No one likes to pay taxes, but property owners in Madison County may find it easier to make annual property tax payments starting next year.
County Treasurer Kelly Gaskill said a new program should be up and running to allow property owners to make monthly payments on property taxes through an agreement with Star Financial Bank.
“We’re modeling the program after Allen County,” Gaskill said. “There are currently five counties that accept monthly payments.”
Gaskill met with the Allen County Treasurer’s office which was the first in the state to implement the program. Howard County was the second Indiana county to adopt the system in 2011 and in the first few months 92 property owners had signed up for the program.
There is no charge to taxpayers to be a part of the program.
“We have a lot of people on fixed incomes,” Gaskill said.
The program is expected to begin Feb. 1. Taxpayers have to go online and create an account which transfers funds on a monthly basis to a Star Financial account. The system will also allow for one-time payments of property taxes or schedule the payments on May 10 and Nov. 10, the due date for payment.
“Realistically I hope 1,000 people sign-up for the program,” Gaskill said. “This is a benefit for people. As long as the monthly payment is made there are no penalties or interest charged.”
Rick Brown, chief deputy, said the system is currently being tested. He said once the system is operating taxpayers can set up accounts at www.treasurer.madisoncounty48.us
Gaskill said the Madison County Council and Madison County Commissioners have approved the concept.
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