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Business Tax Requirements

Federal, State, & Local

Business Tax Requirements

All businesses are required to pay federal, state, and in some cases, local taxes.  Most businesses will need to register with the IRS and state and local revenue agencies, and receive a tax ID number or permit. The following resources will help determine your federal tax identification number.

Register for Federal, State and Local Business Taxes

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)


An EIN is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. Business partnerships, corporations, non-profit organizations and some other types of businesses, must obtain an EIN from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, even if they don’t have employees.  The EIN is also known as an Employer Tax ID and Form SS-4.

A Federal Tax Identification Number Application is completed on form SS-4, which is available at local IRS offices or online. Applications by fax will take about a week; by mail as much as five weeks. Immediate FEIN application is available by telephone.
Florida business taxes| Cape Coral

EIN by phone: (800) 829-4933


Apply for an EIN Online


U.S. Internal Revenue Service           

2891 Center Pointe Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33907
 
Phone:    (239) 938-7601
Toll free: (800) 829-4933        
Web:       www.irs.gov
State & Local Taxes

The State of Florida & Cape Coral Business Taxes

In addition to business taxes required by the federal government, you will have to pay Florida business taxes and local taxes. Businesses that operate within the state of Florida are required to register for the tax permits below.

In addition to business taxes required by the federal government, you will have to pay Florida business taxes and local taxes. Businesses that operate within the state of Florida are required to register for the tax permits below.

You can register for all listed Florida business taxes electronically online.

State Tax Contact Information:
Florida Department of Revenue
2295 Victoria Avenue, Suite 270
Fort Myers, FL 33901-3871
 
(239) 338-2400
Taxpayer Services: (850) 488-6800 or
Florida only: (800) 352-3671

www.myflorida.com/dor

State Tax Registration

Florida Corporate Income Tax

Corporations or Limited Liability Companies classified as corporations for federal tax purposes are subject to a 5.5% Florida Corporate Income Tax.

Most Corporations, Limited Liability Companies and other artificial entities doing business or earning or receiving income in Florida must file a Florida Corporate Income Tax return (Form 1120), even if no tax is due. Some legal entities – including sole proprietorships, individuals, estates and testamentary trusts – are exempt from Florida income tax. Other entities, such as S Corporations, partnerships and some LLCs may also be exempt. To be certain, consult your tax advisor or attorney.

Florida Sales and Use Tax

Florida businesses must collect a 6% sales tax for many products and services and must have a Sales Tax Number. The business is responsible for collecting sales tax at the time of each sale and remitting the tax each month to the Department of Revenue (DOR).

The Department of Revenue can assist you in determining whether you are subject to sales tax. If so, before you open for business, you must register with the state and obtain your sales tax ID number. You can register online using form DR-1 at the Department of Revenue website. For in-person registration, visit your local DOR office. You may apply by mail, but this often takes more than two weeks. 

After your registration application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration (Form DR-11), an Annual Resale Certificate (Form DR-13), and your tax return forms. You will collect the current Lee County sales tax (6%) from customers for products and services and then pay those taxes to the Florida’s DOR.

Discretionary Sales Surtax

Florida counties are authorized to levy a discretionary sales surtax on most transactions subject to sales and use tax. Currently Lee County does not impose Discretionary Sales Surtax.
Intangible Personal Property Tax

Florida Intangible Personal Property Tax

Florida corporations and individuals who control intangible personal property must file this annual tax based on the current market value as of January first.  The most common types of taxable assets are stocks, shares, mutual funds, bonds, notes, and loans. Accounts receivable not arising from a company’s normal course of trade or business are also taxable.

Filing is required if the tax due is $60 or more, before any discount for early filing. The Intangible Personal Property Tax Return (For DR-601C for corporations and DR-601I for individuals) is due by June 30.
 
You can register for all state taxes electronically online.

Lee County Tax Requirements

Tangible Personal Property Tax

All businesses are subject to tangible personal property taxes and must report annually as outlined in Florida Statute 193.052. Tangible personal property tax is assessed on assets used in the business or rental activity, even if they are leased or personally owned, such as tools, equipment, furniture, fixtures, machinery, signs, supplies, computers and phones. In addition, businesses that lease, loan or rent property, must also file. 

A Tangible Personal Property Return (Form DR-405) is mailed to Tangible Personal Property owners on January 1st. You are responsible for filing even if you do not receive the form.

Lee County Property Appraiser's Office
2480 Thompson Street, Fourth Floor
Fort Myers, FL 33901

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1546, Fort Myers, Florida 33902
 
(239) 533-6100
City of Cape Coral
Economic Development Office
City Hall
1015 Cultural Park Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL 33990 
P:  (239)  574-0444
F:  (239)   574-0452
T:  (866)   573-3089
Email: ecodev@capecoral.net
http://bizcapecoral.com

 
 

Copyright 2013 by The City of Cape Coral