Navigating property taxes can seem daunting, but for residents of St. Johns County, understanding the system is crucial. The St. Johns County Tax Collector plays a pivotal role in this process, ensuring the smooth collection of taxes that fund essential community services. This guide breaks down key aspects of St. Johns County property taxes, helping you stay informed and avoid penalties.
Property taxes in St. Johns County, as in all of Florida, are governed by specific regulations and timelines. It’s important to recognize that taxes are due and payable annually, and property owners are responsible for knowing their tax obligations. Florida Statute 197.122 clearly states this responsibility. The Tax Collector’s office is tasked with collecting both ad valorem and non-ad valorem taxes, which are levied by various authorities within the county, including municipalities and special districts. Ad valorem taxes are calculated based on the property’s assessed value and the millage rate set by these authorities. Non-ad valorem taxes, on the other hand, are based on fees for specific services like waste management or road paving.
Key Dates and Deadlines for St. Johns County Property Taxes
Tax notices are typically mailed out by November 1st each year. These notices cover the tax year from January 1st to December 31st of the assessment year. To encourage early payment, St. Johns County offers a system of discounts:
- November: 4% discount
- December: 3% discount
- January: 2% discount
- February: 1% discount
- March: Gross amount due (no discount)
It’s beneficial to pay your taxes as early as possible to take advantage of these savings.
Delinquent Taxes and Penalties
Property taxes become delinquent on April 1st following the year they are assessed. According to Florida Statutes 197.333, any taxes unpaid by this date are considered delinquent, and a 3% penalty is added to the tax bill. To avoid this penalty, payments must be postmarked by March 31st or hand-delivered to the Tax Collector’s office before April 1st. It’s crucial to note that delinquent taxes must be paid using certified funds.
Installment Payment Options
For taxpayers facing larger property tax bills, St. Johns County offers an installment payment plan. If your estimated taxes exceed $100.00, you can apply to the Tax Collector’s office to prepay your taxes in installments. Applications must be made before May 1st of the tax year, with the first payment due by June 30th. This option can make managing your property tax obligations more convenient. You can find the installment application form on the St. Johns County Tax Collector website.
Understanding the Roles: Property Appraiser vs. Tax Collector
It’s important to distinguish between the roles of the Property Appraiser and the Tax Collector. The Property Appraiser is responsible for determining property values and granting exemptions. They create the tax roll, which is then certified and passed to the Tax Collector. The Tax Collector, in turn, is responsible for mailing tax notices, collecting payments, and managing delinquent taxes. Any questions regarding property valuation or exemptions should be directed to the Property Appraiser, while payment inquiries and tax collection matters are handled by the Tax Collector.
Consequences of Failing to Pay Property Taxes
Failure to pay property taxes in St. Johns County can lead to serious consequences. After taxes become delinquent on April 1st, the Tax Collector is required to advertise the delinquent properties in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. Following this, a tax certificate sale is conducted on or before June 1st for each unpaid parcel.
At the tax certificate sale, successful bidders pay the delinquent taxes and receive a tax certificate. This certificate represents a lien against the property, and the property owner is then obligated to redeem the certificate by paying the delinquent taxes, accrued interest (which can be up to 18% per year depending on the bid rate), penalties, and advertising costs.
If the property owner fails to redeem the tax certificate, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed after holding the lien for twenty-two months. This can ultimately lead to a public auction of the property by the Clerk of the Circuit Court to recover the unpaid taxes.
Contacting the St. Johns County Tax Collector
For further information or assistance with your St. Johns County property taxes, you can contact the St. Johns County Tax Collector’s Office directly:
- Phone: (904)-209-2250
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: stjohnstax.us
Staying informed about your property tax obligations and deadlines is essential for responsible homeownership in St. Johns County. The St. Johns County Tax Collector‘s office is your primary resource for navigating this process effectively.
