Current through Reg. 50, No. 187; September 24, 2024
(1) Definition.
(a) Section
220.24(1),
F.S., defines "estimated tax" as the amount which the taxpayer estimates to be
the Florida corporate income/franchise tax due for the taxable year.
(b) "Estimated tax, " for the purposes of
this rule, is the estimate of net corporate income/franchise tax due after
credits.
(c) Estimated tax payments
are prepayments of tax and are not tax paid, since section
220.34(1),
F.S., provides that amounts paid as estimated tax are deemed assessed on the
taxpayer's original due date for filing the corporate income/franchise tax
return.
(2)
(a) Except for taxpayers with a June 30
taxable year end, a declaration of estimated tax must be filed before the first
day of the sixth month of the taxable year, if the taxpayer can reasonably
expect before the first day of the fourth month to owe more than $2, 500 in tax
for the taxable year.
(b) Taxpayers
with a June 30 taxable year end must file a declaration of estimated tax before
the first day of the fifth month of the taxable year, if the taxpayer can
reasonably expect before the first day of the fourth month to owe more than $2,
500 in tax for the taxable year.
(c) Installment due dates that fall on a
Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday extend to the next business day, with the
exception of installments due on the last day of June, which must be paid on or
before the last Friday of June.
(d)
For a list of deadlines for initiating electronic payments on time, visit
www.floridarevenue.com/forms, select the e-Services section, and then select
the current year Florida e-Services Calendar of Due Dates
(Form DR-659).
(3)
Reasonably Expect.
(a)
1. The phrase "reasonably expect" implies a
forecast of tax owed. The estimated tax is based upon the amount of Florida net
income which the taxpayer can reasonably expect to receive or accrue, based on
the facts and circumstances existing at the time prescribed for filing the
declaration, as well as those reasonably anticipated for the taxable
year.
2. The phrase "reasonably
expect" does not imply that a taxpayer can wait until more than $2, 500 of tax
is actually due on income already earned.
3. A business is required to make a
declaration of estimated tax by the date specified in subsection (2), even
though income may not actually be earned until later in the taxable year. For
example, a seasonal business that can reasonably expect before the first day of
the fourth month to owe more than $2, 500.00 for the taxable year will be
required to make a declaration of estimated tax before the first day of the
sixth month of the taxable year (before the first day of the fifth month of the
taxable year for a taxpayer with a June 30 taxable year end). Therefore, a
Christmas shop with a taxable year ending January 31, 2018, will be expected to
make a declaration before July 1, 2017 (the first day of the sixth month
following the end of the taxable year) if the corporation reasonably expects to
owe more than $2, 500.00 in tax for the tax year. It does not matter whether
the corporation is making sales by that date or not.
(b) In determining whether a corporation that
existed for a full 12 months during the prior year can reasonably expect to owe
more than $2, 500.00 in tax, the Department will consider the taxpayer's past
payment history and circumstances.
(c) If the tax due for the corporation's
prior taxable year exceeded $2, 500.00, there is a presumption that the
taxpayer can reasonably expect to owe more than $2, 500 in the current taxable
year.
(d) In considering a factual
determination of a specific taxpayer, the Department will consider the
following factors:
1. General economic
conditions;
2. Economic conditions
of a specific industry;
3. Cause
and timing of taxable income.
(e) There is no first year exception from
filing the declaration by the date specified in subsection (2), and making
payments of estimated tax in accordance with the time limitations set by
section 220.33(1),
F.S.
(4) The Department
of Revenue combines the declaration of estimated tax and the payment of the
first installment into the Declaration/Installment of Florida Estimated
Income/Franchise Tax (Form F-1120ES, incorporated by reference in rule
12C-1.051, F.A.C.).
(5)
(a)
When the due date of the declaration of estimated tax is before the first day
of the sixth month (before the first day of the fifth month for taxpayers with
a June 30 taxable year end), there must be four equal installments.
(b) Estimated tax payments are then due
before the first day of the sixth month (before the first day of the fifth
month for taxpayers with a June 30 taxable year end), before the first day of
the seventh month, before the first day of the tenth month, and before the
first day of the next taxable year. For calendar year taxpayers, estimated tax
payments are due May 31, June 30, September 30, and December
31.
