Located in the front lobby of City Hall, the tax department booth is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (with a break from 11-1 p.m.), and serves as a year-round resource for residents who need help filling out property tax forms, have any questions or need guidance on who to contact about payment plans. With the arrival of property tax statements, most of which were mailed to Pasadena residents by the middle of November, Neese said there were many different ways she could help citizens in the upcoming months.

“First of all, if someone hasn’t received their statement by the end of November, all they have to do is call me, or come by, and I’ll get them another one,” Neese said. “I also have any form that could be needed and can look up exemptions for them.”

Neese said she can also accept property tax payments by check or credit card at her desk, which allows people to avoid long lines at the county office. “I can even get their forms done, have them sign and get it in the mail that day. It doesn’t cost the resident anything and only takes a few minutes of their time,” Neese said.

The tax department also helps educate the community about common, misleading tax-related mailings. Neese gave the example of a letter she’s seen recently in which a senior citizen was instructed to send a company $45 in order to possibly get a refund by claiming certain exemptions.

“Companies like this want you to pay to get exemptions you are already due. Some of them even want half of your refund,” Neese said. She said that, upon pulling up the records, she found that the resident had already received all eligible exemptions and would have spent that money for nothing. But because the person decided to stop by the city tax booth, not a penny was lost.

“I want to make sure that people are aware of things like that. I would encourage them to stop by or call me before they do anything like that. I can make sure they’ve gotten every exemption they’re entitled to, and it won’t cost them a thing,” Neese said. She also mentioned companies that approach people who are behind in their taxes, offering them a loan to pay the amount due. Neese said the tax liens attached to the homeowner’s property are then attached to the company.

“That means if you don’t pay the company back, they get your house,” Neese said. She said that instead of making that commitment, people can work directly with the tax offices involved. “We all offer payment plans and usually we can help stop legal action before it starts,” Neese said.

“No one should be scared to approach us,” Neese said. “We’re here to help.”

For tax help, contact Joan Neese at (713) 475-5561, visit the tax booth at City Hall or reach her by email at taxsupport@ci.pasadena.tx.us.