GEORGETOWN, Del. - Sussex County has begun issuing property tax bills for the 2027 fiscal year, with approximately $218 million in tax revenue expected to be collected. The county government issues tax bills each August for an estimated 206,000 parcels. The revenue supports local public services and includes taxes collected on behalf of local school districts.
For fiscal 2027, Sussex County said it will mail more than 127,000 paper bills, while approximately 66,000 bills will be sent electronically to mortgage lenders.
Property owners without mortgage escrow accounts should receive paper copies throughout August. Payments are due by Sept. 30. Bills can also be viewed online through the county's Real Estate Self Service portal.
Annual bills include county property taxes as well as sewer and water, tax ditch and street lighting fees when applicable. Bills also include taxes established by the county's eight independent school districts.
According to Sussex County, approximately 10 percent of a typical residential tax bill goes toward county property taxes, with the remainder going to public education administered by local school districts. Delaware law requires the county to collect school taxes on behalf of the districts, with the money then turned over to the state, said the county.
Property owners with mortgage escrow accounts generally have their annual taxes paid by their lenders and do not receive paper bills. However, people can check their payment information through the county's EscrowCheck tool online.
Sussex County said it accepts payments by cash, check, money order, debit card and credit card. Payments can be made online, by mail, in person or by telephone.
Mailed checks and money orders should be payable to Sussex County Government and sent to the Sussex County Treasury Division, PO Box 601, Georgetown, DE 19947. Payments sent by mail must be postmarked by Sept. 30 to be considered on time. The county said unpaid balances are subject to monthly interest charges.
The county payment center, located on the first floor of the County Administrative Offices building, is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An after-hours payment drop box is also available in the lobby. Telephone payments can be made by calling 1-866-791-9802. General questions about tax bill payments can be directed to 302-855-7871.
