Jasper Residents Can Now Pay Taxes Using Credit and Debit Cards

Jasper county residents can now enjoy an easier and more convenient way of paying their taxes. The county has recently announced that they will be accepting credit cards or debit cards for tax payments.

Steve Holt, a tax collector in Jasper County, said that if all county taxes will be paid this year, they would be able to raise $65 million in tax revenues. So far, his office has finished mailing 2009 tax bills, which will all be due on Dec. 31, 2009.

This is the first time this year that the county will be accepting payments using debit cards, which comes with a minimal $2 charge. Holt initially negotiated a flat rate with companies who would facilitate debit card payments. However, after the tax forms were printed, the companies involved informed him that there have been changes in their policies and that they would instead charge the county 1.5% from the total bills collected.

His office was also successful in asking card issuers to help the county collect tax payments. Holt was also able to convince credit card companies to lower their interest fees from 3.9% to 3%. He added that the fees tax payers would be paying for credit and debit card payments would all go directly to credit card companies and not a cent would end up in county coffers.

Under this new program, if a resident decides to use his credit card to pay a $500 bill, he will be charged a $15 fee, while if he pays using his debit card, he would have to pay a $7.50 processing fee.

For people who do not have enough funds to pay for their entire tax bill, the county has announced that it will accept partial payments. It is important to note though that charges and fees on late payments will be applied to a taxpayer's total tax bill.

Jasper County's tax bills represent the total personal and real estate taxes that have been duly assessed by taxing entities accredited by the county. This year, ten public schools will be the main beneficiaries of the county's tax proceeds.

Jasper County's tax collections go towards the upkeep of different state entities including school districts, the state of Missouri, cities, road and fire districts and county boards that reach out to mentally disabled residents.

Residents have the option of paying county taxes in various ways. People can mail check payments or proceed to collector's offices located in Carthage or at Sixth Street and Pearl Avenue in Joplin. Residents can also place tax payments in drop boxes stationed around the city.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a financial consultant for one of the companies listed on Wall Street. He writes on a variety of topics ranging from credit cards to different loans that can be availed by consumers. He holds a bachelor degree in Financial Services from Dartmouth College.