The Greene County Trustee's office is now taking online and over-the-counter credit card and debit card payments for 2008 and 2009 property taxes.

"Citizens can come to our office and pay their taxes at the counter," Trustee Dan Walker said, "or go to the secure Web site, http://www.tennesseetrustee.com , and select 'Greene County' to search tax rolls and instantly pay taxes online."

Walker said payments can be made either by electronic check, or by Visa, MasterCard or Discovery debit or credit cards.

A 2.5 percent fee will be charged by the company that processes online payments for county clerks in Tennessee, he said.

Because of the fee, Walker said most people whose tax bills are large choose either to pay in person or by mail, using the mailing address on their tax notices.

No fee is charged for paying at the counter or by mail. He said some out-of-town owners have used the Internet to pay their property taxes, however.

Walker said the online service will save some taxpayers from making a trip to the Trustee's office, and relieve some of the congestion there during tax season.

Feb. 28 is the last day to pay county or city property taxes, by state law.

In order to make it easier for property owners to pay their taxes, the Trustee's office will again be open each Saturday morning during February, to receive tax payments, Walker said.

The office is in the county courthouse office annex, at the corner of Cutler and Hall streets, near the federal courthouse.

The Greene County Clerk's office is also located in the annex building, and is also open on Saturdays, for vehicle tag purchases and renewals.

The annex will be open from 8:30 to noon on Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Customers for either office may enter by the front door, near the intersection.

For more information, call 798-1705.