March 19, 2007

The Circuit Court stayed the second hearings set to commence today before a second special magistrate appointed by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The delay comes after the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser filed a lawsuit following the VAB's decision to give some taxpayers a second hearing without a showing of "good cause".

"I want to avoid confusion among Palm Beach County taxpayers." said Tax Collector Anne Gannon, "Florida law requires all decisions by the VAB be processed at one time after all hearings and disputes are completed. This year, the VAB is still in session and will likely continue past the delinquency date of April 1, 2007."

To assist taxpayers, the Palm Beach County Tax Collector's office is offering clarification regarding refunds, reduced tax bills and accrual of interest on unpaid taxes for 2006.

1. Those taxpayers who paid their taxes and received a reduction in their "tax liability" as a result of their petition before the VAB will not receive a refund until all hearings by the VAB have been completed and all changes to the tax rolls are certified to the Tax Collector in accordance with Florida law.

2. Those taxpayers who did not pay their taxes and received a reduction in their "tax liability" from the VAB will receive a revised tax bill and will have the opportunity to pay their taxes with the four percent (4%) discount for thirty (30) days after receipt of the new tax bill and will receive an additional thirty (30) days to pay their taxes at the "March amount" indicated on their revised tax bill. Like the refunds, the revised tax bills may not be sent out until the VAB completes its hearings.

3. Those taxpayers who did not receive a reduction of their "tax liability" as a result of their petition before the VAB, and who have not paid their taxes, will begin to accrue interest on their unpaid taxes on April 1, 2007.

4. Those taxpayers with disputes still unresolved by the VAB and who have not paid their taxes and, who do not receive a reduction in their "tax liability" at some future date by the VAB will nevertheless accrue interest on their 2006 taxes beginning April 1, 2007.

Individuals wishing to pay their property taxes may do so by several methods including online at www.taxcollectorpbc.com, regular mail or at any office location. Information may also be found at (561) 355-2266.

Contact: Office of Public Affairs, (561) 355-3934