Tax Claim Bureau clarifies authority to waive penalties and interests

County tax officials have responded to questions regarding the procedure that taxpayers can follow to have penalties and interest waived on delinquent property tax bills.

"With the recent change in the tax billing schedule - specifically the mailing of county/township tax bills in March and school tax bills in August, we have seen an increase in inquiring regarding these fees," Tax Claim Director Phil Gilbert said.

Municipal tax collectors and the Tax Claim Bureau do not have the legal authority to waive these fees.

"Our role, as collectors, is to collect taxes on behalf of the individual taxing bodies," Gilbert said.

He explained that if a taxpayer wishes to request that these fees be waived they must "submit their request directly to the specific taxing body (county, municipality or school district) to which the fees are owed."

The request must be made in writing and detail the reason for the request. Should a request be approved, the taxing body will notify the tax collector who can then adjust the bill. If a bill has already been paid, there will be no refund.

"To ensure a consistent and clear message for taxpayers, please direct all future inquiries about waiving penalties and interest to the appropriate taxing body," Gilbert said. "This will prevent unnecessary confusion and frustration for the public and ensure that requests are handled by the proper authorities.