Since our original report, the Legislature has modified penalties for late payment of tax on intangible property to bring it in line with other state tax penalties. In addition, some penalty rates were reduced from 10% per month to 5%.
The Legislature has not amended the process for handling penalty waivers.
The Legislature has adopted a single, variable interest rate for taxes owed the state. The rate is generally equal to the prime lending rate adjusted each six months. However, the new rate does not include the 3% to 4% margin as recommended by OPPAGA.
The department developed and installed and electronic system to minimize the subjective nature of the penalty waiver process. To further improve its processing of penalty waiver requests, OPPAGA recommends that the department consider installation of an "expert" type system.

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.