EATON — Brenda White, Preble County Treasurer, has announced payments for the first half 2022 real estate taxes can now be made. Property owners who have property that has been transferred within the past year should contact the Treasurer’s office regarding making payment.

“We have had some return mail from the post office. If you have not received your tax bill for the first half, please contact our office at 456-8140,” White said in a press release. “If you have forwarding mail and have not received your tax bill, please call our office.”

When sending in a tax payment, it is mandatory to return the treasurer’s stub with the payment.

For anyone needing assistance in paying their taxes, there are payment plan programs available.

The courthouse is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“If this is not a convenient time for you to pay in the office, you can pay at any local bank or bank branch during their business hours except for Fifth Third Bank and US Bank,” White said in the release. “You do not have to have an account at the bank to do this. Some banks may charge a fee. The banks can only receive payments if you have your tax stub with you. If the payment is mailed into the office and you want your receipt returned, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your entire notice and remittance. If you pay by credit card through the Auditor’s web page, make sure that you do it early. It takes 5 to 7 business days before we are notified. If we receive notification after Feb. 17, there will be a late fee charged.”

The taxes are due and payable by Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. There will not be an extension of time. Taxes not paid within one year from the due date are subject to foreclosure under Chapter 5721 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Property owners should note: Section 323.122 states any taxes paid after the due date will accrue a penalty and interest. Failure to receive a tax bill will not avoid such penalty and interest.

If any taxpayers have questions regarding their tax bill, they should call the Treasurer’s Office at 937-456-8140.