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The Travis County
Tax Office created this web site to provide our citizens with pertinent
information regarding property tax, voter registration, and vehicle registration.
In an effort to be thorough we are also including the following list of
frequently asked questions.
If you did not find any information you needed
please contact the Travis County Tax Office.
We will be happy to help you.
I keep receiving Texas Tolltag tickets for a vehicle
that I sold. What can I do?
Report vehicle sales when you cannot transfer the
title in person with seller. Use this form
and send to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Who do I make checks payable to?
Checks should be made payable to Nelda Wells
Spears.
Is my personal information, including credit card
number kept on file? How is my data protected?
All personal and credit card information processed
through Government Payments is encrypted to maintain confidentiality
of customer information. To further protect your data, Travis County
does not receive any credit card information as a result of your
transaction.
Why is there a fee for paying
online?
Is there a charge for paying with a credit card or electronic check?
Online payments were requested several years ago by
the citizens and taxpayers of Travis County. To fulfill this request
a third party, Easy Access Inc, was contracted. The fee for paying online
is based on the cost of developing and maintaining this web site. The
convenience fee of 3% of the payment is collected from those who opt
to utilize this service. If you use a credit card online the charge
on your statement will be notated by the words Government Payments.
If you use an electronic check the fee is based on the amount you are
paying (see chart below). The charge on your
bank statement will be notated by the words Government Payments.
When will I receive a receipt for taxes paid?
An official receipt for taxes paid in full will be
mailed within a week of the payment confirmation provided by the
online service.
Whom should I contact if there is a problem when I
try to pay online?
You may be able to resolve the problem. Check this
chart for technical help. If you need to speak with someone, call
for technical assistance at (512) 854-9473 or send an email to tax_office@co.travis.tx.us
Whom should I call if I cannot find the parcel
(account) number that I need to pay?
Contact the Travis County Tax Office at (512) 854-9473
or send an email to tax_office@co.travis.tx.us
How can I tell that taxes are paid after paying online?
The online system is real time, meaning as soon as
you pay taxes, the account will show paid. If you do not receive a transaction
payment screen to download, you may simply exit the payment screen and
access your account from the beginning. If you were successful in making
payment, the account will show paid.
For a detailed description of the Texas Property Tax System, access
Property
Taxpayer Remedies a publication provided by the State Comptroller.
What are the payment deadlines to receive a December
receipt?
Property
Tax Payment Methods & Deadlines for a December 2009 Receipt |
| Pay With |
Online* |
By Phone ** |
Mail *** |
In Person**** |
Drop Box***** |
| credit card |
X |
X |
|
X |
|
| electronic check |
X |
|
|
|
|
| personal check |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
| cashier's check |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
| money order |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
| cash |
|
|
|
X |
|
| Western Union |
online at westernunion.com |
|
|
|
|
| LATEST TIME TO PAY IS: |
Thursday 12/31/09 Midnight, Central Standard Time |
Thursday 12/31/09 5:30 p.m., Central Standard Time |
Postmarked
12/31/09 |
Thursday 12/31/09 5:30 p.m., Central Standard Time |
Thursday 12/31/09 Midnight, Central Daylight Time |
* www.traviscountytax.org
** (512) 854 9473
*** Travis County Tax Office / P. O. Box 149328 /
Austin, TX 78714-9328
**** There are five office locations available for
tax payment. See
this page for locations and hours.
***** Find two bright red drop boxes for checks or
money orders ONLY (no credit cards accepted) at the main office, 5501
Airport Boulevard
NOTE: Credit card use requires 3% convenience fee.
Electronic check fee based on amount, maximum fee is $40.
How do I get a copy of my tax bill?
Access
the search page and use name, address or account number to locate
the tax record. You may use owner name, address, mailing address, the
billing number or account number.
What methods of payment are acceptable for property
taxes ONLINE?
You may pay with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American
Express or Electronic Check. Please note: electronic check payment method
generates a request to the taxpayer's bank to send a check to the tax
office.
Is there a charge for paying with a credit card or
electronic check?
