Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen M. Scalise CPA, CFE has announced first half 2011 real estate tax bills will be mailed starting Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

The closing date for payment will be Friday, February 17, 2012 with the exception of military personnel. Property taxes are deferred for military reservists who are on active duty. Applications can be obtained by calling 330-643-2641 or visiting Military Assistance

There are several ways for taxpayers to make payment:

1. Taxes can be paid at the Fiscal Office treasurer division, on the 3rd floor of the Ohio Building in downtown Akron at 175 S. Main Street from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
2. Taxes may also be paid through the Regional Tax Collection System. A list of participating banks is included on your tax bill. Checks must be made payable to the banking institution.
3. Tax payments can be mailed. Those payments must be U.S. postmarked by February 17, 2012 to avoid the statutory 10% penalty for late payment. A private meter is not valid for establishing the date of payment.
4. Credit Card or e-Check: You can pay your tax bill with MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express or electronic check by phone or our secure on-line service. Payments are processed by Official Payments Corporation, which charges a service fee of up to 3% for credit cards and $2 for an electronic check. To pay by phone call Official Payments Corporation at 1-800-2PAY-TAX (1-800-272-9829). Follow the instructions on the recorded message. You will need to know the jurisdiction code for Summit County, which is 4596.

Fiscal Officer Scalise reminds taxpayers that first half 2011 real estate tax bills are available on-line. Choose Property Tax & Appraisal.

The Tax Installment Program will be available again this year for homeowners. Fiscal Officer Scalise said homeowners who pay their real estate taxes directly to the Fiscal Office, but cannot pay the full first half amount due, can avoid late payment penalties by enrolling in the TIP. To be eligible all taxes and assessments must be current. The deadline to sign up is February 17, 2012, also the last day to pay first half 2011 real estate taxes. Call 330-643-2678 for more information.

The Fiscal Office continues to offer various plans to assist in the payment of delinquent taxes. Any taxpayer who is delinquent should call 330-643-2600.

We remind all taxpayers that Ohio law states it is their responsibility to obtain and pay their tax bill on time. If you have not received a tax bill by the end of January, call 330-643-2588 or call our toll-free number at 1-888-388-5613, Contact Us or visit our website and print your own bill. Simply follow the prompts and print instructions. You must call before the February 17, 2012 deadline to avoid the statutory 10% penalty.