The Florida Senate

213.015  Taxpayer rights.

213.018  Taxpayer problem resolution program; taxpayer assistance orders.

213.025  Audits, inspections, and interviews.

213.0452  Required reporting.

213.05  Department of Revenue; control and administration of revenue laws.

213.051  Service of subpoenas.

213.053  Confidentiality and information sharing.

213.0535  Registration Information Sharing and Exchange Program.

213.054  Persons claiming tax exemptions or deductions; annual report.

213.055  Declared emergency; waiver or suspension of specified revenue laws.

213.06  Rules of department; circumstances requiring emergency rules.

213.071  Certification under seal of certain records by executive director.

213.10  Deposit of tax moneys collected.

213.12  Certain state-chartered financial institutions; immunity from certain state and local taxes.

213.21  Informal conferences; compromises.

213.22  Technical assistance advisements.

213.2201  Publications by the department.

213.23  Consent agreements extending the period subject to assessment or available for refund.

213.235  Determination of interest on deficiencies.

213.24  Accrual of penalties and interest on deficiencies; deficiency billing costs.

213.25  Refunds; credits; right of setoff.

213.255  Interest.

213.26  Contracts with county tax collectors.

213.27  Contracts with debt collection agencies and certain vendors.

213.28  Contracts with private auditors.

213.285  Certified audits.

213.29  Failure to collect and pay over tax or attempt to evade or defeat tax.

213.30  Compensation for information relating to a violation of the tax laws.

213.31  Corporation Tax Administration Trust Fund.

213.34  Authority to audit.

213.345  Tolling of periods during an audit.

213.35  Books and records.

213.37  Authority to require sworn statements.

213.50  Failure to comply; revocation of corporate charter; refusal to reinstate charter.

213.67  Garnishment.

213.68  Garnishment; collecting entity of counties which self-administer collection of tourist development tax.

213.69  Authority to issue warrants.

213.70  Taxpayers' escrow requirement.

213.73  Manner and conditions of sale of property subject of a levy by the Department of Revenue.

213.731  Collection action; notice; taxpayer's protest and review rights.

213.732  Jeopardy findings and assessments.

213.733  Satisfaction of warrant.

213.74  Certificate of sale; deed of real property; legal effect.

213.75  Application of payments.

213.755  Payment of taxes by electronic funds transfer.

213.756  Funds collected are state tax funds.

213.757  Willful failure to pay over funds or destruction of records by agent.

213.015  Taxpayer rights.--There is created a Florida Taxpayer's Bill of Rights to guarantee that the rights, privacy, and property of Florida taxpayers are adequately safeguarded and protected during tax assessment, collection, and enforcement processes administered under the revenue laws of this state. The Taxpayer's Bill of Rights compiles, in one document, brief but comprehensive statements which explain, in simple, nontechnical terms, the rights and obligations of the Department of Revenue and taxpayers. The rights afforded taxpayers to assure that their privacy and property are safeguarded and protected during tax assessment and collection are available only insofar as they are implemented in other parts of the Florida Statutes or rules of the Department of Revenue. The rights so guaranteed Florida taxpayers in the Florida Statutes and the departmental rules are:

(1)  The right to available information and prompt, accurate responses to questions and requests for tax assistance.

(2)  The right to request assistance from a taxpayers' rights advocate of the department, who shall be responsible for facilitating the resolution of taxpayer complaints and problems not resolved through the normal administrative channels within the department, including any taxpayer complaints regarding unsatisfactory treatment by department employees. The taxpayers' rights advocate may issue a stay order if a taxpayer has suffered or is about to suffer irreparable loss as a result of an action by the department (see ss. 20.21(3) and 213.018).

(3)  The right to be represented or advised by counsel or other qualified representatives at any time in administrative interactions with the department, the right to procedural safeguards with respect to recording of interviews during tax determination or collection processes conducted by the department, the right to be treated in a professional manner by department personnel, and the right to have audits, inspections of records, and interviews conducted at a reasonable time and place except in criminal and internal investigations (see ss. 198.06, 199.218, 201.11(1), 203.02, 206.14, 211.125(3), 211.33(3), 212.0305(3), 212.12(5)(a), (6)(a), and (13), 212.13(5), 213.05, 213.21(1)(a) and (c), and 213.34).

(4)  The right to freedom from penalty attributable to any taxes administered by the Department of Revenue; freedom from payment of uncollected sales, use, motor or diesel fuel, or other transaction-based excise taxes administered by the Department of Revenue; and to abatement of interest attributable to any taxes administered by the Department of Revenue, when the taxpayer reasonably relies upon binding written advice furnished to the taxpayer by the department through authorized representatives in response to the taxpayer's specific written request which provided adequate and accurate information (see ss. 120.565 and 213.22).

(5)  The right to obtain simple, nontechnical statements which explain the reason for audit selection and the procedures, remedies, and rights available during audit, appeals, and collection proceedings, including, but not limited to, the rights pursuant to this Taxpayer's Bill of Rights and the right to be provided with a narrative description which explains the basis of audit changes, proposed assessments, assessments, and denials of refunds; identifies any amount of tax, interest, or penalty due; and states the consequences of the taxpayer's failure to comply with the notice.

(6)  The right to be informed of impending collection actions which require sale or seizure of property or freezing of assets, except jeopardy assessments, and the right to at least 30 days' notice in which to pay the liability or seek further review (see ss. 198.20, 199.262, 201.16, 206.075, 206.24, 211.125(5), 212.03(5), 212.0305(3)(j), 212.04(7), 212.14(1), 213.73(3), 213.731, and 220.739).

(7)  The right to have all other collection actions attempted before a jeopardy assessment unless delay will endanger collection and, after a jeopardy assessment, the right to have an immediate review of the jeopardy assessment (see ss. 212.15, 213.73(3), 213.732, and 220.719(2)).

(8)  The right to seek review, through formal or informal proceedings, of any adverse decisions relating to determinations in the audit or collections processes and the right to seek a reasonable administrative stay of enforcement actions while the taxpayer pursues other administrative remedies available under Florida law (see ss. 120.80(14)(b), 213.21(1), 220.717, and 220.719(2)).

(9)  The right to have the taxpayer's tax information kept confidential unless otherwise specified by law (see s. 213.053).

(10)  The right to procedures for retirement of tax obligations by installment payment agreements which recognize both the taxpayer's financial condition and the best interests of the state, provided that the taxpayer gives accurate, current information and meets all other tax obligations on schedule (see s. 213.21(4)).

(11)  The right to procedures for requesting cancellation, release, or modification of liens filed by the department and for requesting that any lien which is filed in error be so noted on the lien cancellation filed by the department, in public notice, and in notice to any credit agency at the taxpayer's request (see ss. 198.22, 199.262, 212.15(4), 213.733, and 220.819).

(12)  The right to procedures which assure that the individual employees of the department are not paid, evaluated, or promoted on the basis of the amount of assessments or collections from taxpayers (see s. 213.30(2)).

(13)  The right to an action at law within the limitations of s. 768.28, relating to sovereign immunity, to recover damages against the state or the Department of Revenue for injury caused by the wrongful or negligent act or omission of a department officer or employee (see s. 768.28).

(14)  The right of the taxpayer or the department, as the prevailing party in a judicial or administrative action brought or maintained without the support of justiciable issues of fact or law, to recover all costs of the administrative or judicial action, including reasonable attorney's fees, and of the department and taxpayer to settle such claims through negotiations (see ss. 57.105 and 57.111).

(15)  The right to have the department begin and complete its audits in a timely and expeditious manner after notification of intent to audit (see s. 95.091).

History.--s. 1, ch. 92-315; ss. 9, 23, ch. 95-272; s. 120, ch. 95-417; s. 37, ch. 96-397; s. 37, ch. 96-410; s. 9, ch. 97-287; s. 10, ch. 2000-210; s. 18, ch. 2000-355.

213.018  Taxpayer problem resolution program; taxpayer assistance orders.--A taxpayer problem resolution program shall be available to taxpayers to facilitate the prompt review and resolution of taxpayer complaints and problems which have not been addressed or remedied through normal administrative proceedings or operational procedures and to assure that taxpayer rights are safeguarded and protected during tax determination and collection processes.

(1)  The executive director of the Department of Revenue shall designate a taxpayers' rights advocate and adequate staff to administer the taxpayer problem resolution program.

(2)  The taxpayers' rights advocate may, with or without a formal written request from the taxpayer, issue a taxpayer assistance order that suspends or stays actions or proposed actions by the department when a taxpayer suffers or is about to suffer a significant hardship as a result of a tax determination, collection, or enforcement process.

(a)  Relief or remedy may be granted by a taxpayer assistance order only as an extraordinary measure. The process shall not be used to contest the merits of a tax liability or as a substitute for informal protest procedures or normal administrative or judicial proceedings for the review of a tax assessment or collection action or denial of refund.

(b)  The running of the period of limitations on assessment shall be tolled from the date of a taxpayer's request for a taxpayer assistance order until either the date the request is denied or the date specified in the taxpayer assistance order, whichever is applicable.

History.--s. 2, ch. 92-315.

213.025  Audits, inspections, and interviews.--Except in criminal and internal investigations, the department shall conduct its audits, inspections of records, and interviews at reasonable times and places.

History.--s. 4, ch. 92-315.

213.0452  Required reporting.--Within 60 days after the beginning of each fiscal year, the Department of Revenue shall report to the Senate Ways and Means Committee and the House Appropriations Committee on the department's structure and the allocation of resources within that structure. Any substantive organization changes made after the report is submitted must be shown in an interim report to the committees.

History.--s. 28, ch. 95-272.

¹213.05  Department of Revenue; control and administration of revenue laws.--The Department of Revenue shall have only those responsibilities for ad valorem taxation specified to the department in chapter 192, taxation, general provisions; chapter 193, assessments; chapter 194, administrative and judicial review of property taxes; chapter 195, property assessment administration and finance; chapter 196, exemption; chapter 197, tax collections, sales, and liens; chapter 199, intangible personal property taxes; and chapter 200, determination of millage. The Department of Revenue shall have the responsibility of regulating, controlling, and administering all revenue laws and performing all duties as provided in s. 125.0104, the Local Option Tourist Development Act; s. 125.0108, tourist impact tax; chapter 198, estate taxes; chapter 201, excise tax on documents; chapter 203, gross receipts taxes; chapter 206, motor and other fuel taxes; chapter 211, tax on production of oil and gas and severance of solid minerals; chapter 212, tax on sales, use, and other transactions; chapter 220, income tax code; chapter 221, emergency excise tax; ss. 336.021 and 336.025, taxes on motor fuel and special fuel; s. 370.07(3), Apalachicola Bay oyster surcharge; ²s. 376.11, pollutant spill prevention and control; s. 403.718, waste tire fees; s. 403.7185, lead-acid battery fees; s. 538.09, registration of secondhand dealers; s. 538.25, registration of secondary metals recyclers; s. 624.4621, group self-insurer's fund premium tax; s. 624.5091, retaliatory tax; s. 624.475, commercial self-insurance fund premium tax; ss. 624.509-624.511, insurance code: administration and general provisions; s. 624.515, State Fire Marshal regulatory assessment; s. 627.357, medical malpractice self-insurance premium tax; s. 629.5011, reciprocal insurers premium tax; and s. 681.117, motor vehicle warranty enforcement.

History.--s. 5, ch. 63-253; s. 4, ch. 65-371; ss. 10, 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 43, ch. 71-355; s. 62, ch. 73-333; s. 1, ch. 79-9; s. 42, ch. 79-164; s. 3, ch. 82-75; ss. 16, 80, ch. 82-226; s. 12, ch. 82-385; s. 72, ch. 86-152; s. 9, ch. 87-102; s. 16, ch. 87-198; s. 4, ch. 89-167; s. 11, ch. 89-171; s. 39, ch. 90-132; s. 102, ch. 90-136; s. 28, ch. 90-203; s. 13, ch. 90-351; s. 89, ch. 91-112; s. 1, ch. 92-318; s. 64, ch. 93-207; s. 37, ch. 95-280; s. 121, ch. 95-417; s. 81, ch. 99-2; s. 1, ch. 2000-152; ss. 34, 58, ch. 2000-260.

