Bradenton State Tax Attorney

Bradenton State Tax Lawyer

Residents and operating businesses of Florida must pay state and local taxes to the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR), in addition to the federal taxes they owe the federal government. It’s crucial that taxpayers understand all of their obligations. A Bradenton state tax attorney can help you prepare state taxes, address disputes, and navigate your tax debt.

Hire a State Tax Attorney at TaxSmith, LLC

Working with a Bradenton state tax lawyer from TaxSmith, LLC, can save you time, stress, and money when managing your taxes. Our attorney has many years of experience in state tax laws. We can help individual taxpayers with property taxes, sales and use taxes, and other obligations. We can aid businesses with their corporate income taxes, payroll taxes, and property taxes.

Our firm understands the state and local laws for taxes, and we can help you with your unique state tax cases. The nearest Florida DOR Service Center is located in Sarasota, and our firm has experience dealing with tax issues with service centers. We can represent your interests whether you are facing an audit, making an appeal to a decision, or trying to resolve tax debt.

TaxSmith, LLC, offers legal guidance individualized to your unique circumstances. Tax laws can be complicated, but we can offer straightforward advice for your tax needs. We never give you unrealistic promises, but instead ensure transparent solutions to resolve your tax concerns.

What Are Florida State Taxes?

Some of the primary taxes that are collected by the DOR include:

• State and local sales tax. The state sales tax is 6.0%, and the discretionary sales surtax in Manatee County is 1.0%. Sales tax in Bradenton totals 7.0%. These taxes generally apply to sales and rentals, although certain goods have different sales taxes. The sales tax on electricity is higher, while the sales tax for the sale of new mobile homes is lower.
• Use tax. This is a sales tax that is applied to the internet or purchases made online that are delivered in-state. These items still require a sales tax, even if it isn’t charged when purchased. Taxpayers must report these purchases and pay the use tax themselves.
• Corporate income tax. The corporate tax rate in the state is 5.5%. It applies to corporations that earn income and do any business in Florida. There may be business types that are exempt.
• Property tax. Property taxes are generally determined at the local level. They are based on the market value of a property on January 1st of the year.

Florida does not have a personal income tax, an estate tax, or an inheritance tax. There is also no longer an intangible tax on goods like investments.

What Are Common State Tax Disputes in Bradenton?

The Florida DOR collected nearly $65.5 billion from 2023 to 2024 in both state and local taxes. $80.9 million of this collection came from Manatee County’s local option sales tax. $17.0 million came from the tourist development tax for the county. When you don’t pay your taxes or other errors are made, the agency takes this seriously.

There are several issues regarding state taxes that taxpayers may have to deal with, such as:

• Penalties and fines. Fines can be assessed by the DOR for a bounced check, the failure to file, the failure to pay, information errors, and other mistakes. It’s important to pay these fines quickly, or else they can accrue interest. In rare cases, you may be able to remove these penalties through penalty abatement.
• Liens and levies. These are some of the collection actions the DOR can take if you owe taxes and have ignored bills. They can place claims on your property and seize that property or funds to cover your debt. If you have received a notice for a collection action and you can’t pay your debt, an attorney can consider options.
• Fraud and evasion charges. If the DOR suspects you are intentionally avoiding paying your taxes or paying them fully, you could face criminal charges, potentially even felony charges. An attorney helps you protect your rights during an investigation.

FAQs About Bradenton, FL State Tax Law

What Are the Tax Rules in Florida?

In Florida, there is no personal sales tax, making it a tax-friendly state for many employees. There is also no inheritance or estate tax, making it ideal for retirees who want to give as much wealth to their loved ones as possible. There are many tax rules that impact taxpayers, but businesses, employers, employees, and those who are self-employed are affected differently. This is why it is helpful to hire a state tax attorney.

Who Is Exempt From Paying Florida Taxes?

Generally, no one is exempt from paying Florida taxes. Even though there is no personal income tax, most individuals still must pay sales and use taxes and property taxes to the Florida DOR. In addition, taxpayers are still responsible for federal taxes, including income taxes. Some individuals do not have to file a tax return depending on their filing status and if their income is under a certain threshold.

How Does the State Tax Work in Florida?

Florida is considered a tax-friendly state, having no personal income, inheritance, gift, or intangible tax. In Bradenton and Manatee County, the sales tax totals 7% when combining the state and local taxes. Half of the 1% discretionary sales surtax expires in 2031, the other half expires in 2032. Property taxes are determined by the county and city, as well as the value of the property.

At What Age Do You Stop Paying Property Taxes in Florida?

It is rare that you stop paying property taxes in Florida, but there are specific benefits that may reduce what you have to pay when you are 65 or older. If these benefits are adopted by the place you live and own property, you may have a greater value in the household exemption you can claim. There are numerous different benefits with their own requirements, and the right attorney can help you assess what you qualify for.

Contact TaxSmith, LLC in Bradenton Today

State tax issues should be considered just as seriously as federal tax issues. Reach out to TaxSmith, LLC, today and learn how we can help you avoid problems or navigate tax concerns that already exist.