The Covington County Revenue Commission office has collected 94.4 percent of property taxes due so far.

The office started with $12,261,254.28 and has collected $11,481,671.72, leaving $779,582.56 due.

“The longer people wait, the more they are going to end up paying,” Revenue Commissioner Chuck Patterson said. “We re-mailed on Monday and Tuesday so hopefully people will come and pay their property taxes.”

Each month that a property owner does not pay his or her property taxes, the interest will go up. Starting Feb. 1, the interest will increase to 2 percent and a $5 penalty per parcel.

Starting March 1, the interest will go up to a 4 percent interest charge and $20 per parcel.

Patterson said he is still trying to get in over 65 exemption forms in as well.

“We still have about 500 to 600 of those left to get in,” Patterson said. “What happens is that people get put in circumstances, like maybe they get put in the hospital, or something like that, but we all have circumstances where we all understand that you won’t be able to get the form back in for some reason. We try to be as lenient as possible with those people.”

Patterson said that if there is anything anybody needs, they are able to call the revenue commission office.

“We are here to make sure that people have all the tools they need to pay off these property taxes,” Patterson said. “I just want to thank all of the landowners first off for everything they do and for paying in a timely fashion.”

Patterson also has advice for new landowners.

“We love to help new homeowners come in,” Patterson said. “Please file for homestead exemption. Right now, it is kind of past the window for that, but I’m not going to refuse you if you come in here and want to do that. If there is a benefit that is available, we want you to take advantage.”

Payments may also be made by mail or in person. To pay online or pay by credit card in the office, there will be a 2.35 percent processing fee.

The office is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

For more information call 428-2540.