More than $5.8 million in property taxes has yet to be collected and the clock is winding down for local property owners.

“We have collected $5,513,316, and the remaining amount to be collected is $5,867,550,” said Revenue Commissioner Chuck Patterson. “We can take payments over the phone with a debit or credit card. There is a 3 percent charge that the processing company will charge you. The only card the processing company will not take is American Express.”

The deadline to pay your property taxes is Dec. 31.

“If your payment is postmarked by Dec. 31, we will process without any penalties,” Patterson said. “Please remember that the lines in the courthouse will get longer the closer we get to the end of the month.”

Patterson said exemption forms are also due on Dec. 31.

“If you are applying for first time age 65 exemption, you will need proof of age (Alabama driver’s license) and your federal and state tax returns,” he said. “If applying for disability exemption, you will need supporting documentation for 100 percent disability.”

Patterson said other exemptions include homestead, current use and summer home.

“Homestead is available for your primary residence and up to 160 acres,” he said. “Current use exemption is for property owners with six or more acres used for farming/forestry.”

Patterson wanted to thank all who have paid their property taxes.

“I hope that the remaining taxes are collected, so we have no property tax sales in May 2016,” he said.

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

For more info, call 428-2540.