(6) There are no
provisions for annualization. Section
220.33, F.S., requires equal
installments based on the due date of the declaration.
(7) Amended declarations. A declaration of
estimated tax is based upon a reasonable projection of tax liability. A
declaration must be adjusted when the taxpayer determines that circumstances
have developed that materially change the amount of estimated tax reported in
the declaration. The remaining estimated tax payments must be increased or
decreased to reflect the adjusted projected income.
(8) Overpayments of Estimated Tax.
(a)
1. A
taxpayer must make an irrevocable election on its annual Florida corporate
income/franchise tax return to designate an overpayment as an estimated tax
payment for the subsequent taxable year or an amount to be refunded.
2. The decision to apply an overpayment to
the subsequent year's estimated tax payments may not be changed to request a
refund.
3.
a. If a taxpayer files an amended return for
a tax year that reports an overpayment of tax, the taxpayer may elect to use
the overpayment as a credit against estimated tax for a subsequent taxable year
or may request a refund of the overpayment. The overpayment of tax may not be
credited against estimated tax payments for a closed taxable year.
b. Example: A calendar year taxpayer in 2018
amends the 2015 Florida corporate income/franchise tax return pursuant to a
federal adjustment that impacted Florida taxable income. The result of the
amendment is that the taxpayer has overpaid the tax due for 2015. The
overpayment may be refunded or credited to the 2018 estimated tax payments. The
overpayment may not be credited to estimated tax payments for the 2016 or 2017
taxable year.
(b) In the case of an overpayment for a
taxable year for which a Florida corporate income/franchise tax return has been
filed, the properly executed return constitutes a claim for refund or
credit.
(c)
1. If a taxpayer requests that an overpayment
be applied to estimated tax for the succeeding tax year, the application will
be to the first estimated tax payment of the next tax year, even if the return
is filed after the due date for the first payment.
2. Example: A calendar year taxpayer
requested an extension of the filing date for the 2016 Florida corporate
income/franchise tax return from May 1, 2017, until November 1, 2017. The first
payment of estimated tax for the succeeding tax year is due May 31, 2017. The
2016 return is filed on September 29, 2017. If the taxpayer requested that the
overpayment of estimated tax be applied to the next tax year, the overpayment
is applied effective May 31, 2017.
(d) The Department will not pay interest on
an overpayment that a taxpayer has elected to apply as an estimated payment to
a subsequent taxable year.
(e)
There are no provisions within the Florida Statutes for a "quick refund" if the
estimated tax is overpaid. A taxpayer may not claim a refund of estimated tax
paid until the Florida corporate income/franchise tax return is filed for that
tax year.
(9)
Underpayment of estimated tax.
(a) Definition.
The amount of the underpayment for any installment date is the excess of:
1. The amount of the installment which would
be required to be paid if the estimated tax were equal to 90 percent of the tax
shown on the return for the taxable year or, if no return was filed, 90 percent
of the tax for such year, over
2.
The amount, if any, of the installment paid on or before the last day
prescribed for payment.
(b)
1. No
penalty or interest will be imposed for any underpayment of any installment of
estimated tax if, on or before the date prescribed for payment of the
installment, the total amount of all payments of estimated tax made equals or
exceeds the amount which would have been required to be paid on or before such
date if the estimated tax were the lesser of the following amounts:
a. An amount equal to a tax computed at the
rates applicable to the taxable year but otherwise on the basis of the facts
shown on the return for the preceding taxable year and the law applicable to
the preceding year, provided that the preceding taxable year was a year of 12
months and a return was filed for such year; or,
b. An amount equal to 90 percent of the tax
finally due for the taxable year.
c.
(I) A
contribution to an eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization (SFO)
for a corporate income tax credit pursuant to section
220.1875, F.S., reduces the
amount required to meet the prior year exception referenced in sub-subparagraph
a. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018, the specific prior year
exception amount reduced by a contribution to an SFO is determined by the date
of contribution on the certificate of contribution issued by the SFO. For
taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, a taxpayer may, after
earning a tax credit under section
220.1875, F.S., reduce any
estimated payment in that taxable year by the amount of the credit. Cross
reference: rule chapter 12-29, F.A.C.
