(Richland PIO) – In an effort to help simplify the payment process for taxpayers, Richland County offers a one-of-a-kind planned payment program for real estate taxes. Today, the County Treasurer’s Office announces a new web-based service that makes the planned payment program even easier to use.

“My goal as Treasurer is to continuously expand our services through technology and innovation in order to help our citizens,” said Richland County Treasurer Kendra Dove. “No one loves paying taxes, but my office is going to make sure it’s as easy as possible when you do.”

The new service allows taxpayers to make payments online after entering into a planned payment contract. After establishing a part-pay or pre-pay contract with the County, residents can pay with a credit card or via electronic check by visiting the Treasurer’s page on Richland County's website: www.richlandcountysc.gov/treasurer.

The planned payment program allows residents to pay their real estate bills in installments and is used by about 4,000 people annually. Before the new web-based service, such payments could only be made by mail or in person at the County Treasurer’s Office, accounting for more than 20,000 annual transactions for office staff to process manually.

“As we build on our technology, we’re making it more convenient for our taxpayers to pay their bills, and this technology will allow our office staff to be more efficient in meeting taxpayer needs,” Dove said. “This is definitely a win for everyone, and it’s only the beginning of how the Treasurer’s Office will continue to expand services for the taxpayers of Richland County in the future.”

Planned payments can still be paid in person or by mail, in addition to online. Other kinds of taxes, including those for vehicles, businesses and personal property, can be paid in person, by mail or online. For information on making tax payments, visit the County’s website.