The website will be unavailable Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST due to required maintenance.
Map and Map Search features will be unavailable Saturday, January 11th, 2025 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM due to required maintenance.
You are on the DR server, a number of features will be disabled.
The Property Appraiser office is currently experiencing telephone service issues at our Bartow office.
The problem has been identified and is currently being resolved; if you need immediate assistance please contact through our
email contact page.
Due to Hurricane Idalia, Polk County Property Appraiser offices will close on Tuesday, August 29th at 3:30PM. We will be closed on Wednesday, August 30th and reopen at normal business hours on Thursday, August 31st.
The Polk County Property Appraiser has migrated a large portion of our staff to telework. As a result, we are experiencing issues receiving and responding to phone calls to our Main Office number at 863-534-4777. Please contact us via one of the email addresses listed below.
The Polk County Property Appraiser has migrated a large portion of our staff to telework, leaving a limited number of staff in the office to answer calls. If you have difficulty reaching us via our Main Office number (863-534-4777), please leave a voicemail and a member of our staff will contact you. You may also contact us using the email addresses listed below. Staff will be unavailable 5/8/2020, as our office will be closed for commercial cleaning.
Has the Polk County Property Appraiser Visited Your Home?
No need to worry, as this is a routine procedure required by Florida law. Every property must be inspected at least once every five years.
A permit issued to the parcel could also be another reason you may have a visit from the Appraiser’s Office.
For additional information, please watch this educational video.
Property Tax Relief for Catastrophic Events
Section 197.319, Florida Statutes, provides for a refund of a portion of property taxes for residential improvements rendered uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to a catastrophic event.
The Department of Revenue has developed A Florida Homeowner’s Guide: Catastrophic Event Property Damage, a Frequently Asked Questions document which provides information to homeowners impacted by a catastrophic event. This document can be found on the Florida Department of Revenue Property Tax Oversight (PTO) website.
To qualify for this refund, an application for the refund must be submitted to the property appraiser's office by March 1, 2025.
NOTE: The refund amount is based in part on the number of days in 2024 your home is uninhabitable. Therefore, the application for refund should not be submitted until either the property has been repaired OR January 1, whichever comes first.
Please submit the application for refund:
- by Email: padataentry@polk-county.net
- by Mail: 255 N. Wilson Ave, Bartow, FL 33830 - Attn: Data Entry Department
- by Fax: 863-534-4753 - Attn: Data Entry Department
Please visit Hurricane Milton Recovery Resources in Polk - Polk County Government for additional resources that may be available to Polk County residents.
PROPERTY TAX REFUND INFORMATION FOR HURRICANE-DAMAGED PROPERTIES
In the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida Statute 197.319 offers a ray of hope for homeowners with residential properties that have been rendered uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to a Catastrophic Event. This statute allows for a partial refund of property taxes to help alleviate the financial burden caused by the devastation.
To qualify for this refund, certain criteria must be met:
- The property must be deemed "uninhabitable," meaning it could not be used or occupied for its intended purpose for a minimum of 30 days during the 2024 calendar year. This must be supported by appropriate documentation.
- The property owner must have paid their 2024 tax bill in a timely manner.
- An application for the refund must be submitted to the property appraiser's office by March 1, 2025.
It is important to note that the tax refund amount will be determined by the change in the property's value as of from January 1, 2024, and the number of days it was uninhabitable in 2024. If your home is currently uninhabitable, it may be advisable to postpone applying for the refund until it is habitable again or until January 1, 2025, whichever comes first.
