Property Tax Alert: Florida

September 2004

Florida taxpayers affected by Hurricane Charley will, upon request, receive waivers of penalties and interest normally due for late filing or payment of taxes if the taxpayers can demonstrate to the Department of Revenue that their business operations have been affected by the hurricane. Since Florida imposes few state taxes directly on citizens, the waiver of penalties and interest primarily affects Florida businesses. Taxpayers who file tax returns and pay tax through electronic means should make a reasonable attempt to file using their customary methods. If filing and paying electronically is not possible because of the effects of Hurricane Charley, taxpayers should attempt to file using paper tax returns.

The Department is preparing more detailed information on hurricane tax relief, including any property tax relief that might be available such as possible delays in deadlines for issuing proposed property tax notices. In the meantime, affected taxpayers may contact the Department's tax hotline at 1- 800-352-3671. (Release, Florida Department of Revenue, August 17, 2004.)

Please contact Rash & Associates for more information.