Augusta Tax Bills’ Mailing Delayed as First Installment Deadline Approaches: Here’s Why!

Augusta tax bills are delayed due to technical problems following a software upgrade. Property owners have not yet received their bills, which are usually mailed in August, leaving less than two weeks before the first installment is due on September 14.

Augusta Tax Bills’ Mailing Delayed. (Photo: 123RF)

Augusta Tax Bill Delay Sparks Concern

According to AugustaMaine.Gov, less than two weeks before the first installment of property taxes is due, Augusta officials have encountered a significant hurdle. The city is grappling with a delay in sending out the annual Augusta Tax Bills, a situation that has arisen due to technical problems following an upgrade to the software system used for processing these bills. Traditionally, Augusta Tax Bills are mailed to property owners in August, providing ample time for residents to prepare for the September 14 deadline for the first of two installments to be paid.

However, this year, the city has faced unprecedented challenges stemming from technical issues caused by the software upgrade. As a result, Augusta Tax Bills have yet to be dispatched to property owners. Officials now anticipate that the Augusta Tax Bills will be sent out by Tuesday, leaving taxpayers with potentially less than a week’s notice that the first installment of their property taxes is due.

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City Stands Firm on Due Date and Interest Charges for Augusta Tax Bill

In an article published by Central Maine stated that despite a delay in issuing Augusta Tax Bills, the city is maintaining its original due date and interest charges for unpaid taxes, starting on Thursday, September 14. To assist taxpayers, alternative methods are available for property owners to access their Augusta Tax Bill information. They can reach out to the city’s tax office at 207-626-2310 to check their outstanding amount and continue making payments via mail, online with debit or credit cards, or in person.

While recognizing the shorter timeframe for Augusta Tax Bill payments this year, Deputy Tax Collector Jared Mills noted that the typical tax billing schedule has remained consistent for many years. Despite concerns stemming from the delay and shorter payment notice, Augusta city officials have not expressed any intention to postpone interest charges for late payments. The delay in issuing Augusta Tax Bills was attributed to a software upgrade of the city’s Munis Software system, which experienced compatibility issues with another tax software system, Vision.

Efforts were made to resolve these compatibility problems, resulting in the delay. Nonetheless, the Augusta tax office has actively engaged with taxpayers by responding to numerous inquiries via telephone calls, emails, and faxes. Additionally, Augusta offers a tax club option, enabling current taxpayers to spread their Augusta Tax Bill payments over ten months without incurring interest, provided they make timely monthly payments.

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