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, Education

Social Determinants of Health: Education Access and Quality

The Florida TaxWatch Institute on Quality Health and Aging presents the second installment in its series on Social Determinants of Health. This latest report explores the vital link between education access and quality and health outcomes, offering crucial insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and educators across Florida.

As part of our mission to ensure every Floridian experiences the highest quality of health and support, regardless of age, this eye-opening analysis reveals how investments in education can lead to significant improvements in public health and generate substantial economic returns for our state.

Key findings from our research show that higher levels of education are strongly associated with better health outcomes, longer lifespans, and reduced healthcare costs. The report delves into how education influences socioeconomic factors, impacts early childhood development, and affects long-term health behaviors.

Our study highlights the potential for strategic investments in education to address health disparities, reduce state healthcare expenditures, and boost Florida's economy. From early childhood programs to higher education, the report outlines how improving educational access and quality can lead to a healthier, more productive population.

This comprehensive analysis is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of education and public health. Download the full report to discover:

- The striking life expectancy gap between college graduates and non-graduates
- How education levels correlate with specific health outcomes and behaviors
- The economic impact of education on healthcare costs and state budgets
- The critical importance of early childhood education for lifelong health
- Recommendations for leveraging education to improve public health in Florida

As part of the Florida TaxWatch Institute on Quality Health and Aging's ongoing work, this report contributes to our broader mission of uniting healthcare and aging experts from across Florida. By facilitating the exchange of insights and conducting groundbreaking research, we aim to guide policies that shape a healthier, thriving future for all Floridians.

Documents to download

Print
3281 Rate this article:
5.0

x