¹Note.--Effective October 1, 2001, s. 34, ch. 2000-260, Laws of Florida, amends s. 213.05. The amendment by s. 34, ch. 2000-260, although effective October 1, 2001, is repealed by s. 58, ch. 2000-260, effective June 30, 2001. If the amendment to s. 213.05 by s. 34, ch. 2000-260, does take effect, and as amended by s. 1, ch. 2000-152, it will read:

213.05  Department of Revenue; control and administration of revenue laws.--The Department of Revenue shall have only those responsibilities for ad valorem taxation specified to the department in chapter 192, taxation, general provisions; chapter 193, assessments; chapter 194, administrative and judicial review of property taxes; chapter 195, property assessment administration and finance; chapter 196, exemption; chapter 197, tax collections, sales, and liens; chapter 199, intangible personal property taxes; and chapter 200, determination of millage. The Department of Revenue shall have the responsibility of regulating, controlling, and administering all revenue laws and performing all duties as provided in s. 125.0104, the Local Option Tourist Development Act; s. 125.0108, tourist impact tax; chapter 198, estate taxes; chapter 201, excise tax on documents; chapter 202, communications services tax; chapter 203, gross receipts taxes; chapter 206, motor and other fuel taxes; chapter 211, tax on production of oil and gas and severance of solid minerals; chapter 212, tax on sales, use, and other transactions; chapter 220, income tax code; chapter 221, emergency excise tax; ss. 336.021 and 336.025, taxes on motor fuel and special fuel; s. 370.07(3), Apalachicola Bay oyster surcharge; ²s. 376.11, pollutant spill prevention and control; s. 403.718, waste tire fees; s. 403.7185, lead-acid battery fees; s. 538.09, registration of secondhand dealers; s. 538.25, registration of secondary metals recyclers; s. 624.4621, group self-insurer's fund premium tax; s. 624.5091, retaliatory tax; s. 624.475, commercial self-insurance fund premium tax; ss. 624.509-624.511, insurance code: administration and general provisions; s. 624.515, State Fire Marshal regulatory assessment; s. 627.357, medical malpractice self-insurance premium tax; s. 629.5011, reciprocal insurers premium tax; and s. 681.117, motor vehicle warranty enforcement.

²Note.--Paragraphs (4)(a) and (b) of s. 376.11 were transferred to paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) of s. 206.9935 by s. 3, ch. 86-159.

213.051  Service of subpoenas.--For the purpose of administering and enforcing the provisions of the revenue laws of this state, the executive director of the Department of Revenue, or any of his or her assistants designated in writing by the executive director, shall be authorized to serve subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum issued by the state attorney relating to investigations concerning the taxes enumerated in s. 213.05.

History.--s. 6, ch. 78-59; s. 1126, ch. 95-147.

213.053  Confidentiality and information sharing.--

(1)  The provisions of this section apply to s. 125.0104, county government; s. 125.0108, tourist impact tax; chapter 175, municipal firefighters' pension trust funds; chapter 185, municipal police officers' retirement trust funds; chapter 198, estate taxes; chapter 199, intangible personal property taxes; chapter 201, excise tax on documents; chapter 203, gross receipts taxes; chapter 211, tax on severance and production of minerals; chapter 212, tax on sales, use, and other transactions; chapter 220, income tax code; chapter 221, emergency excise tax; s. 252.372, emergency management, preparedness, and assistance surcharge; s. 370.07(3), Apalachicola Bay oyster surcharge; chapter 376, pollutant spill prevention and control; s. 403.718, waste tire fees; s. 403.7185, lead-acid battery fees; s. 538.09, registration of secondhand dealers; s. 538.25, registration of secondary metals recyclers; ss. 624.501 and 624.509-624.515, insurance code; s. 681.117, motor vehicle warranty enforcement; and s. 896.102, reports of financial transactions in trade or business.

(2)  Except as provided in subsections (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), and (17), all information contained in returns, reports, accounts, or declarations received by the department, including investigative reports and information and including letters of technical advice, is confidential except for official purposes and is exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1). Any officer or employee, or former officer or employee, of the department who divulges any such information in any manner, except for such official purposes, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3)  The department shall permit a taxpayer, his or her authorized representative, or the personal representative of an estate to inspect the taxpayer's return and may furnish him or her an abstract of such return. A taxpayer may authorize the department in writing to divulge specific information concerning the taxpayer's account.

(4)  Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the department from publishing statistics so classified as to prevent the identification of particular accounts, reports, declarations, or returns or prevent the department from disclosing to the Comptroller the names and addresses of those taxpayers who have claimed an exemption pursuant to s. 199.185(1)(i) or a deduction pursuant to s. 220.63(5).

(5)  The department may make available to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States or his or her delegate, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue of the United States or his or her delegate, the Secretary of the Department of the Interior of the United States or his or her delegate, or the proper officer of any state or his or her delegate, exclusively for official purposes, information to comply with any formal agreement for the mutual exchange of state information with the Internal Revenue Service of the United States, the Department of the Interior of the United States, or any state.

(6)  Any information received by the Department of Revenue in connection with the administration of taxes, including, but not limited to, information contained in returns, reports, accounts, or declarations filed by persons subject to tax, shall be made available by the department to the Auditor General or his or her authorized agent, the Comptroller or his or her authorized agent, the Insurance Commissioner or his or her authorized agent, the Treasurer or his or her authorized agent, or a property appraiser or tax collector or their authorized agents pursuant to s. 195.084(1), in the performance of their official duties, or to designated employees of the Department of Education solely for determination of each school district's price level index pursuant to s. 236.081(2); however, no information shall be disclosed to the Auditor General or his or her authorized agent, the Comptroller or his or her authorized agent, the Insurance Commissioner or his or her authorized agent, the Treasurer or his or her authorized agent, or to a property appraiser or tax collector or their authorized agents, or to designated employees of the Department of Education if such disclosure is prohibited by federal law. The Auditor General or his or her authorized agent, the Comptroller or his or her authorized agent, the Treasurer or his or her authorized agent, and the property appraiser or tax collector and their authorized agents, or designated employees of the Department of Education shall be subject to the same requirements of confidentiality and the same penalties for violation of the requirements as the department. For the purpose of this subsection, "designated employees of the Department of Education" means only those employees directly responsible for calculation of price level indices pursuant to s. 236.081(2). It does not include the supervisors of such employees or any other employees or elected officials within the Department of Education.

(7)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the department may provide:

(a)  Information relative to chapter 211, chapter 376, or chapter 377 to the proper state agency in the conduct of its official duties.

(b)  Names, addresses, and dates of commencement of business activities of corporations to the Division of Corporations of the Department of State in the conduct of its official duties.

(c)  Information relative to chapter 212 and chapters 561 through 568 to the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in the conduct of its official duties.

(d)  Names, addresses, and sales tax registration information to the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in the conduct of its official duties.

(e)  Names, addresses, taxpayer identification numbers, and outstanding tax liabilities to the Department of the Lottery and the Department of Banking and Finance in the conduct of their official duties.

(f)  State tax information to the Nexus Program of the Multistate Tax Commission pursuant to any formal agreement for the exchange of mutual information between the department and the commission.

(g)  Tax information to principals, and their designees, of the Revenue Estimating Conference for the purpose of developing official revenue estimates.

(h)  Names and addresses of persons paying taxes pursuant to part IV of chapter 206 to the Department of Environmental Protection in the conduct of its official duties.

(i)  Information relative to chapters 212 and 326 to the Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums, and Mobile Homes of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in the conduct of its official duties.

¹(j)  Information authorized pursuant to s. 213.0535 to eligible participants and certified public accountants for such participants in the Registration Information Sharing and Exchange Program.

(k)  Payment information relative to chapters 199, 201, 212, 220, and 221 to the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development in its administration of the tax refund program for qualified defense contractors authorized by s. 288.1045 and the tax refund program for qualified target industry businesses authorized by s. 288.106.

(l)  Information relative to chapter 212 to the Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in the conduct of the Bill of Lading Program. This information is limited to the business name and whether the business is in compliance with chapter 212.

(m)  Information relative to chapter 198 to the Agency for Health Care Administration in the conduct of its official business relating to ss. 409.901-409.910.

(n)  Information contained in returns, reports, accounts, or declarations to the Board of Accountancy in connection with a disciplinary proceeding conducted pursuant to chapter 473 when related to a certified public accountant participating in the certified audits project, or to the court in connection with a civil proceeding brought by the department relating to a claim for recovery of taxes due to negligence on the part of a certified public accountant participating in the certified audits project. In any judicial proceeding brought by the department, upon motion for protective order, the court shall limit disclosure of tax information when necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section. This paragraph is repealed on July 1, 2002.

(o)  Information relative to ss. 376.70 and 376.75 to the Department of Environmental Protection in the conduct of its official business and to the facility owner, facility operator, and real property owners as defined in s. 376.301.

(p)  Information relative to ss. 199.1055, 220.1845, and 376.30781 to the Department of Environmental Protection in the conduct of its official business.

(q)  Names, addresses, and sales tax registration information to the Division of Consumer Services of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in the conduct of its official duties.

(r)  Information relative to the returns required by ss. 175.111 and 185.09 to the Department of Management Services in the conduct of its official duties. The Department of Management Services is, in turn, authorized to disclose payment information to a governmental agency as necessary in the administration of chapters 175 and 185.

(s)  Names, addresses, and federal employer identification numbers, or similar identifiers, to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for use in the conduct of its official duties.

(t)  Information relative to the tax exemptions under ss. 212.031, 212.06, and 212.08 for those persons qualified under s. 288.1258 to the Office of the Film Commissioner. The Department of Revenue shall provide the Office of the Film Commissioner with information in the aggregate.

Disclosure of information under this subsection shall be pursuant to a written agreement between the executive director and the agency. Such agencies, governmental or nongovernmental, shall be bound by the same requirements of confidentiality as the Department of Revenue. Breach of confidentiality is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided by s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(8)  The Department of Revenue shall provide returns, reports, accounts, or declarations received by the department, including investigative reports and information, or information contained in such documents, pursuant to an order of a judge of a court of competent jurisdiction or pursuant to a subpoena duces tecum only when the subpoena is:

(a)  Issued by a state attorney, a United States attorney, or a court in a criminal investigation or a criminal judicial proceeding;

(b)  Issued by a state or federal grand jury; or

(c)  Issued by a state attorney, the Department of Legal Affairs, the State Fire Marshal, a United States attorney, or a court in the course of a civil investigation or a civil judicial proceeding under the state or federal racketeer influenced and corrupt organization act or under chapter 896.

(9)(a)  Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, the department shall, subject to paragraph (c) and to the safeguards and limitations of paragraphs (b) and (d), disclose to the governing body of a municipality, a county, or a subcounty district levying a local option tax, or any state tax which is distributed to units of local government based upon place of collection, which the department is responsible for administering, names and addresses only of the taxpayers granted a certificate of registration pursuant to s. 212.18(3) who reside within or adjacent to the taxing boundaries of such municipality, county, or subcounty district when sufficient information is supplied by the municipality, the county, or subcounty district as the department by rule may prescribe, provided such governing bodies are following s. 212.18(3) relative to the denial of an occupational license after the department cancels a dealer's sales tax certificate of registration.

(b)  Such information shall be disclosed only if the department receives an authenticated copy of a resolution adopted by the governing body requesting it.

(c)  After receipt of such information, the governing body and its officers and employees are subject to the same requirements of confidentiality and the same penalties for violating confidentiality as the department and its employees. The resolution requesting such information shall provide assurance that the governing body and its officers and employees are aware of those requirements and of the penalties for their violation of such requirements, and the resolution shall describe the measures that will be put into effect to ensure such confidentiality. The officer of the department who is authorized to receive, consider, and act upon such requests shall, if satisfied that the assurances in the resolution are adequate to assure confidentiality, grant the request.

