Tax bills for 2012 will soon start showing up in the mailboxes of Rome, Cave Spring and Floyd County property owners.

Nov. 15 is the deadline to pay the bill in full.

“If anyone is concerned about having the lump sum payment (due) in November, I would strongly recommend partial payments each

month, starting now,” Tax Commissioner Kevin Payne said Tuesday.

Payne said most people will see a decrease from 2011.

The state’s share is falling to 0.20 mills from 0.25 mills — a savings of $20 on a $100,000 home — and assessments have dropped in general.

Rome, Floyd County and the school systems kept their tax rates the same this year.

Payne said a resident in the unincorporated area with a $100,000 house will pay $1,195.52, less any applicable exemptions. School taxes account for 62 percent of the tax, with the balance funding government operations.

A $100,000 house in the city of Rome would have a $1,404.68 tax, less exemptions — with 66 percent of the money earmarked for the city school system.

The tax office accepts payments online, at www.floydcountytax.com; by mail at P.O. Box 26, Rome, Ga. 30162; or in person at the Historic County Courthouse on Fifth Avenue in downtown Rome.

Payments may be made with cash, check, credit or debit cards. All credit or debit card payments will be charged a 2.2-percent convenience fee, plus 30 cents for the transaction.

“Paying your property taxes late is a very expensive proposition in Georgia,” Payne said. “And I have no authority to waive interest or penalties.”

A late fee of 1 percent per month on unpaid balances is added to bills beginning Nov. 16, and a 10-percent penalty is levied after 90 days.