(II) Example: A calendar year taxpayer
remitted four estimated payments of $16, 000 each on May 31, 2017; June 30,
2017; September 30, 2017; and December 31, 2017. The taxpayer also made a $15,
000 contribution to an SFO and was issued a certificate of contribution on June
20, 2017, which generated a tax credit for the taxpayer. For the prior tax year
ending December 31, 2016, corporate income tax of $80, 000 was due. Taxpayer's
prior year exception computation is as follows:
Due dates of installments
|
(1st)
5/31/2017
|
(2nd)
6/30/2017
|
(3rd)
9/30/2017
|
(4th)
12/31/2017
|
Current year: Total cumulative amount paid (or
credited) from the beginning of the taxable year through the installment date
indicated
|
16, 000.00
|
32, 000.00
|
48, 000.00
|
64, 000.00
|
(a) Prior year exception: Tax on prior year's income
using current year's rates
|
25% of tax
20, 000.00
|
50% of tax
40, 000.00
|
75% of tax
60, 000.00
|
100% of tax
80, 000.00
|
(b) Cumulative donations made to SFOs from the
beginning of the taxable year through the installment date indicated.
Certificate of contribution must be issued on or before installment due
date.
|
0.00
|
0.00
|
15, 000.00
|
15, 000.00
|
(c) The prior year exception adjusted for the credit
for contributions to SFOs per Section
1002.395(5)(g),
F.S., equals (a) less (b)
|
20, 000.00
|
40, 000.00
|
45, 000.00
|
65, 000.00
|
Installment meets prior year exception? To answer
Yes, Current year must equal or exceed Prior year (c).
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Taxpayer has met the prior year exception for the third
installment through a combination of estimated payments and SFO credit so that
estimated tax penalty and interest will not apply for the third
installment.
(III) Example:
A calendar year taxpayer remitted four estimated payments of $10, 000 each on
May 31, 2017; June 30, 2017; September 30, 2017; and December 31, 2017. The
taxpayer also made four $10, 000 contributions to an SFO and was issued
certificates of contribution on May 31, 2017; June 30, 2017; September 30,
2017; and December 31, 2017. For the prior tax year ending December 31, 2016,
corporate income tax of $80, 000 was due. Taxpayer's prior year exception
computation is as follows:
Due dates of installments
|
(1st)
5/31/2017
|
(2nd)
6/30/2017
|
(3rd)
9/30/2017
|
(4th)
12/31/2017
|
Current year: Total cumulative amount paid (or
credited) from the beginning of the taxable year through the installment date
indicated
|
10, 000.00
|
20, 000.00
|
30, 000.00
|
40, 000.00
|
(a) Prior year exception: Tax on prior year's income
using current year's rates
|
25% of tax
20, 000.00
|
50% of tax
40, 000.00
|
75% of tax
60, 000.00
|
100% of tax
80, 000.00
|
(b) Cumulative donations made to SFOs from the
beginning of the taxable year through the installment date indicated.
Certificate of contribution must be issued on or before installment due
date.
|
10, 000.00
|
20, 000.00
|
30, 000.00
|
40, 000.00
|
(c) The prior year exception adjusted for the credit
for contributions to SFOs per Section
1002.395(5)(g),
F.S., equals (a) less (b)
|
10, 000.00
|
20, 000.00
|
30, 000.00
|
40, 000.00
|
Installment meets prior year exception? To answer
Yes, Current year must equal or exceed Prior year (c).
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Taxpayer has met the prior year exception for all four
installments through a combination of estimated payments and SFO credit so that
estimated tax penalty and interest will not apply to any of the four
installments.
(IV) Example:
A calendar year taxpayer remitted four estimated payments of $18, 000 each on
May 31, 2018; June 29, 2018; October 1, 2018; and December 31, 2018. The
taxpayer also made a $17, 000 contribution to an SFO and was issued a
certificate of contribution on June 20, 2018, which generated a tax credit for
the taxpayer. For the prior tax year ending December 31, 2017, corporate income
tax of $90, 000 was due. Taxpayer's prior year exception computation is as
follows:
Due dates of installments
|
(1st)
5/31/2018
|
(2nd)
6/29/2018
|
(3rd)
10/1/2018
|
(4th)
12/31/2018
|
Current year: Total cumulative amount paid (or
credited) from the beginning of the taxable year through the installment date
indicated
|
18, 000.00
|
36, 000.00
|
54, 000.00
|
72, 000.00
|
(a) Prior year exception: Tax on prior year's income
using current year's rates
|
25% of tax
22, 500.00
|
50% of tax
45, 000.00
|
75% of tax
67, 500.00
|
100% of tax
90, 000.00
|
(b) Cumulative donations timely made to SFOs for the
taxable year. Certificate of contribution must be issued for the taxable
year.