(d)  Nothing in this subsection authorizes disclosure of any information prohibited by federal law from being disclosed.

(10)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, with respect to a request for verification of a certificate of registration issued pursuant to s. 212.18 to a specified dealer or taxpayer or with respect to a request by a law enforcement officer for verification of a certificate of registration issued pursuant to s. 538.09 to a specified secondhand dealer or pursuant to s. 538.25 to a specified secondary metals recycler, the department may disclose whether the specified person holds a valid certificate or whether a specified certificate number is valid or whether a specified certificate number has been canceled or is inactive or invalid and the name of the holder of the certificate. This subsection shall not be construed to create a duty to request verification of any certificate of registration.

(11)  The department may provide to a United States Trustee, or his or her designee, for any United States Bankruptcy Court, exclusively for official purposes in connection with administering a bankruptcy estate, information relating to payment or nonpayment of taxes imposed by any revenue law of this state by a trustee, debtor, or debtor in possession, including any amount paid or due.

(12)  The department may disclose certain state sales tax information relating to the cancellation or revocation of sales and use tax certificates of registration for the failure to collect and remit sales tax. This information is limited to the sales tax certificate number, trade name, owner's name, business location address, and the reason for the cancellation or revocation.

(13)  Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 896.102(2), the department may allow full access to the information and documents required to be filed with it under s. 896.102(1) to federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, and to the Department of Banking and Finance, and any of those agencies may use the information and documents in any civil or criminal investigation and in any court proceedings.

(14)(a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the department shall, subject to the safeguards specified in paragraph (c), disclose to the Division of Corporations of the Department of State the name, address, federal employer identification number, and duration of tax filings with this state of all corporate or partnership entities which are not on file or have a dissolved status with the Division of Corporations and which have filed tax returns pursuant to either chapter 199 or chapter 220.

(b)  The Division of Corporations shall use such information only in the pursuit of its official duties relative to nonqualified foreign or dissolved corporations in the recovery of fees and penalties due and owing the state.

(c)  All information exchanged between the Division of Corporations and the department shall be subject to the same requirements of confidentiality as the Department of Revenue.

(15)  The department may disclose confidential taxpayer information contained in returns, reports, accounts, or declarations filed with the department by persons subject to any state or local tax to the child support enforcement program, to assist in the location of parents who owe or potentially owe a duty of support pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, their assets, their income, and their employer, and to the Department of Children and Family Services for the purpose of diligent search activities pursuant to chapter 39. Nothing in this subsection authorizes the disclosure of information if such disclosure is prohibited by federal law. Employees of the child support enforcement program and of the Department of Children and Family Services are bound by the same requirements of confidentiality and the same penalties for violation of the requirements as the department.

(16)  The department may provide to the person against whom transferee liability is being asserted pursuant to s. 212.10(1) information relating to the basis of the claim.

(17)  The department may disclose to a person entitled to compensation pursuant to s. 213.30 the amount of any tax, penalty, or interest collected as a result of information furnished by such person.

History.--s. 1, ch. 80-222; s. 11, ch. 81-151; s. 2, ch. 81-165; s. 4, ch. 81-179; s. 3, ch. 82-219; s. 75, ch. 83-217; s. 7, ch. 84-170; s. 14, ch. 84-338; ss. 31, 121, ch. 85-342; s. 29, ch. 86-152; s. 7, ch. 87-99; s. 10, ch. 87-102; s. 2, ch. 87-175; s. 17, ch. 87-198; s. 4, ch. 87-331; ss. 5, 31, ch. 88-119; s. 19, ch. 88-381; s. 1, ch. 89-128; s. 5, ch. 90-203; s. 4, ch. 90-290; s. 49, ch. 90-360; s. 34, ch. 91-112; s. 1, ch. 91-214; s. 242, ch. 91-224; s. 6, ch. 91-305; s. 17, ch. 92-138; s. 4, ch. 92-146; s. 8, ch. 92-319; s. 36, ch. 92-320; s. 65, ch. 93-207; ss. 3, 7, ch. 93-414; s. 15, ch. 94-124; ss. 15, 74, ch. 94-136; s. 2, ch. 94-187; s. 22, ch. 94-218; s. 14, ch. 94-353; s. 54, ch. 94-356; s. 1503, ch. 95-147; ss. 10, 24, ch. 95-272; s. 1, ch. 95-379; s. 4, ch. 96-283; s. 5, ch. 96-331; s. 34, ch. 96-397; ss. 62, 63, ch. 96-406; s. 1, ch. 96-421; s. 29, ch. 97-99; s. 39, ch. 97-170; s. 10, ch. 97-287; s. 2, ch. 98-95; ss. 5, 17, ch. 98-189; s. 1, ch. 98-299; s. 15, ch. 98-342; s. 130, ch. 98-403; s. 82, ch. 99-2; s. 5, ch. 99-5; s. 20, ch. 99-208; s. 6, ch. 99-239; s. 2, ch. 2000-152; s. 5, ch. 2000-182; ss. 8, 11, ch. 2000-312; s. 1, ch. 2000-313; s. 8, ch. 2000-355.

¹Note.--Section 11, ch. 2000-312, provides that "[t]he provisions of this act shall be reviewed by the Legislature prior to October 1, 2005, and shall be repealed on that date unless otherwise reenacted by the Legislature." If the provisions of ch. 2000-312 are repealed, effective October 1, 2005, paragraph (7)(j) will read:

(j)  Information authorized pursuant to s. 213.0535 to eligible participants in the Registration Information Sharing and Exchange Program.

213.0535  Registration Information Sharing and Exchange Program.--

(1)  The Registration Information Sharing and Exchange Program, or "RISE," is established and shall be coordinated by the Department of Revenue. Periodically, each participant in the program shall share the tax administration information specified in this section in the format prescribed by the department. To the fullest extent practicable, the information ¹shall be shared in a computer-processable medium.

(2)  Information that is subject to sharing includes the registrant's, licensee's, or taxpayer's name, mailing address, business location, and federal employer identification number or social security number; any applicable business type code; any applicable county code; and such other tax registration information as the department prescribes.

(3)  Each local government that participates in the program is responsible for transmitting its shared data to participating state agencies. Each state agency participating in the program is responsible for transmitting its shared data to the other participating state agencies and to the appropriate participating local governments. Data shall be transmitted within 20 days after the close of the reporting period.

(4)  There are two levels of participation:

(a)  Each unit of state or local government responsible for administering one or more of the provisions specified in subparagraphs 1.-7. is a level-one participant. Level-one participants shall exchange, monthly or quarterly, as determined jointly by each participant and the department, the data enumerated in subsection (2) for each new registrant, new filer, or initial reporter, permittee, or licensee, with respect to the following taxes, licenses, or permits:

1.  The sales and use tax imposed under chapter 212.

2.  The tourist development tax imposed under s. 125.0104.

3.  The tourist impact tax imposed under s. 125.0108.

4.  Local occupational license taxes imposed under chapter 205.

5.  Convention development taxes imposed under s. 212.0305.

6.  Public lodging and food service establishment licenses issued pursuant to chapter 509.

7.  Beverage law licenses issued pursuant to chapter 561.

(b)  Level-two participants include the Department of Revenue and local officials responsible for collecting the tourist development tax pursuant to s. 125.0104, the tourist impact tax pursuant to s. 125.0108, or a convention development tax pursuant to s. 212.0305. Level-two participants shall, in addition to the data shared by level-one participants, exchange data relating to tax payment history, audit assessments, and registration cancellations of dealers engaging in transient rentals, and such data ²may relate only to sales and use taxes, tourist development taxes, and convention development taxes. The department shall prescribe, by rule, the data elements to be shared and the frequency of sharing; however, audit assessments must be shared at least quarterly.

(5)  Any provision of law imposing confidentiality upon data shared under this section, including, but not limited to, any provision imposing penalties for disclosure, applies to recipients of this data and their employees. Data exchanged under this section may not be provided to any person or entity other than a person or entity administering the tax or licensing provisions of those provisions of law enumerated in paragraph (4)(a), and such data may not be used for any purpose other than for enforcing those tax or licensing provisions.

(6)  In addition to data on new registrants, the information shared by level-one participants in the first month of the program shall include data for all active registrants, taxpayers, licensees, or permittees under the provisions of law enumerated in paragraph (4)(a).

History.--s. 32, ch. 92-319; s. 31, ch. 92-320; s. 1, ch. 95-362; s. 64, ch. 96-406; s. 16, ch. 98-342.

¹Note.--The amendment to this section by s. 32, ch. 92-319, uses the word "must."

²Note.--The amendment to this section by s. 32, ch. 92-319, uses the word "shall."

213.054  Persons claiming tax exemptions or deductions; annual report.--The Department of Revenue shall be responsible for monitoring the utilization of tax exemptions and tax deductions authorized pursuant to chapter 81-179, Laws of Florida. On or before September 1 of each year, the department shall report to the Comptroller the names and addresses of all persons who have claimed an exemption pursuant to s. 199.185(1)(i) or a deduction pursuant to s. 220.63(5).

History.--s. 11, ch. 81-179; s. 32, ch. 85-342; s. 5, ch. 96-283.

213.055  Declared emergency; waiver or suspension of specified revenue laws.--The following actions to waive or suspend a revenue law may be implemented only when the Governor has declared a state of emergency pursuant to s. 252.36.

(1)(a)  The Governor and Cabinet may grant refunds of state and local taxes on motor and diesel fuel donated during a declared state of emergency for official emergency use in cases in which the state solicits the donation. The refunds may be implemented by a vote of the majority of the Governor and Cabinet during a public meeting or by a majority jointly signing a written order.

(b)  The authorized refunds of state and local taxes on motor and diesel fuel apply to taxes imposed by chapter 206.

(2)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the executive director of the Department of Revenue may implement the following actions during a declared state of emergency for those revenue sources over which the department is granted administrative control pursuant to s. 213.05:

(a)  Extend the stipulated due date for tax returns and accompanying tax payments; and

(b)  Waive interest that accrues during the period of the state of emergency on taxes due prior to and during the period of the disaster.

History.--s. 5, ch. 93-211; s. 122, ch. 95-417.

213.06  Rules of department; circumstances requiring emergency rules.--

(1)  The Department of Revenue has the authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement provisions of the revenue laws.

(2)  The executive director of the department may adopt emergency rules pursuant to s. 120.54 on behalf of the department when the effective date of a legislative change occurs sooner than 60 days after the close of a legislative session in which enacted and the change affects a tax rate or a collection or reporting procedure which affects a substantial number of dealers or persons subject to the tax change or procedure. The Legislature finds that such circumstances qualify as an exception to the prerequisite of a finding of immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare as set forth in s. 120.54(4)(a) and qualify as circumstances requiring an emergency rule.

History.--s. 6, ch. 63-253; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 4, ch. 82-75; s. 76, ch. 83-217; s. 13, ch. 86-152; s. 22, ch. 89-356; s. 38, ch. 96-410; s. 22, ch. 98-200.

213.071  Certification under seal of certain records by executive director.--The executive director of the Department of Revenue may certify under appropriate seal, copies of any records, papers, or documents placed in his or her custody, keeping, and care by law. Such certified copies shall have the same force and effect as evidence as would the original records, papers, or documents.

History.--s. 1, ch. 65-41; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1127, ch. 95-147.

213.10  Deposit of tax moneys collected.--Any and all tax moneys collected by the Department of Revenue shall be deposited in the appropriate fund as provided by law. Except as otherwise provided, the Department of Revenue may use separate clearing trust funds to account for the collection and distribution of tax moneys.

History.--s. 10, ch. 63-253; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 15, ch. 93-233.

213.12  Certain state-chartered financial institutions; immunity from certain state and local taxes.--

(1)  All banks, trust companies, and Morris Plan banks now or hereafter chartered under the laws of the state shall have the same immunity from state and local taxation that national banking associations have from time to time under the statutes of the United States.

