By Glenn Rolfe

Sussex County property tax bills are on the way.

The county’s business services office has begun issuing bills for the 2024 fiscal year, totaling an estimated $196.5 million in tax revenue.

Each August, tens of thousands of tax bills are sent for the more than 195,000 parcels in the county, with revenue collected funding a variety of local services.

Bills can be viewed at munis.sussexcountyde.gov/css/citizens/realestate.

The invoices feature an easy-to-read format, so taxpayers can understand their bills and the various payment options.

For property owners without mortgage escrow accounts, paper copies will be mailed during August, with payment due Sept. 30, the deadline established by Delaware Code.

The bills include county property taxes, as well as county sewer and water, tax ditch and street-lighting fees, where applicable.

They also include school taxes, which are set by and vary among the county’s eight school districts. Delaware law requires Sussex County to bill property owners for such taxes on behalf of the districts, with the funds then turned over to the state.

Approximately 10% of the typical residential bill is for property taxes, with the remainder going to public education administered by the independent school districts.

Sussex County accepts tax payments by cash, check, money order or debit/credit card.

Payment may be made online via most major credit cards or by e-check. Visit sussexcountyde.gov and select “Online Payment” to do so.

Additionally, property owners can mail their payments using the return envelopes included with their bills. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Sussex County Government and addressed to the Sussex County Treasury Division, P.O. Box 601, Georgetown, DE 19947. Payments sent by mail must be postmarked by Sept. 30 to be considered on time. Unpaid balances are subject to monthly interest charges.

The county’s payment center — on the first floor of its Administrative Offices at 2 The Circle in Georgetown — is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A secure after-hours payment drop-box also is available in the lobby.

Those making payment by phone should call 866-791-9802 with their tax bill available.