Tampa State Tax Attorney

Tampa State Tax Lawyer

Florida Taxpayers are responsible for their local, state, and federal tax obligations. Individuals often gravitate to Florida because of its lack of a state individual income tax, but this does not release residents from all tax liability. Businesses and individuals must be aware of what state taxes they owe, such as property taxes, sales taxes, unemployment taxes, and more. A IRS tax lawyer in Tampa  can help taxpayers comply with tax law and navigate any tax disputes.

Navigating State Tax Requirements in Tampa

The Tax Smith Tax Attorneys team has worked with taxpayers throughout Florida for decades. We have the knowledge and experience needed to navigate simple and complex tax issues that you may face as an individual or business taxpayer. Errors in the process can cause disputes, penalties, and more serious consequences. The support of a professional at Tax Smith Tax Attorneys can help you avoid mistakes and navigate complex tax issues.

We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with taxes, and we want to help you understand what you’re dealing with and how to manage your responsibilities. We can help successfully resolve tax disputes and represent you during audits and investigations. Our team can assist you if you are dealing with tax disputes with the state agency or need support preparing your taxes.

What Tax Disputes Can Tax Smith Tax Attorneys Help With?

Taxpayers in Tampa could face disputes or other issues with either the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) or the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Some common tax disputes that businesses and individuals deal with include:

• Tax Penalties: If you make errors or file a late tax return, you may get charged penalties. These penalties can accrue interest over time if left unpaid. Several other causes of penalties include using a bounced check, underreporting your income, and other accidental or deliberate errors. If you are assessed a penalty for unpaid taxes, you may continue to incur penalties until the taxes are paid.An attorney can help taxpayers address these penalties, especially if they were assigned in error. Penalties may be able to be challenged if they are not applicable, were miscalculated, or there is a reasonable explanation for the error. Depending on your situation, an attorney could mitigate or eliminate the cost of the penalties against you.
• Tax Audits: Audits can occur due to random selection or discrepancies in tax documents. While not all audits result in tax disputes, having an attorney by your side from the beginning to prepare for an audit is still useful.An audit will review tax documentation and financial information to determine if your taxes are accurate. There may be disagreements about interpretations of tax law or other information during this process. An attorney can help you prepare documents before an audit and determine if decisions made in the audit were fair or should be disputed.
• Tax Liens and Tax Levies: Liens and levies are tools used by tax agencies to recover unpaid tax debts. A tax lien places a claim on your property, notifying creditors that the IRS has an interest in your assets, and may require the expertise of a Tampa tax lien lawyer to address. On the other hand, a levy allows the IRS to seize funds directly from your bank accounts, wages, or other assets. Both can have serious implications for your financial stability and can be challenging to resolve. For bank-related levies, a Tampa bank levy attorney can provide guidance on navigating these issues.

• Tax Fraud and Tax Evasion: If you are suspected of intentionally failing to pay your taxes or lying to avoid paying in full, the IRS or the Florida DOR can take action. This may include civil penalties, fines, or more serious criminal charges. Tax fraud and evasion include actions like hiding your assets and income, adding false or unnecessary deductions, and misclassifying employees as independent contractors.

These are complex cases, and a tax attorney is incredibly necessary to navigate them and defend your interests.

FAQs About Tampa, FL State Tax Law

Why Might You Seek Help From a State Tax Attorney Rather than a CPA?

You might seek the help of a state tax attorney instead of a CPA in the following cases:

• You need legal advice regarding a tax issue
• Your estate planning is going to intersect with your tax planning
• You have significant tax debt and wish to negotiate with the IRS to resolve it
• You or your business are being audited, and you wish to protect your rights
• There is a criminal investigation against you for suspected intentional tax errors
• Your tax issues will involve litigation and negotiation

Can You Dispute Tax Debt in Florida?

It is possible to dispute tax debt in Florida if you think it was calculated or penalized in error. If you received a notice of delinquency that you believe is a mistake, you can benefit from securing legal support and contacting the agency responsible for the notice. An attorney can help you review your finances to determine what led to the notice and protect your interests during discussions with the tax agency. Doubt as to liability is one valid ground for submitting an offer in compromise.

Can a Tax Attorney Handle Negotiations With the IRS?

Yes, a tax attorney can handle negotiations with the IRS if it’s within their scope of practice and legal ability to do so. When an attorney is able to represent you before the IRS, they can negotiate better outcomes for your tax liability, determine how to resolve penalties and interest, and ensure that your interests are protected during the tax process. Tax attorneys may also help represent you during an IRS audit.

How Much Does a Tax Lawyer Cost in Florida?

The cost of a tax lawyer in Florida varies from attorney to attorney and depends on numerous factors. A tax lawyer with significant experience in complicated tax issues will likely have higher rates, although you should always review a specific attorney’s experience separate from their rates. A more experienced attorney may be able to resolve your tax issue more quickly, which can be more cost-effective in the long term. You can also anticipate higher rates if you have a complex tax issue.

Contact Tax Smith Tax Attorneys in Tampa Today

It’s important to take state taxes just as seriously as federal taxes. At Tax Smith Tax Attorneys, we are proud to help taxpayers throughout the state with their tax preparation and disputes. Contact our team today for support with your state taxes.