid in full. The settlement of who has the tax liability rests with the buyer and seller.

• When I buy property, how do I know the tax status?

The tax rolls are public record in the county treasurer’s office. You may visit or call the treasurer’s office and someone will assist in searching the tax status.

Records are also available online at www.countytreasurers.com.

• Does the treasurer collect any payment other than property tax?

Yes, the treasurer collects City Assessment Liens, Special Assessments, Mortgage Tax, etc. when certified to the Office of the Treasurer in accordance with Oklahoma Statutes.

• How important are these Special Assessment Liens if one is assessed against my property?

They become a lien in the amount of assessment against each lot or tract of land and have priority over all other liens except the general property tax lien.

• What if I fail to pay a Special Assessment Lien?

Special assessment Liens that remain unpaid for more than four years are subject to be sold by the treasurer in the same manner as properties with delinquent taxes.

A homeowner or property owner with a mortgage on the property may place their mortgage in jeopardy by failure to pay a Special Assessment Lien, resulting in the mortgage company enacting foreclosure procedures.

• If I move or have a name change, whom should I notify?

The Grady County Assessor and the Grady County Treasurer should be notified of the change in mailing address for each property you own.

For the assessor to change a name on the tax roll, proper legal documents must be completed and recorded.





at the Grady County Clerk’s Office. A name change could be due to a transfer of ownership of the property, marriage or death.

“The information listed above has been included with your tax statements,” Burton said. “If you have any other questions regarding this office or your taxes, please contact us, because as always, this office is here to serve you, the taxpayer.”