The deadline for the 2012 real estate tax is fast approaching! Stearns county is announcing Tuesday, the fifteenth, as the last day to pay the first half without penalty. Stearns County has several options for payment, including paying over the internet on the County website with e-checks or credit cards.

People may also do ACH payment plans, which spread payments over either a quarterly or 10-month period, and are automatically taken from a checking or savings account; payments can be made in person at either the Stearns County Service Center in Waite Park, or downtown St. Cloud at the Treasurer’s Office in the Stearns County Administration Center. Offices are open Monday through Friday.

Tax payments that are mailed must be postmarked by the post office, and not a private postage meter machine. For questions and concerns, or to set up a Direct Payment Plan, call (320) 656-3870