Grand Canyon Times

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to put stress on business owners attempting to make ends meet, the Maricopa County treasurer is trying to help Phoenix businesses find relief from property taxes. 

According to AZ Central, the treasurer is sending roughly 5,000 businesses in Phoenix letters to help them get some aid from property tax payments due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus. 

The Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office is delaying payments that are normally due May 1 until Aug. 1, for a number of industries, waiving penalties and interest. 

Spokesperson for the treasurer said that the business personal property tax provision permits county treasurers to institute a payment plan for businesses with $1,000 or more due in taxes on equipment. 

Businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of the extension by applying either online or signing a physical letter and mailing it back. 

According to AZ Central, business owners should visit treasurer.maricopa.gov/ResearchRequest/Index/. Fill out business information. Indicate “Business Payment Agreement” as the reason. Or look for a letter soon from the Treasurer's Office that explains why the business is eligible for the program. Sign the letter, make a copy and mail the original to: Maricopa County Treasurer, 301 W. Jefferson St. Suite 140, Phoenix, AZ 85003.

There are additional measures being instituted for hospitals and school districts, such as low-to-no-interest advances on property tax revenue, which is lower than would be offered by banks, and homeowners.

Homeowners who are struggling to make their payments in May can wait until the end of the month to make their property tax payments or choose to pay the 1.3% penalty per month.

Maricopa County also is in a unique position to be able to help other county treasurers throughout the state to put off their property tax collections for three months.