By Blake Deshazo

The Selma Times-Journal

The end of the year is in sight, and the deadline to pay property taxes is quickly approaching. The last day to pay property taxes without late fees is Dec. 31.

“I recommend (people) get out and pay their taxes to avoid paying any penalties and interest,” said Tammy King, tax collector.

The last few weeks of the year can be busy for the tax collector’s and assessor’s office, but 2014 has been slower than years past.

“It really hasn’t been that bad,” Tax Assessor Weida Sheehan said. “We really haven’t had any problems as far as lines and people having to wait. We get customers through fairly quickly.”

The tax collector’s office will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

“We will have our full staff working,” Sheehan said. “If customers will be patient, we will be patient and wait on them as efficiently and quickly as possible.”

Property tax collection began on Oct. 31, and the office made sure to be prepared for collection season ahead of time, Sheehan said.

“We sent out notices for people to come in by Dec. 31 when collection season started,” Sheehan said. “We’re getting ready to send out another reminder. Nobody wants to spend more money than they really have to. The later people wait the more penalties are added.”

King said there are a number of consequences for people that don’t pay taxes on their property by the deadline.

“(Customers’) accounts will become delinquent, and their taxes will go up tremendously,” King said. “There is a possibility of losing their property if taxes are not paid. It will be auctioned off at a tax sale as a last result of non-payments on taxes.”

The tax collector’s office offers a number of ways to pay property taxes.

“People can mail (payments) in as long as it’s post-marked by Dec. 31,” King said.

“They can pay it online, and of course come to the office to pay it.”

To pay property taxes online, visit the tax collector’s website at www.dallascountyproperty-tags.com.