Ad valorem taxes will be "mailed earlier this year than last year, but not as early as I would like," said County Treasurer Saundra DeSelms.

More than 120,000 statements will be mailed today and Thursday. Anyone who doesn't receive the notice by Monday should call the treasurer's office, DeSelms said.

All property owners will receive a statement even if their mortgage companies pay the real estate taxes.

"The statement they receive will be for informational purposes only," DeSelms said. "If your mortgage company does not pay your taxes, then they can use the statement to remit their payment."

At least half of the taxes have to be paid by Dec. 31. The balance is due March 31, 2009. Taxes may be paid in person 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the county treasurer's office in the County Office Building, 201 S. Jones Ave., Suite 100, in Norman between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or use the drive-through drop box on the north end of the building. Taxes also can be paid online at www.clevelandcountytreasurer.com.

The treasurer accepts cash, check or Visa, Mastercard or Discover cards. All credit card companies charge a two and one-half percent convenience fee that goes directly to the credit card companies.

For more information on paying and collecting taxes, call the treasurer's office at 366-0217. Questions regarding property tax assessments or the amount of taxes due should be directed to the county assessor's office at 366-0230.