Residents concerned about whether their escrowed property taxes have been logged into the Georgetown County system, after being paid by a mortgage company earlier this month, should not be concerned.

County Treasurer Loretta Washington-Cooper says she has gone through more than 7,000 payments made through escrow and has made sure the information is correct and the payments are noted.

Meanwhile, officials with the S.C. Association of Counties said there should be no issues with property taxes going on a list or being noted as not paid, even if they are logged in by the county a few days past the due date.

“It should not be an issue, as long as your payments are in, even if they haven’t processed it,” said Susan Turkopuls, a research assistant with the S.C. Association of Counties. “The delinquent tax process starts later.”

Turkopuls said S.C. Code says that the U.S. Mail postmark on the payment is the date that the bill is considered paid.

Washington-Cooper said in the past, the mortgage company would request a list of bills to be paid by escrow accounts.

The treasurer’s office would pull the bills and send them to the mortgage company, she said.

The mortgage companies now use mortgage servicing companies to do that work, she said.

Payments are sent in on tape, she said.

The treasurer’s office then receives the payment for the taxes or other expenses paid through escrow, such as assessment fees or fees for water and sewer.

Information has to be sorted through to make sure lot numbers are correct and payments are being made on your property — and not your neighbor’s.

“We’re dealing with people all over the place, and they don’t send a receipt number,” Washington said. “We have to find out whether they had paid the right parcel.

“If I have that check in my hand, and it is postmarked, there is no penalty charge,” she said. “Some don’t get logged in until much later in the month.”

According to the county Web site, property taxes are noted as being delinquent after March 17.

“The Delinquent Tax Office investigates and collects delinquent real and personal taxes, assessments, penalties, and costs,” the Web site said.

“The Department attempts to locate and notify taxpayers of taxes owed; and maintains an accurate, up-to-date account of moneys collected. Unpaid Tax accounts by law become delinquent on March 17th each year. The County Treasurer issues a warrant of execution to the Delinquent Tax Office for collection. This execution commands the Tax Collector in the name of the State to levy by distress and sale on so much of the taxpayer’s property as is sufficient to satisfy the delinquent taxes, assessments, penalties, and costs. This execution is sufficient warrant for a levy by distress and sale.

“The Delinquent Tax Office also works closely with the County Auditor and the County Assessor, and the County Treasurer.”

“I’d rather take that time and make sure that it is paid on the right parcel,” Washington-Cooper said.

By Kelly M. Fuller

kfuller@gtowntimes.com