Polk County Businesses: Renew Tax Receipts by Sept. 30

Polk County business owners must renew their annual Business Tax Receipt (BTR) by September 30 to avoid late fees. The BTR is a mandatory annual tax for any business operating within or located in the county.

Revenue from the BTR funds the county's economic development initiatives, according to the Board of County Commissioners.

Payments postmarked by October 1 will be considered on time. Beginning October 1, BTR payments will be subject to a 10% penalty fee, plus collection costs. This penalty increases monthly through March.

Business owners can visit www.PolkTaxes.com/services/local-business-taxes/ to make payments, review BTR information, and download applications for new businesses. Applications can be mailed or submitted in person at a Tax Collector service center.

“Renew your Business Tax Receipt by September 30 and keep unnecessary late fees out of your bottom line,” said Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder.

Compliant businesses will display their current BTR. The valid receipt for the 2026-2027 period will be blue.

For those without internet access, payments can be made in person at a Tax Collector Service Center. Payments mailed to PO Box 2016, Bartow, FL, 33831-2016 are considered on time if postmarked by October 1.