Late property tax notice from county?

Question

I did not receive my first tax notice in the mail on time from the county for my new home until they sent me a late notice. They said they did not have the correct address to send the first bill. Finally when the tax bill arrived it was overdue with a nice fine. They seemed to find my new address after when the taxes were overdue. Should I have been more proactive and just paid my taxes on time instead waiting for the bill in the mail. My question is who is responsible and are other people running into this situation? Is there some of type of consumer protection for this related item?

Answer 1

Yes if you knew beforehand the due date you should have paid it but if you didn't remember you should pay it with the fine as well write a letter to the tax commissioners office and try to resolve it; it's possible you may receive credit or a refund.

Answer 2

There might be different state laws elsewhere but in my state, California, if property tax is paid late penalties are added and there are no excuses.

Answer 3

Taxes are due on the due date, regardless of whether you receive a bill or not.  It's up to you to know when they're due and make sure that you pay them on time.  You, unfortunately, are responsible for the screwup and must pay the late fees and charges.  Sorry.

Property taxes in MO are due on Dec 31st and every year you'll see long lines at the tax collector's office as folks scramble to find out what the taxes are and pay them on time.  My county has a terrible record on getting bills out on time and 4 of the 8 years I've owned property here the bill arrived after Jan 1st.