The following example is for a residential property that was rendered uninhabitable by Hurricane Milton and remains uninhabitable through the end of 2024. The following information is used to calculate the refund:
- January 1, 2024, Pre-disaster just value of the parcel: $300,000
- January 1, 2024, Pre-disaster just value of the residential improvement (the house, attached garage, and attached porches only): $225,000
- Post-disaster just value of the parcel (January 1, 2024, parcel just value less residential improvement just value): $75,000
- Number of days the property was uninhabitable: 82 days
- Total 2024 property taxes paid $2,250
The first step is to find the percent change in value by subtracting the parcel’s post-disaster just value from the pre disaster just value using the following calculations:
| Change in value: |
$300,000 less $75,000 = |
$225,000 |
| Percent change in value: |
$225,000 divided by $300,000 = |
.75 or 75% |
The second step is to find the percent of days the residence was uninhabitable by dividing the number of days in 2024 the residential improvement was uninhabitable by the number of days in the year using the following calculation:
| Percent of uninhabitable days: |
82 days divided by 365 days = |
.22 or 22% |
The third step is to find the damage differential by applying the percent change in value to the percent of uninhabitable days using the following calculation:
| Damage differential calculation: |
.75 multiplied by .22 = |
.165 |
Finally, the refund amount is calculated by applying the damage differential to the total 2024 property taxes paid: Refund calculation:
| Refund calculation: |
$2,250 multiplied by .165 = |
$371.25 refund due |
If you believe you meet the eligibility requirements for a property tax refund, do not hesitate to reach out to the property appraiser's office for further guidance on how to proceed with your application. Let us help you navigate this process and provide some relief during this challenging time.
REMINDERS TO FILE
AGRICULTURAL CLASSIFICATION
Properties currently receiving the Agricultural Classification benefit will not have to file a new application unless ownership has changed; 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).
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.
FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND OTHER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR 2025
The Polk County Property Appraiser urges new homeowners to file for Homestead Exemption for the 2025 tax year on or before the deadline. The deadline to file is Monday, March 3
rd, 2025. You must have purchased and moved into your home
on or before January 1, 2025.
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 3rd 2025 deadline, you will have the opportunity to submit a late file application between March 4 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.
2026 PRE-FILE APPLICATIONS ARE FOR HOMES PURCHASED AFTER JANUARY 1ST 2025 AND THE DEADLINE IS MARCH 2nd 2026
Please take into consideration our offices are extremely busy with the approaching deadline of March 3rd, 2025, and 2026 applicants may want to postpone applying in person until after March 3rd, 2025. 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.
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 1st*. 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.
|
For alternative filing options, please contact one of our 3 office locations; Lakeland, Lake Alfred or Bartow (click here for phone numbers).
Mobile-Friendly Online Exemptions Application Now Available
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics Announces the 2024 CPI
The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Based upon this information, the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) has updated the 2024 Florida Property Tax Valuation and Income Limitation Rates.
Save Our Homes 2024 Annual Assessment Change - CPI Percent Change
3.0%
Total and Permanent Disability - 2024 Income Limit
$35,693
Property Used by Non-Profit Homes for the Aged - 2024 Income Limitation: Cost of Living Adjustments (Single Person)
$40,469
Property Used by Non-Profit Homes for the Aged - 2024 Income Limitation: Cost of Living Adjustments (Couple)
$45,433
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older - 2024 Income Limit
$36,614
Mobile Version of Website Now Available
We are excited to announce that a mobile version of our website is now accessible to visitors using mobile devices. To enhance user experience, we encourage visitors with mobile devices to try out the new version and
provide valuable feedback for further improvements.
To access the menu on the mobile version, simply click on the icon located at the top left of the screen (
) .
If you decide to switch back to the desktop version of the website on your mobile device, you can easily do so by following these steps: open the mobile site menu, tap on the link for the QuickLinks page, and select the "Return to Desktop Site" option.
Please note that if you try the mobile version but prefer the desktop version, you will not be prompted to try the mobile version again for a certain period of time. However, if you wish to retry the mobile site before this period ends, you can clear your device's browser
cache and
cookies. Once cleared, you will be prompted to use the mobile site the next time you visit our homepage.
We appreciate your support and look forward to providing you with an enhanced browsing experience on our mobile version.
ALERT NOTIFICATION: DEED FRAUD ON THE RISE
*****BEWARE***** YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY FOR DEED OR PROPERTY INFORMATION!
A number of Polk County residents received a letter from First Documents, Record Transfer Services, and others stating the need for homeowners to pay for a "
Current Grant Deed and
Property Assessment Profile". (
SAMPLE LETTERS)
The Polk County Property Appraiser's office wants you to know that
property records and deeds may be obtained online for little or no cost to you and without having to pay a service.
-
Current Property Deeds and all property/owner information is available on our website; the information is found by using our Property Search feature and locating your property.
