It may be hilarious to you, but if you get hit by it every single damn year, you might laugh out the other side of your face. There is serious money being taken for property you are paying on or have paid off. No fun at all. If you have no mortgage, you have to write a check directly to your county each half and deliver it to the clerk. It is a different matter if you are paying a mortgage and tax and insurance through those escrow accounts! You pay monthly vs. twice a year. Again, no fun.