9 Actions Florida Should Take to Help Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Ian

1.     Postpone tax notices and waive penalties or interest for late tax filings in affected areas

2.     Extend the date for residents to take advantage of the tax discounts they would normally receive for paying property taxes and special assessments in November and postpone or defer the deadline for property tax installment payments

3.     Protect individual and business taxpayers from the risks for notices that they will likely not receive because their home or business addresses is not accessible anymore

4.     Issue no new audits in severely impacted areas, extend the statute of limitations and postpone existing audits that haven’t reached the assessment stage because these can’t be responded to while entire communities are still recovering

5.     Create procedures for fairly estimating taxes which can’t be calculated because records have been destroyed by the storm, moving away from the current method which significantly overestimates activity if no records are available

6.     Initiate procedures to offer payment plan assistance for late taxes, rather than resorting to the standard collection methods, like liens, levies, or bank freezes

7.     Retroactively apply the recently passed law that provides property tax refunds for residential property rendered uninhabitable as a result of a catastrophic event

8.     Provide tangible personal property relief and allow n on-residential properties rendered uninhabitable to receive property tax refunds

9.     Get Congress to pass a Disaster Tax Relief Act that includes provisions from past packages, including elements such as an Employee Retention Credit, an enhanced casualty loss deduction, and other relief provisions

Other Resources

Florida TaxWatch Statement on Hurricane Ian Recovery

Community Involvement

/ Categories: Research

An Analysis of the Tax Treatment of Credit Unions: Value of Florida Credit Unions’ Exemption Is Now $259 Million

In this report, Florida TaxWatch explores the intricate tax treatment of credit unions and its implications on the broader financial landscape. Historically, credit unions were established with a tax-exempt status, targeting low to middle-income individuals within specific communities. These establishments were initially characterized by a limited range of financial services tailored to these community members.

However, the face of the credit union industry has changed dramatically over the years. Credit unions have expanded their member base by broadening their membership requirements. This has allowed them to diversify their clientele and tap into a wider demographic. Additionally, their service portfolio has evolved extensively. From offering basic financial services, credit unions now provide a comprehensive suite of financial solutions, echoing the services of traditional banks. This expansion and diversification have made their tax-exempt status even more valuable.

This report brings to light some interesting historical data. In 1997, Florida TaxWatch found that the tax exemptions granted to credit unions amounted to $89.1 million. This value was computed by estimating the potential tax burden each credit union would bear if they were taxed similarly to banks and savings associations. A subsequent report in 2003 showed the exemption's worth increasing to $102 million.

Fast forward to 2023, the exemption's value has skyrocketed to $259 million. This report dives deep into the reasons behind this growth. One significant trend highlighted is the industry's inclination towards consolidation, primarily through mergers and acquisitions.

This report is not just a historical analysis but a call to action. It seeks to initiate a conversation around the taxation of credit unions. By presenting detailed insights and data, it aims to guide policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public in the ongoing debate about the tax-exempt status of credit unions.

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