Hillsborough County Sales Surtax Settlement Finalized: Refund Process Now Open Until Year-End

Hillsborough County Sales Surtax Settlement Finalized

On November 18, 2024, Judge John C. Cooper of the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit in Leon County, Florida, officially approved a settlement in the class action lawsuit titled Emerson v. Florida Department of Revenue. This landmark decision pertains to an unconstitutional 1% sales surtax that was imposed in Hillsborough County for the period from January 1, 2019, to March 15, 2021.

The approved settlement addresses claims made against Hillsborough County, the Florida Department of Revenue, and the Florida Legislature regarding the surtax, which affected various types of transactions, including retail purchases, services, event tickets, hotel stays, service warranties, parking fees, and commercial rents. The settlement's details, including how it impacts residents and businesses, are accessible at www.FLTaxRefund.com.

Refund Process

The settlement includes the establishment of a refund process for eligible Class Members. The administrator has commenced accepting claims for refunds, with a submission deadline set for December 31, 2024. Individuals and businesses that paid the surtax can submit claims to receive refunds. There are two primary options for making a claim:

1. Proof-based Refund: Claimants can provide receipts or proof of their taxable expenditures to receive a refund that matches the surplus tax they paid.
2. Standard Award: For those individuals who resided in Hillsborough County during the surtax period but cannot provide proof of purchases, a standard award of up to $100 is available based on the length of residency.

What You Need to Know

Residents and businesses that were impacted by the surtax are encouraged to review their eligibility and the terms of the settlement. More detailed information about the lawsuit, the approved settlement, and the claims process can be found on www.FLTaxRefund.com. Additionally, for assistance or inquiries regarding the settlement, claimants can contact the administrator directly by calling 1-888-715-9373.

This settlement not only aims to reimburse affected individuals but also allocates funding towards local transportation projects and facilitates a temporary sales surtax holiday within the county. It is an important step in addressing previous tax impositions deemed unconstitutional and may provide relief to countless residents and businesses alike.

As this opportunity to claim refunds is set to expire at the end of the year, it is crucial for all eligible individuals to act promptly to ensure their claims are filed on time.

For detailed information or to submit claims, visit www.FLTaxRefund.com before the December 31 deadline.