Author: Lower Southampton Township

Deborah Doneker addressed the public at the Board of Supervisors Meeting held on April 22nd regarding property tax payments:

Check Washing Concerns

There is an ongoing concern regarding individuals who engage in check washing.  These individuals are both clever and deliberate; they are aware of property tax deadlines, recognize the Tax Collector’s name, and understand that property tax payments are substantial amounts.  Their tactics often involve removing the Tax Collector’s name from the check, adding another name, and cashing it via mobile app or check-cashing businesses, without altering the written amount.  This makes fraudulent activity harder to detect.  If you write a check for $1,500 and see that $1,500 has been deducted from your account, you may assume your taxes have been paid.  However, it is only after receiving a late notice from the Tax Collector’s Office months later that you may review the transaction and discover the check was made out to someone other than the Tax Collector.  Remain vigilant and monitor your payments.

Recommended Payment Methods

The most secure way to pay your property taxes is in person.  The Tax Collector offers extended hours, which are posted online, on her voicemail, and on the windows of her office.  Additionally, for months with official deadlines – April, June, July, August, and October- the Tax Collector is available at her office from 10 AM to 2 PM on the Saturday preceding the deadline.  The Tax Collector also offers a secure mail slot on her door for after-hours drops.

Alternative Payment Options

If paying in person is not possible, the next best option is to use your personal online banking system’s Billpay feature.  Billpay allows you to send payments directly from your bank, and there are no fees charged for this service.  This method provides a reliable and convenient way to submit your property tax payments securely.

The Tax Collector has an online payment system; however, the processing company charges a 2.5% convenience fee for credit cards, which, at this time, will negate the 2% discount, and a $2.50 fee for eChecks.

Mailing Your Tax Payments

If you decide to mail your property tax payments, it is important to take an additional step to protect your transaction.  After your payment has cleared your bank account, access your banking records and carefully review the image of the cleared check.  By confirming the payee, you can ensure that your payment was not intercepted or stolen.  This simple verification process helps safeguard your property tax payment and provides peace of mind that your payment reached the intended recipient.