There are a handful of days left to pay real estate taxes during 2009.

Many residents want to pay by year end to deduct the amount on federal income tax forms or otherwise apply it to state income taxes. At least a partial tax payment is required by Jan. 31.

Property owners’ options for payment include:

— Paying in person — and often standing in line — at municipal buildings.

— Mailing bills by Dec. 31 to receive a 2009 postmark. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for a receipt to be returned.

— Using municipalities’ drop boxes.

— Charging to credit cards by going online or picking up the phone, or electronic transfer.

Materials included with property tax bills mailed earlier this month describe payment alternatives and when municipal buildings are open during the holidays.

The city of Kenosha’s municipal building will be closed Thursday through Sunday. Officials have said drop box payments for Kenosha taxes made between those days will be counted as being paid in 2009.

Property owners in the city can use the Web site www.kenosha.org to reach a link to Chase bank to pay taxes online. Its payment fee is 2.5 percent.

They also can go to www.officialpayments.com, which charges a 2.75 percent fee.

Chase does not have a phone payment option, but Official Payments does at 1-800-272-9829.