Once located, you can get a copy of your deed or print a PRC - Property Record Card. See below for additional instructions.
How to get a copy of your deed
How to print a PRC
- You can also visit the Polk County Clerk's Official Records Search to receive certified documents.
If you have any questions, please contact the
Clerk of the Courts or the
Property Appraiser's Office.
EXEMPTIONS – THE DEADLINE TO LATE FILE FOR 2023 HOMESTEAD AND OTHER EXEMPTIONS IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
PREFILE FOR 2024: The Polk County Property Appraiser's Office is now accepting exemption applications for the year 2024.
(If you purchased and moved into your home after January 1, 2023, you may now file for a 2024 exemption.) If you have purchased a new home and had a previous homestead on another home 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).
- To file online please click HERE
- To file in person, visit our offices located in Bartow, Lake Alfred, or Lakeland. (Click here for addresses). Your application will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
Please view the Help File for online filing instructions.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Deadline to request a combine or split of real property
The deadline to file requests for combine or split of real property for the current tax roll year is July 1st, 2024. Combine or Split requests received after July 1st will be processed for the next tax year (starting November) due to tax roll and statutory deadlines.
NEW MAP SEARCH
The Polk County Property Appraiser (PCPA) New Map Search is now live! The old Interactive Map was retired in March of 2024.
The
Map Help Center provides an overview of the new map features including the interface and available tools. Please see
changes to the mapping site for a quick summary of the differences between the new and old interactive map.
Map Search
Important Notice: Change of Ownership can result in the loss of homestead or non-homestead cap
Per Florida Statutes
193.155,
193.1554,
193.1555, a change of ownership or control can result in the loss of homestead or non-homestead cap, with the property being reassessed as of January 1 of the year following the change. Based on the aforementioned statutes, “a change of ownership or control means any sale, foreclosure, transfer of legal title or beneficial title in equity to any person, or the cumulative transfer of control or of more than 50 percent of the ownership of the legal entity that owned the property when it was most recently assessed at just value”. Please see the statutes for a list of exceptions. When considering the preparation of any legal document regarding your property, you may wish to consult with a title company or real estate attorney for assistance.
PROPERTY TAX REFUND INFORMATION FOR HURRICANE DAMAGED PROPERTY
On December 16 Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law
section 197.3181 Florida Statutes which provides for a partial refund of 2022 property taxes for residential dwellings rendered uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole. The Department of Revenue has prepared a
Hurricane Ian guide to help homeowners understand the details.
To be eligible for a refund:
- The property must be determined “uninhabitable,” that is the property could not be used or occupied for the purpose for which it was constructed for a period of at least 30 days during the 2022 calendar year as evidenced by documentation.
- The owner of the property must file a DR-5001 application with the property appraiser’s office by April 3, 2023. The law provides that this date is April 1, 2023; however, this date is a Saturday, and therefore the date is extended to Monday, April 3, 2023.
NOTE: The applicant should file the application even if they have not paid the taxes due.
New Northeast Government Center Now Open
The Polk County Property Appraiser is excited to announce that on May 1 we moved our Winter Haven Branch office to better accommodate the growth in Polk County. Our new home is in the Government Center - 200 Government Center Blvd, Lake Alfred 33850.
Our Winter Haven Branch office permanently closed April 21, 2023, at 4:30pm. Property appraiser services resumed at the new Lake Alfred location on May 1, 2023.
Our office in the new government center is nearly double the size of former Winter Haven location. The additional space allows us to serve more customers throughout the year. This is especially important during our busiest seasons:
• JAN - MAR 1
Homestead and Exemption Filing
• MID AUG
Mailing of the Truth-In-Millage (TRIM) Notices
• EARLY NOV
Mailing of the Tax Bills
Our larger and more modern office not only accommodates an increase in the number of customer service staff, there is room for staff members from other departments to aid and assist our customers as needed. As always, the programs and services available via a visit to our main Bartow office are and will continue to be available at our Lakeland and new Lake Alfred branch locations.
To contact us, please visit the contact page on our website:
Phone Number and Directions (polkpa.org)
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Polk County and we look forward to providing excellent customer service from our new location!!!
