The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

In light of changes due to the threat of COVID-19 for many Coloradoans, the Phillips County Commissioners have acted to waive interest for taxpayers on payments due by April 30.

A release from Pam Jensen, Phillips County Administrator says, “With Executive Order D 2020 012, Governor Polis authorized the County Treasurers to suspend or waive delinquent interest that may accrue as a result of delinquent tax payments for 30 days. It is common, with a Governor is overriding State law, to limit the executive order for 30 days to allow the Legislature to take action. Should the legislature not act within that time period, and the situation that brought on the need for the Executive Order still exists, it is also common for the Governor to extend those provisions.”

Jensen said many taxpayers had planned on paying taxes in full by April 30, however, paying those in full now may be difficult for some due to hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic in the State. From now until April 20, the Treasurer’s Office will accept delinquent first half payments without interest. Those payments were originally due on March 2. The second half payment will be due June 15.

“Unfortunately, you cannot make this first half payment without interest through our online system,” Jensen’s release said. “Instead, please either drop a check or cash in our drop box located in the east parking lot of the Phillips County Courthouse or send it to P.O. Box 267, Holyoke, CO 80734.”

Taxpayers should also be sure to include either an account number or address when paying so that officials can be sure to credit the correct account.

If either the Legislature or the Governor extend the Treasurer’s authority past the April 30th full payment deadline, the Commissioners will readdress the issue.

“This waiver of the first half payment interest does not extend to accounts where the taxes are being remitted by a mortgage company through a taxpayer’s escrow account or by a title company as part of a real estate closing,” the press release issued Monday morning adds.