Local residents should have already received their annual property bill.

Revenue Commissioner Janice Hart said Wednesday that the county has billed $11,207,478 in annual property taxes.

Hart said the bills were mailed on Sept. 30.

Since Oct. 1, the county has already collected $652,601.

“It was up a little bit from new businesses and new buildings,” Hart said.

Last year, the county billed $11,202,369, which was down $30,000 from 2012.

There are property tax exemptions available to those who qualify, such as the homestead exemption and an exemption for the disabled. Additionally, there is an exemption for property owners over 65 that own and live on the property. Those who wish to apply must do so in the office.

To qualify for the homestead exemption, property owners must have resided in the property since at least last September.

If one qualifies, one must pay 10 percent the assessed value of the property.

Residents who receive a tax bill have until Dec. 31 to pay the property tax. If that deadline is missed, there is a penalty fee. Taxpayers have two options in which to pay – they can either come to the courthouse or they can return the payment through the mail.

The revenue commissioner’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. When paying by mail, send the bill or bills and payment to “Revenue Commissioner, 1 North Court Square, Suite G, Andalusia, AL 36420.”

Hart said the department is still unable to accept credit and debit cards at this time, though that is in the works.

Residents should also bring their bills to the courthouse, in order to expedite the process.

Property taxes are distributed to the school systems, the county’s general fund and road/bridge fund, among other areas.