Those still needing to pay their property taxes will have three fewer days next week to do so.

The Covington County Revenue Commissioner’s Office will be closed Dec. 24-26, and will reopen on Mon., Dec. 29, which will give residents just three days to pay their bill.

The Covington County Commission voted in a recent meeting to give county employees an extra day off.

In October, the county billed $11,207,478 in annual property taxes.

Chief Revenue Clerk Dianne Thompkins said Wednesday the office had collected $4.9 million.

There are property tax exemptions available for those who qualify, such as the homestead exemption and an exemption for the disabled. Additionally, there is an exemption for property owners over 65 who 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 at the property since at least last September.

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

Residents who received a tax bill have until Dec. 31 to pay the property tax, or at least have it postmarked.

If that deadline is missed, there is a penalty fee.

The department is now able to accept credit and debit cards, but only by visiting the courthouse.

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

Bills may also be mailed to Revenue Commissioner, 1 North Court Square, Suite G, Andalusia, AL 36420.

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