Property Tax Deadline Approaching

San Bernardino Tax Collector Oscar Valdez is encouraging property owners to pay the second installment of their property taxes by April 11 to avoid the 10% penalty. “Property taxes fund key public services that enhance the quality of life for our residents,” said Valdez. Property tax revenues collected by the Tax Collector are distributed to local government entities, including school districts, cities, libraries, special districts, and the County. These tax dollars are used to fund key public services including education, police and fire protection, social and public health services. Making a payment is simple for residents who have the option of paying online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Taxpayers can take advantage of online payment options at www.MyTaxCollector.com, making it easy, secure, and Simply A Better Way To Do Business®, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Internet and telephone payments can be made using a checking or savings account free of charge. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit card payments are also accepted, and include a convenience fee charged by the issuing bank. To make a payment by phone, property owners can call (909) 387-8308 or (760) 241-8829. If using online bill pay through a banking institution, taxpayers should contact their bank regarding procedures for ensuring timely payment of taxes and their bank’s use of USPS cancellation marks. These transactions often result in a mailed check. Payments received after April 11, 2016, without a USPS cancellation mark are considered late and incur the 10% penalty. Mailed payments should be sent to the Tax Collector’s Office, 268 West Hospitality Lane, First Floor, San Bernardino, Ca 92415-0360. Only payments with a USPS postmark cancellation on or before April 11, 2016, will be considered timely. Payments in person can be made by cash, check, or money order at 268 West Hospitality Lane, First Floor in San Bernardino, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The High Desert Government Center, located at 15900 Smoke Tree Street in Hesperia, will be accepting check payments Monday through Friday, April 1 through April 11, between 8 am and 5 pm. For faster service, please bring a copy of the tax bill.