The deadline to pay property taxes without penalty is August 31, the City of Oak Ridge said in a press release.
“With this date quickly approaching, we encourage you to stop by the business office to pay your taxes directly,†the press release said. “You can do so between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or you can drop them in the night depository located outside the building at 200 South Tulane Avenue.â€
Payment by credit card is also accepted at the counter and on the city’s website. A 3 percent convenience fee is assessed to all credit card transactions to offset the cost of the program.
The municipal staff cautioned that a relatively small number of property owners may not receive a tax notice.
“There are several reasons why this may happen,†the press release said. “For example, by law, property tax bills are mailed to the owner of record as of January 1; if the property has changed ownership since that date, the new owner may not receive the notice. Failure to receive notice may also be attributed to address changes and delivery issues.â€
Regardless of the ability of the city’s Utility Business Office to deliver the notice, it is still the responsibility of the property owner to make the payment in a timely manner, the press release said. If someone has not received a tax bill by now, they should contact the City’s Utility Business Office immediately.
Unfortunately, Tennessee state law is very restrictive, and there is little that can be done to help someone who did not receive a notice or who received it late. The last day to make tax payments without penalty is August 31. Penalties start to accrue on September 1, 2016, the press release said.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your tax bill, please contact the tax specialist at (865) 425-3404.
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