I paid my property taxes in April 2012 for the full year by check. It’s a checking account I rarely use and don’t monitor whether the checks clear because I have a carbon copy. I recently received a reassessment notice for 2011 taxes which prompted me to call the assessor’s office.

At this point, I was notified that I had 30 days to pay the back taxes. I also was notified that my taxes had not been paid for 2012. I explained that I had paid it by check through the mail and upon checking with my bank the check was never processed. I ended up with fines and penalties which I have paid. I also paid the back taxes for 2011 with a penalty. I argued against both with no result in my favor.

I recently talked to another couple and they too had the same problem with their check not being processed and incurring penalties! Is this an Island County Assessor’s way to make up for the short fall in taxes?

I encourage everyone to respond to this letter if it has happened to you!

Robert Logue
Oak Harbor