WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Wednesday, April 30 is the deadline for first half property tax payments in Whatcom County.

The Whatcom County Treasurer’s Office says property owners need to make sure their payments are postmarked or received by Wednesday’s due date to avoid interest and penalties.

Late payments will be penalized at least 1% each month starting on Thursday, May 1.

Property owners can pay their taxes online, over the phone, by mail, at a drop box outside the county courthouse or in-person at the Treasurer’s Office. The treasurer warns that online payments usually aren’t postmarked and will be considered late if received after the deadline.

You may be eligible for a property tax exemption if you fit the following criteria: you are over 60 years of age or retired due to disability, own your primary residence and have an income of $52,000 or less. You can contact the Whatcom County Assessor’s office at (360) 778-5050 for more information.

If you don’t know where your statement is, you can find a link to see how much your taxes at the Whatcom County website.