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Economic Development

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 U.S. Internal Revenue Service 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 Employer Identification Number (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 EIN application is available by telephone.
 
EIN by phone: (800) 829-4933
 
 

Apply for an EIN Online

U.S. Internal Revenue Service           
 2891 Center Pointe Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33907
(239) 938-7601
(800) 829-4933        

www.irs.gov

State & Local 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.
You can register for all listed Florida business taxes 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

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 Florida 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, which may take more than two weeks for processing. 
 
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 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 a discretionary sales surtax.
Florida Reemployment Tax
 
Reemployment assistance benefits provide partial, temporary income to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own and are able to work. The employer pays for reemployment assistance benefits through a tax administered by the Department of Revenue that goes into a reverse fund. Workers do not pay any part of the tax and employers must not make payroll deductions for this purpose.
 
The Employer's Quarterly Report (RT-6) each quarter, regardless of employment activity or whether any taxes are due. Exception: Employers of domestic employees may qualify for annual filing.
 
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 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 1. 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