Hillsborough Residents Eligible for Up to $100 Refund from Unconstitutional Tax
Settlement Allocates $170 Million for Refunds, Legal Fees, and Administration Costs
(According to 10TAMPA BAY,) Hillsborough County residents can now get refunds of up to $100 from an old transportation sales tax that was ruled unconstitutional by the Florida Supreme Court in 2021. This year a settlement was approved as part of the state budget signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The budget allocates over $500 million for road improvements a tax holiday and refunds. Residents will soon get notices on how to apply for their refunds.
The refund process is part of a settlement from a class action lawsuit involving Hillsborough County and the Florida Legislature. The settlement allocates $170 million for refunds legal fees and administrative costs. Residents who can provide receipts showing their surtax payments may get a refund equal to the amount they paid. Those without receipts can still claim up to $100 if they can prove they lived in Hillsborough County during the tax collection period from January 1, 2019 to March 15, 2021. Notices about how to file a claim will be mailed by the end of August and residents have until December 31, 2024 to submit their claims online or by mail.
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$500 Million in Road Improvements and Refunds: Hillsborough County Residents Can Claim Up to $100 from Old Transportation Sales Tax! (PHOTO: WTSP.com)
Residents Warned to Verify Refund Notices and Avoid Potential Scams
To avoid scams residents should verify the legitimacy of refund notices. Look for emails from the Settlement Administrator for the Hillsborough County Surtax Settlement Program. The official website for the settlement is FLTaxRefund.com. If you have already received a refund or have a pending request with the Florida Department of Revenue you are not eligible for this new refund. A court hearing in November will decide on the settlement and attorney fees which could total up to $25 million. Be cautious of potential scams that could take advantage of this refund process.
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