Property Tax 4% Discount Ends December 1

BRADENTON – Thursday December 1 is the last day to receive the 4% discount for 2016 Property Tax payments. Online payments may be made until 11:59 pm, and mailed payments must be postmarked by December 1 to receive the 4% discount. Drop boxes are available at our DeSoto, Lakewood Ranch, Palma Sola, and North River offices. As with mailed payments, the customer’s check will serve as the receipt.

"The two easiest ways to pay taxes are online at taxcollector.com or by mail,“ said Ken Burton Jr., Tax Collector. “My staff provides excellent service, but during Ôcrunch time,’ we can use the cooperation of everyone to help speed up service.“

All Manatee County land, home and/or business owners should have received a tax bill, unless the gross tax is less than $15. If you did not receive your bill, visit taxcollector.com to obtain the amount due. The website allows taxpayers to access property tax records, print duplicate tax bills, pay by e-check (no transaction fee) or credit card, print a receipt and receive an email confirmation of their payment. The Central Library has computers available for those who need access to one.

Although the first discount (4%) period ends December 1, the 2016 taxes are not considered delinquent until April 1, 2017.

"The next discount period (3%) ends December 31,“ said Burton. "If taxpayers feel they need to come into an office instead of paying online or by mail, we recommend visiting in the middle of the month. We also encourage those who are renewing heavy trucks, vehicle, boat or mobile home registrations or Florida driver licenses to do so now, rather than at the end of December,“ said Burton. The Tax Collector’s Office must receive delinquent tax payments for any prior tax year no later than 5 p.m. on December 31 to qualify for the December payoff amount.

Tax Collector offices will be closed for the Christmas holidays Friday December 23 and Monday December 26, and for New Years’ on Monday January 2, 2017.

Visit taxcollector.com to make an appointment for driver license, vehicle, boat and mobile home titles (limit 4 transactions per appointment). Appointments for driver license tests are for Manatee County residents only.