ALERT NOTIFICATION:  DEED FRAUD ON THE RISE

*****BEWARE*****   YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY FOR DEED OR PROPERTY INFORMATION!

REMINDERS TO FILE

AGRICULTURAL CLASSIFICATION

2023 Agricultural Classification applications deadline to file was March 1, 2023. Properties currently receiving the Agricultural Classification benefit will not have to file a new application; however, parcels not under the classification will be required to file an application with the Polk County Property Appraiser office prior to the statutory date of March 1 Statute 193.461 (3) (a) unless ownership has changed.

If the application is submitted between March 2 and the VAB deadline, the application is considered a Late File Application. Therefore, a Good Cause Statement must be submitted explaining the reason why the application is late.

Please review the Agricultural Classification Guidelines

FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND OTHER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR 2023

Marsha Faux, Polk County Property Appraiser, urges new homeowners to file for Homestead Exemption for the 2023 tax year on or before the deadline. The deadline to file is Wednesday, March 1^st, 2023. You must have purchased and moved into your home on or before January 1, 2023.

If you had a previous homestead in Florida, you may be eligible for portability - the transfer of some or all of your old homestead's "Save Our Homes" benefit (the difference between your market and assessed values due to the annual cap on increases).

If you miss the March 1^st 2023 deadline, you will have the opportunity to submit a late file application between March 2 and the VAB deadline.

Please note a late file application will not receive a certified denial. Applicants that provide a valid email will receive a courtesy status change email once their application(s) are processed.

2024 PRE-FILE APPLICATIONS ARE FOR HOMES PURCHASED AFTER JANUARY 1ST 2023 AND THE DEADLINE IS MARCH 1ST 2024

Please take into consideration our offices are extremely busy with the approaching deadline of March 1st, 2023, and 2024 applicants may want to postpone applying in person until after March 1st, 2023. However, once our website reflects the ownership is in your name, you can apply anytime for Homestead, Portability, Senior (Age 65 and older), Widow/Widower, Disability, and Disabled Veteran Exemptions.

Please view the Help File for online filing instructions.

Homestead Exemption Required Documents

Do You Qualify for Additional Exemptions?

TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY

Florida Statute 193.052 requires that all Tangible Personal Property be reported each year to the Property Appraiser's Office. The deadline to file is April 3rd*. If you do not file a return or extension by the deadline, you will not qualify for the $25,000 Tangible Personal Property Exemption.

Please see Extension for Filing Tangible Personal Property Returns notice from the Florida Department of Revenue.

Please view the Help File For online filing instructions.

Important Notice:  Change of Ownership can result in the loss of homestead or non-homestead cap

PROPERTY TAX REFUND INFORMATION FOR HURRICANE DAMAGED PROPERTY

New Northeast Government Center slated to open May 1.

***REMINDER FOR PRIVATE CITIZENS AND FOR NON-PROFIT / CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS***

Florida Public Records Statute (FS 119.071) Amended

Our Office Does Not Release Tax Payer Phone Numbers or Email Addresses

Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM)

*****BEWARE*****   YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY FOR DEED OR PROPERTY INFORMATION!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

A Message from Marsha Faux, Polk County Property Appraiser

COVID-19 OFFICE SCHEDULE CHANGE AND CONTACT INFORMATION (Last updated 07/20/2020)

Customers may conduct business with our office using any of the alternative methods listed below:

1. Visit our website:
1. Look up property information @ www.polkpa.org
2. File for Homestead or other Tax Exemptions @ exemptions.polkpa.org
3. File a Tangible Return @ tangible.polkpa.org
2. By Email:
   1. Tax Exemptions   paexemptions@polk-county.net
   2. Appraisal and Value   padataentry@polk-county.net
   3. Deed or Ownership   pagis@polk-county.net
   4. Tangible Personal Property   patpp@polk-county.net
   5. GIS or Mapping   pagis@polk-county.net
   6. Americans with Disability Act (ADA)   paadacoordinator@polk-county.net
   7. All other Questions   pahelpdesk@polk-county.net
3. By Mail: 255 N Wilson Ave, Bartow FL 33830

COVID-19 NOTICE OF LOBBY CLOSING TO THE PUBLIC

1. Visit our website:
1. Look up property information @ www.polkpa.org
2. File for Homestead or other Tax Exemptions @ exemptions.polkpa.org
3. File a Tangible Return @ tangible.polkpa.org
2. By Email:
   1. Tax Exemptions   paexemptions@polk-county.net
   2. Appraisal and Value   padataentry@polk-county.net
   3. Deed or Ownership   pagis@polk-county.net
   4. Tangible Personal Property   patpp@polk-county.net
   5. GIS or Mapping   pagis@polk-county.net
   6. Americans with Disability Act (ADA)   paadacoordinator@polk-county.net
   7. All other Questions   pahelpdesk@polk-county.net
3. By Mail: 255 N Wilson Ave, Bartow FL 33830

REMINDERS TO FILE

FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND OTHER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS ONLINE

EXEMPTIONS - FILE FOR 2020

***REMINDERS FOR NON-PROFIT / CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS***

January 1 of each year is our assessment date. In order to qualify for exemption on Non-Profit/Charitable organizations, including churches, it is necessary that the organization have legal title to the property on January 1. Our office currently has a few situations where property was in agreement for purchase as early as September this year but, unfortunately, closings and official documents conveying ownership were dated after January 1. These organizations, which by all means qualify for full tax exemptions, now are faced with ad valorem taxes.

Organizations applying for exempt status under chapter 196 Florida Statutes which are organized and operated as a non-profit entity are required to provide the information below in addition to a completed application.

The application filing period is January 2nd through March 1st each year. After March 1st the application is considered LATE. Please include copies of ALL documentation requested below in a timely and expeditious manner. Additional documents may be required on a case-by-case basis.

1. All attachments outlined on page 2 of the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Application and Return (DR-504) along with all of the following that apply:
2. A copy of the building plans and property schematics showing the building and property use. For example, for a church the document should indicate which part of the property is being used as a worship center, church offices, fellowship hall, parking lots, etc... If applying on vacant land, you should submit a schematic indicating the uses of all areas of the land. Please provide specific, not general, information.
3. A report describing the nature and extent of all activity performed by the applicant or on the property.
4. A report describing to what extent the property has been made available to groups who perform exempt purposes at a charge that is equal to or less than the cost of providing the facilities for their use.
5. An income and expense statement covering the last 12 months of operation or a copy of the Organization�s most recent Federal tax return.
6. A copy of a valid 501(c) (3), 501(c) (12), or 115(a) Internal Revenue Service determination.
7. A copy of a valid Consumer Exemption Certificate from the Florida Department of Revenue issued pursuant to Chapter 212 Florida Statutes (aka Sales Tax Exemption Certificate).
8. A copy of the Organization�s Articles of Incorporation or Church Charter as well as the Bylaws.
9. Please include a list or inventory of tangible personal property, i.e., Equipment and items other than real estate and licensed vehicles.
10. Applicable licenses for operation/accreditation.
11. Copies of the lease for any portions of the property which are rented or leased.

NOTE: If you feel that an item is not applicable please provide a detailed explanation. Writing in �NA� (Not Applicable) is not a sufficient response.

Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM)

Tax Abatement for Homestead Properties Damaged by 2016 or 2017 Hurricanes

Become part of the PCPA Team!

REMINDERS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS

FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND OTHER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS ONLINE

AGRICULTURAL CLASSIFICATION

TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY

Announcements