Deadline nears for Okaloosa County property tax discount

FORT WALTON BEACH — The deadline for a 2 percent discount on property taxes in nearing.

Jan. 31 is the final day to receive the discount for early payment, according to Okaloosa County Tax Collector Ben Anderson.

“There are several payment options. One is to place it in the drop box at any of our six locations around the county. Another way is to visit any of our branches and have it processed by an agent. Or, the fastest, most convenient way to ensure those payments make it to our office by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, is to pay online using e-check. It’s free,” Anderson said in a news release.

“Paying online via our website is a secure transaction. Our website is easy to navigate and there’s no waiting in line.”

To pay property taxes online, visit www.OkaloosaTax.com.

Under the “Pay Online” section to the right of center, click “Taxes.” Then enter the name or property address and click search. Select your item and an icon will indicate if a payment is due, how much is owed and how to pay.

“The 2 percent early payment discount will apply to payments placed in our drop box or those postmarked by Jan. 31,” Anderson said.

Property taxes are delinquent after March 31.

“For those not already on the Installment Tax Payment Plan, I urge you to sign up by calling our office at 651-7300. This plan allows the taxpayer to spread out their property tax payments into four smaller tax payments over the year, which eases the burden of one lump sum payment,” Anderson said.

“By signing up for the Installment Tax Payment Plan, participants receive a 3.3 percent discount. It is just one of the many services we offer to make doing business with us something that will save time and money,” Anderson said.