The delinquent tax Law Firm hired by the local taxing entities, in coordination with local law enforcement, served multiple tax warrants on Wednesday June 28. Tax warrants are a legal tool that allow for the seizure of business personal property in order to satisfy delinquent property taxes. According to the Law Firm these warrants are vetted carefully and only used as a last resort. “We really try to do everything possible to work with these local businesses but that process is a two-way street.”
The seizures took place County wide with businesses located in each of the five (5) school districts. The total delinquency sought to be recovered exceeded $90,000 in tax, penalty and interest. Service of the warrants coincide with the stepped up collection efforts including the preparation of a partial list of delinquent taxpayers to be published in local media in the near future. “Over 90% of all property owners and businesses in Orange County pay their local property taxes timely. It is important and fair that the other 10% carry their share of that tax burden. That tax revenue is critical to insure basic services like police and fire protection, road, bridge and drainage maintenance and the education of children,” said Steve Bird.
Karen Fisher the Orange County Tax Assessor Collector encouraged anyone who may be having a difficult time making their tax payment to contact her office and work out some type of agreement. “This office is dedicated to making every effort to work with our local taxpayers who may be experiencing a hardship. It is important that anyone that is behind on the payment of their taxes contact our office and work out a repayment plan.” Contact can be made in person at either the Tax Office in Orange at 123 S.6th Street or in Vidor at 155 Wilson, online at http://www.co.orange.tx.us or by mail at P.O. Box 1568, Orange 77631-1568.
The Law Firm confirmed that the list for publication is nearing completion but emphasized that the list, which will be complied from public information, will not include accounts that have a repayment plan. “We will not be including any delinquent taxpayer who is making a good faith effort to repay their taxes and has entered into a repayment plan.”
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