Fulton Sun

The Callaway County Collector’s office is giving county taxpayers the option of paying next year’s real estate taxes on an installment plan.

Collector Pam Oestreich said Tuesday that 2011 tax bills mailed this week are not eligible for the new program and the entire 2011 amount must be paid before the end of the year to avoid penalties and interest.

But for next year, Oestreich said 2012 Callaway County real estate taxes will be eligible for payment in four quarterly payments. Taxpayers also can choose to make one payment at the end of the year as they have done in the past.

“We decided to provide an installment tax service to the citizens of Callaway County. Other counties are also doing this. I know Cole County is offering quarterly real estate tax payments and there may also be other counties offering this option as well,” Oestreich said.