Introduction
Orange County Tax Collector is a governmental agency that is responsible for administrating tax-related matters in Orange County, Florida. The agency collects property tax, business tax, tourist tax, and other levies from the taxpayers in the county. In this article, we will explore the different services offered by the Orange County Tax Collector, its history, and its current operations.
History of the Orange County Tax Collector
The Orange County Tax Collector’s Office has a long history dating back to the early 1800s. In those days, the tax collection process was informal and the tax collectors were appointed by the county’s Board of Supervisors. However, in 1885, the Florida Legislature passed the first statewide revenue law, which required that tax collectors be elected by popular vote.
Over the years, the Orange County Tax Collector’s Office has undergone a series of changes and improvements. In the early days, the office was located in a rented room in downtown Orlando, while today it occupies a large modern facility on South Semoran Boulevard.
Services offered by the Orange County Tax Collector
The Orange County Tax Collector offers a wide range of services to taxpayers in the county. These services include:
1. Collection of Property Taxes
One of the primary functions of the Orange County Tax Collector is the collection of property taxes. The office receives tax returns from the county property appraiser and sends out tax bills to taxpayers. It also accepts payments for property taxes and issues receipts to the taxpayers.
2. Collection of Tourist Taxes
The Orange County Tax Collector also collects tourist taxes from hotels, motels, and other short-term rental properties. The tourist tax is a 6% levy on the total rental amount, which is paid by the guests. The funds collected from the tourist tax are used to promote tourism in the county.
3. Issuing Business Licenses
The Orange County Tax Collector issues business licenses to businesses operating in the county. The office collects the appropriate fees for the issuance of the licenses and ensures that the businesses are in compliance with the county’s regulations.
4. Collection of Tangible Personal Property Taxes
The office also collects tangible personal property taxes from businesses operating in the county. Tangible personal property is any property that can be moved, including equipment, machinery, and furniture. The tax is based on the value of the property and is paid annually.
5. Collection of Driver License and Motor Vehicle Fees
The Orange County Tax Collector is also responsible for collecting driver license and motor vehicle fees on behalf of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The office processes applications for driver licenses and vehicle registrations and collects the appropriate fees.
Recent Updates and Changes in the Orange County Tax Collector
As with any government agency, the Orange County Tax Collector’s office has undergone several changes in recent years. Here are a few notable updates and changes:
1. Online Payment Portal
The Orange County Tax Collector launched an online payment portal in 2017, making it easier for taxpayers to pay their taxes online. The new portal allows taxpayers to view their tax bills, make payments, and print receipts from the comfort of their homes.
2. Text Message Alerts
In 2019, the Orange County Tax Collector launched a new text message alert system, which sends reminders to taxpayers when their tax bills are due. The system also sends out alerts for other important dates, such as the deadline for business license renewals.
3. Digital Driver License
The Orange County Tax Collector was one of the first offices in Florida to offer digital driver licenses to its customers. The digital license is available to eligible customers through the MyFlorida mobile app.
4. COVID-19 Response
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Orange County Tax Collector’s office implemented several changes to its operations. The office closed its lobbies to the public and encouraged taxpayers to use its online services. The office also waived some fees and penalties for late tax payments and extended some deadlines to help taxpayers cope with the financial impact of the pandemic.
Conclusion
The Orange County Tax Collector’s office plays a critical role in collecting taxes and other levies from taxpayers in Orange County, Florida. The office offers several services, such as the collection of property taxes, tourist taxes, business license issuance, and collection of driver license and motor vehicle fees. In recent years, the office has introduced several updates and changes, such as the online payment portal, text message alerts, and digital driver licenses. These changes have made it easier and more convenient for taxpayers to conduct business with the office.
The office of the Orange County Tax Collector can be located online as a post specifically referred to as the Treasurer Tax Collector. The web address for the Orange County Tax Collector, where a variety of the concerns and queries as may arise in the course of filling out tax returns or other kinds of required documentation can be addressed, is https://tax.ocgov.com/tcweb/search_page.asp.
As of 2010, the Orange County Tax Collector, who as mentioned above also bears responsibility for fulfilling the office of Treasurer for Orange County, is Chriss W. Street. In this regard, the Orange County Tax Collector office will provide information on such matters as Property Assessment and Tax Information, among others.
Moreover, people who secure access to the website of the Orange County Tax Collector may also find the function which the county has created to allow people to, via the Internet, Estimate Supplemental Taxes. Moreover, the Orange County Tax Collector office also provides for the circumstances, as in some cases may arise for Orange County taxpayers, of Payment of Multiple Parcels.
The information provided through the online Tax Calendar, meanwhile, can be accessed, again through the functions of the Orange County Tax Collector, to allow people to maintain the correct schedule in terms of the necessary date by which they must submit their tax payments to the responsible agency of the government. Moreover, the Orange County Tax Collector agency also allows people the permissible option to Pay or Review Your Property Taxes, as another function carried out by this office.
