September 2022, Vol. 16, Issue 9
Dear Friends:
As we near the end of summer and the kids have gone back to school, it is time for property tax season to begin with the mailing of the property tax TRIM (Truth In Millage) notices sent to each property owner. These TRIM notices, sent by the Property Appraiser in August, provide homeowners with their estimated property taxes for this year. It also signifies the beginning of the annual property tax season, which means my office is in high gear preparing for this year’s tax season. With more than 609,000 property tax bills to send out on November 1, we are busy preparing for this annual event.
If you are a new resident or new homeowner in Palm Beach County, I encourage you to visit our website at www.pbctax.com for detailed information about property taxes so you are prepared once you receive your bill in November. Until then, enjoy the remaining days of summer and the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Sincerely,
Anne M. Gannon
Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
TOOL TIME
If your Labor Day weekend plans include home improvement projects, you are in luck! The Tool Time Sales Tax holiday, September 3–9, is the perfect time to purchase some new power tools for that home improvement project on your to-do list. Perhaps you need to replace your old work boots. If studying for an industry certification is in your plans, the good news is that industry textbooks and code books are included in the sales tax holiday!
During this seven-day sales tax holiday period. Some of the items included are toolboxes, hand tools, power tools, textbooks and much more! For a full list of qualifying items visit the Florida Department of Revenue site at www.floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/ and select Tip #22A01-09 under the Sales and Use Tax section. Prepare your shopping list and take advantage of the tax savings!
AND THE AWARD GOES TO…
Our agency has once again been honored with more communication awards! Over the last few months, our work has been recognized nationally by Communications Concepts Apex Awards for Publication Excellence and locally by the Gold Coast PR Council and Public Relations Society of American Sunshine District. Honors were bestowed in the following categories:
Apex Awards for Publication Excellence
- Award of Excellence Best Redesign 20191/2020 Annual Report
Gold Coast PR Council
- Bernays Award Best Social Media Campaign/Nonprofit 2021 MV-Express Registration Kiosk Social Media Marketing Campaign
PRSA Sunshine District
- Radiance Award Annual Reports Annual Report Redesign
- Commendation Integrated Communications 2021 Kiosk Marketing Campaign
I am pleased our creative work continues to be recognized on a national, state and local level
WHO CAN ANSWER YOUR PROPERTY TAX QUESTIONS
When it comes to property taxes, multiple agencies have roles in how these taxes are determined, distributed, and challenged. It can be somewhat difficult knowing which agency does what and who can help with your specific issue or question. To help, here is some information that may help clarify the potential confusion:
- Property Appraiser: This agency determines the value of your property as of January 1 of each year. All valid exemptions, classifications, and assessment limitations determine a property’s taxable value. The Notice of Proposed Taxes, or TRIM notice, is issued by this office and sends these notices to property owners in August.
- Locally elected Governing Boards: Elected officials in each jurisdiction set the millage, or tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year. Some examples of governing boards include the county, the municipalities, school board, children’s services, etc.
- Clerk and Comptroller: This agency is responsible for operation of the value adjustment board (VAB). A taxpayer may file a petition with the VAB if they dispute the Property Appraiser’s assessment, classification, or exemption status for their property.
- Tax Collector: Our agency mails tax bills, collects the payments, and sells tax certificates on properties with delinquent taxes. Once the tax payments are collected, our office ensures the fair distribution of the funds to the local governments and taxing authorities.
If you need more information, here is contact information to point you in the right direction:
Who do I contact for… | Agency Information |
| Paying my current property taxes or delinquent property tax? | Constitutional Tax Collector, serving Palm Beach County |
| Getting a copy of my tax bill? | Constitutional Tax Collector, serving Palm Beach County |
| Changing my name or address on my property tax bill? | Palm Beach County Property Appraiser |
| A specific tax or assessment question? Why are my tax rates so high? | Locally elected Governing Boards/Taxing or Levying Authorities (See the phone number listed on your tax bill) |
| Challenging the property value, classification, or exemption status of your property? | Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller |
AND THE WINNERS ARE…
In June, I asked for your feedback via an online survey to let me know what you like about my monthly newsletter, Tax Talk, and what I can do to improve it. I received a tremendous response with valuable feedback that I and my staff are reviewing. As promised, three lucky winners were randomly selected to receive a prize pack containing a variety of branded Palm Beach County Tax collector items. So, congratulations to Kani Nicodemus, Ali Roth and Jeffrey Ullman, who have been notified of their winnings and have received their prize packs. Congratulations to the winners and thank you all for participating in our survey.
