Property Tax 4% Discount Ends December 5

Thursday, December 5, is the last day to receive the 4% discount for 2013 Property Tax payments. Payments by mail must be postmarked by December 5 to receive the 4% discount. Drop boxes are also provided at each Manatee County Tax Collector’s office, and a drive-thru drop box is located at the DeSoto office.

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

When mailing in payments, please include your property ID number on the check; as with mailed payments, the customer’s check will serve as the receipt.  Property tax payoff amount, payment status or confirmation of payment receipt cannot be obtained by telephone. 

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 5, the 2013 taxes are not considered delinquent until April 1, 2014.  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.  Partial tax payments do not qualify for any discounts.

“The next discount period (3%) ends December 31st,” 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.

Tax Collector offices will be closed for the Christmas holidays December 24 and 25 and for New Years’ on January 1, 2014.

Limited driver license services are provided for US citizens at the Tax Collector’s North River (Ellenton), Palma Sola (West Bradenton) and Lakewood Ranch offices. Specialized driver license services are provided by appointment only at the DeSoto Office for the following: immigrants/non-immigrants, learner licenses/permits, road testing, written exams, vision testing issues/retakes, and license reinstatements, revocations, cancellations and suspensions. Phone 941.741.4800 to make an appointment for driver license and title transactions at all offices; those with appointments are served first.