TAXING MATTERS
CHERYL E . JOHNSON , PCC Galveston County Tax Assessor Collector
& Voter Registrar
Navigating 2020 Property Taxes
Some things never
change . Except for property owners still embroiled in valuation protests , 200,000 GCTO “ love letters ” began arriving in October . If you have not received one , give us a call ( 409-766-2481 ) as they were mailed ( for the last time ever ) to both owners and mortgage companies .
Despite the fact that many of you wait until the last minute ( this year February 1 ) to pay , you may want to take advantage of our payment options this year . Deadlines are firm ! Many businesses like ( and individuals without mortgages ) split pay ( half by November 30 and other by June 30 without penalty – except Dickinson and Dickinson ISD ). Disaster installments ARE in place this year ( four equal payments due every other month beginning in January ).
Although the Governor continues to renew the disaster declaration which delayed the need for vehicle inspections and registration renewals ( 60 days after the disaster is over ), there have been NO exceptions made with regard to property taxes – no value freeze and no payment forgiveness . If you have been affected financially by COVID – call and give us an opportunity to set up the best option for you . We can only help if you let us !
Avoid crowds and save a stamp ( December and January are always very busy ) by dropping payments in one of the yellow “ mail ” boxes outside of full time locations or the black box at side driveway at Friendswood City Hall . Our turn-around time is 24 hours but it may be week before receipts are mailed .
Ways to pay ?
• USPS ( mail day before the deadline to guarantee the postmark ) to PO Box 1169 , Galveston , Texas 77553 . Do NOT mail to branches !
• Drop in “ mail ” boxes at branch locations
• Online at www . galcotax . com ( click the large red button ) via electronic check ($ 1 ) or credit card ( 2.5 % bank fee )
• Credit card ( 2.5 % bank fee ) via telephone . English @ 1-866-865-1433 or Spanish @ 1-866-865-1435
• In person at any GCTO office Please include the coupon or write account numbers on checks . Make sure that you do not have any late taxes due ( Option 1 totals include any prior year taxes remaining due )! Have a problem ? Call toll free 877- 766-2284 or the Property Tax Department directly at 409-766-2481 .
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