Can Fresno County property tax deadline be pushed back during coronavirus pandemic?

Given how the coronavirus pandemic has shut down normal life for most people in Fresno County, the question posed by a Bee reader was logical: Can the county delay the April 10 property tax deadline?

After all, the federal government has pushed back the April 15 income tax deadline to July 15.

The reader shared how he had just recently been laid off. He owns several rental properties, and his tenants told him they cannot make rent right now because of job disruptions in their lives. And given the anti-eviction sentiment in Sacramento, this landlord cannot move them out.

Certainly the county can make an exception in this exceptional year, the reader asked.

The Editorial Board checked into this, and the answer is predictable.

No change

No, the property tax deadline cannot be pushed beyond April 10 this year, said Oscar Garcia, Fresno County’s tax collector.

The reason? Public agencies depend on that money for their operations.

Between the two property tax payments made for this current year, the county expects to collect $1.068 billion. Sixty-five percent of the collections go to local school districts, both directly and to pay off bonds. Twelve percent goes to county government; another 12% to agencies like irrigation districts; and 11% to cities.

Not meeting the deadline “would ruin a lot of counties and cities in the state of California,” Garcia said. “Who do you think would bail us out?” The rhetorical question’s answer is the state. For that reason, the word on the street among the tax collectors is that Gov. Gavin Newsom does not favor any extension or waiver.

Make a case

While the April 10 deadline remains, Garcia did say he has the authority to waive penalties and interest for any late payments. He cannot take up any cases until after the deadline. But once April 11 is reached, he can take up individual cases and judge them on their merits.

If someone is in quarantine because of novel coronavirus and unable to pay, that will be a strong factor for what is a “reasonable cause and circumstances related to this crisis,” notes the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors.

Bottom line

Property taxes still have to be paid on time. But several options in Fresno will be in place for public health and safety.

First, special boxes will be put out so taxpayers can drop off their payments. Two will be located on the sidewalk on Tulare Street next to the Hall of Records, while one will be at the Social Services Campus located at W. Pontiac Way and Pelco Way in Clovis.

There will also be a drive-up window at Kern and M streets in downtown Fresno starting Monday. Enter on the M Street side.

Walk-up windows will be open in the Hall of Records to serve those over 60 or with disabilities or medical conditions.

Those paying with cash can head into the lobby of the county treasurer’s office, where special red lines will be on the floor to keep taxpayers at least six feet apart, the recommended social distance during the pandemic.

And taxpayers can mail in payments. A postmark by April 10 will be on time.

For those who miss the deadline due to the pandemic, the Editorial Board strongly urges Garcia to show understanding and grant waivers of penalties.

The adage that the only certainties in life are death and taxes holds true even with the coronavirus.