***REMINDER FOR PRIVATE CITIZENS AND FOR NON-PROFIT / CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS***
January 1 of each year is our assessment date. In order to qualify for exemption it is necessary that the applicant have legal title to the property on January 1. If the closing and the official documents conveying ownership are dated after January 1, the applicant will not qualify for exemption for the upcoming year.
Florida Public Records Statute (FS 119.071) Amended
The Florida Public Records Exemptions Statute,
FS 119.071, has been amended to expand exemptions from public records requirements. As a result, exempt (aka confidential) accounts and parcels have been completely redacted from our website and all FTP data files. In addition, the Polk County Property Appraiser mapping site has been modified to accommodate the statutory change.
See
Senate Bill 248, which takes effect on July 1, 2019, for additional information.
Our Office Does Not Release Tax Payer Phone Numbers or Email Addresses
Recently, we have received multiple phone calls and emails from homeowners asking if our office has provided contact information (phone numbers and email addresses) to 3rd party vendors. We have not AND will not release this type of information.
Information including owner name, mailing / site address, and value data is public record and available on many governmental websites. Phone numbers and email addresses, however, are generally provided to the Property Appraiser on AG Classification and Exemption applications, etc. These types of forms are known as returns. All returns of property are confidential documents in the hands of the Property Appraiser in accordance with
Florida Statute 193.074. This statute includes federal income tax returns or other attachments which are designed to be supplemental to or become part of, a return.
Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM)
The Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, also called the 'Truth in Millage' (TRIM) Notice
is mailed annually in mid-August. The TRIM Notice is also available on our website.
The TRIM notice is not a bill. It is an estimate of proposed property taxes based on the proposed tax rates, property value, and exemptions. The TRIM Notice includes the date and time of budgetary public hearings for each taxing authority and certain non-ad valorem assessment information.
We would like to thank PGTV (Polk County Government Television) for producing a video to help you better understand your TRIM. Please view the video using the link below:
Understanding Your Trim
The Understanding Your Trim Video was produced in 2011. There have been no changes to the TRIM form since that time. All information in the video is valid and accurate.
Note:
The Property Appraiser DOES NOT set tax rates or non-ad valorem fees. If you have questions about your taxes or various assessments, please
contact the appropriate authority. Click
here for a complete list of TRIM Notice Taxing Authorities and Non-Ad Valorem Assessing Authorities.
This information is also available on your TRIM Notice.
The Property Appraiser IS responsible for property value. If a property owner disagrees with the Property Appraiser value information or has been denied a classification or exemption, please contact our office to review or discuss the matter with a deputy appraiser.
If still dissatisfied, the owner can appeal to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The VAB is an independent body consisting of two County Commissioners, one School Board member and two members at large, appointed by the County Commission and School Board.
The deadline to
file a petition with the VAB is in September. See exact date in the Important Dates / Truth in Millage section of this website on the right side of your screen.
*****BEWARE***** YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY FOR DEED OR PROPERTY INFORMATION!
A number of Polk County residents received letter from First Documents, Record Transfer Services, and others stating the need for homeowners to pay for a "
Current Grant Deed and
Property Assessment Profile". (
SAMPLE LETTERS)
The Polk County Property Appraiser's office wants you to know that
property records and deeds may be obtained online for little or no cost to you and without having to pay a service.
-
Current Property Deeds and all property/owner information is available on our website; the information is found by using our Property Search feature and locating your property.
Once located, you can get a copy of your deed or print a PRC - Property Record Card. See below for additional instructions.
How to get a copy of your deed
How to print a PRC
- You can also visit the Polk County Clerk's Official Records Search to receive certified documents.
If you have any questions, please contact the
Clerk of the Courts or the
Property Appraiser's Office.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
A Message from , Polk County Property Appraiser
I am pleased to announce that I have been given the opportunity to continue serving as your Property Appraiser for the next four years.
It is my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Polk County and I cannot thank you enough for your support.
I also want to take a moment to thank my incredible staff for their hard work and dedication.
We will continue to provide excellent customer service and hope that we exceed your expectations in the years to come.
Again, thank you.
