Tax payments due today

Property taxes are due today to the City of Decatur for the first installment of 2010. We honor postmarks. You can mail your payment to:

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

Please enclose the payment stub of your tax bill with your mail, and write your real estate ID and tax year (2010) on your check. If you prefer, you can deliver your payment in person to 509 N. McDonough Street on the first floor of City Hall. If you bring in your whole tax bill, we’ll stamp the top portion as paid for your records. We don’t have a “drop box,” so please plan for parking accordingly.

First installment bills are based on 2009 DeKalb County property assessments. Your payment is due today even if your property value is under appeal with DeKalb County. If the county lowers your assessment in the 2010 digest we will receive from them this summer, your total year’s taxes will be recalculated during the second installment of 2010, and your first installment payment will serve as a credit against the tax total for the year.

Although payments are now due, there is a grace period up until June 15. A late penalty of 10 percent and a montly interest charge of 1 percent will be charged on unpaid amounts after that time.