Florida business tax amnesty deadline Thursday

   Businesses are rushing to pay overdue taxes without penalty before Florida's tax amnesty period ends Thursday, reports the Bradenton Herald. Bunesses are coming forward in a hurry to pay their overdue taxes without penalty and at a reduced interest payment. Florida's tax amnesty program is set to expire Thursday and state officials and local tax professionals say they're seeing increased activity as a result.Renee Watters, spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Revenue, says the state has collected nearly $69 million from more than 24,000 signed amnesty agreements. The state estimated it will collect $121 million, Watters said.
    The Florida Legislature in April approved House Bill 5801 to implement the state's first tax amnesty program since 2003. The program, which started July 1, applies to all taxes other than unemployment tax and lets businesses avoid paying a penalty that could be as much as a $50 per month late fee and realize some savings on their interest payments.