May 2020, Vol. 14, Issue 5

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Dear Friends,

As this issue of Tax Talk goes to publication, I remain focused on ensuring the Constitutional Tax Collector’s Office continues to provide essential services to our county as we face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please take a few minutes to read my latest COVID-19 update related to tax collector services.

I also want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers. Whether you are a grandparent, a father, a guardian or other trusted caretaker filling this important role – it makes no difference to the child who looks to you for love, guidance and protection. Thank you for all you do!

Please follow recommendation from state and local leaders to stay healthy and decrease the spread of illness in our community.

Warm regards,

Anne M. Gannon
Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County

COVID-19 Update

As we publish this newsletter, we do not yet know when we will re-open our offices to the public. We do expect longer-than-normal wait times due to high demand for in-person service. We encourage you to complete your transaction online or by mail to avoid long wait times – and stay healthy!

Pay Online or Mail Your Payment

These common transactions can be completed online:

• Pay delinquent tangible personal property tax
• Pay Local Business Tax
• File and pay Tourist Development Tax
• Renew your driver license (if you have not already used Florida’s one-time complimentary online renewal service)
• Renew your vehicle or vessel registrations

You may also mail your payment to:
Tax Collector, Palm Beach County
P.O. Box 3715
West Palm Beach, FL 33402-3715

Emergency Order 041320 Extends Expiring Driver Licenses and State ID Cards

Under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, Emergency Order 041320 has been executed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes.

• 60 Day Extension: All Florida driver licenses and identification cards set to expire between March 16, 2020, and April 15, 2020 will be granted a 60-day extension beyond their current expiration date.
• 30 Day Extension: All Florida driver licenses and identification cards set to expire between April 16, 2020, and April 30, 2020 will be granted a 30-day extension beyond their current expiration date.

REAL ID Deadline Extended to Oct. 1, 2021

If you do not yet have your REAL ID driver license or state ID card, I have some good news. The Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID deadline by 12 months. The new deadline is Oct. 1, 2021. As more information becomes available, I will share it with you.

Protect Yourself from Coronavirus Scams

I encourage you to remain wary of scammers looking to take advantage of others following an emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Be on the lookout for these scams:

Email Scams – Be aware of emails that look like they are sent from reputable organizations. Scammers may send health alerts that look like they are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO). Never complete a questionnaire that asks for your personal information.

Phony Vaccines or Testing Kits – There is no vaccine for COVID-19. Health officials are not selling at-home testing kits. Rely on your health care provider or local public health officials for the facts.

Phony Health Officials – Criminals wearing hazmat suits or lab coats are showing up on doorsteps pretending to represent local health departments or other organizations. Don’t fall victim to these unscrupulous con artists! Don’t let them in your house and do not give them any personal information.

Expedited Financial Assistance – The federal government is providing economic relief to many people impacted by the pandemic. These financial help measures are coming… but none can be expedited by paying a fee to anyone. Calls or emails offering expedited financial assistance is a scam!

Important Dates & Deadlines