Content Navigation

The Florida Form DR-312, known as the Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due, serves a critical function for personal representatives managing estates that do not owe Florida estate tax. This form is essential when a federal estate tax return, specifically Form 706 or 706-NA, is not required. By completing and filing this affidavit, the personal representative asserts that the decedent's estate is exempt from Florida estate taxes as outlined in Chapter 198 of the Florida Statutes. The affidavit requires the personal representative to provide key details, including the decedent's name, date of death, and domicile at the time of death. Additionally, it emphasizes personal liability for the distribution of estate property, ensuring that all parties are aware of their responsibilities. Filing this form with the appropriate clerk of the court effectively removes the estate tax lien imposed by the Florida Department of Revenue, streamlining the probate process. It is important to note that this form cannot be used if a federal estate tax return is necessary, making it crucial for personal representatives to understand when and how to use it properly.

Fl Dr 312 Example

Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due

DR-312

 

R. 01/24

Rule 12C-3.008, F.A.C.

Effective 01/24

Page 1 of 2

(This space available for case style of estate probate proceeding)

(For official use only)

I, the undersigned,__________________________________________________________________, do hereby state:

(print name of personal representative)

1. I am the personal representative as defined in section 198.01 or section 731.201, Florida Statutes, as the case may

be, of the estate of ___________________________________________________________________________ .

(print name of decedent)

2.The decedent referenced above died on _____/_____/_____, and was domiciled (as defined in s. 198.015, F.S.) at

(date of death)

the time of death in the state of _______________________.

On date of death, the decedent was (check one): o a U.S. citizen o not a U.S. citizen

3.A federal estate tax return (federal Form 706 or 706-NA) is not required to be filed for the estate.

4.The estate does not owe Florida estate tax pursuant to Chapter 198, F.S.

5.I acknowledge personal liability for distribution in whole or in part of any of the estate by having obtained release of such property from the lien of the Florida estate tax.

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Affidavit and that the facts stated in it are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. This Affidavit is based on all information of which the personal representative has any knowledge.

Executed this _______ day of ______________, 20__________

Signature___________________________________________

Print name ___________________________________________

Telephone number ____________________________________

Mailing address _ ______________________________________

City/State/ZIP ________________________________________

File this form with the appropriate clerk of the court. Do not mail to the Florida Department of Revenue.

DR-312

R. 01/24

Page 2 of 2

Instructions for Completing Form DR-312

File this form with the appropriate clerk of the court if necessary. Do not mail to the Florida Department of Revenue.

General Information

If Florida estate tax is not due and a federal estate tax return (federal Form 706 or 706-NA) is not required to be filed, the personal representatives of such estates may complete Florida Form DR-312, Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due. Note that the definition of “personal representative” in Chapter 198, F.S., includes any person who is in actual or constructive possession. Therefore, this affidavit may be used by “persons in possession” of any property included in the decedent’s gross estate.

Form DR-312 is admissible as evidence of nonliability for Florida estate tax and will remove the Department’s estate tax lien. The Florida Department of Revenue will not issue Nontaxable Certificates for estates for which the DR-312 has been duly filed and no federal Form 706 or 706-NA is due.

The 3-inch by 3-inch space in the upper right corner of the form is for the exclusive use of the clerk of the court. Do not write, mark, or stamp in that space.

Where to File Form DR-312

Form DR-312 may be recorded directly with the clerk of the circuit court in the county or counties where the decedent owned property. Do not send this form to the Florida Department of Revenue.

When to Use Form DR-312

Form DR-312 should be used when an estate is not subject to Florida estate tax under Chapter 198, F.S., a federal estate tax return (federal Form 706 or 706-NA) is not required to be filed, and the administrative proceedings commenced before

July 1, 2023.

NOTE: This form may NOT be used for estates that are required to file federal form 706 or 706-NA.

Federal thresholds for filing federal Form 706 only: (For informational purposes only. Please confirm with Form 706 instructions.)

Date of Death

Dollar Threshold

for Filing Form 706

(year)

(value of gross estate)

 

2000 and 2001

$675,000

 

 

2002 and 2003

$1,000,000

 

 

2004 and 2005

$1,500,000

 

 

For 2006 and forward

 

go to the IRS website at

 

www.irs.gov to obtain

 

thresholds.

 

For thresholds for filing federal Form 706-NA (nonresident alien decedent), contact your local Internal Revenue Service office.

If an administration proceeding which commenced before July 1, 2023 is pending for an estate, Form DR-312 may be filed in that proceeding. The case style of the proceeding should be added in the large blank space in the upper left portion of the DR-312. Form DR-312 should be filed with the clerk of the court and duly recorded in the public records of the county or counties where the decedent owned property.

Contact Us

Information and tutorials are available at floridarevenue.com/taxes/education.

Tax forms and brochures are available at floridarevenue.com/forms.

To speak with a Department of Revenue representative, call Taxpayer Services at 850-488-6800, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Reference Material

Rules are available at flrules.org.

Rule Chapter 12C-3, Florida Administrative Code and Chapter 198, Florida Statutes.

