Collector prepares for 2010 Tax Certificate Sale

Tax Collector Dennis W. Hollingsworth, CFC, told local reporters at Historic City News that, despite difficult economic times throughout our state and nation, St. Johns County’s tax collection rates remain strong.

As of March 31st, the last day 2009 tax bills were due; Hollingsworth’s office achieved a 92 percent collection rate with revenue totaling $349,173,396.95. This represents the same rate of collection as this time last year.

“Of the total tax roll of $378,832,002.91, just 6% remains uncollected as of April 21st,” Hollingsworth said.

Of that amount, many of those properties are in litigation or bankruptcy. Litigations total $42,458.16, while bankruptcies account for $1,338,976.19. Although bankruptcies as a whole are up in St. Johns County, only 89 debtors are responsible for the bankruptcies declared.

“We are pleased to have collection rates maintained at the level of our 2008 tax bills, which reflects not only the diligent efforts of the staff at the Tax Collector’s office, but also the strength of the economy in St. Johns County,” Hollingsworth said.

The delinquent tax list will be available online at www.sjctax.us on May 11th, and bidder registration will open May 3rd.

The annual Delinquent Tax Seminar will be held in the County Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View, at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 13th. This seminar is free and open to anyone interested in learning about the Tax Sale process.

The 2010 Tax Certificate Sale will be conducted on the Internet again this year, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 1st and will continue on June 2nd, if needed.

The St. Johns County Tax Collector’s Office actively works with investors in the sale of tax certificates in an effort to ensure an overall collection rate of 98 percent or higher.

Information regarding the sale, registration and calendar of events are posted on the website, www.sjctax.us, or you may contact the St. Johns County Tax Collector’s office at 904-209-2250.