, Polk County Property Appraiser
COVID-19 OFFICE SCHEDULE CHANGE AND CONTACT INFORMATION (Last updated 07/20/2020)
Per State and Federal Guidelines social distancing is strictly enforced in all Polk County Property Appraiser offices which may increase wait times.
| • |
Bartow Office |
Open to the public Monday – Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM Bartow |
| • |
Lakeland Office |
Open by appointment ONLY. To make an appointment please call (863) 534-4779. |
| • |
Winter Haven Office |
Closed to the public starting Monday, July 20, 2020 until further notice. |
|
NOTE: The Gil Jones Plaza is a designated COVID-19 Testing site. For the safety of our staff and customers, this office will be closed starting Tuesday, July 21, 2020 until further notice. |
Customers may conduct business with our office using any of the alternative methods listed below:
-
Visit our website:
-
Look up property information @ www.polkpa.org
-
File for Homestead or other Tax Exemptions @ exemptions.polkpa.org
-
File a Tangible Return @ tangible.polkpa.org
-
By Email:
-
Tax Exemptions paexemptions@polk-county.net
-
Appraisal and Value padataentry@polk-county.net
-
Deed or Ownership pagis@polk-county.net
-
Tangible Personal Property patpp@polk-county.net
-
GIS or Mapping pagis@polk-county.net
-
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) paadacoordinator@polk-county.net
-
All other Questions pahelpdesk@polk-county.net
-
By Mail: 255 N Wilson Ave, Bartow FL 33830
Our goal remains to provide exemplary customer service during this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our notices as needed.
NOTE: A large portion of our staff will continue to telework in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As a result, there are limited number of staff in the office to answer calls. If you have difficulty reaching us via our Main Office number (863-534-4777), please leave a voicemail and a member of our staff will contact you. You may also contact us using the email addresses listed above.
Please DO NOT send personal information like SSN, birth dates, etc. via email. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, you may mail this office at the address above.
COVID-19 NOTICE OF LOBBY CLOSING TO THE PUBLIC
Due to the Public Health Emergency in Florida as a result of the CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) and in support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, we are implementing social distancing in all Polk County Property Appraiser offices, by temporarily closing our offices to the public.
Citizens may still conduct business with our office via the following methods:
The Polk County Property Appraiser has migrated a large portion of our staff to telework. As a result, we are experiencing issues receiving and responding to phone calls to our Main Office number at 863-534-4777. Please contact us via one of the email addresses listed below:
NOTE: Please DO NOT send personal information like SSN, birth dates, etc. via email. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, you may mail this office at the address below.
-
Visit our website:
-
Look up property information @ www.polkpa.org
-
File for Homestead or other Tax Exemptions @ exemptions.polkpa.org
-
File a Tangible Return @ tangible.polkpa.org
-
By Email:
-
Tax Exemptions paexemptions@polk-county.net
-
Appraisal and Value padataentry@polk-county.net
-
Deed or Ownership pagis@polk-county.net
-
Tangible Personal Property patpp@polk-county.net
-
GIS or Mapping pagis@polk-county.net
-
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) paadacoordinator@polk-county.net
-
All other Questions pahelpdesk@polk-county.net
-
By Mail: 255 N Wilson Ave, Bartow FL 33830
Our goal remains to provide exemplary customer service during this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our notices as needed.
For additional information on COVID-19 please see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
REMINDERS TO FILE
FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND OTHER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS ONLINE
The Polk County Property Appraiser urges new homeowners to file for Homestead Exemption for the 2020 tax year.
The deadline to file was March 2, 2020; however, we are currently accepting late file applications.
If you purchased and moved into your home before January 1, 2020, you may file for a 2020 exemption. If you purchased and moved into your home after January 1, 2020, you may pre-file for a 2021 exemption. If you have purchased a new home and had a previous homestead on another home 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).
- To file online please click HERE
- For alternative filing options, please contact one of our 3 office locations; Lakeland, Winter Haven or Bartow (click here for phone numbers).
Online filing is available for Homestead, Senior (Age 65 and older), Widow/Widower, Disability, and Disable Veteran Exemptions.
EXEMPTIONS - FILE FOR 2020
The Polk County Property Appraiser's Office is now accepting exemption applications for the year 2020.
(If you purchased and moved into your home before January 1, 2020, you may now file for a 2020 exemption.) If you have purchased a new home and had a previous homestead on another home 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).
