Florida State Tax Help: Resolve Tax Debt with Local Experts

Florida has no state individual income tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for residents and retirees. However, Florida imposes a 5.5% corporate income tax on C-corporations earning Florida source income, and a 6% statewide sales tax with county surtaxes pushing the combined rate up to 8% or more in many counties. Businesses must collect and remit sales tax through the Florida Department of Revenue; late filings trigger a 10% penalty, and the state offers no grace period for monthly filers. Payroll taxes in Florida are limited to federal obligations (Social Security, Medicare, federal unemployment) since the state has no income tax withholding requirement; however, employers must pay Florida's state unemployment insurance (FUTA/SUTA) rates. Reemployment tax (Florida's SUTA) rates range from 0.1% to 5.4% based on the employer's experience rating, and underpayment results in 10% penalties. Back tax problems in Florida are primarily federal IRS issues: residents with real estate investment income, gig economy earnings, or retirement distribution income frequently underpay federal estimated taxes. The IRS has three major Florida offices (Jacksonville, Plantation, and Palm Beach Gardens) and actively pursues liens, garnishments, and levies against delinquent federal taxpayers. Florida taxpayers can resolve IRS debt through installment agreements, Offer in Compromise, or Currently Not Collectible status for financial hardship.