Nearly $4 million in property taxes was remitted during the last four business days before penalties were assessed, said Revenue Commissioner Janice Hart on Tuesday.

Hart, who described the year’s remittances as “fantastic,” said the collections represent more than 80 percent of the total $11.3 million billed in October.

As of Dec. 28, only 48 percent – or $5.4 million – had been collected. Local property owners had until Monday to pay without a penalty.

Hart said as of Tues., Jan. 4, payments totaling $9.05 million had been entered into the computer.

“And, since people had that extra day to pay (because of the New Year’s holiday) and had the option of mailing in their payment, we’ve got about three boxes of payments that have yet to be credited,” Hart said. “Those people won’t be charged a penalty because (the payment) was post-marked before the deadline date, which was Monday.”

Hart said included in the total amount collected were several large checks from mortgage companies.

“That (overall) figure is much better than where we were before Monday,” she said. “I’m pleased to see it. It’s fantastic.”

For those who haven’t made their annual property tax payments, there will be a 1 percent penalty and $5 late fee per parcel added to the cost.

Payments in the form of checks or money orders can be mailed to Revenue Commissioner, 1 Court Square, Andalusia AL 36420.

If mailing payments, Hart suggested calling the office at 334-428-2540 to get the exact balance owed.

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

“These taxes help fund a variety of services we all use each day,” Hart said.