It’s no secret that Florida has stepped up its efforts to find and prosecute individuals who are responsible for collecting and remitting sales taxes to the Department of Revenue. Now, it seems that the state has intensified the step up.
Taxpayers who are required to charge and collect Florida sales taxes in the State of Florida must remit those taxes to the Florida Department of Revenue within a prescribed period of time. If they fail to do so, they could be charged with what is known as theft of state funds.
There was a time not too long ago when Florida criminal investigators and state prosecutors would pursue delinquent sales taxpayers in an effort to collect the unremitted sales taxes. But now these law enforcement officials want blood. They are prosecuting cases more frequently; bringing more severe charges and demanding jail sentences and lengthy probation periods.
The best way to prevent a Florida sales tax criminal investigation, felony charges, a criminal conviction and a possible jail sentence for theft of state funds is to correct your sales tax filings and make your sales tax payments (in full or in part) before the Department of Revenue investigates the case and refers it to its criminal investigation division. The earlier you get involved to correct the situation the better are your chances that the case will not become a criminal matter.
Contact one of THE PAPPAS GROUP’s experienced Florida sales tax attorneys today for a free consultation about your case and a plan that will resolve your Florida sales tax problem and avoid a criminal prosecution.