State to take over vehicle tax payments July 1

Polk County commissioners approved a resolution on April  1 saying they are in support of having a vehicle tag office in Polk County.

The resolution states that Polk is in need of a local tag office with more than 55 percent of the population being over age 50, with traveling out of the county creating a hardship for its citizens.

“Whereas, as of July 1, 2013 any adjustments to vehicle registrations will require multiple trips between the Polk County Tax Office and a vehicle tag office,” states the resolution.

Beginning July 1, the state of North Carolina is taking over vehicle tax payments, which will be done at the same time as the tag renewal. Residents with problems with their vehicle tax, such as needing an adjustment on the value, would have to go to the Polk County Tax Office to make an adjustment and back to a tag office to see the adjustment and make a payment, according to the Polk County Tax Office. The Polk tax office will no longer bill and take vehicle tax payments beginning July 1, but will still maintain addresses, value vehicles and make adjustments to the values. Residents will be able to renew their tag and pay their taxes at the same time online through the department of motor vehicle website.

Commissioner Ray Gasperson said he’s always been in favor of a tag office, but asked if other commissioners were trying to find an operator to run the office as he doesn’t want county government to grow.