Now is the time for Colorado County Treasurers to aggressively collect delinquent property taxes.
In August, we contact our current “investors.” These are the people who have paid the property taxes for others in years past, for which they have received a 10 percent interest rate on those taxes and fees. On real estate, after three years of paying the tax for someone else, they can apply for a “Treasurer’s Deed,” thus taking possession of the property. Most re-up for this investment – for the money, not necessarily for the property.
September and October is when delinquent property taxes become really expensive, if not paid. During these months, county treasurers are required by law to publish lists of delinquent taxes in the local paper. The Durango Herald sets the rate, not the county, and this money goes to the Herald, not the county. These fees are added to the delinquent tax bill. Good for investors, bad for delinquent tax payers. This one additional fee can turn a $20 tax bill into a $200 tax bill!
The publication serves two purposes: 1) It is an additional notification to taxpayers to pay their taxes, and 2) It informs people who want to invest in tax liens how they can do so.
Nov. 2, 2017, is the date set for the annual tax lien sale. In La Plata County, this auction is online, an innovation introduced two years ago to save taxpayer dollars. The auction costs are added to the delinquent tax bill. Again, this is good news for investors, bad for the delinquent taxpayer.
For those interested in investing in tax liens, please call the county treasurer’s office for more information and webinar training dates. For those interested in avoiding more fees being added to their delinquent tax bill, also call the treasurer’s office. We want to assist you in paying your property taxes before these additional fees get added.
The La Plata County Treasurer’s office is now fully staffed with qualified accountants. Stop by at 1160 Main Ave., or call 382-6352. We are at your service.
Allison Aichele La Plata County Treasurer
Durango
