Buncombe County is very excited to offer our citizens the ability to pay their property tax with a credit/debit card or electronic-check, although to offer this service there are additional fees. Some citizens question "Why do I have to pay a convenience fee for using my credit/debit card or electronic-check (e-check)"? I would like to take this opportunity to explain that fee.

At the request of taxpayers, we initiated the credit card and electronic check payment program. Thus for the past 10 years we have contracted with Official Payments Corporation. Official Payments Corporation offered the most convenient economic service in compliance with North Carolina's laws. With this service, a set convenience fee is charged. We are happy to report that through negotiations with the company, the convenience fee has been lowered this year. The current convenience fees are as follows:

Fee Type	Amount
Credit or non-Visa debit card payment	fee 2.65% of the amount paid with a $3.95 minimum
Visa debit card payment	flat fee of $3.95
E-check: Payments less than $10,000	No fee

Although it is not our wish to increase the cost to pay taxes, citizens who want to use this form of payment will be charged a convenience fee as stated in the table above.

I welcome any comments or thoughts regarding our credit card/electronic check payment options. I also encourage you to share your thoughts on how our office can improve on the service we are offering. Please e-mail either:

Gary C Roberts, Tax Director at gary.roberts@buncombecounty.org

or

Teresa Proffitt, Collections Manager at teresa.proffitt@buncombecounty.org

If I can provide additional information, be sure to contact me.

Gary C Roberts
Tax Department Director