A convenience fee of 3% of the payment amount will
be charged to use credit card service online. Payment with electronic
check online is based on the amount paid (see chart
below). The fee for paying online is based on costs associated with
developing and maintaining the web site. The third party contracted
by Travis County to provide this service is Government Payments. Online
payment for property taxes was requested several years ago by taxpayers
and in January, 2002 the service began in Travis County. Those who choose
to use it are the only ones paying for it. In other words, if you don't
use it, you are not picking up the tab for others to do so.
| $0.01 to $100.00 |
$3.00 |
| $100.01 to $300.00 |
$6.00 |
| $300.01 to $500.00 |
$8.00 |
| $500.01 to $1,000.00 |
$10.00 |
| $1,000.01 to $2,000.00 |
$12.00 |
| $2,000.01 to $5,000.00 |
$14.00 |
| $5,000.01 to $10,000.00 |
$16.00 |
| $10,000.01 to $20,000.00 |
$20.00 |
| $20,000.01 plus |
$40.00 |
How do I confirm payment? How soon is the online data
updated?
A receipt will be displayed on the screen, which you
can print. Additionally, an email confirmation will be sent to the email
address entered on the payment information screen. The online data is
updated real-time and will be reflected on the property information
screen as soon as your transaction is complete. Your credit card statement
or bank statement will show "Government Payments" as reference
for your tax payment.
What is the cut off for making timely online payments?
This chart lists all accepted methods of payment for
property taxes. These are the ONLY methods of payment and each has its
own restrictions and deadlines listed separately. Credit card payment
will not be accepted by mail or drop box.
Pay with |
Online @
www.traviscountytax.org |
Telephone |
Mail |
In Person
lobby or drive through |
Drop Box 5501 Airport Blvd only.
|
Credit card |
X* |
X** |
|
X** |
|
Electronic check |
X*** |
|
|
|
|
Personal check |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
Cashier's check |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
Money order |
|
|
X |
X |
X |
Cash |
|
|
|
X |
|
Western Union**** |
|
|
|
|
|
| LATEST TIME YOU CAN PAY |
DUE DATE - MIDNIGHT CENTRAL STANDARD TIME 2/1/10
|
DUE DATE AT 5:30 P.M. 2/1/10 |
POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE 2/1/10 |
DUE DATE AT 5:30 P.M.2/1/10 |
DUE DATE MIDNIGHT CENTRAL STANDARD TIME 2/1/10 |
* Credit cards include VISA, MasterCard, Discover
and American Express. A 3% convenience fee applies.
** Credit cards include VISA, MasterCard, Discover
and American Express. A 3% convenience fee applies.
***Electronic check can be used to pay taxes.This
means that you complete the information online on our web site. See
chart above for fee breakdown If you contact your bank to send a check
for tax payment, there is no fee charged; the check is received by mail
as any other check.
**** Go to any local Western Union Agent www.westernunion.com
with cash (up to $5,000.00) and fill out the Blue Quick Collect form.
The Pay to is Travis County Tax Office, the Code City is TCTAX , the
State is TX and your account number is either the account, billing or
parcel number.
Is my personal information, including credit card
number kept on file? How is my data protected?
All personal and credit card information processed
through Government Payments is encrypted to maintain confidentiality
of customer information. To further protect your data, Travis County
does not receive any credit card information as a result of your transaction.
Why is there a fee for paying
online?
Is there a charge for paying with a credit card or electronic check?
Online payments were requested several years ago by
the citizens and taxpayers of Travis County. To fulfill this request
a third party, Easy Access Inc, was contracted. The fee for paying online
is based on the cost of developing and maintaining this web site. The
convenience fee of 3% of the payment is collected from those who opt
to utilize this service. If you use a credit card online the charge
on your statement will be notated by the words Government Payments.
If you use an electronic check the fee is based on the amount you are
paying (see chart). The charge on your bank
statement will be notated by the words Government Payments.
When will I receive a receipt for taxes paid?
An official receipt for taxes paid in full will be
mailed within a week of the payment confirmation provided by the online
service.
Whom should I contact if there is a problem when I
try to pay online?
For technical assistance, see this
chart or call (512) 854-9473, or send an email to tax_office@co.travis.tx.us.
Whom should I call if I cannot find the parcel (account)
number that I need to pay?
Contact the Travis County Tax Office at (512) 854-9473
or send an email to tax_office@co.travis.tx.us
What if I cannot pay my taxes?
You may make a partial payment by credit card online,
use any of the other methods listed in the chart above or simply send
a letter to request a payment plan. Include a daytime telephone number
and property identification. See the
Contact Us page for address information to mail a letter or send
an email message.
