San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister began sending thousands of reminders Thursday to property owners who did not pay all their recent property taxes.
“On July 1, any unpaid bill will go into default, incurring another 1.5% penalty each month,” McAllister said. “That penalty amounts to 18% per year. I want to save people this hefty fine and encourage them to pay their bills as soon as possible.”
Property owners can pay their bills immediately online. McAllister advised to begin an online payment well before the June 30 midnight deadline to make sure the payment is on time.
Property taxes are due in two installments – the first in December and the second in April. Each late installment has already incurred a 10% penalty, plus a $10 fee if the second installment also was late.
Late taxes this year total $138 million.
The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office mailed 42,037 notices – 1,482 fewer reminders this year compared to last.
So far, the office has collected 99% of first installments and 97.5% of second installments.
“We know most San Diegans take the responsibility to pay their taxes seriously,” McAllister said. “We want to give the small number of those who haven’t paid one more chance.”
Increased penalties are not the only incentive for people to pay their taxes. Under California State law, McAllister’s office may sell properties that have been in default for five years.