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Taxes & Assessments
As part of Florida's Model Property Tax System, the Tax Collector collects all ad valorem taxes levied in Polk County. The Tax
Collector also collects non-ad valorem
assessments.
Ad valorem taxes are
levied annually based on the value of real estate property and tangible
personal property. Ad valorem assessments are made each
January 1st.
Real property is defined
as land, buildings, fixtures, and all other improvements to the
land.
Non-ad valorem
assessments are also made on real property for essential services,
such as fire protection and garbage
collection.
The ad valorem tax roll
is certified to the Tax Collector by the Property
Appraiser, who determines the assessed value of property.
The Board of
County Commissioners, School
Board, municipalities, and other ad valorem taxing
bodies set the millage rates for
properties within their boundaries. The millage rate is the
dollar amount to be paid in taxes for every $1,000 of appraised
valuation. A mill is equal to 1 tenth of 1
percent.
Non-ad valorem
assessment rolls are certified to the Tax Collector by local
governing boards or non-ad
valorem assessing authorities, such as the Solid Waste
Authority, fire districts and water control
districts.
The Tax Collector
consolidates the certified ad valorem and non-ad valorem tax rolls
and mails tax notices to property owners. Ad valorem and
non-ad valorem assessments are due beginning November 1st or soon
after the tax roll is certified. Tax notices are mailed
October 31st based on current addresses maintained by the Property Appraiser's Office. Florida law makes taxpayers responsible for knowing
that their property taxes are due each year. Ad valorem
and non-ad valorem assessments become delinquent on April 1st.
Tax payments may be made the following offices:
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