Property taxes due Thursday

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 29, 2009

With only three days until the deadline to pay property taxes, $4.2 million of the more than $11.3 million billed in October remains unpaid, Covington County Revenue Commissioner Janice Hart said Monday.

“It’s been a steady flow of people coming in to pay,” she said. “Obviously, people like to try and get through the holidays and deal with all those responsibilities, then after Christmas a lot of them will come in and take care of their taxes.”

However, taxpayers have only until Thurs., Dec. 31, at 5 p.m., to pay their taxes without penalties. Starting Mon., Jan. 4, a $5 late penalty and 1 percent interest penalty will be assessed. These penalties accrue each consecutive month.

“Taxpayers can mail their return, but they must make sure it’s postmarked by Dec. 31 or there will be a penalty,” Hart said. “If you come to the courthouse to pay, it’s very helpful if you bring the bill with you.”

Checks or money orders should be made payable to “Revenue Commissioner” and mailed to Revenue Commissioner, 1 Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420.

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.