If you hire employees in Tampa, Hillsborough County, or anywhere in Florida, you must comply with the state Reemployment Tax (RT)—Florida’s version of state unemployment tax (also called SUTA). This guide explains registration, rates, wage base, filing deadlines, and how our team at Henriquez Accounting & Tax Services keeps you compliant and penalty-free.
Florida RT (SUTA) Form RT-6 Quarterly Filing Payroll Setup Penalty Avoidance
What Is Florida Reemployment Tax?
It’s a state payroll tax paid by employers (not employees) to fund reemployment benefits. You’ll register with the Florida Department of Revenue, report quarterly wages, and pay RT based on a state-assigned rate applied to each employee’s taxable wage base.
Key Components for Tampa Employers
- Registration: New employers register for an RT account; we handle setup and agency correspondence.
- Taxable wage base: RT applies to a fixed portion of each employee’s annual wages (first dollars each year).
- Rate (experience-based): Your rate is assigned by the state and can change with experience and claims.
- Quarterly returns (RT-6): File wages and remit RT every quarter—avoid late filing penalties/interest.
- Payroll integration: Configure your payroll so RT calculates/withholds correctly and posts to the right account.
Our Employer Support in Florida
Account Setup & Changes
We register your RT account, update ownership, addresses, and rate notices.
Quarterly RT-6 Filing
Timely filings, wage reconciliation, and payment confirmations for each quarter.
Notices & Penalties
We respond to DOR letters, request penalty abatement, and correct prior quarters.
Payroll Alignment
Set up payroll items, GL mapping, and audit-ready reports for RT compliance.
Deadlines & Practical Tips
- Quarterly cadence: RT-6 is due after each quarter—build reminders so nothing slips.
- Wage base reset: Track when employees hit the wage base to forecast liability accurately.
- Rate letters: File or store state rate notices; update payroll the same day to avoid miscalculation.
- Reconciliations: Tie payroll reports to RT-6 totals and your GL each quarter.
- Ownership changes: Report acquisitions/mergers timely; experience rates can transfer.
Note: Exact wage base and rate factors are set by the State of Florida and may change periodically. We confirm current values during onboarding.
How We Keep You Compliant
- Discovery: Review hiring, payroll platform, and prior quarter filings.
- Setup: Configure RT in payroll; verify account/rate and wage base.
- Filing: Prepare and submit RT-6 with payment; archive confirmations.
- Review: Reconcile payroll, RT-6, and GL; fix variances quickly.
- Monitor: Calendar future deadlines and watch for agency notices.
On-time filings
Avoid penalties & interest
Accurate setup
Proper wage base & rates
Clean reconciliations
Payroll ↔ RT-6 ↔ GL
Notice response
Fast resolution & abatement
Need Help with Florida Reemployment Tax (RT)?
Book a quick call. We’ll handle registration, RT-6, wage reconciliations, prior-period corrections, and payroll alignment—so you stay compliant without stress. Also ask about Florida sales & use tax and year-round tax planning. Schedule Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do employees pay Florida RT from their paycheck?
No. RT is an employer-paid tax. Employees do not fund RT via paycheck deductions.
What form do I file each quarter?
Form RT-6. We prepare and file it with the Florida Department of Revenue and provide proof of payment.
What if I filed late or paid the wrong amount?
We can amend, reconcile payroll reports, and request penalty abatement when appropriate.
How does my rate change?
Florida assigns experience rates. Claims and payroll history can increase or decrease your rate over time.
Can you sync RT with my payroll software?
Yes. We configure payroll items, wage base rules, and mapping for QuickBooks and other platforms.
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