Taxpayers have until Oct. 1 to pay the first installment of their 2012 real estate and personal property taxes to avoid a 5 percent late payment penalty.

Claudia G. Lawson, DeKalb tax commissioner, said it is important to note that if your payment is mailed, the postmark or cancellation stamp from the U.S. Postal Service is the only accepted evidence of timely mailing.

A drop box at the Central Office at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur may be used for last minute drop-offs. Property taxes also can be paid by electronic check or credit card (a 2.5 percent service fee is charged) at www.yourdekalb.com/taxcommissioner or at 404-298-4000. Walk-in customers to the Central, North or South satellite offices may pay by cash, check, debit card ($1.50 service fee is charged for debit) or credit card (2.5 percent service fee is charged).

For more information, contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office at proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-298-4000.