Ross Township bags in-person tax payments because of coronavirus concerns
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The Ross Township tax collector has canceled in-person collection of property taxes for the remainder of the year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
While Tax Collector Matt Mager was able to accept taxes during an event at Evergreen Community Park in July that drew 310 residents, the number of people who typically pay their taxes in late August raised concerns about the ability to maintain social distancing.
Mager had scheduled nine sessions for people to pay their real estate taxes in person between Aug. 21 and 31.
He said the public collection events were scrapped after meeting with township officials.
“This decision was made because of the the volume of people we expected to show up as we approach the end of the discount period,” Mager said. “Without knowing how many people might come at any given time, we really couldn’t find a place large enough to handle a lot of people and still do social distancing.”
Mager said about 500 taxpayers typically make their payments in person during the days leading up to Aug. 31, which is the end of the period during which taxpayers receive a 2% discount. Payments made after Aug. 31 are at face value. Taxes paid after Oct. 31 are subject to a 10% penalty.
Mager said many of the people who pay their taxes in person are senior citizens who have paid off their mortgages. Many mortgage companies offer a service in which a portion of the monthly payment is placed into an escrow account that is used by the lender to pay the taxes that are due.
“We were concerned that many of the people who might be showing up to pay their taxes are among our most vulnerable residents,” he said.
Mager is only responsible for collecting property taxes for the township and the North Hills School District. Levies such as the earned income and local services tax are collected by Keystone Collections Group.
Residents have two ways to pay their property taxes to the township and school district.
To pay by mail, follow the directions at the bottom of the tax bill and use the green envelope that is supplied. A check for municipal taxes should be made payable to the Township of Ross and mailed to: Jordan Tax Services Inc., 102 Rahway Road, McMurray, PA 15237.
Checks for school district taxes should be made payable to the North Hills School District and mailed to Jordan Tax Services Inc.
Taxes also can be hand delivered to the township’s tax collection drop box located at the upper level entrance of the Ross Municipal Center, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive. Signs will be posted near the building to direct motorists to the location of the drop box.