Tangible Personal Property Tax is an ad valorem assessment against the furniture, fixtures, and equipment located in businesses. It also applies to structural additions to mobile homes not taxed as real property. The Tax Collector is responsible for collecting tangible personal property tax. Changes (e.g., name, address, location, and assessed value) to the tax roll are processed through the Property Appraiser’s office.
The Property Appraiser is responsible for determining the taxable value of the property. The tax rate is established by local taxing authorities, such as the Board of County Commissioners, School Board, and other taxing districts based on their annual budgets. Once the taxable value and tax rate is established, the Tax Collector is responsible for collecting the tax roll.
Assessments are as of January 1 of the current calendar year and are due November 1 or as soon as the Property Appraiser certifies the tax roll to the Tax Collector. According to Florida Statute 197.122, all property owners have the responsibility to know the amount of tax due and to pay the taxes before April 1 of the following year.
Unpaid Tangible taxes become delinquent April 1st of the next year, at which time 1.5% interest a month and a $10 delinquent fee is added. Interest continues to accrue at 1.5% per month until paid. Advertising charges and a 20% collection cost are added May 1st. Should the taxes remain unpaid, a warrant is assigned July 1st, and court costs are added. Yearly, a court hearing is held to ratify warrants which enable the Tax Collector to seize and sell Tangible Personal Property for non-payment of taxes if necessary. The Tax Collector is required to pursue collection of tangible taxes for the life of the lien, which is seven years.
The Hendry County Tax Collector has contracted with Revenue Recovery Solutions, Inc. for the collection of all delinquent Tangible Personal Property Tax accounts. If your account is not paid in full, your tax liability will include a 20% collection fee and other costs as authorized by Florida Statute 197.332(1).
Visit the Hendry County Property Appraiser for more information on tangible taxes.
What You’ll Need
If you operate a business or own equipment used to produce income, you may be required to report tangible personal property each year.
To comply with tangible tax requirements, you may need:
Businesses that own tangible property as of January 1 must file a return with the Property Appraiser’s Office each year by April 1.
Step-by-Step Process
File Your Tangible Tax Return
Business owners must submit a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return (Form DR-405) to the Property Appraiser’s Office each year by April 1.
Property Appraiser Determines Value
The Property Appraiser reviews the return and determines the taxable value of the tangible assets located in the county.
Taxing Authorities Set the Tax Rate
Local taxing authorities establish the millage rate needed to fund services such as schools, public safety, and local government operations.
Tax Bills Are
Issued
Once the tax roll is certified, the Tax Collector mails tax bills beginning November 1 each year.
Pay Before the Delinquency Date
Taxes must be paid before April 1 of the following year to avoid delinquency, penalties, and additional costs.
Fees & Payments
Payment Period
Discount
Payment Period
Discount
November
4% discount
December
3% discount
January
2% discount
February
1% discount
March
Net amount due
Taxes become delinquent April 1, and additional fees and interest will apply.
Payment options may include:
- In-person payments at Tax Collector offices
- Online payments
- Mail-in payments: Hendry County Tax Collector, Amy Collins, PO Box 1780, LaBelle, FL 33975
FAQs
Tangible personal property includes furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, computers, signs, tools, leased equipment, and other assets used in a business or to produce income.
Any business, contractor, or individual who owns tangible personal property used in a business as of January 1 must file a return each year with the Property Appraiser.
Tangible Personal Property Tax Returns must be submitted to the Property Appraiser by April 1 each year to avoid penalties.
Florida law provides a $25,000 exemption for eligible tangible personal property when a return is filed on time.
Late filings may result in penalties and estimated assessments if a return is not received by the deadline.
The Property Appraiser’s Office determines the value, while the Tax Collector sends the bill and collects payment.
Ready to Get Started?
Our team is here to help make your visit as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Visit one of our convenient Hendry County Tax Collector locations in LaBelle or Clewiston to complete your transaction, or contact us if you have questions about what to bring.
