As the holiday season swings into full gear, not all traditions are about cheer and gifts. In San Diego County, the festive countdown has a fiscal twist: "The Twelve Days of Taxes." In a jingle-bell jolt, Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister is dashing through the dues, reminding property owners that the clock is ticking down to December 11, the deadline for property tax payments. This year, the collective tab hits a steep $8.63 billion—up $566 million from last year's already hefty sum of $8.1 billion, according to San Diego County Treasurer Tax Collector Official statements.
"The deadline to pay property taxes is twelve days away, so we call this time of year ‘The Twelve Days of Taxes' since there are twelve more days to pay without getting a penalty," McAllister said, as he laid out the terms of the payment period. San Diegans have been notified with over a million secured tax bills dispatched in early October, and those prefering the digital route can view and settle their bills at the county's online payment portal. With over 70% of taxpayers opting for the ease and security of electronic payments, the process promises to be "secure, fast, and easy" McAllister assured, as stated on the San Diego County Treasurer Tax Collector website.
For those reading between the lines of their billing statements, the first installment was actually due already on November 1 and will be stamped as delinquent post-December 11. Procrastinators beware: your next chance, the second installment, isn't due until February 1, 2024, with a delinquent stamp coming after April 10, 2024. "Property taxes fund essential county and city services," McAllister underscored the importance, highlighting that everything from public health to schools benefits from these dollars.
The seas aren't always friendly for those navigating the choppy waters of tax deadlines. Hence, the county offers varied payment options so that each resident can find an efficient means to dispatch their civic duty: pay online by e-check before the strike of midnight on December 11th, or mail a postmarked payment by the same date. For those who prefers a human touch, phone payments are accepted at 855-829-3773, and in-person payments can be made at any of the three branch offices by 5 pm on deadline day. Locations and further details, for those not content with a mere snippet here, are listed on the Treasurer-Tax Collector's website.
