Florida sales tax due again already?
Florida Sales Tax Filing in Clearwater
Collecting sales tax is easy. Filing it correctly every period, on time, is where small businesses get penalties. Iris prepares and files your Florida sales and use tax returns from your books so the numbers always match. Call 678-614-4636.
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Who must collect Florida sales tax
- Retail shops, boutiques and online sellers shipping within Florida
- Restaurants, food trucks and caterers
- Vacation and short-term rentals of six months or less, which also owe the Pinellas County tourist development tax
- Certain services, such as some cleaning, pest control and repair work
- Businesses that rent commercial space, which pay sales tax on rent
Not sure if you're required to collect? Iris can review your sales and point you to the Department of Revenue's guidance for your industry.
A typical example
An illustrative example, not a client testimonial. A Clearwater Beach gift shop owner has been filing sales tax herself and paying the late penalty about half the time.
Iris takes over the filings, applies the Pinellas County surtax correctly, separates out-of-state shipments, and files each return electronically before the 20th so the shop keeps its collection allowance. Each return ties to the monthly books, so year-end sales match the tax return exactly.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the county surtax, which applies on top of the state rate
- Filing late and losing the small collection allowance Florida gives timely filers
- Not filing "zero" returns in slow periods, which still brings penalties
- Not paying use tax on items bought online without sales tax
- Sales tax reported on the return not matching the books
How it works
- Call 678-614-4636. Iris checks your registration and filing frequency with you.
- She prepares each return from your reconciled books and files it electronically before the due date.
- You approve the payment, and she keeps a record that ties to your books. See all of our bookkeeping services in Clearwater.
What it costs
Sales tax filing is included for monthly bookkeeping clients. Standalone filings start at [sales tax filing price] per period.
Iris's promises to you
Inviting someone into your home or business takes trust. Here is what Iris promises every client:
- You know the price before she starts. No surprise fees at the end.
- Your documents never leave your sight. She scans what she needs at your table, works on an encrypted laptop and hands your originals back before she leaves.
- Every line is explained in your language. Plain English or Spanish, so you know exactly what you signed.
- No waiting room, ever. She comes to your home or business at the time you choose, Monday to Saturday from 8 to 6.
- If the IRS writes later, she reads it with you. The same woman-owned business that did the work answers the follow-up.
Mobile service across Pinellas County
Iris is based in Clearwater, from Countryside and Island Estates to downtown and Clearwater Beach, and drives to clients across Pinellas County:
- Clearwater
- Largo
- St. Petersburg
- Pinellas Park
- Seminole
- Dunedin
- Palm Harbor
- Tarpon Springs
- Safety Harbor
- Oldsmar
- Gulfport
- Belleair
- Indian Rocks Beach
- Madeira Beach
- Treasure Island
- St. Pete Beach
She also serves nearby parts of Pasco and Hillsborough counties when her schedule allows. Appointments can be at your home, your business, or a hospital or care community. Family out of state can book a visit for a parent and join by phone.
Questions people ask before they call
When is my Florida sales tax return due?
Returns are due on the 1st and late after the 20th of the month following the reporting period. Iris tracks the date for you.
Do I file if I had no sales?
Yes. A zero return is still required for each period you are registered.
Does Airbnb collect the tax for me?
Some platforms collect certain taxes, but not always all of them. Iris checks what your platform remits and what you still owe.
I didn't know I had to collect sales tax. What now?
Florida has a voluntary disclosure program that can reduce penalties. Iris can help you gather records before you talk to the Department.
Is this the same as income tax?
No. Florida has no personal income tax. Sales tax is collected from your customers and passed to the state.
Can you register my new business for sales tax?
Yes. Iris can help you register with the Florida Department of Revenue before your first taxable sale.
What is the collection allowance?
Florida lets businesses that file and pay on time electronically keep a small allowance from the tax they collect. Filing late forfeits it.
Do I charge sales tax on services?
Most services in Florida are not taxable, but some are, such as certain cleaning, pest control and repair services. Iris helps you check your specific services.