State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced that a federal tax liaison will be named in the coming weeks to help state taxpayers navigate issues as they prepare their federal tax returns.
“We’re not going to be attorneys, we’re not going to represent you in court,” Patronis told News 6. “We’re going to help you get an answer and this is exactly what the tax advocate is intended to do.”
The tax advocate is expected to be hired from a member of the CFO’s team.
According to HB 989 passed this session, “The advocate will field tax payer questions, direct taxpayers to the right departments and help resolve problems encountered by tax payers.”
“Nothing will become effective until the budget is signed because there will be some required funding,” Patronis said. “Once the bill is signed, we’re going to be given the authorization to start building out that service to our citizens which I think they deserve.”
The announcement comes as the IRS launched a free Direct File program in Florida and 11 other states this week.
According to the IRS website, the direct file pilot program guides you to a state-supported tool you can use to prepare and file your state tax return.
This program is operating 24/7, every day to eligible taxpayers in Florida.
For more information on direct file:
News 6 will update the status of the Florida tax advocate program once Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the measure into law.
If you have an investment or consumer issue, email makeendsmeet@wkmg.com or text the words “make ends meet” along with your issue to 407-676-7428.
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