Property taxes can be paid by the installment method if the prior year's real estate or tangible tax bill is more than $100. To participate in the installment plan, taxpayers must submit an application for each account to the Tax Collector by April 30 of the tax year.

The property remains in the subsequent year's installment program provided the June installment payment is made each year. If the June installment is not made, the account is removed from the plan and the taxpayer will receive the annual tax notice in November. Discounts are available for early payments as shown below:

• 1st installment - 6% if paid in June
• 2nd installment - 4.5% if paid in September
• 3rd installment - 3% if paid in December
• 4th installment - Gross tax if paid in March

If a payment (other than the June payment) is not received at the time it is due, no discount will be allowed. You may remit the missed payment with the next installment. Any amount remaining unpaid on April 1 will be considered delinquent.

If a property is sold after one or more installment payments have been made, the new owner must continue on the plan for that tax year. Taxes paid by an escrow company are typically paid in November rather than by installment.

The 2011 Installment Application is now available for download.