Gwinnett tax commissioner offices reopen with new safety measures

The Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner’s office will reopen all offices Monday, May 18, after establishing new safety and social distancing measures. (Courtesy Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner)

The Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner’s office will reopen all offices Monday, May 18, after establishing new safety and social distancing measures. (Courtesy Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner)

The Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner’s office will reopen all offices Monday, May 18, after establishing new safety and social distancing measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“The safest option is for people to skip the trip entirely and just renew online or at a kiosk; next is to skip the line by using our drop box service. For those whose business requires an in-person visit, such as new residents, we’ve made the process as safe as possible,” said Tax Commissioner Richard Steele.

The Georgia Department of Revenue has extended the deadline for all registrations to June 15, including those for temporary operating permits, and private party vehicle purchases that took place or would have expired between Mar. 16 and June 14. This means more than 200,000 residents need to complete tax, tag and title services in one month instead of three to avoid late fees.

The office is suggesting visiting on odd or even days to match birthdays to help manage longer wait times. For example, a March 25 birthday would visit on odd days such as May 27, 29 etc.; and an April 24 birthday on May 26, 28 and so on.

The new procedures include:

• A three-step service process: 1) Check in, 2) Wait in car, 3) Go to staging.

• Social distancing at least six feet apart, limiting staff to every other window, and a maximum of 10 customers inside at any given time.

• All contactless payment methods are now accepted, including Apple, Android and Samsung Pay, so customers can pay without touching the terminals.

• Other safety measures include sanitizing common areas on a regular schedule.

Customer Service is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays by phone, email and chat. Saturday service is suspended indefinitely.

• Motor Vehicle assistance: tag@gwinnettcounty.com or (770) 822-8818;

• Property Tax assistance: tax@gwinnettcounty.com or (770) 822-8800;

• Chat on any device from www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com.