Local property taxes still due by May 15

Local property taxes are due May 15, and penalties will still be imposed for late payments, according to Rock County Auditor Treasurer Ashley Kurtz.
She said state officials recently notified county auditors the annual payment date will not change amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“May 15 has to stay the date,” said auditor Ashley Kurtz.
However, counties can choose to waive or lessen normal late fees.
First half payments in Rock County will face the same late penalties as in the past, commissioners decided unanimously at their April 21 meeting.
“Property owners already planned on paying this,” said Commissioner Stan Williamson
Kurtz confirmed many first half property taxes, especially escrow payments, have already been received in the auditor’s office.
Once the May 15 taxes are collected, the auditor’s office divides the money between the county, cities, school districts and local townships for their 2020 operating budgets.
Property owners may still request an abatement on late tax penalties; however, commissioners have declined requests in the past unless the payment was postmarked before the due date when delivered by the post office.
Payment of second half property taxes due this fall may be handled differently, according to board discussion.