(2)  All credit unions now or hereafter chartered under the laws of the state shall have the same immunity from state and local taxation that federally chartered credit unions have from time to time under the statutes of the United States.

(3)  No tax may be imposed by the state or any of its political subdivisions on any savings and loan association or its franchise, surplus, deposits, assets, reserves, loans, or income which is greater than the least onerous imposed by the state on any other financial institution as defined in chapter 658.

History.--s. 1, ch. 72-153.

213.21  Informal conferences; compromises.--

(1)(a)  The Department of Revenue may adopt rules for establishing informal conference procedures within the department for resolution of disputes relating to assessment of taxes, interest, and penalties and the denial of refunds, and for informal hearings under ss. 120.569 and 120.57(2).

(b)  The statute of limitations upon the issuance of final assessments shall be tolled during the period in which the taxpayer is engaged in a procedure under this section.

(c)  During procedures under this section, the taxpayer has the right to be represented at the taxpayer's cost and to record procedures electronically or manually at the taxpayer's cost.

¹(2)(a)  The executive director of the department or his or her designee is authorized to enter into closing agreements with any taxpayer settling or compromising the taxpayer's liability for any tax, interest, or penalty assessed under any of the chapters specified in s. 72.011(1). Such agreements shall be in writing when the amount of tax, penalty, or interest compromised exceeds $30,000 or for lesser amounts when the department deems it appropriate or when requested by the taxpayer. When a written closing agreement has been approved by the department and signed by the executive director or his or her designee and the taxpayer, it shall be final and conclusive; and, except upon a showing of fraud or misrepresentation of material fact or except as to adjustments pursuant to ss. 198.16 and 220.23, no additional assessment may be made by the department against the taxpayer for the tax, interest, or penalty specified in the closing agreement for the time period specified in the closing agreement, and the taxpayer shall not be entitled to institute any judicial or administrative proceeding to recover any tax, interest, or penalty paid pursuant to the closing agreement. The department is authorized to delegate to the executive director the authority to approve any such closing agreement resulting in a tax reduction of $250,000 or less.

(b)  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), for the purpose of facilitating the settlement and distribution of an estate held by a personal representative, the executive director of the department may, on behalf of the state, agree upon the amount of taxes at any time due or to become due from such personal representative under the provisions of chapter 198; and payment in accordance with such agreement shall be full satisfaction of the taxes to which the agreement relates.

²(c)  Notwithstanding paragraph (a), for the purpose of compromising the liability of any taxpayer for tax or interest on the grounds of doubt as to liability based on the taxpayer's reasonable reliance on a written determination issued by the department as described in paragraph (3)(b), the department may compromise the amount of such tax or interest liability resulting from such reasonable reliance.

³(3)(a)  A taxpayer's liability for any tax or interest specified in s. 72.011(1) may be compromised by the department upon the grounds of doubt as to liability for or collectibility of such tax or interest. A taxpayer's liability for penalties under any of the chapters specified in s. 72.011(1) may be settled or compromised if it is determined by the department that the noncompliance is due to reasonable cause and not to willful negligence, willful neglect, or fraud. A taxpayer who establishes reasonable reliance on the written advice issued by the department to the taxpayer will be deemed to have shown reasonable cause for the noncompliance. In addition, a taxpayer's liability for penalties under any of the chapters specified in s. 72.011(1) in excess of 25 percent of the tax shall be settled or compromised if the department determines that the noncompliance is due to reasonable cause and not to willful negligence, willful neglect, or fraud. The department shall maintain records of all compromises, and the records shall state the basis for the compromise. The records of compromise under this paragraph shall not be subject to disclosure pursuant to s. 119.07(1) and shall be considered confidential information governed by the provisions of s. 213.053.

(b)  Doubt as to liability of a taxpayer for tax and interest exists if the taxpayer demonstrates that he or she reasonably relied on a written determination of the department in ⁴any of the following circumstances:

1.  The audit workpapers clearly show that the same issue was considered in a prior audit of the taxpayer conducted by or on behalf of the department and, after consideration of the issue, the department's auditor determined that no assessment was appropriate in regard to that issue.

2.  The same issue was raised in a prior audit of the taxpayer and, during the informal protest of the proposed assessment, the department issued a notice of decision withdrawing the issue from the assessment.

3.  The taxpayer received a technical assistance advisement pursuant to s. 213.22 in regard to the issue.

The circumstances listed in this paragraph are not intended to be the only circumstances in which doubt as to liability exists. Nothing contained in this section shall interfere with the state's ability to structure a remedy to cure a judicially determined constitutional defect in a tax law.

(c)  A taxpayer shall not be deemed to have reasonably relied on a written determination of the department under any of the following circumstances:

1.  The taxpayer misrepresented material facts or did not fully disclose material facts at the time the written determination was issued.

2.  The specific facts and circumstances have changed in such a material manner that the written determination no longer applies.

3.  The statutes or regulations on which the determination was based have been materially revised or a published judicial opinion constituting precedent in the taxpayer's jurisdiction has overruled the department's determination on the issue.

4.  The department has informed the taxpayer in writing that its previous written determination has been revised and should no longer be relied upon.

(d)  A taxpayer's liability for the service fee required by s. 215.34(2) may be settled or compromised if it is determined that the dishonored check, draft, or order was returned due to an error committed by the issuing financial institution, and the error is substantiated by the department. The department shall maintain records of all compromises, and the records shall state the basis for the compromise.

(4)  The department is authorized to enter into agreements for scheduling payments of taxes, interest, and penalties.

(5)  The department shall establish by rule guidelines and procedures for implementation of this section.

(6)  The Department of Revenue may modify the reporting or filing periods required for any tax enumerated in s. 213.05, for purposes of facilitating the calculation of penalty and interest due on tax payments made as a result of a taxpayer's voluntary self-disclosure or the department's selection of a taxpayer for self-analysis. Interest or penalty calculations may not be based on a filing period longer than 1 year. Modified reporting periods apply only to taxpayers not previously registered for the specific tax disclosed and to registered taxpayers with annual gross receipts of less than $500,000. Annual filing periods must be based on a calendar year or the fiscal year used for federal income tax reporting by the taxpayer.

(7)(a)  When a taxpayer voluntarily self-discloses a liability for tax to the department, the department may settle and compromise the tax and interest due under the voluntary self-disclosure to those amounts due for the 5 years immediately preceding the date that the taxpayer initially contacted the department concerning the voluntary self-disclosure. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "years" means tax years or calendar years, whichever is applicable to the tax that is voluntarily self-disclosed. A voluntary self-disclosure does not occur if the department has contacted or informed the taxpayer that the department is inquiring into the taxpayer's liability for tax or whether the taxpayer is subject to tax in this state.

(b)  The department may further settle and compromise the tax and interest due under a voluntary self-disclosure when the department is able to determine that such further settlement and compromise is in the best interests of this state. When making this determination the department shall consider, but is not limited to, the following:

1.  The amount of tax and interest that will be collected and compromised under the voluntary self-disclosure;

2.  The financial ability of the taxpayer and the future outlook of the taxpayer's business and the industry involved;

3.  Whether the taxpayer has paid or will be paying other taxes to the state;

4.  The future voluntary compliance of the taxpayer; and

5.  Any other factor that the department considers relevant to this determination.

(c)  This subsection does not limit the department's ability to enter into further settlement and compromise of the liability that is voluntarily self-disclosed based on any other provision of this section.

(d)  This subsection does not apply to a voluntary self-disclosure when the taxpayer collected, but failed to remit, the tax to the state.

(8)  In order to determine whether certified audits are an effective tool in the overall state tax collection effort, the executive director of the department or the executive director's designee shall settle or compromise penalty liabilities of taxpayers who participate in the certified audits project. As further incentive for participating in the program, the department shall abate the first $25,000 of any interest liability and 25 percent of any interest due in excess of the first $25,000. A settlement or compromise of penalties or interest pursuant to this subsection shall not be subject to the provisions of paragraph (3)(a), except for the requirement relating to confidentiality of records. The department may consider an additional compromise of tax or interest pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3)(a). This subsection does not apply to any liability related to taxes collected but not remitted to the department. This subsection is repealed on July 1, 2002.

History.--s. 13, ch. 81-178; s. 15, ch. 83-215; s. 3, ch. 84-325; s. 32, ch. 85-80; s. 47, ch. 85-342; s. 14, ch. 86-152; s. 32, ch. 88-119; s. 12, ch. 89-171; s. 103, ch. 90-136; s. 14, ch. 90-351; s. 50, ch. 90-360; s. 3, ch. 92-315; s. 35, ch. 92-320; s. 15, ch. 94-353; s. 1504, ch. 95-147; s. 65, ch. 96-406; s. 41, ch. 96-410; s. 3, ch. 98-95; ss. 17, 26, ch. 98-342; ss. 3, 11, ch. 2000-312; s. 19, ch. 2000-355.

¹Note.--Section 4, ch. 2000-312, provides that "[t]he amendments to section 213.21(2) and (3), Florida Statutes, by this act shall apply only to notices of intent to conduct an audit issued on or after October 1, 2000." Section 19(2), ch. 2000-355, provides for applicability of the amendment by s. 19, ch. 2000-355, only to notices of intent to conduct an audit issued on or after October 1, 2000.

²Note.--Section 11, ch. 2000-312, provides that "[t]he provisions of this act shall be reviewed by the Legislature prior to October 1, 2005, and shall be repealed on that date unless otherwise reenacted by the Legislature."

³Note.--

A.  Section 4, ch. 2000-312, provides that "[t]he amendments to section 213.21(2) and (3), Florida Statutes, by this act shall apply only to notices of intent to conduct an audit issued on or after October 1, 2000." Section 19(2), ch. 2000-355, provides for applicability of the amendment by s. 19, ch. 2000-355, only to notices of intent to conduct an audit issued on or after October 1, 2000.

B.  Section 11, ch. 2000-312, provides that "[t]he provisions of this act shall be reviewed by the Legislature prior to October 1, 2005, and shall be repealed on that date unless otherwise reenacted by the Legislature." The amendments by s. 3, ch. 2000-312, and s. 19, ch. 2000-355, are substantially the same.

⁴Note.--As amended by s. 19, ch. 2000-355. The words "any of" do not appear in the amendment by s. 3, ch. 2000-312.

213.22  Technical assistance advisements.--

(1)  The department may issue informal technical assistance advisements to persons, upon written request, as to the position of the department on the tax consequences of a stated transaction or event, under existing statutes, rules, or policies. After the issuance of an assessment, a technical assistance advisement may not be issued to a taxpayer who requests an advisement relating to the tax or liability for tax in respect to which the assessment has been made, except that a technical assistance advisement may be issued to a taxpayer who requests an advisement relating to the exemptions in s. 212.08(1) or (2) at any time. Technical assistance advisements shall have no precedential value except to the taxpayer who requests the advisement and then only for the specific transaction addressed in the technical assistance advisement, unless specifically stated otherwise in the advisement. Any modification of an advisement shall be prospective only. A technical assistance advisement is not an order issued pursuant to s. 120.565 or s. 120.569 or a rule or policy of general applicability under s. 120.54. The provisions of s. 120.53(1) are not applicable to technical assistance advisements.

(2)  The department may not disclose pursuant to s. 119.07(1), or otherwise, a technical assistance advisement or a request for a technical assistance advisement to any person other than the person who requested the advisement, or his or her authorized representative, or for official departmental purposes, without first deleting the name, address, and other identifying details of the person to whom the technical assistance advisement was issued.

(3)  The department is authorized to establish rules prescribing guidelines and procedures for submission, issuance or denial of issuance, and disclosure of technical assistance advisements.

(4)  The department shall collect a fee from any person who requests disclosure of a technical assistance advisement issued under this section. A schedule of fees shall be provided by the department by rule. The fee schedule shall provide for a minimum fee of $5 for each technical assistance advisement disclosed or a maximum of 50 cents per page, whichever is greater. However, any person who uses the department's tax information retrieval system, known as the Tax Law Library, may view or print a technical assistance advisement without paying the fee imposed under this subsection.

