2015 taxes are due Jan. 31

The Donley County Appraisal District reminds everyone that January 31 is the legal deadline to pay your 2015 property tax without penalty and interest, unless the date falls on a holiday or weekend.

That means your payment will still be considered timely if paid or postmarked by Monday, February 1, 2016. If payment is not received or postmarked by that date, a seven percent penalty and interest fee will attach and also become due.

There are several payment options available. You may make your payment in the appraisal office at 304 S. Kearney or send your payment by mail to PO Box 1220, Clarendon, TX 79226.

Taxpayers can also visit the website at www.donleycad.org and make your payment online. Credit card payments have a transaction processing fee.

If you have qualified for the over 65 or the disabled person exemption, you may pay your taxes in four installments without penalty and interest fees. To avoid penalties and interest on each installment amount, you must pay the installments before February 1, April 1, June 1, and August 1.

The appraisal district will mail a Confidential Business Personal Property Rendition to business owners this month.

Fill out the rendition, listing the January 1, 2016 business inventories, furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment and vehicles and return the form to the office by April 15. A rendition received after the filing deadline is subject to additional fees for late filing.

The rendition forms were redesigned by the Comptroller’s office last year, so let the office know if you have questions. Contact the district at (806) 874-2744.

As you are concentrating on paying your 2015 tax amount this month, the 2016 appraisal of your property is already well under way. Field appraisers are inspecting properties, updating property records, requesting information on recent sales, and analyzing sales data.

The appraisal district will be looking closely at market changes reflected in sales prices and rental rates in preparation for the January 1, 2016 valuation of your property.