|
17, 000.00
|
17, 000.00
|
17, 000.00
|
17, 000.00
|
(c) The prior year exception adjusted for the credit
for contributions to SFOs per Section
1002.395(5)(g),
F.S., equals (a) less (b)
|
5, 500.00
|
28, 000.00
|
50, 500.00
|
73, 000.00
|
Installment meets prior year exception? To answer
Yes, Current year must equal or exceed Prior year (c).
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Taxpayer has met the prior year exception for the first three
installments through a combination of estimated payments and SFO credit so that
estimated tax penalty and interest will not apply for the first, second, or
third installment.
2.
a. A
taxpayer may not use the prior year exception if the previous tax year was for
a short tax year (not a full 12 months), except where the short periods are due
to a change in accounting period.
b.
(I) The
taxpayer may not use a total of the tax liability for 2 or more short periods
to qualify for a prior year exception, except where the short periods are due
to a change in accounting period. The prior year exception is denied even where
there is continuity of business. If a short period return is required for
federal and Florida purposes, the taxpayer is denied the use of the prior year
exception for the subsequent tax year.
(II) Example: Corporation C was part of
affiliated group ABC, which filed a federal consolidated income tax return for
the 2016 and 2017 tax years. For Florida corporate income/franchise tax
purposes, Corporation C has always filed a separate return. On June 1, 2017,
the stock of Corporation C was bought by Corporation X. Corporation C has two
taxable years for 2017 for federal income tax purposes, and, therefore, for
Florida corporate income/franchise tax purposes even though it has always filed
a separate Florida corporate income/franchise tax return. For the first taxable
year within 2017 (January 1 through May 31, 2017), Corporation C may base
estimated tax payments on a prior year exception (January 1, 2016, through
December 31, 2016). Corporation C may not use the prior year exception for the
second taxable year within 2017 (June 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017).
Furthermore, Corporation C cannot use a prior year exception for the 2018 tax
year.
3. See
subsection (12) of this rule concerning special rules for estimated tax
payments required in short years.
(c) Whether a taxpayer has met the
requirements to not be penalized for underpayment of estimated tax is evaluated
for each installment; there are no provisions for annualization.
(d)
1. The
term "tax" means the tax imposed by chapter 220, F.S., minus amounts properly
credited against such tax for the taxable year. Payments of estimated tax and
payments of tentative tax are not "amounts properly credited."
2. For taxpayers subject to tax under chapter
220, part II, F.S., "tax" means the tax imposed by section
220.11, F.S., minus the
allowable credits in the order specified in section
220.02(8), F.S.
For banks and savings associations subject to the franchise tax under chapter
220, part VII, F.S., "tax" means the tax imposed by section
220.63, F.S., minus the
allowable credits in the order specified in section
220.02(8),
F.S.
3. The computations under
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection are based on the return as filed,
except where the amount finally determined to be due is less than the amount
shown on the return. If no return was filed, the computation is based on the
appropriate tax liability and credit allowable under chapter 220,
F.S.
4. Example: Taxpayer A, who is
subject to tax under part II of chapter 220, F.S., filed Form F-1120. The
return shows "Total Income/Franchise Tax Due" of $5, 000, "Estimated Tax
Payments" of $500, and a "Total amount due or overpayment" of $4, 500. For the
purposes of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection, the "tax" shown on the
return or finally due for such year is the "Total Income/Franchise Tax Due" on
the return or $5, 000. The estimated tax payments are not amounts properly
credited against "tax" for this purpose.
(e) No estimated tax penalty is due when the
taxpayer filed a return for the preceding year showing a tax liability in an
amount of $2, 500 or less.
(f) If a
corporation merges with another corporation, the "prior year exception" is
based on the prior year's return of the surviving corporation.
