In another Halloween event that may scare you, Treasurer Linda Riffe reminds Island County property owners that second-half property taxes are due Oct. 31.

But because Oct. 31 falls on a Saturday, the statute allows the payments to be received the “next business day,” which will be Monday, Nov. 2.

If mailing, envelopes must carry the due date postmark, or earlier.

“Due to budget cuts and reduction in staff, I would encourage people to pay their taxes using our Internet payment or telephone payment options,” Riffe said.

Paying by E-check online costs $2, which Riffe said is less expensive than sending a payment through the mail certified, return receipt.

Any tax payment less than $10,000 may pay by credit card. There is a 2.5 percent credit card transaction fee. Riffe said the treasurer does not receive this fee; rather, it is charged by Official Payments, the company handling credit card transactions to cover the credit card company fees. “Another advantage of using the E-check or the credit card payment option is that you can print a receipt immediately upon payment for your records,” Riffe said.

There is a toll-free number citizens can call for help if they experience difficulties while trying to make a payment. To make an on-line payment, access the Treasurer’s Web site at www.islandcounty.net/treasurer and click on the link, Paying Your Taxes. To use the toll- free (Official Payments) telephone payment option, dial 1-888-827-4230 and follow the instructions. If you need customer assistance, dial 1-888-357-8394.

“Please be aware that with staff reductions and high volume of mail received during tax season, if you send in your payment it may take longer to process it than in the past,” Riffe said. “We will do everything we can to assist you during this challenging time and appreciate your consideration and patience.”