The calendar year is winding down, and so is one’s opportunity to pay annual property taxes before penalties are added.

Bills were mailed Oct. 1 and are due by Dec. 31, he said.

Some $14.66 million is set to be collected after this year’s appraisals, and $5.7 million has been collected, said county tax assessor Tim Pettis.

“We’re going to be closed Thursday and Friday for Christmas, but will reopen Monday with the regular schedule,” Pettis said. “We will be here New Year’s Eve, too.”

Pettis also reminded residents of the Atmore office.

“If it’s easier for you to pay in Atmore, do that,” he said. “That office is there for to make things more convienent for our residents.”

There are a number 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 and have resided in the property since at least last September.

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

Those who do not pay by the Dec. 31 deadline will face a 3 percent penalty as well as other fees in January. Penalty fees increase each month until the April tax sale.

Payments may be made in person at the Escambia County Courthouse and made by credit/debit card by calling 251.867.0299.

 

or at the counter in the courthouse. There is a 2.5 percent fee added when paying with a credit/debit card.