Property tax collections are now on track, but procrastinators only have a few days left to pay without a penalty.

In October, the office billed $11.2 million in ad valorem taxes, or what is more commonly known as property taxes, and collections were reportedly slow in November.

To date, $6 million – or 54 percent of the total billed– has been remitted to the office, said Diane Thompkins, chief clerk at the county revenue commission’s office.

Thompkins said totals are consistent with years past.

“We’re doing well, over half way, I would say,” Thompkins said. “Right where we were this time last year, but (this week), I expect it to be standing room only in the hall.”

Residents who receive a tax bill have until Dec. 31 to pay the property tax. If that deadline is missed, there is a penalty fee.

“I would recommend that you go ahead and mail it in,” Thompkins said of payments. “We’d love for you to do that. It will save you from having to wait in line, and as long as it’s postmarked by the last day of the month, we’ll accept it without a penalty or fee.”

The revenue commissioner’s office will open today at 8 a.m. and close at 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 paying in person should bring their bills with them to the courthouse, in order to expedite the process. Thompkins said, as a reminder, the office is still unable to accept credit card or debit card payments.

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