The end of grace?

Second installment property tax bills were due on December 21, so the final weeks of December were a busy time for Decatur’s taxpayers and tax office.

The good news for anybody who wasn’t able to make that original deadline is that we offered a two week grace period for payments during which no penalties or interest was charged.

However, the grace period ends tomorrow. Penalty and interest will be charged against unpaid amounts after Jan. 7.

Although we honor postmarks, you are strongly encouraged to make your payment as soon as possible! A 10 percent penalty plus 1 percent interest per month will be charged on any unpaid amounts.  You can mail your payment to:

City of Decatur Lockbox
P.O. Box 945650
Atlanta, GA 30394-5650

Fyi, including the full nine-digit ZIP code will help ensure that your mail is routed faster. Please write your property ID and the tax year (2009) on your check and enclose your payment coupon. Make checks payable to “City of Decatur.”

If you prefer to pay in person, the Revenue Division is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. We are located  in City Hall at 509 North McDonough Street.

If you walk in through the front door of City Hall, come to any of the open pay windows to your immediate left on the first floor. Please bring a copy of your bill—we will stamp it and return it to you for your records.