More than $11 million is expected to be collected during this year’s annual property tax collection period, which began Oct. 1.

Janice Hart, Covington County revenue commissioner, said the county looks to collect $11,157,314 between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31.

The figure is more than $355,000 over last year’s totals, Hart said.

“Collections are going pretty good,” Hart said. “There really hasn’t been a lot of complaining over the amounts. I’d say collections at this point are fair. We’re about where we were this time last year.”

Residents can submit their payment in person or by mail; however, no matter how it’s remitted, payment must be received by Dec. 31 to avoid a penalty.

Additionally, now is the time to claim homeowner’s exemption for any newly purchased property, she said.

“Residents must have lived on the property for one year,” she said. “By claiming homeowner’s exemption, residents get a break on their property taxes by only having to pay 10 percent of the assessed value of the property.”

Hart said her office would like to encourage residents to bring their property tax bills with them when they come to make a payment.

“It is very helpful if you have your bill, because it has your account number on it,” she said. “We’ve had very long lines over the couple of days, and by having your bill, it really will expedite the payment process.”

The monies collected are distributed to the school systems, the county general fund and many other areas, she said.

“This money is extremely important to our community,” she said.

The Revenue Commissioner’s office is located inside the Covington County Courthouse, and payments may be made using cash or check only.