July 17, 2020  |  10:18 am

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO PAY DELINQUENT TAXES

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith reminds the public the annual tax sale for delinquent 2019 taxes will occur online this year in order to abide by all Covid-19 recommendations and requirements.

The sale will be held online at www.zeusauction.com beginning Monday, July 27 at 8 a.m. and concluding at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28.  Online sales are conducted on a first-come-first-served basis. 

What is being “sold” at a tax sale is not land or buildings, but the amount of unpaid ad valorem taxes due for that tax year, along with any accrued penalties, interest, or other fees that have accumulated due to delinquency.  Buyers unfamiliar with Louisiana Property Tax Laws are strongly recommended to consult with a legal adviser before bidding at a tax sale, since these sales are considered a “buyer beware” environment.

Anyone interested in bidding on properties at our annual Property Tax Sale must register at  www.zeusauction.com  in advance.  Registration will close at 3 p.m. on July 24.

It is not too late for property owners to settle delinquent tax bills prior to the sale.  However, delinquent property tax payments must be made by noon on July 24 to avoid being included in the tax sale.

Property tax payments may be made Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Justice Center in Covington or at the Sheriff's Slidell Administrative Complex at 300 Brownswitch Road. Payments may be made in person by certified check, cash, money order or by credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee will be charged on credit card transactions). Payments can also be made online at https://secure.stpsopayments.com via credit card. 

If property owners wish to speak with someone directly about their taxes, the Property Tax division may be reached by phone at 985-809-8217.