Questions Most Frequently Asked About Tangible Personal Property:

What is Tangible Personal Property?

Tangible Personal Property is everything other than real estate used in a business.  It includes furniture, fixtures, tools, machinery, signs, equipment, leasehold improvements, supplies, leased equipment or any other equipment used in a business or to earn income. 

Who must file?

Anyone in possession of assets on January 1 who has either a proprietorship, corporation or is a self-employed agent or contractor, must file a tax return each year.  Property owners who lease, loan or rent tangible personal property must also file.

Why must I file a return?

Florida Statutes require that all tangible personal property be reported each year to the Property Appraiser's Office.  If you receive a return it is because our office has determined that you may have property to report.  If you feel the form is not applicable, return it with an explanation.  Either way, the form MUST be returned.  Failure to receive a Personal Property Tax Return does not relieve you of your obligation to file.

How can I obtain this form?

At the beginning of the year a return is mailed to Tangible Personal Property owners of record.  If you do not get one, contact the Property Appraiser's Office.  Forms are also available on our website at www.manateepao.com.

What if I receive more than one tax return?

All returns must be sent back.  If you have more than one location, the assets of each should be listed separately on each return.  If you receive two (2) forms for the same location, please indicate one as a duplicate and return it with your filing.

What if I have old equipment that has been fully depreciated and written off the books?

Whether fully depreciated in your accounting records or not, all property in your possession as of January 1st, must be reported.  Additionally, all assets expensed under IRS Section 179 Code MUST be reported.

Do I have to report assets that I lease, loan, rent, borrow or are provided in the rent?

Yes, there is an area on the return specifically for those assets.   Even though the assets are assessed to the owner, they must be listed for informational purposes.  Be sure to include full name and address of the lessor.

Is there a minimum value that I do not have to report?

With the passage of Amendment 1, effective January 1, 2008, some taxpayers with less than $25,000 in business assets are not required to file a tangible personal property tax return. For more information, go to the TPP Exemption FAQ's.

Are there deadlines and penalties?

The deadline for filing a timely return is April 1.  After April 1, Florida Statutes provide that penalties be applied at 5% per month or portion of a month that the return is late. A 15% penalty is required for unreported or omitted property and a 25% penalty if no return is filed.

What if I buy or sell an existing business during the year - who is responsible for the taxes?

The owner is responsible.  Tangible taxes should be prorated at the time of closing.  Most title companies do not do a search of the tangible assets of a business. You should consult your realtor, attorney or closing agent to avoid problems in this area.

What if I don't file my return?

When a tax return is not filed by April 1, this office is required to place an assessment on the property.  Typically we will visit the property and list the assets for assessment purposes.  This assessment represents an estimate based on the value of businesses with similar equipment and assets. You will also be penalized 25% for failure to file.  Being assessed does not alleviate your responsibility to file an accurate return.

If I am no longer in business, should I still file the return?

Yes, if you were not in business on January 1 of the taxing year, follow this procedure:

1)  On your return, indicate the date you went out of business and the manner in which you disposed of your business assets. 
                   Remember, if you still have the assets, you must file on them.
2)  Sign and date the return.
3)  Mail the return back to this office prior to April 1st.
4)  If the assets were sold, please attach the new owner's contact information and copy of the bill of sale or sales contract.

Where can I locate the tables for ECONOMIC LIFE and PRESENT WORTH RATES?

Both tables are available on our website by clicking on your preference above.  Keep in mind that both tables are published and distributed annually in July.

What if I don't agree with the assessed value that appears on the notice of proposed property taxes that I receive in August of each year?

Call our office or come in and discuss the matter with us.   If you have evidence that the appraised value is more than the actual value of your property, we will welcome the opportunity to review all the pertinent facts.  After talking with us, if you still feel the same, you may file a petition to be heard by the Value Adjustment Board.  It is important that any value discrepancies be addressed at this time.  Otherwise a correction may not be allowed.