Subscribe to Receive Email Alerts from the Department.

Subscribe to receive an email for filing due date reminders, Tax Information Publications (TIPs), or proposed rules. Subscribe today at floridarevenue.com/dor/subscribe.

File Breakdown

Fact Name Details
Purpose The DR-312 form serves as an Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due, confirming that an estate does not owe Florida estate tax.
Governing Laws This form is governed by Chapter 198 of the Florida Statutes and Rule 12C-3.008 of the Florida Administrative Code.
Filing Requirement The form must be filed with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the decedent owned property.
Eligibility It is applicable for estates not subject to Florida estate tax and where no federal estate tax return (Form 706 or 706-NA) is required.
Liability Acknowledgment The personal representative acknowledges personal liability for any distributions made from the estate after obtaining the release from the estate tax lien.
Official Use A designated space on the form is reserved for the clerk of the court for official use only.

Guide to Using Fl Dr 312

To complete the Fl Dr 312 form, follow these steps carefully. This form is essential for personal representatives of estates that are not subject to Florida estate tax. Make sure to gather all necessary information before you begin filling it out.

  1. Print your name in the designated space for the personal representative.
  2. Provide the name of the decedent in the specified area.
  3. Enter the date of death in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
  4. Indicate the state where the decedent was domiciled at the time of death.
  5. Check the appropriate box to confirm whether the decedent was a U.S. citizen or not.
  6. Confirm that a federal estate tax return (Form 706 or 706-NA) is not required by checking the corresponding box.
  7. State that the estate does not owe Florida estate tax pursuant to Chapter 198, F.S.
  8. Acknowledge your personal liability for any distribution of the estate by signing your name.
  9. Print your name again below your signature.
  10. Provide your telephone number.
  11. Fill in your mailing address, including city, state, and ZIP code.

After completing the form, file it with the appropriate clerk of the circuit court in the county where the decedent owned property. Do not send it to the Florida Department of Revenue.

Get Answers on Fl Dr 312

What is the purpose of the FL DR 312 form?

The FL DR 312 form, known as the Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due, is used to declare that an estate does not owe any Florida estate tax. This form is essential for personal representatives of estates where a federal estate tax return is not required. By filing this form, the personal representative can remove any estate tax lien imposed by the Florida Department of Revenue.

Who can file the FL DR 312 form?

The form can be filed by the personal representative of the estate, as defined in Florida statutes. This includes individuals who are in actual or constructive possession of the decedent’s property. If you are handling the estate and meet this definition, you are eligible to complete and submit the FL DR 312 form.

When should I use the FL DR 312 form?

You should use the FL DR 312 form when the estate is not subject to Florida estate tax under Chapter 198 and a federal estate tax return (Form 706 or 706-NA) is not required. It is important to note that this form cannot be used for estates that do need to file a federal estate tax return. Ensure you check the federal thresholds for filing before proceeding.

Where do I file the FL DR 312 form?

The FL DR 312 form must be filed with the clerk of the circuit court in the county or counties where the decedent owned property. Do not send this form to the Florida Department of Revenue. It is crucial that the form is properly recorded in the public records to ensure its validity.

What happens after I file the FL DR 312 form?

Once you file the FL DR 312 form, it serves as evidence that the estate is not liable for Florida estate tax. This filing will remove any estate tax lien held by the Florida Department of Revenue. You should keep a copy of the filed form for your records, as it may be needed for future reference or in case of any inquiries regarding the estate.

Common mistakes

When filling out the Florida Form DR-312, there are several common mistakes that individuals often make. Understanding these pitfalls can help ensure that the form is completed accurately and efficiently.

One frequent error is failing to provide the correct name of the decedent. It is essential to ensure that the name is spelled correctly and matches the legal documents. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or complications in processing the affidavit.

Another mistake is neglecting to indicate the decedent's date of death. This date is critical for establishing the timeline of the estate and determining tax obligations. Omitting this information can result in the form being rejected by the clerk of the court.

People often forget to check the appropriate box regarding the decedent's citizenship status. This detail is important as it affects the estate's tax liability. Not marking this can lead to misunderstandings about the estate's obligations.

Additionally, some individuals fail to acknowledge personal liability for the distribution of the estate. This acknowledgment is a significant part of the affidavit, and neglecting to include it can create legal issues for the personal representative.

Lastly, many submit the form without ensuring it is filed with the correct clerk of the circuit court. Each county has its own clerk, and filing with the wrong office can delay the processing of the affidavit. It is crucial to verify the appropriate location for submission.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with estate matters in Florida, several forms and documents are commonly used alongside the Fl Dr 312 form. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and is essential for ensuring compliance with state regulations. Below is a list of related forms that may be necessary in your estate administration process.

