Tax Collector

I was not able to visit Doug Belden, the Hillsborough County tax collector but, Jeanette brought me back a handful of brochures filled with information.

After reading them, I learned that the tax collector is responsible for a lot more than I thought. First of all, he is responsible for collecting taxes obviously, but it seems like Mr. Belden has worked hard to make the nauseating experience a little less stressful. He modernized two of the four branches which resulted in more parking and shorter lines. That is a step in the right direction because people hate to wait, so that elevates some of the tension. Belden managed to cut the wait time from 45 minutes to just 8 minutes. Tax payers also seem to appreciate the effort because 98% of people who have sent in comment cards responded positively. People can also pay their taxes over the phone or online through the website www.hillstax.org.

In addition to paying taxes, three of the tax collectors offices offer drivers licenses services. There is however a $5.25 charge for drivers licenses transactions processed by the tax collectors office. People can also get information about where to go to renew Class E drivers licenses, commercial licenses, ID cards, and how to go about changing your address.

Another service the Hillsborough County Tax Collector offers is license plate renewal and mobile home decal renewal.

As a journalist, the website www.hillstax.org can be a very valuable resource. For one you can find out if someone has paid their taxes…and you can also find out what properties people own. If you know what you are looking for, the Hillsborough Tax collector can be a very valuable resource.