Property taxes preserve vital services

DAYTON–The Columbia County Treasurer’s Office reminds property owners to pay property taxes in a timely manner to ensure funding of vital community services. The first half is due by April 30, 2020.

To respond to the economic impacts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Columbia County encourages property owners to pay property taxes as early in April as possible. It is essential to maintain a base to help fund the needs of the community now and, in the months, to come.

Annual property tax collection is split into two payments, with due dates at the end of April and October. The due date for the first half of property taxes remains April 30 for tax parcels in Columbia County. Taxpayers who are financially able, are encouraged to pay the full year amount in April.

According to County Treasurer Carla Rowe, property taxes fund essential services in state and local government, including the City of Dayton, Columbia County, public health, local schools, fire districts, the hospital district and other districts.

In response to the COVID-19 emergency, most county offices, including the treasurer’s office is currently closed to the public. Taxpayers are encouraged to mail their payments, ensuring the postmark is on or before April 30 to prevent delinquent penalties and interest.

Checks or cashier’s checks may be mailed to PO Box 24, Dayton, WA 99328, or placed in the ballot box located in the courthouse parking lot to the west of the building. Receipts will only be mailed if requested. Please include the payment coupon or owner ID number located on the top right corner of statement.

Cash should not be placed in the drop box. If a cash payment must be made, please call the office between 8:30-4:30 weekdays to arrange an appointment for payment.

Taxes may also be paid, by a debit or credit card with a transaction fee, through the county web page or by calling the office.

Electronic check, debit or credit card payments also can be set up online through eNoticesOnline with the instructions included with tax statement.

In accordance and under the state law, RCW 84.56.020(10), which states “During a state of emergency declared under RCW 43.06.020(12), the county treasurer, on his or her own motion or at the request of any taxpayer affected by the emergency, may grant extensions of the due date of any taxes payable under this section as the treasurer deems proper.”

Taxpayers who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are in need of assistance are asked to contact the Treasurer’s Office at 509-382-2641.