Don’t shoot the messenger

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if you own a home or business property, your property taxes are due – and must be postmarked by – Monday, Jan. 31. However, with more than 160 new residents flooding into Travis County every day, all of that extra mailed-in paperwork has the tax office and the postal service scrambling to keep up. That’s why Travis County is urging residents to pay their taxes online using the simple eCheck system available at TravisCountyTax.org. It costs only a buck and instantly emails you a proof of payment receipt. Child’s play! As Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector Bruce Elfant explains, “There are other ways to pay, but eCheck provides a contactless way to pay your taxes and is much safer than mailing in your payment.” Too scared to open your property tax bill? You’re not alone.