What happens if I do not pay my taxes?
By law, delinquent taxes incur 7% penalty and
interest on February 1. Penalty and interest accrue monthly to a total
of 24% annually if taxes are not paid. The account may be sued, adding
hundreds of dollars to the base tax along with penalty and interest
charges.
New blue certificates will be mailed to voters in December of 2009.
What does the new certificate look like?
Where can I find a voter registration application?
Find an application online. Mail it to
Travis County Voter Registration / P O Box 149327 / Austin, TX 78714-9327.
Contact the Voter Registrar's office at 512 854 9473 anytime to order
an application through an agent or through the electronic messages.
Find an application at any of 108
locations throughout Travis County.
Who is eligible to vote?
Any United States citizen may vote that is:
- A resident of the county
- At least 18 years of age on Election Day
- Registered to vote
- Not a convicted felon (unless a person's sentence is completed,
including any probation or parole)
- Not declared mentally disabled by a court of law
How do I become a registered voter?
- Complete a Voter Registration Application on this site,
print, sign, and mail to: PO Box 149327, Austin, Texas, 78714-9327
or take it in person to the Travis County Voter Registration Office
located at 5501 Airport Boulevard in Austin located north of IH35
between Koenig Lane and 51st Street.
- You must be at least 17 years and ten months of age on the date
your application is submitted.
- Your application must be submitted 30 days before an election for
you to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Your spouse, parent or child (acting as an agent) may complete and
sign a voter registration application for you, provided that this
person is a registered voter, or has applied for voter registration.
- If any of the required information on the application is incomplete,
you will be notified and required to send a second application. The
Voter Registrar must receive the second application within 10 days
in order to honor the original postmark date.
What do I need if I am a first time voter in
Travis County?
A first-time voter must present identification when
voting for the first time. Acceptable identification includes:
- A driver's license
- Bank Statement
- Utility Bill
- Pay check
- Or any other government document that shows your name and address
How do I find out if I am registered to vote in
Travis County?
To inquire about the status of your voter
registration in Travis County, visit the Voter
Verification section of this site. For more information or
assistance, contact the Voter Registration Office at (512) 854-9473,
or contact us.
When will I receive a Voter Registration
Certificate?
You will receive a Voter Registration Certificate
within 30 days of submitting a completed voter registration application
and copy of identification if applying by mail. When you receive your
certificate, check to make sure all information is correct. (If there
is a mistake, immediately make corrections and return it to the registrar.)
Remember to present your certificate at the polling place when you vote.
You will receive a color-coded certificate every two years. The color
of the 2008-2009 voter registration certificate is orange.
I cannot find my Voter Registration Certificate. How
do I request a duplicate?
Request a duplicate by mail. Federal law requires
an original signature for a duplicate Voter Registration Certificate.
Access the form here.
Do I need to submit a Change of address if
moving within Travis County?
Promptly notify the Travis County Voter
Registration Office in writing of your new address by:
correcting the information on your current voter registration
certificate and returning it to the voter registrar.
OR
Change your address online.
You will receive a new, corrected certificate within 30 days.
You will be able to vote in your new precinct 30 days after your notice
has been received.
Meanwhile:
You may vote a full ballot in your former precinct if your registration
has not become effective in the new
precinct. If you are voting in a local election such as a city, school
district, (etc.), and your new address is outside the district
of your former address, you will no longer be able to vote on
that district's ballot.
Do I need to notify the Voter Registration Office
if I changed my name?
Promptly notify the Travis County Voter
Registration Office in writing of your new name by:
correcting the information on your current voter registration
certificate and returning it to the voter registrar.
OR
Change your name online.
You will receive a new, corrected certificate within 30 days.
You will be able to vote 30 days after your notice has been received.
Whom should I notify if I have a Change of address
in another county?
You must re-register! Complete an application and
mail it or take it in person to the voter registrar of your new
county. A list of voter registrars in Texas is available on the Secretary of State web site. You will be
registered 30 days after your completed application is submitted. You
will receive a new certificate in your new county. You may be eligible
to vote a limited ballot in your new county of residence after moving
if you were registered to vote in your former county at the time you
moved. (More information regarding a limited ballot is indicated
below.)
Whom should I contact if I lose or misplace my
voter certificate?
