Courtesy letter causes tax confusion

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

What was intended to be a courtesy extended by the Caldwell County Appraisal District this week caused headaches for taxpayers and CCAD employees alike.

According to a written statement from Chief Appraiser Carlton Pape on Wednesday morning, letters were mailed this week to Caldwell County taxpayers who had not yet sett

led their 2008 tax bills. However, a printing error caused the letters to be titled “Notice of Delinquent Taxes” and stated the tax bills were “outstanding.”

“The letter was not intended to be printed on a form or in a format reflecting a delinquent notice,” Pape’s statement said. Instead, the letter was meant to be a courtesy, reminding taxpayers they could avoid penalties and interest by paying their taxes prior to Jan. 31, 2009.

Caldwell County Precinct One Commissioner Tom Bonn said on Wednesday morning he had received calls about the letter, and also sought to ensure taxpayers that taxes will not become delinquent until after the Jan. 31 due date.

“We apologize for any confusion that this error in printing has caused to the taxpayers,” Pape said.

For information or to pay tax bills, contact the Appraisal District at (512) 398-5550 or visit the office at 610 San Jacinto St. in Lockhart. The Appraisal District’s mailing address is P.O. Box 900, Lockhart, Texas 78644.