History.--s. 14, ch. 81-178; s. 77, ch. 83-217; s. 17, ch. 86-152; s. 33, ch. 88-119; s. 51, ch. 90-360; s. 1128, ch. 95-147; s. 18, ch. 96-395; s. 66, ch. 96-406; s. 42, ch. 96-410; s. 2, ch. 98-143; s. 2, ch. 98-408.

213.2201  Publications by the department.--The department may from time to time cause the laws under its jurisdiction, together with any rules and other publications, to be published in pamphlet form for free distribution in this state. The department may make charges for these technical and educational publications and mimeographed material of use for educational or reference purposes, except that charges may not be made for providing publications to any agency of the state. The charges shall be made at the discretion of the department. The charges may be sufficient to cover the cost of research, preparation, printing, binding, publishing, and distribution. All moneys received for publications shall be deposited into the fund from which the cost of the publication was paid. The department may also enter into agreements with persons, firms, corporations, governmental agencies, and other institutions whereby publications may be exchanged reciprocally in lieu of payments for the publications.

History.--s. 35, ch. 91-112; ss. 11, 25, ch. 95-272; s. 11, ch. 97-287.

213.23  Consent agreements extending the period subject to assessment or available for refund.--

(1)  The executive director of the department or his or her designee may enter into agreements with taxpayers which extend the period during which an assessment may be issued or a claim for refund may be filed with respect of any tax, license, or fee collected by the Department of Revenue. Notwithstanding provisions of s. 95.091 or s. 215.26 to the contrary, if, before the expiration of time prescribed in a revenue law of this state for issuance of an assessment or claim of a refund, both the department and the taxpayer have consented in writing to the issuance of an assessment or claim of a refund after such time, an assessment may be issued or a claim for refund may be made at any time prior to the expiration of the period agreed upon. The period so agreed upon may be extended by subsequent agreements made before the expiration of the period previously agreed upon.

(2)  Consent agreements may be made on forms prescribed by the department by rule and shall be signed by the taxpayer, or the duly authorized representative of the taxpayer, and by the executive director of the department, or his or her designee, and shall specify the date of expiration. A consent agreement under this section shall operate to extend the time for issuance of an assessment, or filing of a claim for refund, only for those taxes, licenses, or fees for the taxable periods specified in the agreement.

History.--s. 41, ch. 85-342; s. 1129, ch. 95-147.

213.235  Determination of interest on deficiencies.--

(1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the annual rate of interest applicable to tax payment deficiencies that arise on or after January 1, 2000, shall be the adjusted rate established by the executive director of the department under subsection (2), unless a lower rate for the particular tax is specifically provided for in law, in which case the lower rate applies. This annual rate of interest applies to all taxes enumerated in s. 213.05.

(2)  If the adjusted prime rate charged by banks, rounded to the nearest full percent, during either:

(a)  The 6-month period ending on September 30 of any calendar year, or

(b)  The 6-month period ending on March 31 of any calendar year

differs from the interest rate in effect on either such date, the executive director of the department shall, within 20 days, establish an adjusted rate of interest equal to such adjusted prime rate.

(3)  An adjusted rate of interest established under this section becomes effective:

(a)  On January 1 of the succeeding year, if based upon the adjusted prime rate for the 6-month period ending on September 30; or

(b)  On July 1 of the same calendar year, if based upon the adjusted prime rate for the 6-month period ending on March 31.

(4)  As used in this section, the term "adjusted prime rate charged by banks" means the average predominant prime rate quoted by commercial banks to large businesses, as determined by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

(5)  Once established, an adjusted rate of interest remains in effect until further adjusted under subsection (2).

History.--s. 7, ch. 99-239; s. 20, ch. 2000-355.

213.24  Accrual of penalties and interest on deficiencies; deficiency billing costs.--

(1)  If notice and demand is made for the payment of any amount due under laws made applicable to this chapter and if such amount is paid within 30 days after the date of such billing or notice and demand, no additional penalties or interest under this section on the amount so paid shall be imposed for the period after the date of such notice and demand.

(2)(a)  Billings for deficiencies of tax, penalty, or interest shall not be issued for any amount less than the actual costs incurred by the department to produce a billing.

(b)  The cost of issuing billings for any tax enumerated in s. 213.05 shall be computed in a study performed by the inspector general of the department. The study shall be conducted every 3 years and at such other times as deemed necessary by the inspector general. A minimum billing amount shall be established and adjusted in accordance with the results of such study.

(c)  Any change in minimum billing amount shall be made effective on July 1 following the completion of the study.

History.--s. 42, ch. 85-342; s. 30, ch. 86-152; s. 23, ch. 89-356.

213.25  Refunds; credits; right of setoff.--In any instance that a taxpayer has a refund or credit due for an overpayment of taxes assessed under any of the chapters specified in s. 72.011(1), the department may reduce such refund or credit to the extent of any billings not subject to protest under s. 213.21 for the same or any other tax owed by the same taxpayer.

History.--s. 43, ch. 85-342.

213.255  Interest.--Interest shall be paid on overpayments of taxes, payment of taxes not due, or taxes paid in error, subject to the following conditions:

(1)  A refund application must be filed with the department within the time specified by s. 215.26.

(2)  A refund application shall not be processed until it is determined complete. A refund application is complete if it is filed on a permitted form and contains:

(a)  The taxpayer's name, address, identifying number, and signature.

(b)  Sufficient information, whether on the application or attachments, to permit mathematical verification of the amount of the refund.

(c)  The amount claimed.

(d)  The specific grounds upon which the refund is claimed.

(e)  The taxable years or periods involved.

(3)  Within 30 days after receipt of the refund application, the department shall examine the application and notify the applicant of any apparent errors or omissions and request any additional information the department is permitted by law to require. An application shall be considered complete upon receipt of all requested information and correction of any error or omission for which the applicant was timely notified, or when the time for such notification has expired, whichever is later.

(4)  Interest shall not commence until 90 days after a complete refund application has been filed and the amount of overpayment has not been refunded to the taxpayer or applied as a credit to the taxpayer's account. If the department and the taxpayer mutually agree that an audit or verification is necessary in order to determine the taxpayer's entitlement to the refund, interest shall not commence until the audit or verification of the claim is final.

(5)  If a tax is adjudicated unconstitutional and refunds are ordered by the court, interest shall not commence on complete applications until 90 days after the adjudication becomes final and unappealable or 90 days after a complete application has been filed, whichever is later.

(6)  Interest shall be paid until a date determined by the department which shall be no more than 7 days prior to the date of the issuance of the refund warrant by the Comptroller.

(7)  If the department intends to pay a refund claim prior to completion of an audit, the department may condition its payment of the refund claim upon the person filing a cash bond or surety bond in the amount of the refund claimed or making such other security arrangements satisfactory to protect the state's interests. The department may impose this condition only when it has reasonable cause to believe that it could not recover the amount of any refund paid in error from the person claiming the refund. The cash or surety bond shall be endorsed by a surety company authorized to do business in this state and shall be conditioned upon payment in full of the amount of any refund paid in error for any reason. The department shall provide a written notice of its determination that a cash or surety bond is required as a condition of payment prior to audit, in which event interest shall not commence until the person filing the claim satisfies this requirement. Such bond shall remain in place while the department retains a right pursuant to s. 95.091(3) to audit the refund claim. Upon completion of an audit of the claim, the department shall agree to a reduction in the bond amount equal to the portion of the refund claim approved by the department.

(8)  Nothing in this section is intended to alter the department's right to audit or verify refund claims either before or after they are paid.

(9)  In the event that the department pays a refund claim that is later determined to have been paid in error, the person to whom the refund was paid shall be assessed interest on the amount of the erroneous refund payment, commencing with the date of the erroneous payment and continuing until the erroneous payment amount is repaid to the department. If the department determines that the erroneous refund claim was not due to reasonable cause, there shall be added a penalty in the amount of 10 percent of the erroneously refunded tax. If the department determines that the erroneous refund claim was due to fraud, there shall be added a penalty in the amount of 100 percent of the erroneously refunded tax.

(10)  The provisions of this section shall apply with regard to refund claims filed on or after January 1, 2000, and beginning July 1, 2000, shall apply with regard to any then-pending refund claims that were filed with the department prior to January 1, 2000.

(11)  The department is authorized to adopt such rules, not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, as are necessary for the implemention of this section including, but not limited to, rules establishing the information necessary for a complete refund application, the procedures for denying an incomplete application, and the standards and guidelines to be applied in determining when to require a bond under the provisions of subsection (7).

(12)  The rate of interest shall be the adjusted rate established pursuant to s. 213.235, except that the annual rate of interest shall never be greater than 11 percent. This annual rate of interest shall be applied to all refunds of taxes administered by the department except for corporate income taxes and emergency excise taxes governed by ss. 220.721 and 220.723.

History.--s. 9, ch. 99-239.

213.26  Contracts with county tax collectors.--

(1)  The Department of Revenue may enter into contracts with county tax collectors for the purpose of collecting delinquent taxes, penalties, and interest, including taxes for which the department has generated a bill or notice. The department shall execute a contract with the tax collector in the manner provided in chapter 287. Before commencing litigation to recover a delinquent tax, penalty, or interest, the tax collector must provide the taxpayer, or the taxpayer's authorized representative, with at least 30 days' notice.

(2)  The executive director of the Department of Revenue shall determine, and the contract must provide, the manner in which the tax collector shall be compensated for collection services. The department may add the tax collector's compensation to the amount of the delinquent tax, penalty, or interest, and the tax collector shall collect that amount as a part of the delinquent tax, or the department may deduct the tax collector's compensation from the amount of the delinquent tax, penalty, or interest which is collected.

(3)  The tax collector shall remit to the department all funds collected, less the amount of compensation provided for in the contract, within 7 business days after the end of the week in which the delinquent tax, penalty, or interest is collected. The tax collector shall remit funds to the department by electronic transfer and use the forms prescribed by the department.

(4)  As provided in s. 195.084, the department may share confidential information with the tax collector for the purpose of collecting delinquent taxes, penalties, and interest, including taxes for which the department has generated a bill or notice. The tax collector is bound by the same requirements of confidentiality as the Department of Revenue with respect to confidential information. A breach of confidentiality is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 2, ch. 96-299.

213.27  Contracts with debt collection agencies and certain vendors.--

(1)  The Department of Revenue may, for the purpose of collecting any delinquent taxes due from a taxpayer, including taxes for which a bill or notice has been generated, contract with any debt collection agency or attorney doing business within or without this state for the collection of such delinquent taxes including penalties and interest thereon. The department may also share confidential information pursuant to the contract necessary for the collection of delinquent taxes and taxes for which a billing or notice has been generated. Contracts will be made pursuant to chapter 287. The taxpayer must be notified by mail by the department, its employees, or its authorized representative 30 days prior to commencing any litigation to recover any delinquent taxes. The taxpayer must be notified by mail by the department 30 days prior to the department assigning the collection of any taxes to the debt collection agency.

(2)  The department may enter into contracts with any individual or business for the purpose of identifying intangible personal property tax liability. Contracts may provide for the identification of assets subject to the tax on intangible personal property, the determination of value of such property, the requirement for filing a tax return and the collection of taxes due, including applicable penalties and interest thereon. The department may share confidential information pursuant to the contract necessary for the identification of taxable intangible personal property. Contracts shall be made pursuant to chapter 287. The taxpayer must be notified by mail by the department 30 days prior to the department assigning identification of intangible personal property to an individual or business.

(3)  Any contract may provide, in the discretion of the executive director of the Department of Revenue, the manner in which the compensation for such services will be paid. Under standards established by the department, such compensation shall be added to the amount of the tax and collected as a part thereof by the agency or deducted from the amount of tax, penalty, and interest actually collected.

(4)  All funds collected under the terms of the contract, less the fees provided in the contract, shall be remitted to the department within 30 days from the date of collection from a taxpayer. Forms to be used for such purpose shall be prescribed by the department.

