Dallas County Changes Fees for Credit Card Payment of Property Taxes
In response to the property tax revenue shortfall, the Dallas County Tax Assessor has implemented changes to their property tax payment policy as it relates to credit card payments. In the past, Dallas County property owners could pay their property taxes using a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card without a credit card convenience fee. Many property owners found this to be a convenient payment method and an easy way to accumulate a large amount of points, miles, or credit card rewards.
Effective immediately, all Dallas County property tax payments made by credit card will incur a 2.3% credit card fee. While property owners may still prefer to pay with a credit card, the costs associated must be considered. For instance a property owner with a $5,000 property tax bill will pay $5,155 if paying by credit card. However, when considering the penalties that are incurred when you become delinquent, the 2.3% credit card fee is a lower cost option than just letting your property taxes go past due. Keep in mind that credit cards can carry extremely high interest rates, often with APR’s over 20%, so you must consider the convenience fee along with the credit card APR (if you carry a balance) when determining if this is your best cost option.
Dallas County Property Tax Payment Options
For those looking for other payment options, payment arrangements for Dallas County are managed by their collection firm, the law firm of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP. The Tax Office will accept any payment amount for the current year taxes; however, after February 1st, penalty and interest begin to accrue for any remaining delinquent taxes. To establish payment arrangements you’ll need to contact Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP. Under the law, penalties and interest continue to accrue during payment arrangements. Another option is a property tax loan. A property tax loan provides immediate tax relief and can be a much lower cost option than the penalties and interest charged by the tax assessor. You can apply for a property tax loan directly at Dallas County Property Tax Loan.