Livingston homeowners have until Monday, August 10 to pay their third-quarter property taxes without penalty, the township announced Thursday, July 24.

The official due date is Saturday, August 1. But because the township's 10-day grace period lands on a weekday this quarter, residents get until the close of business August 10 to submit payment. Any payment received after that date will be charged interest backdated to August 1.

What happens if you're late

The penalties are steep. Under New Jersey statute (N.J.S.A. 54:4-67), delinquent property taxes accrue interest at 8% per year on the first $1,500 owed and 18% per year on anything above that. Interest is calculated from the original August 1 due date, not from the end of the grace period.

Property owners whose accounts exceed $10,000 in combined delinquent principal and interest by year's end face an additional 6% year-end penalty, according to the Livingston Tax Collector's office.

One more thing worth knowing: under state law, not receiving a tax bill does not excuse a late payment. The township mails estimated third-quarter bills in late June or July, but the obligation stands regardless.

How to pay

Livingston Tax Collector Vibha Desai's office accepts payments in person at Town Hall, 357 S. Livingston Ave., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Summer hours apply on Fridays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents who prefer to skip the trip can pay online through the township's WIPP portal using a credit card, debit card, or eCheck. An eCheck carries a $0.35 processing fee. The same portal lets homeowners look up their current balance.

The Tax Collector's office can be reached at 973-992-5000, ext. 5121 through 5124.

Key dates

Livingston property taxes are due quarterly. The fourth-quarter payment comes due Sunday, November 1, with its own 10-day grace period. Residents who want to confirm their balance or payment history can do so through the WIPP online portal at any time.