The second half of my real estate / property taxes were due 12/1/2016, but in talking to our mortgage company, they didn't receive the bill from the county until late December. As a result, the second of two payments was not made until 1/3/2017, though this should have been made in 2016 if not for the late bill. As a result, on our 2016 tax return, we have half the real estate taxes to deduct, which is causing a large fluctuation in what we owe. Given that the bill was supposed to be sent in time for the payment to be made in 2016, do we have any options to avoid owing a large amount this year (and presumably getting a refund next year since there should be three property tax payments made in 2017) ?
