A class action suit soon followed. State officials say the legislature intended the reduced rates to take effect with registration taxes due after July 1, but conceded the law's language was unclear on June renewals. State attorneys said the grace-period ambiguity made it unclear whether the state could win in court, so state officials decided to return the money to June taxpayers. But residents now can eliminate some of that standing around when it comes to paying property and vehicle taxes. Davidson County has become the first county in North Carolina to accept these tax payments electronically.
Taxpayers can visit the county's tax department Web site and click the appropriate tax-paying icon.
Then there's always the chance that some credit cards will tack on an additional fee. County officials hope these fees won't discourage residents, and that e-tax payments will increase, especially near year end. Property taxes, although due Sept. 1, can be paid without penalty until Dec. 31. Davidson County Tax Administrator Joe Silver says there are so many last-minute taxpayers that around the holidays his office is as busy as a mall. He hopes the electronic system changes that crush this year.