Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program?
A: “Send Your Sales Tax to School” is a new initiative that gives Florida businesses that collect sales tax the option to contribute their collection allowance fee each month to support technology education in public schools throughout Florida.

Q: Who can contribute to the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program?

A: Any Florida business that collects sales tax has the option to contribute their collection allowance fee.

Q: Who will ultimately receive my contribution?

A: The Florida Department of Education will return your contribution to your county’s public schools, provided that your county school board has adopted a resolution stating that the funds will be used to support technology programs, equipment, and educators.

Q: How do I contribute to the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program?

A: When filling out your sales and use tax return form (DR-15 or DR-15EZ) each month, check the box that says “Check here if donating collection allowance to education.” When you check the box and leave the collection allowance line blank, the Florida Department of Revenue will calculate the proper collection allowance and transfer that amount for distribution.

Q: When can I contribute to the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program?

A: Each month, every time you send your sales and use tax return form to the Florida Department of Revenue.

Q: How often do I need to elect to contribute to the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program?

A: Every month. You must check the box on the back of the sales tax form on each original return filed.

Q: What is the minimum/maximum I can contribute to the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program?

A: There is no minimum contribution to the program. However, the most you can contribute is your business’s collection allowance – 2.5% of the first $1,200 of sales tax due, a maximum of $30 per month.

Q: Why is the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program needed to supplement state funding for education?

A: With state financial support for public education on the decline and Florida already ranking 48^th in the nation in education funding, the program is a practical way for businesses to help close the gap in funding and enhance the quality of education in school districts throughout Florida. The dollars will help ensure Florida’s students and future workforce are further exposed to technology and trained in the latest applications.

Q: How much money is expected to be generated from the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program?

A: In Broward County, it is estimated that public schools could receive between $4 million and $6 million annually from the program. If the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program were in place during the June 30, 2005 to July 1, 2006 fiscal year and every business contributed its monthly collection allowance fee, Florida public schools would have received an additional $61 million for technology education.

Q: How is the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program different from the state lottery?

A: Money contributed to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund will be a supplement to the dollars already budgeted for education by the state, not a replacement. In addition, contributions are designated by each county school board for the purchase of up-to-date technology for classrooms and teacher training for the use of that technology.

Q: How do I know if my school district participates in the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program?

A: Contact your local school board.

Q: May I still contribute to the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program if my school district does not participate?

A: Yes. Taxpayers who are located out-of-state or whose business is located in a county where the school district has not adopted the required technology resolution may still elect to donate their collection allowance to education, with funds in those cases to be equally distributed to school districts that have passed resolutions.

Q: Who founded the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program?

A: In 2006, Bob Legg, founding principal of Miller Legg, a large, multi-disciplined, Florida-based consulting firm, initiated the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” idea and spearheaded the process to change state law. Senator Nan Rich and State Representative Ken Gottlieb sponsored the legislation (Senate Bill No. 1590) to authorize sales and use tax dealers to have the option of directing their collection allowances to classroom technology.  Former Governor Jeb Bush signed the bill on May 30, 2006.

Q: Is there a number I can call for additional information?

A: To learn more about the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” campaign, call (954) 436-7000, ext. 264.

Press Release

“SEND YOUR SALES TAX TO SCHOOL”
Businesses Encouraged to Support Technology Education by Contributing Collection Allowance Fee to Area Schools

Broward County, FL – Florida businesses that elect to contribute a small fee from state sales tax filings could make a $61 million difference for technology education programs throughout the state, according to organizers of the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” initiative.  The money, which would be generated from the collection allowance fee the state allows companies that file sales tax returns to keep, would be directed to county school boards that have adopted resolutions stating the funds will be used to support technology programs, equipment, and educators.

The campaign, the brainchild of Bob Legg, founding principal of Miller Legg, a large multi-disciplined, Florida-based consulting firm, has already received buy-in from the Florida Legislature and former-Governor Jeb Bush, who approved the bill creating the initiative.  The program’s success is dependent on businesses electing to contribute 2.5% (up to $30) of the monthly sales tax it collects, money the Department of Revenue had previously allowed them to keep as compensation for the time spent on accounting and filing returns.  Beginning January 1, companies were given the option to “check here if donating collection allowance to education” on 2007 sales tax forms.  Now, organizers say, it is imperative that businesses understand the significant impact that can be made for area K-12 public school students.

“Florida traditionally ranks near the bottom of all states in funding its schools, and the cost of providing resources to teach technology can be overwhelming for school districts,” said Legg.  “At the same time, as a business owner, I know the $30 maximum we’re entitled to each month for the collection allowance fee has almost no impact on my bottom line.  This program provides businesses a pain-free way to close the education funding gap, while also helping to ensure its future workforce is properly trained.”

Department of Revenue figures indicate that from June 30, 2005 to July 1, 2006, $61 million in collection allowances were retained by Florida businesses.  The school board in Broward County is the first to have passed the required resolution to receive funds from the Education Enhancement Trust Fund that will support technology education.

“Send Your Sales Tax to School” is a voluntary program, with participating businesses asked to check the box on sales tax forms each month to donate their collection fee to education.  Taxpayers who are located out-of-state or whose company is in a county that has not adopted the required resolution may still donate their collection allowance, with funds in those cases to be equally distributed among school districts that have passed the resolution.

To learn more about the “Send Your Sales Tax to School” program, call (954) 436-7000, ext. 264.