Notify the Travis County Voter Registration office
in writing and they will issue you a new one. Submit a
request form for duplicate certificate, sign it and mail to: Travis
County Voter Registration, PO Box 149327, Austin, Texas 78714-9327 or
deliver in person to 5501 Airport Boulevard between Koenig Lane and
53rd and 1/2 Street, north of IH35. You may vote without your certificate
by providing some form of identification. Texas State law provides that
the following forms of ID are acceptable:
- a driver's license or personal identification issued to the person
by the Department of Public Safety or a similar document issued to
the person by an agency of another state regardless of whether the
license or card has expired
- a form of identification containing a person's photograph that establishes
a person's identify
- a birth certificate or document confirming birth that is admissible
in a court of law and establishes the person's identity
- a United States citizenship papers issued to the person
- a United States passport issued to the person
- Official mail addressed to the person by name from a governmental
entity
- a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check,
paycheck or other government document that shows the name and address
of the voter, or
- any other form of identification prescribed by the Secretary of
State
Does my voter registration expire?
Voter registration is permanent. However, an exception
occurs when the registration is purged after a four-year period while
in Suspense status. The voter registration is placed in Suspense status
after two unsuccessful mailings have been returned by the U.S. Postal
Service. It is important that registered voters promptly update their
address by completing a voter application available online.
How do I sign up to become a Volunteer Deputy
Registrar in Travis County?
After you have become a registered voter, you may
wish to become a volunteer deputy registrar in Travis County. Volunteer
Deputy Registrars assist the Travis County Voter Registration office
by distributing and accepting completed, signed voter applications.
Volunteer Registrars must issue a receipt of acceptance and deliver
the voter applications in person within 5 days to the Travis County
Voter Registration office located at 5501 Airport Boulevard, between
Koenig Lane and 53rd and 1/2 Street, north of IH35. The date of acceptance
will be used to determine the effective date of registration. See this
page for more
information.
If you wish to assist in the registration process,
Complete the online
application on this site, sign it, and mail to: Travis County
Voter Registration, PO Box 1748, Austin, Texas 78767-1748. The Voter
Registration staff will mail a confirmation letter to the Volunteer
Deputy Registrar when the application is received, signed, and
completed. For more information or assistance, call the Travis County
Voter Registration Office at (512) 854-9473.
Si prefiere la version en Español de la
solicitud para registro de votante, pulse aqui.
Where do I vote?
For Early Voting Main, Mobile and Election Day voting locations,
view the Early Voting Locations
section on this web site. For more information or assistance, contact
the Travis County Clerk Elections Division hotline at
(512) 238-VOTE (8683). You may also want to check your local newspaper
for voting locations.
I know that I'm registered to vote, but I can't
find my voter certificate/card. Will I be able to vote without it?
If you are a registered voter and you have lost or
misplaced your voter certificate, you may vote without it at the
polls. State law provides that the following forms of ID are
acceptable:
- a driver's license or personal identification issued to the person
by the Department of Public Safety or a similar document issued to
the person by an agency of another state regardless of whether the
license or card has expired
- a form of identification containing a person's photograph that establishes
a person's identify
- a birth certificate or document confirming birth that is admissible
in a court of law and establishes the person's identity
- a United States citizenship papers issued to the person
- a United States passport issued to the person
- Official mail addressed to the person by name from a governmental
entity
- a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check,
paycheck or other government document that shows the name and address
of the voter, or
- any other form of identification prescribed by the Secretary of
State
I am registered to vote in Travis County and I
moved within the county but have not yet changed my address, can I
still vote?
If you are registered to vote and have moved
within Travis County, you may vote at your old precinct. You will be
required to complete a statement of residence form before voting. This
information will be forwarded to Voter Registration Office and you
will be issued a new voter certificate within 30 days.
You can change your address online.
You will receive a new, corrected certificate within 30 days. You will
be able to vote in your new precinct 30 days after your notice has
been received.
I was registered to vote in Travis County, but
moved to a new county. May I still vote in the new county?
When you move from one county to another, you must
re-register in the new county of residence. If you have not yet done
this, you may be eligible to vote a "limited ballot" in your
new county.
What is a Limited Ballot? a Provisional Ballot?
