2023 Howell County tax statements are in the mail and County Collector Janet Crow is drawing residents’ attention to a new, updated look to this year’s forms. Crow’s office began mailing the statements today.
Crow highlights two changes in particular that she believes will be helpful for taxpayers. The first, pertaining to individual tax districts, provides complete descriptions so that taxpayers can better understand where their individual dollars are being distributed. Taxpayers will now be able to see that their taxes have been allocated to specific entities, Crow explained, for example: state, Howell County general fund, Howell County Health Department and more variable taxing districts such as school districts, ambulance districts and libraries.
The second big change Crow pointed out is found in the top right corner of each individual statement and shows five payment options: The secure drop box on the east side of the collector’s office, 35 Court Square, available anytime through midnight Dec. 31; an 800 phone number to dial and follow instructions that are tailored to individual callers to pay through a third-party system, as the collector’s office does not take credit or debit cards by phone; online at www.howellcountycollector.com; by mail for checks only, no cash; and in person by cash, check or credit or debit card, at the collector’s office. Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays except for Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the Friday that follows, and Christmas Day.
Receipts will be mailed to those who pay by phone or by mail; those who settle their accounts online can go back into the online search option to save or print a receipt, said Crow. Anyone paying by credit or debit card should note there are fees assessed by the card processing company: credit card fees of 2.45%, or a minimum of $1.55, and VISA debit card fees of $4.
Crow offers some helpful tips to expedite transactions, starting with having the tax statement handy when paying. Property owners who notice a discrepancy on their personal property statement should visit the county assessor’s office first, also in the county office building.
Anyone who purchased or sold real estate in 2023 and is unclear as to who is responsible for the tax burden should consult their title company or closing documents, Crow pointed out.
“Finally, in reference to the senior tax credit, SB190,” she concluded, “the [Howell County] Commission is working on a process and a plan to implement the new law. The information will be coming soon, but it does not apply to the 2023 tax season. We hope the changes we have made are beneficial to the citizens of Howell County. We appreciate your patience and kindness during tax season!”
