HOUSTON – October 15, 2007 - Harris County Tax Assessor - Collector Paul Bettencourt announces that the Tax Office has completed its consolidation of property tax collection services for the North Forest Independent School District and Deer Park Independent School District.

       “The Tax Office will now collect approximately $134 million for both North Forest ISD and Deer Park ISD,” said Bettencourt. “By consolidating tax offices, nearly 50,000 additional taxpayers will now get just one tax bill, instead of two,” Bettencourt added.

       Both school boards passed resolutions having the Harris County Tax Office take over their property tax collection for 2007. These two ISD’s have joined the states largest school district, HISD, who’s Tax Office combined with the County in 2006.

       The North Forest ISD and Deer Park ISD have already closed their Tax Offices. The Harris County Tax Office will bill North Forest ISD and Deer Park ISD’s 2007 property taxes. Recent delinquent tax bill notices refer taxpayers to the Tax Office, who is now collecting all delinquent tax payments for the districts, along with their delinquent tax attorney firms.

        “These school district’s property taxpayers will now be able to get ‘Online instead of in line’ 24/7/365 to pay their school property taxes,” said Bettencourt. “Taxpayers can use any combination of credit cards and/or e-Checks online at www.hctax.net or may choose to pay their full amount of taxes over the phone at 713-368-CARD. The bottom line is consolidation of the North Forest ISD and Deer Park ISD’s property tax bill into the combined Harris County bill will save taxpayers time and governments money over the long term,” Bettencourt added.

        For individual property tax assistance, North Forest ISD and Deer Park ISD taxpayers may visit any of our 16 Tax Office branches or call 713-368-2000. For online help anytime, information is available on the Tax Office Web site at www.hctax.net

                                                                
         
                                                        ###

Back to Homepage      Previous Press Releases