Kingwood residents can now view their property tax statements online and pay them by several convenient options including online, by phone, in person or by mail. As of 11/11/09 more than 850,000 property tax statements were sent out in the mail to area residents to arrive by November 23, and approximately 1.55 million statements will eventually be received.

Payments can be made online at http://www.hctax.net/ to the Harris County Tax Office. Online payments can be made using credit or debit cards, or by e-check. They can also be made by calling 1-713-368-CARD (2273), or by mail. Leo Vasquez, Tax Assessor-Collector reminds citizens, “As always, persons may pay their taxes by mail or in person at any of the 16 Harris county Tax Office branches. But remember that we also offer other convenient payment options.” The Tax office will also accept partial payments if needed.

The Harris County Tax Office collects the funds, records the money, then disburses it appropriately to local entities to ensure they are able to stay open and continue offering services to the public. They expect to collect over 4$ billion in funds for the 2009 tax year which will be disbursed to local entities ranging from municipal governments to local schools.

Vasquez also wants to make taxpayers aware of the many exemptions available to Harris County residents. “Several of the exemptions available to property taxpayers are applicable even if you forgot to apply for them before today’s date,” Vasquez explained.

Some exemptions available to Harris County taxpayers include:

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• Active duty military personnel tax deferral & waiver
• Homestead
• Over-65 homestead
• Disabled homeowner
• Disabled veteran
• Religious or charitable organization

For more information visit the Harris County Tax Office website at www.hctax.net