December 31a tax deadline for some

In the lexicon of the Oconee County tax world, Decermber 31—the last day of the calendar year—is a deadline for some taxpayers. If you are paying your 2014 property tax in person, this is the last day you can pay at Pine Street and be eligible for a deduction on your 2014 tax return. At one point this morning, the clerks at the county treasurer’s office were waiting for customers. But there are indications a number of county taxpayers will show up before this afternoon’s 5 p-m deadline. If you are paying by mail, you’ll be eligible to take the payment off this year’s taxes as long as your postmark is no later than December 31. For the rest of Oconee taxpayers who have decided to wait, they may pay up until the middle of next month and avoid the first late penalty, which will amount to three percent.