Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon has announced that local business tax receipt (BTR) season began July 1 and continues through Sept. 30.
Gannon’s office mailed 107,407 BTR notices on Friday, June 29. The number represents an increase over the 2011 (105,057) and 2010 (104,000) BTR notices. “The number of new businesses and renewals continues to increase each year,” Gannon said. “We hope this indicates a strengthening economic recovery.”
Additional BTR information is as follows:
• New business owners are required to come to an office with a completed application and appropriate documents including a copy of fictitious name registration, zoning approval, and state or county certifications/licenses.
• A change in business location or ownership requires a new application.
• Renewals can be paid online at www.taxcollectorpbc.com, at an office or by mail.
• Credit cards, e-checks and bank online bill pay are accepted for web site transactions only.
BTR fees are based on the type of business. The most common fee is $33 charged to businesses with 10 or fewer employees. The fees increase in steps in direct proportion to the number of employees to a maximum of $236.25 for 51 or more employees. Contractors and restaurants have different guidelines for BTR fees.
“Compliance with BTR rules simply mean a business is following the law,” Gannon said. “Consumers should not conclude that the BTR is an indication of merchandise or service quality.”
Florida Law, Chapter 205 and Palm Beach County Ordinance, Chapter 17.17 require every business selling merchandise or services, including one-person and home-based companies, obtain a BTR from the Office of the Tax Collector. The BTR requirement is in addition to any other business licenses required by Florida law or local ordinances. BTRs must be displayed in public view.
