Property tax deadline is today

Tuesday is the last day for Hidalgo County property owners to pay their taxes without penalties and interest.

Residents can pay their property taxes in person at one of six Hidalgo County substations or choose to pay online. There is a convenience fee for the latter option. Residents can also make payments at all First National Bank locations in Hidalgo County as long as they bring their current tax statements.

Hidalgo County’s main office, 2804 S. Business 281, Edinburg, will have its hours extended until 7 p.m. Tuesday to allow stragglers the opportunity before incurring fees. Residents should expect lengthy delays at all offices as county employees process payments for a high volume of traffic.

“We’re going to have a full house,” said Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector Armando Barrera Jr.

About 90 percent of Hidalgo County residents pay taxes on time to avoid penalties and interest, Barrera said. Interest on the property taxes begins at 7 percent in February, jumping 2 percentage points each month through June.

In July, the rate jumps 3 percentage points to top out at 18 percent, while the delinquent accounts are turned over to attorneys who charge a 15 percent fee on top.

Residents who are 65 or older or have disabilities can file a request to make quarterly payments without penalty and interest. Residents who don’t yet have the money to cover the full balance can make a partial payment, with the interest charged on the balance.

The Hidalgo County tax office now collects for all municipalities and school districts in the county except for the cities of McAllen, Alamo and Donna.

For additional information on taxes and to make an online payment, please visit www.hidalgocountytax.org. Hidalgo County property owners who have not received a statement are urged to call the tax office at (956) 318-2157.

Hidalgo County tax office substations are located at the following locations:

>> Main office, 2804 S. Business Highway 281, Edinburg

>> Precinct 3 Administration Complex, 722 Breyfogle Road, Palmview

>> Precinct 2 Multi-Purpose Center, 501 Earling Road, San Juan

>> Precinct 1 Administration Complex, 1902 Joe Stephens Drive, Weslaco

>> Precinct 2 Multi-Purpose Center, 1429 S. Tower Road, Alamo

>> Precinct 2 Administration Complex, 300 W. Hall Acres Road, Suite C, Pharr

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Jared Janes covers Hidalgo County government, Edinburg and legislative issues for The Monitor. He can be reached at jjanes@themonitor.com and (956) 683-4424.

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