Ala. Code § 40-10-7
The tax collectors of the several counties of the state are authorized and required to accept any moneys tendered to them in partial payment of ad valorem taxes collectible by them at any time before the decree of sale of the properties liable therefor; provided, that said payment shall be an amount not less than one fourth of the total amount of taxes due, unless payment is made as provided in Section 40-5-13; provided, that no such payment shall be made, nor shall same be accepted by the tax collectors, unless such payment shall amount to at least one fourth of the total amount of taxes due on October 1 of each year. They shall credit the amount so paid first upon accrued interest and then upon the principal of the taxes owing. They shall give to the person paying the same a receipt for the amount so paid. Nothing herein shall be construed to postpone the payment of such taxes nor to waive any lien or right of enforcement of collection. The Department of Revenue shall prescribe the form of the receipt to be given hereunder.
Ala. Code § 40-10-7 (1975)