2008 Tax Information/FAQ’s:

 

 

What are your office hours, phone & fax numbers?

Phone: 610-866-1678 Extension 106
Fax: 610-954-9003

OFFICE HOURS:
3/31/08 - 6/30/08 Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6-8 pm, Thursdays 6-7:30 pm.
7/1/08 - 12/31/08 Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6-7:30 pm.
Office Closing Dates: 6/12, 7/29-7/31, 10/16 all legal holidays and as necessary for tax meetings.

REMINDER:
Lehigh County real estate taxes are collected by and payable to Lehigh County either at the Government Center, at a local Wachovia Bank or by mail. Tax bills will be issued by 4/1/08. Bethlehem Area School District real estate taxes are collected by Berkheimer Associates and are payable either at a local Wachovia Bank or by mail to Berkheimer Associates. Tax bills will be issued by 7/1/08. Please follow payment instructions as detailed on your bills. DO NOT SEND COUNTY OR SCHOOL TAX PAYMENTS TO THE BOROUGH TAX OFFICE. DOING SO MAY CAUSE A DELAY IN PROCESSING YOUR PAYMENTS AND MAY RESULT IN LATE PAYMENT CHARGES.

Where can I make my tax payments?

Payments are accepted at the Fountain Hill Borough Municipal Building Tax Office, 941 Long Street, during office hours. Payments can also be mailed or dropped in outer or inner office mail slots at office location. Note: Exact change only is accepted for cash payment of taxes. PLEASE DO NOT DROP LARGE CASH AMOUNTS IN MAIL SLOTS. CASH PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MADE AT THE WINDOW ONLY AND SHOULD BE RECEIPTED.

Which taxes do you collect?

I collect real estate and per capita taxes for the Borough of Fountain Hill. Borough real estate/per capita taxes will be issued by 4/1/08.

Note: Garbage/Sewage taxes are issued separately by the Borough and may not be combined with Real Estate Taxes. Earned Income Tax is handled by Berkheimer Associates. Tax forms are available at Borough Offices.

What are due dates for Real Estate Taxes:

Borough - Net Period (2% Discount): 4/1/08 - 5/31/08, Face Period (Flat Tax) - 6/1/08 - 7/31/08, Penalty Period (10% Penalty) - 8/1/08 - 12/31/08. Postmarks accepted.

Can I combine Real Estate Taxes and Per Capita Taxes in one payment?

Borough Real Estate and Per Capita Taxes may be combined in one payment.

Can I pay my Borough Real Estate Tax bill in installments?

Borough real estate tax payments must be paid in full and must be remitted as one payment.

How do I get a receipt for my payment if mailed or dropped in office mail slots?

If official receipt is desired, submit both copies of your tax bill with a self-addressed stamped envelope and your receipt will be returned or retain the taxpayer's copy and your check will be your receipt. If indicated, I will hold your receipt(s) at office for pick-up.

What if my bank or mortgage company pays my taxes or I need to change the address where my tax bills are sent?

If a bank or mortgage company pays your real estate taxes for you, please forward your real estate tax bills to them. All original tax bills are sent to the property owner unless otherwise designated to the Lehigh County Assessment Office via an official address change form (available at tax office). Also, if you would like your tax bills sent to another address other than the property address, a change of address form must be filled out and returned to the tax office (forms available at the tax office).

Do you provide proof of real estate tax payments for the purpose of rent/property tax rebates?

Send your request to the tax office and include a self-addressed stamped envelope. SASE is required if you want your receipts mailed to you. You may also leave your request on the office answering machine and pick up your receipts at the office during office hours.

Do you provide tax certifications and duplicate bills?

Tax certifications and duplicate bills will be provided upon request. Tax Cert includes current year tax information for Borough real estate taxes. Garbage/Sewage payment information must be obtained from the Borough Secretary (610-867-0301).
Send your request for a tax certification to Diane Allen, 941 Long St., Fountain Hill, PA 18015 or fax your request and copy of your check to 610-954-9003.
Tax Certification Fee: $15.00
Duplicate Bill Fee: $ 5.00
Contact Lehigh County Fiscal Office for county tax certifications (610-782-3112) and
Contact Berkheimer Associates for school tax certifications (1-800-360-8989).

Reminders:

  • Taxes are due and payable as prescribed by law, whether or not a tax bill has been received by the taxpayer.
  • The taxpayer is responsible for all returned check fees.
  • No personal checks will be accepted for Borough real estate tax bills after 12/15/08. Cash, cashier's check or money order only.
  • All Borough real estate taxes unpaid as of 12/31/08 will be turned over to Lehigh County Tax Claim for collection.
  • Mailing address changes must be made through the Lehigh County Assessment Office. Forms are available at the tax office.