September 2020, Vol. 14, Issue 9
Dear Friends,
It’s been a very busy summer as we continue to serve more clients by appointment in our offices. I am receiving mostly positive feedback from clients who enjoy coming in for service without waiting in a crowded lobby. Many clients are able to complete their transaction with us in less than 15 minutes.
September is also a busy month as we have two important tax deadlines this month. If you are enrolled in our budget friendly Installment Payment Plan, your second payment is due Sept. 30. It’s also time for business owners to renew their local business tax receipt by Sep. 30. Both payments can be conveniently paid online.
Don’t forget… Our offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Please enjoy a safe holiday weekend!
Sincerely,
Anne M. Gannon
Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
Anne Gannon: Taking Charge and Making Changes
Anne recently sat down with Penny Pompei, host of “Talk of the Palm Beaches” on 95.9 FM, to discuss the many innovative changes she is implementing at the Constitutional Tax Collector’s Office.
“We faced some very difficult challenges with this coronavirus,” said Anne. “But we used it as an opportunity for improvement.”
During the 50-minute interview, Anne discussed a wide range of topics including:
- Steps she is taking to ensure the agency is able to continue to serve the public safely and efficiently
- Operational improvements she is implementing to help save clients time and money
- Improvements to the appointment process including new email reminders
Listen to the full podcast at: www.pbctax.com/interviews-with-anne.
Anne Shares Important Information About Rent and Utility Assistance
With COVID-19 continuing to cause extreme hardships for many in Palm Beach County, I often hear from residents who are deeply worried about paying their bills, especially for housing and utilities. Fortunately, there is help available locally, and I am pleased to share these important program details with you.
Palm Beach County’s Coronavirus Relief Fund Rent and Utilities Assistance Program provides one-time rental and/or utility assistance to residents who have experienced loss of income, reduction in hours or unemployment due to COVID-19. Applications are accepted online and by drive-thru at the county’s Community Services Department offices in West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach. Please call 561-355-4792 to make an appointment and learn about drivethru hours.
Please note: A valid driver license or state identification card is required to apply for this program. If you need help obtaining a valid driver license or state ID card, please make an appointment for in-person service at one of our offices.
FPL is also helping its customers who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The company has suspended disconnections for non-payment and continues to waive late fees and additional payment extensions to help customers manage past-due balances.
Customers may also qualify for assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and FPL’s Care to Share Program. To learn more, please visit www.fpl.com.
Gannon Reflects on Her Year as President of the Florida Tax Collectors Association
When Hon. Anne M. Gannon began her one-year term as president of the Florida Tax Collectors Association (FTCA) on August 28, 2019, she began her term focused on providing leadership and advocacy in support of all tax collectors and the Floridians they serve. Then she faced a global pandemic crisis.
“Most tax collector offices, including my own, were forced to close their doors to the public to reduce the spread of illness,” said Gannon. “I am proud of the work we did to help safely reopen tax collector offices throughout Florida. Many of us transformed from a walk-in business model to one that requires appointments for in-person service.”
As FTCA president, Gannon also provided guidance to tax collectors in Volusia, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. These counties are transitioning from appointed to independently elected constitutional tax collectors. This transition is required by Amendment 10 which was approved by Florida voters in 2019. She also assisted several tax collectors with improving their websites to provide citizens with greater access to online services.
“I am proud of the innovative practices we developed and implemented during a very trying time,” reflected Gannon. “These operational changes are helping all tax collectors provide more efficient service to the citizens of Florida when they need it most.”
Get Your 2020 Tax Planner & Services Guide In The Mail
We’d like to provide you with copies of our 2020 Tax Planner & Services Guide in a safe, contactless manner. In order to follow health guidelines, we will gladly mail copies of our award-winning publication to your community. Please email ClientAdvocate@pbctax.com to request copies.
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Sept. 7 | Labor Day, Offices Closed |
| Sept. 30 | Local Business Tax Receipt Renewals due |
| September Installment Payment Plan payment due | |
| Oct. 5 | Deadline to register to vote in 2020 General Election |
| Born in November? You can renew your registration up to 3 months before the expiration date. |