SENATOR HUKILL’S TAXPAYERS’ ADVOCATE BILL PASSES FINAL COMMITTEE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2018

Contact:

Michael Strynkowski: 407.399.4931

SENATOR HUKILL’S TAXPAYERS’ ADVOCATE BILL PASSES FINAL COMMITTEE

TALLAHASSEE, FL- Senator Dorothy L. Hukill’s (R-Port Orange) bill that provides greater accountability for the State Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate to Florida citizens has passed its final Senate Committee with unanimous support.

Senator Hukill’s legislation, SB 826, will grant the State’s Taxpayer Advocate more independence in being able to provide assistance to Floridians who encounter tax related issues. The bill requires the advocate to submit annual reports outlining the issues faced by taxpayers throughout the year. The submission of these reports is designed to enhance program evaluation while providing the taxpayers of Florida more transparency and accountability from the Taxpayer Advocate.

The Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate helps taxpayers relieve complaints and problems that are unable to be resolved administratively through the Department of Revenue. Certain issues the Taxpayer Advocate may assist with include, but are not limited to, filing issues, extensions, and mistakes on forms.

“The Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate is an extremely important position. If there are tax-related issues that arise, I think it’s helpful to have someone who will be there to provide assistance and support,” said Senator Hukill. “This bill will strengthen the current Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s ability to be a helpful asset to Florida’s taxpayers. Having an advocate that helps citizens navigate through common problems is a benefit to both our taxpayers and our state.”

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Senator Hukill was elected to the Senate in 2012 and represents Senate District 14, which consists of parts of Brevard and Volusia Counties. Prior to the Senate, Hukill served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2004-2012.

Michael J. Strynkowski

Legislative Assistant

Office of Senator Dorothy Hukill

Florida Senate District 14

District 14 Office: 386.304.7630

Tallahassee Office: 850.487.5014

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