DATE: June 12, 2009
CONTACT: Sue Baldwin, Director of Records, Taxes, and Treasury Division
PHONE: 954-357-7271
On June 24, 25, and 26, Broward County will be conducting a Posting Sweep of businesses owing a total of more than $8 million in tangible personal property taxes. Some of the taxes have been outstanding since 2005. Tangible personal property tax is levied on the assets of businesses, such as office equipment and furnishings, as reported by the business owner on the annual return submitted to the Property Appraiser.
The Posting Sweep is a joint effort of the Property Appraiser and the Records, Taxes, and Treasury Division of Broward County. "We are happy to assist the County in posting the delinquent accounts," said Property Appraiser Lori Parrish. "Everyone needs to pay his or her fair share, especially in economic times like these."
Florida Statute 197 gives the Tax Collector the authority to post a Notice of Tax Lien in prominent positions, both internally and externally, on the business premises. The Notice states that the tangible personal property is subject to seizure and auction, unless the tax obligation is paid within 30 days. It is a criminal offense under Florida Statute 818, punishable by up to one year imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine to remove the property or remove or deface the Notice.
Business owners have until June 22, 2009, to settle their delinquent accounts and avoid having their businesses posted with bright yellow stickers announcing pending seizure of equipment. A list of delinquent accounts is posted at www.broward.org.
"All of these businesses have been contacted multiple times regarding the delinquent taxes," said Sue Baldwin, Director of Records, Taxes, and Treasury Division. "They need to know that we are taking our responsibility to collect these funds seriously. They cannot continue to ignore their obligation to pay. If business owners cannot pay the full amount due, there are payment plans available, as long the owner has not previously violated an established payment plan."
Business owners who want to pay in advance of the Posting Sweep should call (954) 357-8638.
For more information on the Posting Sweep, call 954-357-8638.
See the final 2007 and 2008 tax reports, attached below.
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