New Releases: September 26, 2007

 

By Jack Somerville
Revenue Commissioner

Board of Equalization notices were mailed on September 21, 2007. These notices are mailed to all property owners for each parcel of land owned. The new appraised value of that parcel is shown on the notice. Property owners who determine that the appraised value exceeds the market value have 30 days to file a written protest to the Board of Equalization, PO Box 447, Carrollton, Al. 35447

Tax notices will be mailed on October 5, 2007. The Revenue Commissioner’s Office will begin the collection of ad valorem taxes on Real and Business Personal Property on Tuesday October 9, 2007. Property taxes become delinquent after Dec. 31, 2007 at which time penalties, plus 12 percent interest, begin accruing.

The majority of taxpayers choose to MAIL IN their payments. The Revenue Commissioner encourages mail-ins because they are convenient to the taxpayer and reduce processing time. If you pay by mail, please put your account number(s) and telephone number on the check or money order and detach and return the payment stub of the tax notice with payment. Make any correction of address if needed. Your check will serve as your receipt. However, if you desire a receipt, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Payment by credit card is a new service available for the 2007 Tax Collection Year. There will be a 2.50% convenience fee for this service. You may use your credit card in the office or pay on-line or by telephone. Information about credit card payments can be found on our web-site www. pickensalabama.com. The website is also a new service. Taxpayers can find useful tax information on this website such as aerial photos, parcel information, tax facts, department information, news releases, map scans and contact information.

Homestead Exemption Cards for those home owners who are disabled or are over 65 years of age will also be mailed on October 5, 2007. They must be FILLED IN COMPLETELY (follow instructions). Sign and return the card to the Revenue Commissioner’s Office by Dec. 31. The cards can be placed in an envelope and mailed to the office. Remember, the exemption WILL BE REMOVED for the 2008 tax year if it is not applied for properly and timely. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! After the exemption cards are mailed to the property owner, there will be no further notification from the office.

If you became 65 years old or totally disabled before Oct. 1, 2007, and you own and live in your home on your property, you are eligible to apply for an exemption before Dec. 31, 2007 for the 2008 tax year.

Business Personal Property Assessment forms will be mailed on September 28, 2007. They must be updated and returned to the Revenue Commissioner’s Appraisal Department by December 31, 2007. A 10 percent penalty and $5 late fee will be charged on assessments not returned by Dec. 31.

By law, Code of Alabama 1975, Title 40, all property owners must report to the tax office any improvements that have been added or removed from their property prior to October 1, 2007, for assessment and taxation for 2008.

Manufactured (Mobile) Homes registration notices will be mailed September 28, 2007. Decals must be purchased between October 1 and November 30. There will be a $10 delinquent fee added if not registered on time.
Newly acquired manufactured homes must be registered or assessed within 30 days of purchase to avoid a $10 late fee.

A $20 fee will be charged on checks returned for non-sufficient funds or closed account.

You are urged to pay your tax bills as early in the season as possible in order to avoid the last minute rush.

Please let us know if you have questions or if we can assist you in any way. Our main office telephone number is 205-367-2040.

 

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