(g) Period of underpayment.
1. For taxpayers with a June 30 taxable year
end, the computation of interest and penalty for underpayment of any
installment of estimated tax begins on the day following the date such
installment is required to be paid and ends on the first day of the fourth
month following the close of the taxable year, or the date such underpayment is
paid, whichever is earlier. For all other taxpayers, the computation of
interest and penalty for underpayment of any installment of estimated tax ends
on the first day of the fifth month following the close of the taxable year, or
the date such underpayment is paid, whichever is earlier.
2.
a. For
purposes of determining the period of the underpayment, the date prescribed for
the payment of any installment shall be determined without regard to any
extensions of time. A payment of estimated tax on any installment date, to the
extent that it exceeds the amount of the installment determined under
subparagraph (b)1. of this subsection for such date, shall be considered a
payment of the previous underpayment, if any. If no previous underpayment
exists, this amount will be applied as a payment toward the next
installment.
b.
(I) If a payment is made between installment
dates, it will be applied to the earliest installment due, to the extent of any
deficiency in payments. However, penalty and interest will apply from the
original due date of the installment until the date paid.
(II) Example: A calendar year taxpayer made
payments on May 31, July 25, September 30, and December 31. The July 25 payment
was due June 30. Therefore, interest and penalty will apply for the period July
1 through July 25.
(III) The prior
year exception to penalty only applies to requirements for timely made
payments. If payments are not timely, the estimated penalty will be calculated
based on the minimum installment due for 90 percent of the
tax.
(h) A corporation will not be disqualified
from using the prior year exception merely because it did not meet the
exception for a prior installment period. Each installment will be evaluated to
determine whether the installment is underpaid per Section
220.34(2)(b),
F.S., and whether the corporation is excepted from penalty under the provisions
of the prior year exception.
(i)
The taxpayer is liable for interest at the rate determined under section
220.807, F.S., upon the amount
of any underpayment of estimated tax. The taxpayer is also liable, per section
220.34(2)(a),
F.S., for penalty at the rate of 12 percent per annum upon the amount of any
underpayment of estimated tax.
(10) Controlled/Affiliated groups.
Consolidated return not filed in prior year.
(a) The manner in which the members of a
controlled group of corporations (as defined in s. 1563, I.R.C.), allocate the
exemption allowed under Section
220.14, F.S., among members for
purposes of filing the annual Florida corporate income/franchise tax return is
binding upon all the members with respect to the estimated tax, including
whether a declaration is required and the computation of penalties and interest
on underpayments.
(b)
1. If an affiliated group is not required to
file a consolidated declaration of estimated tax for a taxable year because the
parent corporation has not elected to file a Florida consolidated tax return
pursuant to section 220.131, F.S., then each member
shall be treated as a separate taxpayer for purposes of sections
220.24 and
220.33, F.S. That is, each
member of the affiliated group will be required to file separate declarations
of estimated tax and make separate payments of estimated tax.
2. If the members of a group are treated as
separate taxpayers for the taxable year under subparagraph (b)1., then each
member is entitled to a separate $2, 500 estimated tax threshold for purposes
of determining requirements for making a declaration of estimated tax under
section 220.24(1),
F.S., for such year.
(c)
1. If an affiliated group files a Florida
consolidated tax return for the taxable year, the amounts of any estimated tax
payments made by the individual group members for such year prior to the filing
of the consolidated return are credited against the tax liability of the
group.
2. The amount of the
installment required to be paid is equal to 90 percent of the tax shown on the
return for the taxable year (see section 220.34(2)(b)1., F.S.). The "tax shown
on the return" is the tax shown on the Florida consolidated tax
return.
3. The exception provided
by section 220.34(2)(d)1., F.S., will not apply in the year an affiliated group
first files a Florida consolidated tax return.
(11) Affiliated group. Consolidated tax
return filed in prior year.
(a)
1. General Rule. After an affiliated group
files a Florida consolidated tax return, it must file its declaration of
estimated tax on a consolidated basis for each subsequent taxable year until
such time as the affiliated group is granted permission to file separate
Florida tax returns under section
220.131, F.S. Until such time,
the group is treated as a single taxpayer for purposes of making a declaration
of estimated tax and making payments of estimated tax.
