Sussex County begins issuing annual property tax bills

Georgetown, Del., Aug. 8, 2016: Sussex County property owners should keep their eyes peeled for more than those Pokémon characters that have been all the digital rage this summer. Something far more important is out there: their 2017 County tax bills.

Each August, Sussex County government issues tens of thousands of tax bills for the more than 175,000 parcels in the county, with revenue collected funding a variety of local public services. The County’s Billing Services office has begun issuing tax bills for the 2017 fiscal year, totaling an estimated $132 million in tax revenue. Bills will be issued throughout the month of August, both by standard mail and electronically. Payment is due by Sept. 30.

Tax bills feature an easy-to-read format to help taxpayers better understand their bills and payment options, a number of which are available for the public’s convenience. A tutorial explaining how to view account information and make payments is available on the County’s website, at sussexcountyde.gov/property-tax-portal-tutorial.

“Paying bills are one of those unwelcomed chores in life, but Sussex County tries to make it as seamless and easy a process as possible,” County Finance Director Gina A. Jennings said. “Whether it’s paying with a credit card online, accepting checks by mail, or taking payment directly through lenders, the County offers a number of convenient methods for taxpayers.”

The County will mail 139,602 paper copies, while 36,713 bills will be sent electronically to mortgage lenders, requiring no paper or postage. Property owners not receiving a paper bill and who have a current escrow account should check with their lenders to ensure billing has occurred. Property owners can view their tax bills online in an information portal, and those who no longer receive a statement still can request a paper copy of their account’s status, if needed. 

Annual tax bills include County property taxes, and County sewer and water, tax ditch and street lighting fees, where applicable. Additionally, tax bills include local school district taxes, which are collected by the County but turned over to the State. Delaware law requires Sussex County to bill property owners for school taxes on behalf of the eight public school districts. Approximately 11 percent of the typical residential tax bill is for County property taxes.

Sussex County accepts tax payments by cash, check, money order, and debit or credit cards. Taxpayers have different options to make their payments. These include:

THROUGH LENDER

Many taxpayers have their annual taxes paid out of escrow accounts by their mortgage lenders. Escrow customers do not receive paper bills. However, billed amounts are available online by visiting sussexcountyde.gov/pay-your-bill and selecting the “Sussex County Self Service site” link on the page. If escrow customers have any questions regarding the status of their accounts, they should contact their lenders.

ONLINE

Payment can be made online with most major credit cards or by e-check. Please visit sussexcountyde.gov and select “Online Payment” at the top right of the page.

BY MAIL

Property owners can mail their tax payments using the return envelopes included with their bills. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “Sussex County Government” and addressed to the Sussex County Treasury Division, PO Box 429, Georgetown, DE 19947. All payments sent by mail must be postmarked by Sept. 30 to be considered received on time. Unpaid balances are subject to monthly interest charges.

IN PERSON OR BY TELEPHONE

The County’s payment center is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The office is located on the first floor of the County Administrative Offices building, 2 The Circle, in Georgetown. A convenient and secure after-hours payment drop box also is available, located in the lobby. For those making payment by telephone, call 1-866-791-9802. Callers must have their annual tax bill available when making a telephone payment

For more information or general questions, please call (302) 855-7871.

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Media Contact

Chip Guy, Communications Director
(302) 854-5000