Special to The Leader

Property taxes are normally due on January 31 but because this year the 31^st falls on the weekend, the law considers payments timely if paid in the office or postmarked on the next regular business day. The tax office will be accepting payments on Monday, February 1, without penalty and interest. Because the February 1 postmark is crucial to avoid penalty and interest, taxpayers need to be aware of the last pick-up time posted for the mailbox or have a post office clerk personally stamp the mail.

Payments can be made at the Orange Tax Office located at 123 South 6^th Street in Orange or the Vidor Tax Office at 155 Wilson in Vidor. Drop boxes located outside the front entrances are available for ‘after hour’ payments. Taxpayers also have the option of paying online by going to www.co.orange.tx.us/taxoffice and clicking on ‘Tax Records and Tax Payments Online’. The credit card service provider charges a fee of 2.5 percent of the total tax being paid or $1.50 if paid by an E-Check.

Taxpayers who qualify under the homestead exemption of 65 or older, disabled, or disabled veteran or their surviving spouses, are eligible to set up a tax payment plan of four equal payments. Please call the office for additional information.

For inquires, contact the tax office at (409) 882-7971 or (409) 769-0064.