2. If an affiliated group files a Florida
consolidated tax return for the taxable year, it is limited to a single $2, 500
estimated tax threshold for purposes of determining requirements for filing a
declaration of estimated tax. For purposes of determining an amount equal to
the tax computed at the rates applicable to the taxable year, but otherwise on
the basis of the facts shown on the return for, and the law applicable to the
preceding taxable year (see section 220.34(2)(d)1., F.S.), the "facts shown on
the return" are the facts shown on the Florida consolidated tax return for the
preceding year.
(b)
1. If, after filing Florida consolidated tax
returns, the affiliated group is granted permission to file separate Florida
tax returns under section
220.131, F.S., the amount of any
estimated tax payments made with respect to a consolidated declaration of
estimated tax for such year will be credited against the separate tax
liabilities of the members in the manner designated on a statement from the
common parent. This statement must be attached to the Florida corporate
income/franchise tax returns of each member of the affiliated group, setting
forth the name, address, and federal employee identification number of each
member, and the amount of estimated tax payment that will be allocated to each
member.
2. Each member of the group
is entitled to a separate $2, 500 estimated tax threshold for purposes of
determining requirements for making a declaration of estimated tax under
section 220.24(1),
F.S., for such year. For purposes of section 220.34(2)(b)2., F.S., the "amount,
if any, of the installment paid" by any member is an amount apportioned to such
member in any manner designated by the common parent. The exception provided by
section 220.34(2)(d)1., F.S., will not apply to an affiliated group filing
separate Florida tax returns in a year immediately following a year in which a
Florida consolidated tax return was filed.
(12) Short taxable years.
(a) A separate declaration is required if the
taxpayer is required to file an income tax return for a period of less than 12
months. However, no declaration will be required if the short taxable year is:
1. A period of less than 4 months,
or
2. A period of 4 or more months
but less than 12 months and the requirements of section
220.24, F.S., are not met before
the first day of the last month in the short taxable year.
(b)
1. In
the case of a corporation that is required to file a declaration of estimated
tax for a short taxable year, the corporation must file the declaration of
estimated tax and make payments of estimated tax in accordance with the time
periods prescribed in subsections (5) and (6) of this rule.
2. However, the declaration must be filed
before the first day of the next taxable year if the taxpayer can reasonably
expect to owe more than $2, 500 in estimated tax before the first day of such
last month and the date specified in subsections (5) and (6) as applicable is
not within the short taxable year.
3. Any estimated tax payable in installments
which is not paid before the first day of the next taxable year, whether or not
the date otherwise specified in section
220.33, F.S., for payment has
arrived, must be paid on the first day of the first month succeeding the last
month of the short taxable year.
(c) The application of the provisions of
paragraphs (a) and (b), is illustrated by the following examples:
1. Example (1): A taxpayer filing on a
calendar year basis that changes to a fiscal year beginning September 1, 2017,
will have a short taxable year beginning January 1, 2017, and ending August 31,
2017. If the corporation can reasonably expect to owe more than $2, 500 in
estimated tax before April 1, 2017, the first day of the fourth month of the
taxable year, the declaration of estimated tax must be filed before June 1,
2017 (the first day of the sixth month).
2. Example (2): If, in the first example, the
taxpayer could not reasonably expect to owe more than $2, 500 in estimated tax
until July 1, 2017, then the requirements of section
220.24, F.S., were met before
the first day of the last month of the short taxable year, and a declaration of
estimated tax is required to be filed before September 1, 2017, for the short
taxable year. However, if the taxpayer does not reasonably expect to owe more
than $2, 500 in tax until August 1, 2017, then the requirements of section
220.24, F.S., were not met
before the first day of the last month of the short taxable year, and no
declaration of estimated tax is required to be filed for the short taxable
year.
