Taxpayers are strongly encouraged to avoid the rush and pay before Jan. 31, county officials urged residents. However, if property owners wait until the last day, taxpayers are urged to either pay online through the tax office website, pay in person at the nearest tax office or request a postmark from a post office clerk for payment sent by mail. Placing payments in a U.S. Postal Service dropbox does not guarantee the same day postmark and using a bank’s online bill pay could delay payment, both of which could result in additional penalties and interest.