  • Form DR-1: This is the Florida Estate Tax Return. It is used when an estate is subject to Florida estate tax. The form provides detailed information about the estate's assets and liabilities.
  • Form DR-402: The Application for Determination of Exemptions is submitted when requesting exemptions from estate taxes. This form helps clarify which assets are exempt under Florida law.
  • Form 706: The Federal Estate Tax Return is required for estates that exceed a certain value threshold. This form must be filed with the IRS to report the estate's value and calculate any federal tax due.
  • Form 706-NA: This form is specifically for nonresident aliens. If the decedent was not a U.S. citizen, this return must be filed to report the estate's value for federal tax purposes.
  • Form DR-315: The Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due for Non-Residents is similar to the DR-312 but is specifically designed for non-residents. It confirms that no Florida estate tax is owed.
  • Form DR-313: This is the Application for a Nontaxable Certificate. It is used to request a certificate indicating that no estate tax is due, which can facilitate the transfer of property.

Understanding these forms and their purposes is crucial for anyone managing an estate in Florida. Proper documentation helps avoid complications and ensures that all legal requirements are met. Make sure to gather the necessary forms to streamline your estate administration process.

Similar forms

  • Affidavit of Heirship: Similar to the Fl Dr 312 form, this document serves to establish the rightful heirs of a decedent's estate. It provides necessary information about the decedent and their heirs, confirming that no estate taxes are owed, thereby facilitating the transfer of assets.
  • Notice of Administration: This document informs interested parties about the probate proceedings of an estate. Like the Fl Dr 312 form, it ensures that all relevant parties are aware of the status of the estate and any tax implications, promoting transparency in the process.
  • Final Accounting: The Final Accounting document summarizes the financial transactions of the estate. Similar to the Fl Dr 312 form, it is crucial for demonstrating that all debts, including taxes, have been settled before distributing the remaining assets to heirs.
  • Estate Tax Return (Form 706): This federal form is required when an estate exceeds a certain value. While the Fl Dr 312 form is used when no taxes are owed, the 706 form is necessary for estates that do meet the tax threshold, highlighting the importance of understanding tax obligations.
  • Application for Determination of Homestead Exemption: This document is used to claim homestead status for property owned by the decedent. Like the Fl Dr 312 form, it addresses tax responsibilities and ensures that the property is protected from estate taxes, making it easier for heirs to retain ownership.

Dos and Don'ts

When completing the Fl Dr 312 form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do clearly print the name of the personal representative in the designated space.
  • Do provide the full name of the decedent without abbreviations.
  • Do check the appropriate box regarding the decedent's citizenship status.
  • Do ensure that the date of death is accurate and formatted correctly.
  • Do file the form directly with the clerk of the circuit court.
  • Don't mail the form to the Florida Department of Revenue.
  • Don't write or mark in the 3-inch by 3-inch space in the upper right corner of the form.
  • Don't use this form if a federal estate tax return is required.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the affidavit before submission.

Adhering to these guidelines will help facilitate the processing of your form and ensure compliance with state regulations.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Fl Dr 312 form can be tricky, especially with the various misconceptions surrounding it. Here are five common misunderstandings that people often have:

  • It can be filed with the Florida Department of Revenue. Many believe that the Fl Dr 312 form should be sent to the Florida Department of Revenue. In reality, this form must be filed directly with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the decedent owned property.
  • It applies to all estates. Some people think that the Fl Dr 312 is suitable for any estate. However, this form is only appropriate when an estate is not subject to Florida estate tax and when a federal estate tax return is not required.
  • Filing the form eliminates all tax obligations. A common misconception is that submitting the Fl Dr 312 means there are no tax liabilities whatsoever. While it does indicate that no Florida estate tax is due, it does not absolve the estate from other potential tax obligations.
  • Only personal representatives can file it. Some may assume that only personal representatives can use this form. However, anyone in actual or constructive possession of property included in the decedent’s gross estate can complete and file the form.
  • It is a substitute for a federal estate tax return. Many think that the Fl Dr 312 can replace a federal estate tax return. This is not the case. If a federal estate tax return (Form 706 or 706-NA) is required, the Fl Dr 312 cannot be used.

By clearing up these misconceptions, individuals can better navigate the complexities of estate management in Florida. Understanding the specific requirements and proper filing procedures can save time and reduce stress during an already challenging time.

Key takeaways

When dealing with the Fl Dr 312 form, also known as the Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due, there are several important points to consider:

  • Purpose: This form is used to declare that no Florida estate tax is due for a decedent's estate.
  • Eligibility: It is applicable when a federal estate tax return (Form 706 or 706-NA) is not required.
  • Personal Representative: The person completing the form must be the personal representative of the estate, as defined by Florida law.
  • Filing Location: Submit the form to the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the decedent owned property.
  • No Mailing: Do not send the form to the Florida Department of Revenue; it must be filed directly with the court.
  • Public Record: Once filed, the form becomes part of the public records, serving as evidence of nonliability for estate tax.
  • Case Style: If there is an ongoing administration proceeding, include the case style in the designated area on the form.
  • Liability Acknowledgment: The personal representative acknowledges personal liability for any distributions made from the estate after filing this affidavit.

Understanding these key points can help ensure proper completion and filing of the Fl Dr 312 form, facilitating the estate settlement process.