Cochise County splits property tax statements into two due date cycles. The first half of the 2015 property taxes became delinquent on November 2, 2015. The second half, or balance of the taxes, becomes delinquent on May 2, 2016. If you didn’t pay the first half of your property taxes when they were due on November 2, they are now delinquent and you are accruing a late fee in the form of interest.
Several years ago a change was made to Arizona Revised Statutes that allows for a waiver of the interest on the delinquent first half tax only if you pay the entire amount (the full year) of your 2015 taxes prior to December 31, 2015. Cochise County Treasurer Cathy Traywick stated, “If you pay the first half of your taxes that are now delinquent, along with your second half prior to the end of this year, there will be no interest for that first half that is past due.” She also reminds property owners that if you paid off your mortgage this year, there may not be funds in your former escrow account to pay the second half of your taxes. If your taxes are rolled into your mortgage payment, and you pay off that mortgage, you are now responsible for paying your property taxes when they become due.
Ms. Traywick goes on to say that her office accepts all forms of payment, and you can pay in person at 1415 Melody Lane, Building E in Bisbee, AZ or online at www.cochise.az.gov/treasurer Please call the office at 520-432-8400 to inquire if your taxes are current, or have other questions about paying your tax bill.