Listed below are frequently asked questions regarding real property taxes. If your questions are not answered by the following information, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.
Common Questions
On what property do I owe taxes?
You owe real property taxes on all real property that you own in West Virginia on July 1 prior to the tax year. If you sell/transfer real property, the real property taxes will be prorated between the buyer and seller based upon the ownership ratio for the tax year; unless the real estate contract specifies otherwise.
How do I know what taxes I owe?
Every July, the Sheriff’s Tax Division works diligently to mail tax statements to each real property owner in Marshall County at their last known address.
Do I still owe taxes if I do not receive a tax statement?
Yes, just like the other bills you may owe, you are still required to pay real property taxes even if you did not receive a statement from the Sheriff. In fact, the West Virginia legislature has included such a duty in W.Va. Code § 11A-1-8. If you do not receive a tax statement before August 1 of each year, please contact our office and we will be glad to send you another copy.
When can I pay the taxes I owe?
By law, the Sheriff can begin collecting current year taxes on July 15 of each year. The payment schedule coincides with the County’s budget cycle which is based on a fiscal year.
Is the total amount due at once?
No, for convenience, the tax payments are divided into a first-half and second-half payment schedule. The first-half is due by September 1 of that year and the second-half is due by March 1 of the following year.
Do I receive a discount for prompt payment of my taxes?
Yes, if you pay the first-half tax before September 1, you will receive a 2.5% discount on the amount due. The same is true for the second-half if it is paid before March 1 of the following year.
I make monthly escrow payments under my mortgage, can the bank pay my taxes?
Yes, a lien holder, such as a bank or mortgage company can pay your real property taxes.
Can I use a credit card to pay my real property taxes?
Yes, for convenience, you can pay your real property taxes with any debit card or major credit card with a symbol.
What if my address changes?
Your tax statement has a place for you to indicate the new address. Complete this portion of the statement and the Tax Division will record your change and forward the information to the Assessor. You may also call direct at 304-843-1400 to notify them of a change.
When do my real property taxes become delinquent?
The first-half payment becomes delinquent on October 1; the second-half payment becomes delinquent on April 1 of the following year.
Will I be notified that my taxes are delinquent if I forget to pay?
In April a letter is mailed to the tax payer notifying them. Also, in May and September of each year, the Tax Division publishes a list of all delinquent real property taxes in the local newspapers. In April of each year we send a notice via certified mail to taxpayers who owe delinquent real property.
What happens if I do not pay my real property taxes?
The Sheriff holds a public auction each November where he sells all tax liens that are attached to delinquent real property. The winning bid cannot be less than the amount of real property taxes due plus all charges and interest due on the delinquent taxes.
When the sheriff sells the lien, have i lost the property?
No. At this point, only the tax lien has been sold. You still have an opportunity to redeem the tax lien and protect your ownership interest in the real property.
