LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Commissioner of State Lands John Thurston is reminding Arkansans to pay their property taxes by the October 15th deadline.

Property taxes help fund public schools, libraries and emergency services that are essential to each county. Failure to pay taxes on time will result in additional costs.

"These taxes are vital to the counties across this state and without your tax dollars our communities will suffer," says Commissioner Thurston.

Additionally, if taxes are not paid within the following year, real property taxes may be certified to the Commissioner of State Lands office for collection.

October 15th is on a Monday this year. Contact the county collector's office for their hours on that day. If taxes are delinquent, the Commissioner's office will accept payment in office until 4:30 p.m.

Please contact the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands Office at 501-683-3053 for additional information on delinquent real property taxes.

(Information from: Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands Office)