In an effort to make property taxes more manageable – and collectable – many counties around the country have moved from a single deadline for all property taxes to two or even four quarterly deadlines throughout the year at which homeowners can pay portions of their taxes. In Tuscawara County in Ohio, the move seems to be working. However, for those who fail to pay their taxes, the county will not hesitate to act[1].

Many local governments have hesitated to foreclose on homes via property tax liens or utility bill liens because the move is so extremely unpopular in today’s economy. For many people, property taxes have been the least of the problem. However, in Tuscawara County, adding multiple payment periods and preparing to enforce collections is paying off, with “only about $1.5 percent” of the total taxes due for payment in 2010 are now past due to the point of being pursued for foreclosure (delinquent for a year or more).

Now, that “only 1.5 percent” does equal a combined total of $1.18 million, which is why the county treasurer is actively pursuing payment contracts for property owners who are delinquent and promptly pursuing foreclosure for those who do not or cannot set up alternate means to make up the delinquency. It’s important that people realize they have to pay their taxes,” said Jeffery Mamarella, the county treasurer. It appears that this type of fast action is working well as deterrent at least in Tuscawara County’s case.

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[1] http://www.timesreporter.com/news/x1040067793/Tuscarawas-County-steps-up-tax-collection