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

An Independent Assessment of the Economic Impacts of Indian River State College

Indian River State College (IRSC) has long been a cornerstone of educational and economic development in Florida's Treasure Coast region. This Florida TaxWatch report provides an in-depth analysis of the college's significant contributions to the local and state economy, showcasing how IRSC not only educates but also economically empowers its community.

IRSC offers a diverse range of over 130 certificate and degree programs, recognized nationally for their quality and affordability. Notably, the college's tuition rates are nearly 30% less than the national average for two-year programs, making higher education accessible and reducing student loan debt. The 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence winner, IRSC continues to excel in graduation rates and labor market outcomes.

The report highlights the economic impacts of IRSC's operations and partnerships. With initiatives like the PROMISE Program, which offers tuition scholarships, IRSC maintains a low student loan default rate and ensures financial accessibility. Strategic partnerships with private businesses and local schools enhance the learning experience and provide real-world training opportunities. These collaborations have not only increased revenue but also facilitated a practical learning environment that aligns with workforce needs.

In economic terms, IRSC's influence is profound. The college and its partnerships generate over 15,000 jobs annually and have a total economic output exceeding $2 billion. Every dollar spent by IRSC yields approximately $6.69 in additional economic output for Florida, underlining the institution's role as a powerhouse of economic stimulation and a model of educational excellence.

This report is essential reading for policymakers, educators, and community leaders interested in the sustainable integration of education and economic development. It serves as a compelling case study of how educational institutions can significantly impact their local economies and the lives of their students.

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