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Editor:

Oneida County taxpayers should now have their 2011 tax bills. If you have not received your tax bill, you should contact either my office at (715) 369-6137, or the treasurer of the town in which your property is located. Remember, state law says you must pay your taxes and pay them on time, even if you did not receive a tax bill.

You must pay at least the first installment listed on the tax bill on or before Jan. 31 to the town/city treasurer. If you miss the payment deadline, or if you pay less than the amount due, your taxes will be delinquent. You will be charged a 1.5 percent penalty and interest per month on the total unpaid tax amount beginning Feb. 1. More importantly, however, you lose the option of making your second half payment in July.

Now is also the time to be sure you are certified for the Lottery and Gaming Credit. Please check your tax bill. The amount of the Lottery and Gaming Credit appears in the middle of your tax bill, right above the Net Property Tax calculation. If you have not received the Lottery Credit and meet the requirements, contact your local treasurer, who will see that you receive a claim form. You must sign and return the form to your local treasurer before you can be certified for and receive the credit. Property that was owned by you and was your primary residence on Jan. 1, 2011, is eligible for the credit.

Kris Ostermann, Oneida County Treasurer