Kaua'i County officials are reminding property owners that the first installment of real property taxes for the 2009-2010 tax year is due on Aug. 20.

Payments can be made at www.kauai.gov/paypropertytax, by mail, in person, or at a drop box outside the Kapule Building at the Lihu'e Civic Center.

Checks should be made payable to Director of Finance.

Real property tax bills were recently mailed to all Kaua'i property owners or their respective servicing agents.

Property owners who pay their real property taxes directly and have not yet received their property tax bills should immediately inquire at the Real Property Tax Collection office in the Kapule Building, 4444 Rice St., Suite 463, or call 808-241-4272.

Failure to pay real property taxes by the due date will result in a 10 percent penalty, as well as 12 percent interest per year.