Many Lee County businesses have a tangible property tax account with the tax collector, and there are some that don’t.

The Lee County Tax Collector’s Office reminds local business owners that they need to file with the office, as many don’t realize they have to file for their tangible property.

They also don’t realize they can file an exemption if they don’t have enough property to qualify.

Joanne Robertson, director of Administration and Customer Relations at the Lee County Tax Collector’s Office, said only you know the value of your business assets, so it’s important to fill it on your tax form what assets you have and their current value.

This way they know if you qualify for an exemption. The problem is that few are aware the tangible property tax exists.

“If the current value is less than $25,000, there is an exemption available. Failure to do so could result in being office assessed by the Property Appraiser’s office,” Robertson said. “It also incurs a penalty and that gets passed on for collection. We find that people were not aware or had to file the form.”

To get the form online go to www.leetc.org.

Robertson said they are trying to raise awareness that businesses may be eligible for exemptions but have to file the form and record the value of their assets, which could be anything from an entire suite of furniture to a desk and a computer.

“Any property that is generating income for you is tangible income, whether it’s commercial or home based,” Robertson said. “Many businesses think they’re signing up to be taxed and that’s not it. You can’t be exempt if you don’t file.”

The tax collector’s office would also like to remind people there is an alternative to waiting in line. You can pay your tax bill online, which is something the tax collector’s office advises, especially this time of year when the office is at its busiest.

“People sometimes think they won’t get a receipt by paying online. They do. You can pay by bank account or by credit card,” Robertson said. “And you don’t have to stand in line. We collect three-quarters of the complete tax rolls in November. You can imagine how busy we are.”

As usual, those who pay early get a discount of 4 percent if paid by Nov. 30. That number progressively goes down the longer you wait to pay until you reach March 1, when you get no discount. Penalties kick in if taxes aren’t paid by April 1.

To pay taxes online, go to www.leetc.com .