Beginning May 1, 2025, the Allegany County Tax and Utility Office will implement a change in how credit and debit card processing fees are handled. As outlined in the FY25 budget plan, the County will no longer absorb these fees. Instead, a processing fee will be applied to all transactions made with a credit or debit card.
The new fee structure is as follows:
• 3.95% of the total transaction amount, or
• A minimum charge of $2.50, whichever is greater
• These fees are non-refundable.
Allegany County previously absorbed approximately $500,000 in card processing fees annually. This change allows the County to better allocate taxpayer dollars toward essential services.
Additional Details for Tax/Utility Payers:
• Payments made by cash or check will not incur any processing fees.
• Tax bills can be paid in person, by mail or online.
o As part of the system update on May 1, you will be able to pay via eCheck online. eCheck payments are fee-free.
• Utility bills can be paid in person, by mail, online, or through the automated phone system.
o eCheck payments are accepted through both the automated phone system and online, and are fee-free.
o AutoPay uses the ACH method and remains fee-free.
• The previous $2.00 partial payment fee for paying a bill in installments has been eliminated.
Residents are encouraged to consider their payment options and plan accordingly to avoid additional fees. For more information, please visit https://alleganygov.org/181/Tax-Utility-Office or contact the Tax and Utility Office during regular business hours at 301-777-5965.