determination. When your tax bill is due, it is quite frankly: due. In many cases you are given up to ten days after the due date to make payment, but going beyond that means your taxes are in arrears and you will face penalties and interest charges. Let this go on too long and the municipality could place a lien on your home, even force you into foreclosure. That is one reason why most locales require you to make monthly property tax payments with your mortgage payment. In addition, you could be required to carry an escrow amount to cover your upcoming property taxes. In this situation, the mortgage company will send payment to your municipality on your behalf. Should your home be under construction, then the taxes you are paying will be estimated by the municipality. Once construction has been completed a corrected copy of your tax bill will be sent to you. If there is a shortage involved, you may be required to write out a check on the spot for the shortfall or spread that amount over the next several months up to one year. If there is an error with your property taxes or you believe you are paying too much, you must follow the procedures listed on the bill to respond accordingly. If there are no instructions given, simply call the phone number on your invoice to speak with a clerk in the tax office. You may be able to speak with the tax collector who can go over your bill with you. If there is still a disagreement, you can protest your bill formally and go through a court hearing to air your case. If you lose, you will be expected to pay whatever charges have been levied.


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