L.A. County Property Taxes Due Monday

This announcement is from Mark J. Saladino, Los Angeles County treasurer and tax collector, reminding property owners in Los Angeles County that property taxes are due today, Dec. 12:

Since December 10 falls on a weekend, the first installment of the 2011-12 property taxes becomes delinquent if payment is not received by 5:00 p.m. or United States Postal Service (USPS) postmarked before midnight on December 12, 2011.

“To avoid late penalties, taxpayers should not wait until the  statutory deadline; please pay early," says Treasurer and Tax Collector Saladino.

Taxpayers who send their payments by mail are cautioned that the USPS or independent delivery service  often does not postmark envelopes on the day they are deposited in the mail. lf mailing on or near the December 12 delinquency date, be sure to obtain a hand cancellation or Certificate of Mailing.  ONLY official USPS postmarks are acceptable as proof of mailing; the date shown by a postage meter or electronic postage is not legally acceptable as proof of mailing.

To ensure proper processing of payments, make checks payable to the Los Angeles County Tax  Collector and include the appropriate first installment payment stub marked "1". Substitute Secured Property Tax Bills can be obtained from the Treasurer and Tax Col|ector’s Office or any local Assessor’s Office.

The amount due on any parcel can also be obtained from the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s website at http://ttc.lacounty.gov, or call the toll free Property Tax information Line at 1(888) 807-2111, where automated information is available 24 hours a day.

Taxpayers can pay online by going to the Treasurer and Tax Collector's website at http://ttc.lacounty.gov, or to the property tax web portal at http://lacountypropertytax.com select “Make Online Payment.” To make an online payment, you will need a checking account for an electronic payment (eCheck) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that is printed on the original bill. There is no fee to pay by eCheck.

Additionally, American Express, Master Card and Visa payments are accepted online and by telephone. No pre-registration is required. To make a credit card payment, call toll free at 1(888) 473-0835 or visit our website at http://ttc.lacounty.gov. Also, you can visit the property tax web portal at http://lacountypropertytax.com and select “Make Online Payment." A service fee is charged by a third-party vendor to utilize this service. Each transaction is limited to $24,999.99.

When property owners have completed their online payment transaction, a confirmation number will be provided as verification of payment, which can be printed for their records.

Payments can be made in person at the following location:

Los Angeles County

Treasurer and Tax Collector Office Hours:

225 North Hill Street, First Floor 8:00 am. to 5:00 p.m.

Los Angeles, California 90012 Monday through Friday

On December 9 and 12, 2011, Treasurer and Tax Collector personnel will also receive payments at the Lancaster Office; the address is noted below. Personnel will be available to resolve tax problems, provide Substitute Tax Bills and Statements of Prior Year Taxes. All payments must be made by check or money order. No cash payments can be accepted at this location.

Treasurer and Tax Collector Office Hours:

335A East Avenue K-6 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m,

Lancaster, California 93535