With only four days left in the year, less than half of the nearly $11.3 million in property tax billed out in October had been remitted as of Monday.

Diane Thompkins, chief clerk with the county revenue office, said collections have been slow in 2010 and currently total $5.4 million – or 48 percent.

“It’s generally slow right before Christmas,” Thompkins said. “It seems this year, though, collections overall have been slow.”

Deadline to pay without a penalty is Monday, she said.

“Because of the (New Year’s) holiday, residents get a free day,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean you should wait until then to come in and pay to avoid long lines.”

Those who miss Monday’s deadline will be charged 1 percent interest and a $5 late fee.

“And that’s per parcel, not per person,” Thompkins said of the penalties. “Sometimes people get confused about that.”

She also advises property owners to bring their unpaid bills with them when making a payment.

Payments in the form of check or money orders can be mailed to Revenue Commissioner, 1 Court Square, Andalusia AL 36420, but must be postmarked by Jan. 3 to avoid the penalty. For an exact balance owed, call 334-428-2540.

If taxes remain unpaid in April, the property is placed on the delinquent taxes list. If taxes are still unpaid, the property will be put up for sale at a delinquent tax sale in May.