And now for some good news…not
October 11, 2008
St. Charles County
The county government put the word out this week that personal property and real estate tax bills are set to be mailed this month. Personal property tax bills should hit mailboxes sometime around Oct. 20 and real estate tax bills about a week after that.
Assessor, Scott Shipman reminds taxpayers that even though your home may have decreased in value recently because of the economy, don’t expect your tax bills to go down quite yet.
The real estate values reflected on your 2008 bill are based on the economic conditions which existed on Jan. 1, 2007. State law prohibits an increase or decrease in real estate assessments in even numbered years, such as 2008, unless the property had new construction or improvements.
The amount of tax you are charged has been determined by tax rates, set by the political subdivisions (such as school districts) and voted on by the people, and the assessed value. County Collector of Revenue, Michelle McBride, has no authority over the amount of the tax bill.
If a mortgage company or taxing service has requested the 2008 tax information, they will receive it electronically. If you escrow money for taxes, it is still your responsibility to make sure that the taxes are paid. All real estate owners in the county will get a tax statement and late payment penalties and interest apply to all taxpayers.
When you get your tax bill, make sure that the information is accurate and complete. To request changes to the items listed on a personal property tax bill, contact the Assessor’s Office at 636-949-7420. For address changes, call the Collector’s Office at 636-949-7470.
If you do not receive your tax bill by Nov. 15 (and lived in St. Charles County on Jan. 1, 2008) check the county website at www.sccmo.org to see if a bill exists for you or give the Collector’s Office a call.
Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the taxpayer of any tax liability imposed by law as stated in Section 52.240 RSMo. To prevent late payment penalties and interest, 2008 bills must be paid or postmarked on or before Dec. 31, 2008.
The Collector’s Office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays. The office does not close for lunch.
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