WOODSFIELD — The county treasurer’s office was recently recognized by the Ohio Auditor of State for a new program that allows taxpayers to authorize automatic withdrawal payments from their bank accounts.
Last week, county Treasurer Taylor Abbott’s office received a “Good Government Spotlight” from Auditor of State Keith Faber’s office. The recognition highlights different entities in the state for positive work in their communities. Abbott was honored for his office to receive the recognition.
“I didn’t expect it. I’m just trying to make it as easy as possible for taxpayers to pay their taxes. For us — my office and staff — to be recognized for their efficiency, it is very humbling and we’re honored,” he said.
Abbott said the office recently began offering a new payment option to taxpayers for more convenience. The county has begun offering the ACH, or automated clearing house, option allows for automatic payment deductions from a taxpayer’s bank account free of charge. He said there are three ways taxpayers can use this option — monthly, semi-annually or annually for real estate or manufactured home taxes.
“It’s an efficient way to collect taxes and gives peace of mind to the taxpayers knowing that the money is being paid out each month and is being put into an escrow account that gets held until the money gets applied when taxes come due,” he said.
Monthly payments allow residents to make a smaller payment each month to go toward their overall tax bill. The specified amount of money will be automatically withdrawn each month and held in escrow until the next collection cycle opens.
This is a great option for those with delinquent payments that will help get the person current, Abbott said. He said his staff calculates a monthly amount the person can afford with a percentage going to the delinquency and the remainder going to escrow.
“In order to be on a delinquent payment plan, you have to stay current on your taxes going forward. … They’re staying current and their delinquency is getting paid down. Everybody is happy,” he added.
Abbott said around 50 people have signed up for the new option since it was launched earlier this month. The office had originally planned to implement it next year, but because it had such a positive response, the staff decided to launch it early.
“We have some in each category — some that are annual, some that are semi-annual and we have a lot who are doing the monthly escrow. … We’re always looking to keep things efficient and modernized. The world is changing fast, and we want to keep up with it,” he said.
Abbott said he is currently working with several other counties to help them make the option available to residents.
In addition to the automatic payments, taxpayers can also pay in-person with cash, check, credit/debit card, online, over the phone, or use a drive-through deposit box. For more information on the service or to enroll, contact the treasurer’s office at 740-472-1521.
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August 21, 2021 at 11:30AM
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Monroe County Treasurer's Office recognized for new payment program - Martins Ferry Times Leader
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