- To file online please click HERE
- To file in person, visit one of our 3 office locations; Lakeland, Winter Haven or Bartow (click here for addresses). No appointment is necessary, your application will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
The deadline to file for Homestead and other exemptions is March 1
st, 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- A report describing the nature and extent of all activity performed by the applicant or on the property.
- 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.
- An income and expense statement covering the last 12 months of operation or a copy of the Organization�s most recent Federal tax return.
- A copy of a valid 501(c) (3), 501(c) (12), or 115(a) Internal Revenue Service determination.
- 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).
- A copy of the Organization�s Articles of Incorporation or Church Charter as well as the Bylaws.
- Please include a list or inventory of tangible personal property, i.e., Equipment and items other than real estate and licensed vehicles.
- Applicable licenses for operation/accreditation.
- 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)
The Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, also called the 'Truth in Millage' (TRIM) Notice
is mailed annually in mid-August. The TRIM Notice is also available on our website.
The TRIM notice is not a bill. It is an estimate of proposed property taxes based on the proposed tax rates, property value, and exemptions. The TRIM Notice includes the date and time of budgetary public hearings for each taxing authority and certain non-ad valorem assessment information.
We would like to thank PGTV (Polk County Government Television) for producing a video to help you better understand your TRIM. Please view the video using the link below:
Understanding Your Trim
The Understanding Your Trim Video was produced in 2011. There have been no changes to the TRIM form since that time. All information in the video is valid and accurate.
Note:
The Property Appraiser DOES NOT set tax rates or non-ad valorem fees. If you have questions about your taxes or various assessments, please
contact the appropriate authority. Click
here for a complete list of TRIM Notice Taxing Authorities and Non-Ad Valorem Assessing Authorities.
This information is also available on your TRIM Notice.
The Property Appraiser IS responsible for property value. If a property owner disagrees with the Property Appraiser value information or has been denied a classification or exemption, please contact our office to review or discuss the matter with a deputy appraiser.
If still dissatisfied, the owner can appeal to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The VAB is an independent body consisting of two County Commissioners, one School Board member and two members at large, appointed by the County Commission and School Board.
The deadline to
file a petition with the VAB is in September. See exact date in the Important Dates / Truth in Millage section of this website on the right side of your screen.
Tax Abatement for Homestead Properties Damaged by 2016 or 2017 Hurricanes
Owners of homestead property throughout Florida may be eligible to receive a tax credit on a portion of their 2019 property taxes.
To qualify, the homestead property must have been uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to the damage or destruction resulting from hurricanes Hermine, Matthew, or Irma, and the property owner must have timely paid the taxes originally levied in the applicable year that the damaged occurred (2016/2017).
The property owner must submit an Application for Abatement of Taxes for Homestead Residential Improvements, along with documentation showing the property was uninhabitable, to their county Property Appraiser's Office.
The deadline to submit applications is March 1, 2019.
If approved by the Property Appraiser, the county Tax Collector's Office will issue a tax refund after homeowners pay their 2019 property tax bill.
The Polk County Property Appraisers Office is now accepting
Applications for Abatement of Taxes for Homestead Residential Improvements (DR-463).
REMINDERS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND OTHER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS ONLINE
The Polk County Property Appraiser urges new homeowners to file for Homestead Exemption for the 2018 tax year. The deadline to file is March 1st.
Online filing is available for Homestead, Senior (Age 65 and older), Widow/Widower, Disability, and Disabled Veteran Exemptions.
Please view the
Help Files for online filing instructions.
Click here for more information about property tax exemptions.
AGRICULTURAL CLASSIFICATION
2018 Agricultural Classification applications are currently being accepted by the Property Appraiser's Office. The deadline to file is March 1st.
The Agricultural Classification guidelines and application is available for download via our website click the link below to access the PDF document.
TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY
If you own, operate, or have started a business in Polk County,
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 1st. 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 view the
Help Video For
online filing instructions.
NOTE :
Homestead, other exemptions, And Agricultural Classification (greenbelt) receipt cards will Not be mailed In order To save taxpayer's
dollars. These exemptions/classifications will be automatically renewed. To obtain verification Or your exemption Or classification, you may
print a Property record card (PIC report) from our website.