The Richland County Treasurer’s Office has implemented new efficiencies in processing tax payments and mailing tax receipts that will save taxpayers more than $100,000 a year.

The Treasurer’s Office is now using new technology to more efficiently process all mailed tax payments in-office.  Over 150,000 mailed tax payments were previously managed by a bank and then submitted to the Treasurer’s Office which cost the county approximately $40,000 a year in bank fees.

 “Now we will process all mailed payments on-site – with existing staff – and reduce delays in identifying problems,” said Treasurer David A. Adams. “It will allow taxpayers to receive more timely credit for their payment, the money will go into county accounts more quickly, and tax receipts will be returned to our citizens sooner – all while saving money.”

 The Richland County Treasurer’s Office is also among the first to partner with the SC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to send tax receipts combined with car registrations and decals in a single piece of mail.  Previously, the county mailed a paid receipt to taxpayers and another piece of mail would come from DMV with an updated registration and license tag decal.  The new cooperation with DMV will save Richland approximately $63,000 in postage and printing costs each year.

 “Our office was the third county in South Carolina to print DMV’s decals and registrations when people pay their taxes.  It reduced the travel between government offices and significantly reduced the lines at the DMV,” Adams continued.  “In this new effort, DMV is helping Richland by mailing our tax receipts with DMV’s information.  It is the type of common-sense cooperation that saves our taxpayers money.”

 “This is what happens when government works and identifies new efficiencies – we can help taxpayers, operate more effectively, and we save people money,” Adams concluded.