(5)  The department shall require a bond from the debt collection agency or the individual or business contracted with under subsection (2) not in excess of $100,000 guaranteeing compliance with the terms of the contract. However, a bond of $10,000 is required from a debt collection agency if the agency does not actually collect and remit delinquent funds to the department.

(6)  The department may, for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of or collecting any taxes due from a person doing mail order business in this state, contract with any auditing agency doing business within or without this state for the purpose of conducting an audit of such mail order business; however, such audit agency may not conduct an audit on behalf of the department of any person domiciled in this state, person registered for sales and use tax purposes in this state, or corporation filing a Florida corporate tax return, if any such person or corporation objects to such audit in writing to the department and the auditing agency. The department shall notify the taxpayer by mail at least 30 days before the department assigns the collection of such taxes.

(7)  Confidential information shared by the department with debt collection or auditing agencies or individuals or businesses with which the department has contracted under subsection (2) is exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1), and debt collection or auditing agencies and individuals or businesses with which the department has contracted under subsection (2) shall be bound by the same requirements of confidentiality as the Department of Revenue. Breach of confidentiality is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided by ss. 775.082 and 775.083.

(8)(a)  The executive director of the department may enter into contracts with private vendors to develop and implement systems to enhance tax collections where compensation to the vendors is funded through increased tax collections. The amount of compensation paid to a vendor shall be based on a percentage of increased tax collections attributable to the system after all administrative and judicial appeals are exhausted, and the total amount of compensation paid to a vendor shall not exceed the maximum amount stated in the contract.

(b)  A person acting on behalf of the department under a contract authorized by this subsection does not exercise any of the powers of the department, except that the person is an agent of the department for the purposes of developing and implementing a system to enhance tax collection.

(c)  Disclosure of information under this subsection shall be pursuant to a written agreement between the executive director and the private vendors. The vendors shall be bound by the same requirements of confidentiality as the department. Breach of confidentiality is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(9)(a)  The department may enter into contracts with public or private vendors to develop and implement a voluntary system for sales and use tax collection and administration. The amount of compensation paid to vendors shall be established by the executive director of the department and shall be based upon a percentage of the sales and use tax collections made through the system or on a per transaction basis; however, if the amount of compensation is based upon a percentage of the sales and use tax collections made through the system, the percentage shall not exceed the negotiated percentage provided in s. 212.12(1). The department shall provide quarterly reports to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, President of the Senate, and Minority Leader of the Senate on the amount of compensation paid pursuant to these contracts. The system shall have the capability to determine the taxability of a transaction, the appropriate tax rate to be applied to a taxable transaction, and the total tax due on a transaction, and shall provide a method for remitting the tax to the department. The department shall be responsible for testing and certifying the accuracy of the system.

(b)  A seller of goods or services subject to sales and use tax who utilizes the system for purposes of computation and remittance of sales and use tax shall not be subject to the reporting and remittance requirements of ss. 212.11 and 212.15(1) for those transactions handled through the system and shall not be entitled to the credit provided in s. 212.12(1). A seller of goods or services subject to sales and use tax who utilizes the system for purposes of computation and remittance of sales and use tax shall not be subject to audit for those transactions handled through the system, unless there are indicia that fraud has been committed by the seller.

(c)  Disclosure of information necessary under this subsection shall be pursuant to a written agreement between the executive director of the department and the vendor. The vendor shall be bound by the same requirements of confidentiality as the department. Breach of confidentiality is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(d)  On or before January 1 annually, the department shall provide recommendations to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, President of the Senate, and Minority Leader of the Senate for provisions to be adopted for inclusion within the system that will make sales and use tax collection and administration simplified and uniform.

History.--s. 44, ch. 85-342; s. 48, ch. 86-152; s. 34, ch. 88-119; s. 52, ch. 90-360; s. 36, ch. 91-112; s. 16, ch. 93-233; s. 67, ch. 96-406; s. 26, ch. 99-208; s. 21, ch. 2000-355.

213.28  Contracts with private auditors.--

(1)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Revenue be allowed to enter into contracts with certified public accountants to audit taxpayer accounts. It is further the intent of the Legislature that contracts not be used to supplant existing departmental staff or as an alternative to hiring staff when that would be more efficient.

(2)  Subject to appropriations by the Legislature, the Department of Revenue shall contract with certified public accountants to conduct an audit of any person who is subject to a Florida revenue law. Furthermore, the Department of Revenue may contract with a private firm to facilitate the securing of the services of certified public accountants, licensed outside this state, to conduct audits on persons who are subject to the revenue laws of this state and who are located outside the state.

(3)  Contracts for more than $25,000 but less than $50,000 shall be approved by the executive director of the Department of Revenue. Contracts for $50,000 or more must be approved by the head of the department. Contracts under this section shall be interpreted under Florida law, and any action for resolution of any dispute related to any such contract shall be brought under Florida law. Contracts may contain such other terms and conditions as the department deems appropriate under the circumstances, provided, no fee or any portion of a fee for audits contracted for pursuant to this section shall be based on the amount of tax assessed or collected as a result of the audit.

(4)  The department shall establish, by rule, procedures for the selection of certified public accounting firms wishing to enter into audit contracts pursuant to this section. Such procedures shall contain, but not be limited to, the development of a rating system that takes into account pertinent information, including the firms' fee proposals, and rank such firms participating in the process, to determine which firms will receive audit contracts.

(5)  The department shall establish a training, certification, and review procedure that will ensure that audits performed pursuant to this section are of the highest quality.

(6)  Certified public accountants entering into such contracts must be in good standing under the laws of the state in which they are licensed. They shall be bound by the same confidentiality requirements and subject to the same penalties as the department under s. 213.053. Any return, return information, or documentation obtained from the Internal Revenue Service under an information-sharing agreement is confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution and shall not be divulged or disclosed in any manner by an officer or employee of the department to any certified public accountant under a contract authorized by this section, unless the department and the Internal Revenue Service mutually agree to such disclosure.

History.--s. 7, ch. 89-529; s. 37, ch. 91-112; ss. 6, 17, ch. 93-233; s. 1, ch. 95-363; s. 68, ch. 96-406; s. 18, ch. 98-342.

213.285  Certified audits.--

(1)  As used in this section, the term:

(a)  "Certification program" means an instructional curriculum, examination, and process for certification, recertification, and revocation of certification of certified public accountants which is administered by an independent provider and which is officially approved by the department to ensure that a certified public accountant possesses the necessary skills and abilities to successfully perform an attestation engagement for tax compliance review in a certified audits project.

(b)  "Department" means the Department of Revenue.

(c)  "Participating taxpayer" means any person subject to the revenue laws administered by the department who enters into an engagement with a qualified practitioner for tax compliance review and who is approved by the department under the certified audits project.

(d)  "Qualified practitioner" means a certified public accountant who is licensed to practice in Florida and who has completed the certification program.

(2)(a)  The department is authorized to initiate a certified audits project to further enhance tax compliance reviews performed by qualified practitioners and to encourage taxpayers to hire qualified practitioners at their own expense to review and report on their tax compliance. The nature of certified audit work performed by qualified practitioners shall be agreed-upon procedures in which the department is the specified user of the resulting report.

(b)  As an incentive for taxpayers to incur the costs of a certified audit, the department shall compromise penalties and abate interest due on any tax liabilities revealed by a certified audit as provided in s. 213.21. This authority to compromise penalties or abate interest shall not apply to any liability for taxes that were collected by the participating taxpayer but that were not remitted to the department.

(c)  The certified audits project is repealed on July 1, 2002, or upon completion of the project as determined by the department, whichever occurs first.

(3)  Any practitioner responsible for planning, directing, or conducting a certified audit or reporting on a participating taxpayer's tax compliance in a certified audit must be a qualified practitioner. For the purposes of this subsection, a practitioner is considered responsible for:

(a)  "Planning" in a certified audit when performing work that involves determining the objectives, scope, and methodology of the certified audit, when establishing criteria to evaluate matters subject to the review as part of the certified audit, when gathering information used in planning the certified audit, or when coordinating the certified audit with the department.

(b)  "Directing" in a certified audit when the work involves supervising the efforts of others who are involved or when reviewing the work to determine whether it is properly accomplished and complete.

(c)  "Conducting" a certified audit when performing tests and procedures or field audit work necessary to accomplish the audit objectives in accordance with applicable standards.

(d)  "Reporting" on a participating taxpayer's tax compliance in a certified audit when determining report contents and substance or reviewing reports for technical content and substance prior to issuance.

(4)(a)  The qualified practitioner shall notify the department of an engagement to perform a certified audit and shall provide the department with the information the department deems necessary to identify the taxpayer, to confirm that the taxpayer is not already under audit by the department, and to establish the basic nature of the taxpayer's business and the taxpayer's potential exposure to Florida revenue laws. The information provided in the notification shall include the taxpayer's name, federal employer identification number or social security number, state tax account number, mailing address, business location, and the specific taxes and period proposed to be covered by the engagement for the certified audit. In addition, the notice shall include the name, address, identification number, contact person, and telephone number of the engaged firm.

(b)  If the taxpayer has not been issued a written notice of intent to conduct an audit, the taxpayer shall be a participating taxpayer and the department shall so advise the qualified practitioner in writing within 10 days after receipt of the engagement notice. However, the department may exclude a taxpayer from a certified audit or may limit the taxes or periods subject to the certified audit on the basis that the department has previously conducted an audit, that it is in the process of conducting an investigation or other examination of the taxpayer's records, or for just cause determined solely by the department.

(c)  Notice of the qualification of a taxpayer for a certified audit shall toll the statute of limitations provided in s. 95.091 with respect to the taxpayer for the tax and periods covered by the engagement.

(d)  Within 30 days after receipt of the notice of qualification from the department, the qualified practitioner shall contact the department and submit a proposed audit plan and procedures for review and agreement by the department. The department may extend the time for submission of the plan and procedures for reasonable cause. The qualified practitioner shall initiate action to advise the department that amendment or modification of the plan and procedures is necessary in the event that the qualified practitioner's inspection reveals that the taxpayer's circumstances or exposure to the revenue laws is substantially different than as described in the engagement notice.

(5)  Upon the department's designation of the agreed-upon procedures to be followed by the practitioner in the certified audit, the qualified practitioner shall perform the engagement and shall timely submit a completed report to the department. The report shall affirm completion of the agreed-upon procedures and shall provide any required disclosures.

(6)  The department shall review the report of the certified audit and shall accept it when it is determined to be complete. Once the report is accepted by the department, the department shall issue a notice of proposed assessment reflecting the determination of any additional liability reflected in the report and shall provide the taxpayer with all the normal payment, protest, and appeal rights with respect to the liability. In cases where the report indicates an overpayment has been made, the taxpayer shall submit a properly executed application for refund to the department. Otherwise, the certified audit report is a final and conclusive determination with respect to the tax and period covered. No additional assessment may be made by the department for the specific taxes and period referenced in the report, except upon a showing of fraud or misrepresentation of material facts and except for adjustments made under s. 198.16 or s. 220.23. This determination shall not prevent the department from collecting liabilities not covered by the report or from conducting an audit or investigation and making an assessment for additional tax, penalty, or interest for any tax or period not covered by the report.

(7)  To implement the certified audits project, the department shall have authority to adopt rules relating to:

(a)  The availability of the certification program required for participation in the project;

(b)  The requirements and basis for establishing just cause for approval or rejection of participation by taxpayers;

(c)  Procedures for assessment, collection, and payment of liabilities or refund of overpayments and provisions for taxpayers to obtain informal and formal review of certified audit results;

(d)  The nature, frequency, and basis for the department's review of certified audits conducted by qualified practitioners, including the requirements for documentation, work-paper retention and access, and reporting; and

(e)  Requirements for conducting certified audits and for review of agreed-upon procedures.

History.--s. 1, ch. 98-95.

