Wake County property owners have until Jan. 7 to pay their 2012 real property taxes without interest being charged. The County mails out real estate tax bills each July, with payments due Sept. 1, but by state law, taxpayers have until Jan. 5 to pay without interest. Jan. 5 falls on a Saturday in 2013, so taxpayers have two extra days to pay.

Wake County uses tax dollars to provide for public safety, public health, human services and education.

Property owners have four options for paying their property taxes:

1. Internet – www.wakegov.com/tax

Payments may be remitted online at www.wakegov.com/tax by using the access code located at the top left of the tax statement. This method of payment allows you to pay your taxes by electronic transfer of funds from your checking account. This service is provided at no cost to the taxpayer, and payments will be recorded as the date you submitted the payment request.

2. Mail – Payments must be postmarked by Jan. 7

Mail your payment with the statement coupon to:

Wake County Revenue Department, P.O. Box 96084, Charlotte, NC 28296-0084

3. Credit Card – Credit cards cannot be used when paying in person

Pay with Visa or MasterCard by calling the automated telephone system at 919-856-5400. This service is available seven days a week. Please note that there is a convenience fee for the use of this system. The system will advise you of the total charge prior to your authorization.

4. In Office

Pay in person at any of the satellite payment centers listed on the reverse of your tax statement.