Tax deadline on Monday

SANDPOINT — The deadline for paying the first half of your 2004 property tax bill is Monday, Dec. 20.

To avoid a late charge and interest, please have your envelope postmarked by the due date. In most rural areas, you may need to take your envelope into the post office and specifically ask for it to be postmarked rather than dropping it in the box outside.

If your bill is for personal property, such as a mobile home or equipment, and you are unable to pay your first half taxes by the deadline, please call or visit the Bonner County Treasurer's Office by the Dec. 20 deadline. Extension applications must be completed and returned to the office by Dec. 20.

Approved extensions allow the first half payment to be paid later on April 20, 2005, without a warrant of distraint being issued by the Bonner County Sheriff's Office for collection.

The extension, however, does not excuse the late charge and accrued interest. Tax bills for real property, such as land and homes, do not have the same opportunity for extensions.

If you find yourself having difficulty and are three years delinquent, disabled, widowed, 65 or older, or have filed for bankruptcy, contact the Treasurer's Office for information regarding existing programs for assistance with your tax bill.

? The Treasurer's Office is located at 215 S. First Ave., Sandpoint. The office is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you have any questions or need assistance, call (208) 265-1433.