213.29  Failure to collect and pay over tax or attempt to evade or defeat tax.--Any person who is required to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over any tax enumerated in chapter 201, chapter 206, or chapter 212 and who willfully fails to collect such tax or truthfully account for and pay over such tax or willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat such tax or the payment thereof; or any officer or director of a corporation who has administrative control over the collection and payment of such tax and who willfully directs any employee of the corporation to fail to collect or pay over, evade, defeat, or truthfully account for such tax shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be liable to a penalty equal to twice the total amount of the tax evaded or not accounted for or paid over. The filing of a protest based upon doubt as to liability or collection of a tax shall not be determined to be an attempt to evade tax under this section. The penalty imposed hereunder shall be in addition to any other penalty imposed or that should have been imposed under the revenue laws of this state, but shall be abated to the extent that the tax is paid. Any penalty may be compromised by the executive director of the Department of Revenue as set forth in s. 213.21. An assessment of penalty made pursuant to this section shall be deemed prima facie correct in any judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding brought to collect this penalty.

History.--s. 46, ch. 85-342; s. 55, ch. 87-224; s. 104, ch. 90-136; s. 15, ch. 90-351; s. 21, ch. 92-320; s. 123, ch. 95-417.

213.30  Compensation for information relating to a violation of the tax laws.--

(1)  The executive director of the department, pursuant to rules adopted by the department, is authorized to compensate persons providing information to the department leading to:

(a)  The punishment of, or collection of taxes, penalties, or interest from, any person with respect to the taxes enumerated in s. 213.05. The amount of any payment made under this paragraph may not exceed 10 percent of any tax, penalties, or interest collected as a result of such information.

(b)  The identification and registration of a taxpayer who is not in compliance with the registration requirements of any tax statute that is listed in s. 213.05. The amount of the payment made to any person who provides information to the department which results in the registration of a noncompliant taxpayer shall be $100. The reward authorized in this paragraph shall be paid only if the noncompliant taxpayer:

1.  Conducts business from a permanent, fixed location;

2.  Is engaged in a bona fide taxable activity; and

3.  Is found by the department to have an unpaid tax liability.

(2)  Any employee of the department or of any other state or federal agency who comes into possession of information relating to a violation of a revenue law while an employee of such agency may provide information to the department of the type described in subsection (1), but the employee may not be compensated under this section. Any former employee of the department or any other state or federal agency who came into possession of information relating to a violation of a revenue law while an employee of such agency may provide information to the department of the type described in subsection (1), but the former employee may not receive compensation under this section.

History.--s. 99, ch. 87-6; s. 38, ch. 91-112; s. 22, ch. 92-320; s. 1, ch. 96-221.

213.31  Corporation Tax Administration Trust Fund.--There is hereby created in the State Treasury the Corporation Tax Administration Trust Fund. Moneys in the fund are hereby appropriated to the Department of Revenue for the administration of taxes levied upon corporations, including, but not limited to, those imposed under chapter 199, chapter 220, or chapter 221.

History.--s. 4, ch. 86-121.

213.34  Authority to audit.--

(1)  The Department of Revenue shall have the authority to audit and examine the accounts, books, or records of all persons who are subject to a revenue law made applicable to this chapter, or otherwise placed under the control and administration of the department, for the purpose of ascertaining the correctness of any return which has been filed or payment which has been made, or for the purpose of making a return where none has been made.

(2)  The department, or its duly authorized agents, may inspect such books and records necessary to ascertain a taxpayer's compliance with the revenue laws of this state, provided that the department's power to make an assessment or grant a refund has not terminated under s. 95.091(3).

(3)  The department may correct by credit or refund any overpayment of tax, penalty, or interest revealed by an audit and shall make assessment of any deficiency in tax, penalty, or interest determined to be due.

(4)  Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 215.26, the department shall offset the overpayment of any tax during an audit period against a deficiency of any tax, penalty, or interest determined to be due during the same audit period.

History.--s. 24, ch. 89-356; s. 39, ch. 91-112; s. 5, ch. 92-315.

213.345  Tolling of periods during an audit.--The limitations in s. 95.091(3) and the period for filing a claim for refund as required by s. 215.26(2) shall be tolled for a period of 1 year if the Department of Revenue has, on or after July 1, 1999, issued a notice of intent to conduct an audit or investigation of the taxpayer's account within the applicable period of time. The department must commence an audit within 120 days after it issues a notice of intent to conduct an audit, unless the taxpayer requests a delay. If the taxpayer does not request a delay and the department does not begin the audit within 120 days after issuing the notice, the tolling period shall terminate unless the taxpayer and the department enter into an agreement to extend the period pursuant to s. 213.23.

History.--s. 8, ch. 99-239.

213.35  Books and records.--Each person required by law to perform any act in the administration of any tax enumerated in s. 72.011 shall keep suitable books and records relating to that tax, such as invoices, bills of lading, and other pertinent records and papers, and shall preserve such books and records until expiration of the time within which the department may make an assessment with respect to that tax pursuant to s. 95.091(3).

History.--s. 6, ch. 88-119.

213.37  Authority to require sworn statements.--

(1)  The Department of Revenue may require verification of exemption applications, refund applications, and tax returns relevant to administration of the revenue laws of this state.

(2)  Verification shall be accomplished as provided in s. 92.525(1)(b) and subject to the provisions of s. 92.525(3).

History.--s. 40, ch. 91-112.

213.50  Failure to comply; revocation of corporate charter; refusal to reinstate charter.--

(1)  Any corporation of this state which has an outstanding tax warrant that has existed for more than 3 consecutive months is subject to the revocation of its charter as provided in s. 607.1420.

(2)  A request for reinstatement of a corporate charter may not be granted by the Division of Corporations of the Department of State if an outstanding tax warrant has existed for that corporation for more than 3 consecutive months.

History.--s. 23, ch. 92-320.

213.67  Garnishment.--

(1)  If a person is delinquent in the payment of any taxes, penalties, and interest owed to the department, the executive director or his or her designee may give notice of the amount of such delinquency by registered mail to all persons having in their possession or under their control any credits or personal property, exclusive of wages, belonging to the delinquent taxpayer, or owing any debts to such delinquent taxpayer at the time of receipt by them of such notice. Thereafter, any person who has been notified may not transfer or make any other disposition of such credits, other personal property, or debts until the executive director or his or her designee consents to a transfer or disposition or until 60 days after the receipt of such notice, except that the credits, other personal property, or debts which exceed the delinquent amount stipulated in the notice shall not be subject to the provisions of this section, wherever held, in any case in which the taxpayer does not have a prior history of tax delinquencies. If during the effective period of the notice to withhold, any person so notified makes any transfer or disposition of the property or debts required to be withheld hereunder, he or she is liable to the state for any indebtedness owed to the department by the person with respect to whose obligation the notice was given to the extent of the value of the property or the amount of the debts thus transferred or paid if, solely by reason of such transfer or disposition, the state is unable to recover the indebtedness of the person with respect to whose obligation the notice was given. If the delinquent taxpayer contests the intended levy in circuit court or under chapter 120, the notice under this section remains effective until that final resolution of the contest. Any financial institution receiving such notice will maintain a right of setoff for any transaction involving a debit card occurring on or before the date of receipt of such notice.

(2)  All persons who have been notified must, within 5 days after receipt of the notice, advise the executive director or his or her designee of the credits, other personal property, or debts in their possession, under their control, or owing them, and must advise the executive director or designee within 5 days after coming into possession or control of any subsequent credits, personal property, or debts owed during the time prescribed by the notice. Any such person coming into possession or control of such subsequent credits, personal property, or debts may not transfer or dispose of them during the time prescribed by the notice or before the department consents to a transfer.

(3)  During the last 30 days of the 60-day period set forth in subsection (1), the executive director or his or her designee may levy upon such credits, other personal property, or debts. The levy must be accomplished by delivery of a notice of levy by registered mail, upon receipt of which the person possessing the credits, other personal property, or debts shall transfer them to the department or pay to the department the amount owed to the delinquent taxpayer.

(4)  A notice that is delivered under this section is effective at the time of delivery against all credits, other personal property, or debts of the delinquent taxpayer which are not at the time of such notice subject to an attachment, garnishment, or execution issued through a judicial process.

(5)  Any person acting in accordance with the terms of the notice or levy issued by the executive director or his or her designee is expressly discharged from any obligation or liability to the delinquent taxpayer with respect to such credits, other personal property, or debts of the delinquent taxpayer affected by compliance with the notice of freeze or levy.

(6)(a)  Levy may be made under subsection (3) upon credits, other personal property, or debt of any person with respect to any unpaid tax, penalties, and interest only after the executive director or his or her designee has notified such person in writing of the intention to make such levy.

(b)  No less than 30 days before the day of the levy, the notice of intent to levy required under paragraph (a) shall be given in person or sent by certified or registered mail to the person's last known address.

(c)  The notice required in paragraph (a) must include a brief statement that sets forth in simple and nontechnical terms:

1.  The provisions of this section relating to levy and sale of property;

2.  The procedures applicable to the levy under this section;

3.  The administrative and judicial appeals available to the taxpayer with respect to such levy and sale, and the procedures relating to such appeals; and

4.  The alternatives, if any, available to taxpayers which could prevent levy on the property.

(7)  A taxpayer may contest the notice of intent to levy provided for under subsection (6) by filing an action in circuit court. Alternatively, the taxpayer may file a petition under the applicable provisions of chapter 120. After an action has been initiated under chapter 120 to contest the notice of intent to levy, an action relating to the same levy may not be filed by the taxpayer in circuit court, and judicial review is exclusively limited to appellate review pursuant to s. 120.68. Also, after an action has been initiated in circuit court, an action may not be brought under chapter 120.

(8)  An action may not be brought to contest a notice of intent to levy under chapter 120 or in circuit court, later than 21 days after the date of receipt of the notice of intent to levy.

(9)  The department shall provide notice to the Comptroller, in electronic or other form specified by the Comptroller, listing the taxpayers for which tax warrants are outstanding. Pursuant to subsection (1), the Comptroller shall, upon notice from the department, withhold all payments to any person or business, as defined in s. 212.02, which provides commodities or services to the state, leases real property to the state, or constructs a public building or public work for the state. The department may levy upon the withheld payments in accordance with subsection (3). The provisions of s. 215.422 do not apply from the date the notice is filed with the Comptroller until the date the department notifies the Comptroller of its consent to make payment to the person or 60 days after receipt of the department's notice in accordance with subsection (1), whichever occurs earlier.

(10)  The department may bring an action in circuit court for an order compelling compliance with any notice issued under this section.

History.--s. 24, ch. 92-320; s. 1, ch. 94-82; s. 1505, ch. 95-147; s. 19, ch. 98-342; s. 27, ch. 99-208.

213.68  Garnishment; collecting entity of counties which self-administer collection of tourist development tax.--The collecting entity of a county which self-administers the collection of the tourist development tax under s. 125.0104 shall have the same authority and use the same procedure as described in s. 213.67.

History.--s. 6, ch. 98-167.

213.69  Authority to issue warrants.--Upon a final determination of unpaid taxes, interest, or penalties due under the revenue laws of this state, the department may issue warrants for those taxes listed in s. 213.05 or placed under the control of the department by law. Such warrants may direct:

(1)  The sheriff of any county within the state to levy upon and sell the goods of such person which are found within the sheriff's jurisdiction for the payment of the amount of the delinquency, plus the penalties, interest, and cost of executing the warrant and conducting the sale, and to return the warrant and the money collected to the department. However, any surplus resulting from the sale after the costs, penalties, and delinquent taxes have been accounted for must be returned to the person in default; or

(2)  A deputy, agent, or employee of the department or of the Department of Law Enforcement, after receiving written designation by the executive director, to execute that warrant in the same manner as a sheriff.

History.--s. 25, ch. 92-320.

213.70  Taxpayers' escrow requirement.--For the purpose of ensuring the continued payment of any taxes, penalties, and interest due the state, the executive director or his or her designee may require a person who is registered to remit sales tax, motor or diesel fuel tax, or any other transaction-based excise tax administered by the department and who has collected and knowingly failed, or repeatedly failed, to remit such taxes in a timely manner or has otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of such tax law to deposit such amount upon receipt into a jointly controlled escrow account, subject to conditions provided by the department.

