Some Linn County residents get incorrect tax bills

About 1 percent of Linn County property owners may find a different name on their property tax bills.

County Treasurer Sharon Gonzalez said the problem affects properties that have changed hands over the past year and a half. She estimated about 1,300 of the semiannual tax bills mailed last week carry the name of the property owner as of  January 2010, instead of the new owners' name.

Gonzalez said the error occurred as her department prepared for its switch to a new Web-based collection system. Linn and Polk counties are working on the project with vendor Manatron to develop the system, which will include a portal allowing residents to check their valuations, appraisals, and tax history online.

The treasurer's office mailed about 120,000 tax statements Aug. 19 for the twice-yearly installment due Sept. 30. Residents who received incorrectly addressed statements should call the treasurer's office tax department at 892-5550.