Registered voters who have moved from one Texas
County to another-may be eligible to vote in the new county of
residence if:
- They were registered in their old county of residence
- They would have been eligible to vote in the county of former
residence on election day if still residing in that county and a
voter registration for the person in the county of new residence is
not effective on or before Election Day
Voters who vote under this procedure must complete
an application for limited ballot and may vote only during the early
voting period and only at the main early voting location located at
5501 Airport Boulevard in Austin. Limited Ballot voters are entitled
to vote on all statewide races and any district offices that are in
common between the old and new counties. For more information and
assistance, contact the Travis County Clerk Election Division hotline
at (512) 238-VOTE (8683).
A Provisional Ballot is used when someone is not
listed on the voter registration roll. A special process outlined in
federal legislation is used to review the eligibility of these
ballots.
Is it too late to request a ballot by mail? What
procedures are available for voters going overseas?
You may still apply for a ballot by mail, but the
application must be in the office of the Travis County Clerk Elections
Division by the 7th day before Election Day. If you are a Travis
County registered voter and meet one of the following criteria, you
may apply to receive an early voting ballot by mail:
- 65 years of age or older
- Disabled
- Incarcerated
- Expect to be absent from Travis County for the entire voting
period
Simply send a written request to Travis County
Early Voting Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir, P.O. Box 149325, Austin, TX
78714-9325 or fax to 512-854-9075. Please include the following
important information:
- Your name and registration address
- The election date
- The type of election
- The reason you are requesting a ballot by mail
- Your signature
- The address where you wish to have the ballot mailed
The U.S. Post Office or common courier must
deliver applications by 5:00 p.m. on the 7th day before Election Day.
Ballots must be returned to the County Clerk's office by mail or by
contract carrier by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Ballots received after 7:00 p.m. on election night
will not be counted. For more information and assistance regarding
Ballot by Mail procedures, visit the Travis County Clerk Election
Division web site or call the Elections hotline at (512)
238-VOTE (8683).
What if I want to know more about the upcoming elections?
Additional information about the upcoming elections
is located on various web sites. Visit the Elections
page on this web site or visit the Travis County Clerk Elections Division
web site or call the Elections hotline at (512)
238-VOTE (8683).
Why didn't you send me a renewal notice?
Vehicle renewal notices are mailed from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about 30 days before the month of expiration.
Some of the reasons people may not receive a renewal notice include
change of address and change in vehicle ownership.
Can I renew registration online?
Yes, if your renewal is for this month or next month,
access www.texasonline.com. You must have a major credit card and you
will reference your driver's license and proof of insurance to use the
online service. The service provider charges $3 to use a credit card.
I sold a vehicle. What can I do to ensure the record
shows that it was sold?
Report vehicle sales when you cannot transfer the
title in person with seller. Use this form
and send to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Is the information you have on my registration
record private?
The Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (see http://www.traviscountytax.org/goVehiclesPolicies.do#fdppa
) prohibits release of personal information from vehicle
records.
What documents and fees are required to register a
vehicle new to Texas and get a Texas driver's license?
Assuming the person registering the vehicle is new
to the state, then follow the GENERAL steps listed at http://www.traviscountytax.org/goVehicles.do#newtexas
under "New to Texas".
What documents and fees are required to transfer a
Texas-titled vehicle?
Assuming the title is free of liens and has not been
previously assigned, these are the GENERAL steps to follow. PLEASE NOTE:
Come to the tax office in person (seller and buyer) for assistance in
completing all paperwork. Call (512) 854-9473. Seller assigns title
to buyer on back of title with signature and date; from the date of
the seller's signature, the buyer has 20 business days to file the title
to avoid penalty for late filing. Seller and buyer sign and date the
sales tax affidavit Application for
Texas Title (form 130u).
Travis County is subject to emissions requirements.
Review a
description of requirements for details.
Fees include: 6.25% sales tax on the purchase price of the vehicle or
Standard Presumptive Value, $33
title fee and registration renewal fees if the vehicle renewal month
falls within 30 days. See a
chart of vehicle fees to calculate annual registration fee. Proof
of liability insurance is required at the time of transfer. If the transfer
is filed within 20 working days of the seller's dated signature on the
back of the title, the buyer may satisfy proof of liability insurance
requirement by displaying a Texas insurance card (or declarations page)
showing current coverage on another, similar vehicle (similar meaning
automobile or truck, does not refer to motorcycles).
How do I transfer a title on a vehicle purchased
outside of Texas?
See
this page on this web site.Contact the tax office at (512) 854-9473
for further assistance if needed.
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