History.--s. 26, ch. 92-320; s. 1130, ch. 95-147; s. 124, ch. 95-417.

213.73  Manner and conditions of sale of property subject of a levy by the Department of Revenue.--Whenever a levy is made as a result of an execution upon a tax warrant or lien:

(1)  Before the sale, the executive director or his or her designee shall determine a minimum price for which the property shall be sold, and if no person offers at the sale the amount of the minimum price for such property, the sale may be, in the discretion of the executive director or his or her designee, rescheduled; the property may be declared to be purchased at such price for the state; or the property may be declared to be sold to the highest bidder. In determining the minimum price, the executive director or his or her designee shall take into account the expense of making the levy and sale.

(2)  The department shall by rule prescribe the manner and other conditions of the sale of property seized. Such regulations shall provide:

(a)  That the sale may not be conducted in any manner other than by public auction or by public sale under sealed bids.

(b)  In the case of the seizure of several items of property, whether such items must be offered separately, in groups, or in the aggregate or whether such property must be offered in any combination thereof, and sold under whichever method produces the highest aggregate amount.

(c)  Under what circumstances the executive director or his or her designee may adjourn the sale from time to time; however, any such adjournment may not exceed 1 month.

(3)  Any person whose property has been levied upon may pay the amount due, together with the expenses of the proceeding, if any, to the department at any time prior to the sale; and upon such payment, the department shall restore such property to that person, and all further proceedings in connection with the levy on such property shall cease from the date of such payment.

History.--s. 103, ch. 87-6; s. 64, ch. 87-101; s. 1131, ch. 95-147.

213.731  Collection action; notice; taxpayer's protest and review rights.--In the absence of jeopardy to the revenue, no warrant or other collection action shall be issued or taken until 30 days after issuance to the taxpayer of a notice informing him or her of such impending action or notifying him or her that such action is indicated or authorized in the circumstances. The department shall, by rule, provide procedures to afford the taxpayer the opportunity to pay any tax, penalty, or interest on which collection action is sought which is not based on jeopardy, or to protest the circumstances underlying billing notices on which collection action is sought, to the department within 20 days after such notice is issued. Such notice shall inform the taxpayer of these available protest and review rights. This section does not apply to final assessments for which rights to review under s. 72.011 have expired.

History.--s. 6, ch. 92-315; s. 1132, ch. 95-147.

213.732  Jeopardy findings and assessments.--

(1)  The department shall generally exhaust reasonable collection efforts prior to making a jeopardy finding or assessment; however, if the exhaustion of collection efforts would create or prolong the jeopardy, the department need not exhaust collection efforts or may exhaust only those efforts consistent with the jeopardy.

(2)  The department shall issue to the taxpayer, with any jeopardy assessment, a notice or finding of the facts which constitute a jeopardy to the revenue. A warrant, lien, or other detainer of property may be issued and recorded as provided by law simultaneously with the issuance of a jeopardy assessment. Such warrant, lien, or detainer may proceed to execution, levy, and seizure as provided by law. However, the department shall not hold an execution sale or other sale of the property without order of a court of competent jurisdiction until the expiration of the time provided in s. 72.011 for filing an action in circuit court or petition for administrative proceeding or, if such an action or petition is filed, until the decision rendered in such action or proceeding is final.

(3)  The department shall also notify the taxpayer that the taxpayer shall have the opportunity to appear at a conference within 10 days and make an oral or written statement of why he or she believes no jeopardy to the revenue exists or why a jeopardy lien or warrant should be released, if one was recorded. Upon request of the taxpayer, the department shall meet with the taxpayer at a time set by the department within 10 days after the issuance of the assessment.

(4)  The conference shall be conducted informally and shall not be in the nature of a formal evidentiary proceeding. The taxpayer may present relevant information, orally or in writing; however, discovery and cross-examination shall not be allowed. The department shall not be required to transcribe the proceedings, but the taxpayer may transcribe the proceedings at the taxpayer's cost.

(5)  If the taxpayer makes a statement under subsection (3), the department shall determine within 20 days after its receipt of such statement whether such jeopardy lien, warrant, or other detainer should be released. The department shall send written notice of such finding to the taxpayer.

(6)  If the department finds that the jeopardy lien, warrant, or other detainer should be released, the department shall release the subject property within a reasonable time.

(7)  If the department proceeds to seize or freeze the assets of a taxpayer upon a determination of jeopardy, the taxpayer shall have a right to a meeting with the department, as provided by subsection (3), immediately or within 24 hours after requesting such meeting. The department shall, within 24 hours after such meeting, determine whether to release the seizure or freeze. If the department does not release such seizure or freeze of property, the taxpayer shall have a right to request a hearing within 5 days before the circuit court, at which hearing the taxpayer and the department may present evidence with respect to the issue of jeopardy. Venue in such an action shall lie in the county in which the seizure was effected or, if there are multiple seizures based upon the same assessment, venue shall also lie in Leon County. Whenever an action is filed to seek review of a jeopardy finding under this subsection, the court shall set an immediate hearing and shall give the case priority over other pending cases other than those filed pursuant to s. 119.11.

History.--s. 7, ch. 92-315; s. 1133, ch. 95-147.

213.733  Satisfaction of warrant.--If a warrant is filed in the public records for any tax administered by the department and the department is satisfied that no tax liability exists or that the tax liability has been discharged or provided for or the warrant has become unenforceable or was filed in error, the department shall cancel the warrant, amend or modify any portion of it, and refile it in the public records, making specific reference to the fact that the warrant was filed in error. An amendment or modification does not affect the priority of the original warrant. At the written request of the taxpayer, the department shall furnish a credit agency specified by the taxpayer a copy of the cancellation, amendment, or modification of the warrant.

History.--s. 8, ch. 92-315.

213.74  Certificate of sale; deed of real property; legal effect.--

(1)  In the case of property sold pursuant to a levy by the Department of Revenue, the executive director or his or her designee shall give to the purchaser a certificate of sale upon payment in full of the purchase price. Such certificate shall set forth a description of the property purchased, for whose taxes the same was sold, the name of the purchaser, and the price paid therefor.

(2)  In the case of any real property sold pursuant to a levy by the Department of Revenue, and not redeemed in the manner and within the time provided in s. 213.73, the executive director or his or her designee shall execute, in accordance with the laws of this state pertaining to the sale of real property under execution, to the purchaser of such real property at such sale, upon his or her surrender of the certificate of sale, a deed of the real property so purchased by that person, reciting the facts set forth in the certificate.

(3)  If real property is declared purchased for the state at a sale pursuant to a levy by the Department of Revenue, the executive director or his or her designee shall present a certificate of sale and execute a deed therefor to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, and the board of trustees shall, without delay, cause such deed to be duly recorded in the proper clerk's office in the proper manner.

(4)  In all cases of sale of tangible or intangible personal property pursuant to a levy by the Department of Revenue, the certificate of sale shall be prima facie evidence of the right of the executive director or his or her designee to make such sale, and conclusive evidence of the regularity of his or her proceedings in making the sale, and shall transfer to the purchaser all right, title, and interest of the party delinquent in and to the property sold. If such property consists of intangibles such as stock and bonds, the certificate constitutes notice, when received, to any corporation, company, or association of such transfer, and constitutes authority to such corporation, company, or association to record the transfer on its books and records in the same manner as if the intangibles were transferred or assigned by the party holding the same, in lieu of any original or prior certificate, which shall be void, whether canceled or not. If the subject of the sale is securities or other evidences of debt, the certificate constitutes a good and valid receipt to the person holding the same, as against any person holding or claiming to hold possession of such securities or other evidences of debt. If such property consists of a motor vehicle, the certificate constitutes notice when received, to any public official charged with the registration of title of motor vehicles, of such transfer and constitutes authority to such official to record the transfer on his or her books and records in the same manner as if the certificate of title to such motor vehicle were transferred or assigned by the party holding the same, in lieu of any original or prior certificate of title, which shall be void whether canceled or not.

(5)  In the case of the sale of real property pursuant to a levy by the Department of Revenue, the deed of sale given pursuant to this section shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein; and if the proceedings by the executive director or his or her designee have been substantially in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules of the department, such deed constitutes a conveyance of all the right, title, and interest the party delinquent had in and to the real property thus sold at the time the lien of the Department of Revenue attached thereto.

History.--s. 104, ch. 87-6; s. 65, ch. 87-101; s. 1134, ch. 95-147.

213.75  Application of payments.--

(1)  Except for any payment made pursuant to s. 213.21, or as otherwise specified by the taxpayer at the time he or she makes a payment, whenever any payment is made to the department with respect to any of the revenue laws of this state, such payment shall be applied as follows:

(a)  First, against the accrued interest, if any;

(b)  The amount, if any, remaining after the application to interest shall be credited against any accrued penalty; and

(c)  The amount, if any, remaining after application to interest and penalty shall be credited to any tax due.

(2)  If a warrant or lien has been filed and recorded by the department, a payment shall be applied as follows:

(a)  First, against the costs of recordation of the warrant or lien, if any;

(b)  The amount, if any, remaining shall be applied to accrued interest;

(c)  The amount, if any, remaining after the application to interest shall be credited against any accrued penalty; and

(d)  The amount, if any, remaining after application to costs, interest, and penalty shall be credited to any tax due.

(3)  If a levy has been made by the department, a payment shall be applied as follows:

(a)  First, against the costs of execution of the levy, if any;

(b)  The amount, if any, remaining shall be applied to accrued interest;

(c)  The amount, if any, remaining after the application to interest shall be credited against any accrued penalty; and

(d)  The amount, if any, remaining after application to costs, interest, and penalty shall be credited to any tax due.

(4)  Any surplus proceeds remaining after the application of subsection (3) shall, upon application and satisfactory proof thereof, be refunded by the Comptroller to the person or persons legally entitled thereto pursuant to s. 215.26.

History.--s. 105, ch. 87-6; s. 3, ch. 88-119; s. 1135, ch. 95-147.

213.755  Payment of taxes by electronic funds transfer.--

(1)  The executive director of the Department of Revenue shall have authority to require a taxpayer to remit taxes by electronic funds transfer where the taxpayer, including consolidated filers, is subject to tax and has paid that tax in the prior state fiscal year in an amount of $50,000 or more.

(2)  As used in any revenue law administered by the department, the term:

(a)  "Payment" means any payment or remittance required to be made or paid within a prescribed period or on or before a prescribed date under the authority of any provision of a revenue law which the department has the responsibility for regulating, controlling, and administering. The term does not include any remittance unless the amount of the remittance is actually received by the department.

(b)  "Return" means any report, claim, statement, notice, application, affidavit, or other document required to be filed within a prescribed period or on or before a prescribed date under the authority of any provision of a revenue law which the department has the responsibility of regulating, controlling, and administering.

(3)  Solely for the purposes of administering this section:

(a)  Taxes levied under parts I and II of chapter 206 shall be considered a single tax.

(b)  A person required to remit a tax acting as a collection agent or dealer for the state shall nonetheless be considered the taxpayer.

History.--s. 1, ch. 89-153; s. 25, ch. 89-356; s. 24, ch. 90-203; s. 125, ch. 95-417; s. 20, ch. 98-342.

213.756  Funds collected are state tax funds.--Funds collected from a purchaser under the representation that they are taxes provided for under the state revenue laws are state funds from the moment of collection and are not subject to refund absent proof that such funds have been refunded previously to the purchaser.

History.--s. 41, ch. 91-112.

213.757  Willful failure to pay over funds or destruction of records by agent.--Any person who accepts money from a taxpayer that is due to the department, for the purpose of acting as the taxpayer's agent to make the payment to the department, but who willfully fails to remit such payment to the department when due, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Any person who has possession as a taxpayer's agent of the taxpayer's records that are required to be maintained under the revenue laws of this state and who intentionally destroys those records with the intent of depriving the state of tax revenues commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.--s. 17, ch. 99-208.