Tax receipts on target

Published 12:00 am Friday, November 25, 2011

People have until Wednesday to purchase their mobile home registration stickers and avoid paying a late fee.

Janice Hart, the county revenue collector, said local residents who must pay property tax on mobile homes should make sure payment is in the office by Nov. 30.

“This will save you a penalty, but it would also be helpful if you bring it in before that deadline,” Hart said to local owners.

She said the office has collected more than $2.6 million of the more than $11 million in ad valorem taxes, also known as property taxes, billed in October. Collections began slowly; however, on Tuesday, were “right where they were this time last year.”

“We’ve had some mortgage companies to remit their payments, which helps that total tremendously,” she said.

“Mortgage payments” refer to the remittance by lenders who collect property tax payments along with regular mortgage payments and hold them in escrow, she said.

“I know this is a busy season for people, but residents should remember they have until Dec. 31 to file for any exemption on next year’s taxes. Some of those include homestead exemption, if you bought your house prior to Oct. 1 and it’s your primary residence, come in and apply. It will make a difference in the amount owned.

“Then, there’s the current use exemption, the over 65 exemption and the disabled exemption,” she said. “All of these exemptions, if you qualify, could reduce your property tax bill.”

Additionally, property tax bills should be paid by Dec. 31 to avoid a penalty fee.

Taxpayers have two options in which to pay – they can either come to the courthouse or they 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.”

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