3. Example (3): The taxable
year for a corporation that has elected to be a calendar year taxpayer began
June 1, 2017. The taxable year is, therefore, June 1, 2017, through December
31, 2017. The taxpayer can reasonably expect by August 31, 2017 (before the
first day of the fourth month of the taxable year), to owe $10, 000 in tax. The
declaration of estimated tax must be filed before November 1 (the first day of
the sixth month of the taxable year). Payments of estimated tax would be due
October 31, November 30, and December 31. The taxpayer must pay at least 90
percent of the tax finally determined to be due. The tax finally determined to
be due was $10, 000; therefore, the taxpayer must pay at least $9, 000 in
estimated tax to avoid being underpaid. The provisions of Section
220.33, F.S., provide for four
equal installments if the declaration is required to be filed before the first
day of the sixth month of the taxable year. The taxpayer will not be underpaid
if the payments due October 31 and November 30 are each at least $3, 000
(one-third of $9, 000). The payment made on December 31 must be the remaining
balance of $3, 000.
(d)
1. In cases where the short taxable year
results from a change of annual accounting period, for the purpose of
determining whether the anticipated income for a short taxable year will result
in an estimated tax liability requiring the filing of a declaration, the
estimated tax liability is computed in part by subtracting a prorated exemption
from the anticipated income. The prorated exemption is computed by multiplying
the exemption allowed under section
220.14, F.S., by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of days in the short taxable year, and the
denominator of which is 365.
2. For
example, a taxpayer that changes from a calendar year basis to a fiscal year
basis beginning October 1, 2017, will have a short taxable year beginning
January 1, 2017, and ending September 30, 2017. If on or before August 31,
2017, the taxpayer anticipates that it will have income of $87,750 for the
9-month taxable year, the estimated tax is computed as follows:
Anticipated income for 9 months
|
$87,750.00
|
Less prorated exemption ($50,000 x 273/365)
|
- 37,397.00
|
Florida net income
|
$50,353.00
|
Estimated tax for 9-month period
|
|
($50,353 x 5.5 percent)
|
$2,769.42
|
Since the tax liability on the annual income is in excess of
$2,500, a declaration is required to be filed, reporting an estimated tax of
$2, 769.42 for the 9-month taxable period. This paragraph does not apply in any
case where the short taxable year does not result from a change in the
taxpayer's annual accounting period.
(e) If the taxable year for which an
underpayment of estimated tax exists is a short taxable year due to a change in
annual accounting periods, in determining the tax based on the current year
rates but otherwise on the basis of the facts shown on the return for the
preceding taxable year and the law applicable to the preceding year for
purposes of section 220.34(2)(d)1., F.S., the tax will be reduced by
multiplying it by the number of months in the short taxable year and dividing
the resulting amount by 12. The application of the exception provided in
section 220.34(2)(d)2., F.S., shall be determined as if the estimated tax were
90 percent of the tax finally due for the short taxable year.
(f) Where a declaration of estimated tax has
been filed for a short taxable year, an amended declaration may be filed during
any interval between installment dates. The amended declaration may not be
filed until after the installment date on or before which the original
declaration is filed. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "installment
date" includes the last day of the taxable year if such last day does not fall
on a prescribed installment date.
(13) Miscellaneous provisions.
(a) There are no special estimated tax
requirements for large corporations.
(b) A taxpayer may use the prior year
exception, even if the corporation had a net operating loss the prior year,
only when the prior year was a full 12-month tax year.
(c) When an "S" Corporation changes its
status to a "C" Corporation, the corporation must make estimated tax payments
in the year it converts when its tax liability can be expected to exceed $2,
500. An "S" Corporation that becomes a "C" Corporation cannot use a prior year
exception. The corporation cannot use the tax paid to Florida as an "S"
Corporation to relieve it from filing estimated tax payments. However, a
corporation that has converted from "S" to "C" status will be allowed to base
estimates on the prior year's income and the tax computed on such income as if
it were a "C" Corporation in the prior year.
(d) Partnerships that convert from
partnership status to corporation status may not use a prior year exception
based on the prior year's income and the tax computed on such income as if it
were a "C" Corporation in the prior year.
Rulemaking Authority
213.06(1),
220.24,
220.34(2)(f),
220.34(3),
220.51,
1002.395(13)
FS. Law Implemented 213.21,
220.131,
220.24,
220.241,
220.33,
220.34,
1002.395
FS.
New 10-20-72, Amended 10-20-73, 7-27-80, 12-18-83, Formerly
12C-1.34, Amended 12-21-88, 4-8-92, 5-17-94, 3-18-96, 3-13-00, 9-28-04,
7-28-15, 1-10-17, 1-17-18, 1-8-19.