$11.4M expected to be collected this year

If it hasn’t already arrived, don’t worry – your property tax bill will be in your mailbox before the end of the week.

Revenue Commissioner Chuck Patterson said this week that the county has billed for $11.4 million in annual property taxes. Bills were mailed this morning, and locals should start receiving them.

“Nearly 29,357 notices were sent from the office to property owners,” Patterson said.

Patterson said tax notices are for real property, meaning land and homes/buildings, as well as for personal property, which is equipment used by businesses.

Patterson said residents can begin making payments on Oct. 1, and ad valorem tax must be paid in full by Dec. 31, 2015, to avoid interest and penalties.

There are property tax exemptions available to those who qualify, such as the homestead exemption and an exemption for the disabled and one for property owners over 65 who own and live on property.

Those who wish to apply must do so in the office.

To qualify for the homestead exemption, property owners must have resided in the property since at least last September.

If one qualifies, one must pay 10 percent the assessed value of the property.

Patterson said in addition to property taxes, his office is also collecting fees for manufactured/mobile home registration, which is due from Oct. 1, through Nov. 30.

Patterson said the office will be closed on Oct. 12, Nov. 11, Nov. 26-27, and Dec. 24-25.

The revenue commissioners 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 Commission of Covington County, 1 North Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420.

“If you prefer to bring your property tax payment to our office, we will assist you with your payment or you may place it in the drop box on the counter,” Patterson said.

Additionally, Patterson said the office is accepting payment by credit or debit card, but said there is a convenience fee for using the method.

For more info, call 334-428-2540 or email chuck.patterson@covcounty.com.