With the 2018 tax season upon us, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has announced plans to offer new, extended weekend hours for tax collection on the last three Saturday’s in December at the County’s Independence courthouse location only.
The Historic Truman Courthouse, located at 112 W. Lexington in Independence, will be open from 8 a.m. – Noon on December 15, December 22 and December 29. Taxpayers can visit the Truman Courthouse during those times to make in-person tax payments, obtain a copy of their bill or ask questions.
“This is proof of our continued commitment to make this process as effective and efficient as possible,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Under the leadership of Director of Collection Whitney Miller, and her dedicated, well-trained Associates, we can enhance the customer service experience by adding new, extended weekend hours to our list of payment opportunities.”
Payment Options
• Online – To save time and avoid lines, taxpayers are encouraged to pay online via credit card, debit card or electronic check (E-Check). Online payments must be submitted by 11 p.m. on December 31 to avoid penalty.
• Mail – Taxpayers can simply mail their payment to the address on their bill. Payments must be received or USPS postmarked by December 31 to avoid penalty.
• In Person – All forms of payment are accepted in person at the Department of Collection Offices at the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City (415 E. 12th Street) and the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence during regular business hours. New, extended weekend hours are only available at the courthouse in Independence.
• Drop Box – Drop boxes for property tax payments will be located at the west door of the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City and at the front door of the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence. Do not place cash in either drop box.
The Department of Collection mailed nearly 500,000 tax bills during the month of November. Individuals who don’t receive a bill are still responsible for paying their taxes. Those who haven’t received a bill by December 2 should check their account online, call the Department of Collection at (816) 881-3232 or visit in person to find out the amount due.
What to Bring
• In-Person Payment – Taxpayers must bring their form of payment and their tax bill. If they don’t have a tax bill, they can visit the Department of Collection to have one printed. Taxpayers can also look up their account online and print the bill to avoid additional wait time.
• Online Payment – Taxpayers simply need their form of payment. Individuals paying by electronic check will need the pin number located in the top right corner of the tax bill.
“The best way to avoid any issues is to not wait until the last minute. We understand people are busy and can’t always get to the courthouse during business hours,” said Whitney Miller, Director of Collection. “Our goal with extended weekend hours is to alleviate that stress for our customers by providing another level of convenience to navigate and complete this process. We are here to help.”
All taxes are due by the end of the year. Jackson County offers relief for seniors through its Senior Citizen Quad Payment Program, which allows them to pay their County real estate tax bills over four equal installments in a year, if they meet the qualifications. The one-page application can picked up in person or online. Individuals can also call (816) 881-3232 to have an application mailed to them.
For additional questions, visit the Department of Collection webpage, email collections@jacksongov.org, call the Taxpayer Services Unit at (816) 881-3232 or visit in person at the county courthouse in Kansas City or Independence.
