Fort Lauderdale State Tax Attorney

Fort Lauderdale State Tax Lawyer

Florida residents and business owners must handle federal, state, and local tax responsibilities. It can be incredibly helpful to work with a Fort Lauderdale state tax attorney, especially if you are an employer, have complex finances, have tax debt, or have a dispute with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR).

Find a Skilled Fort Lauderdale State Tax Lawyer at TaxSmith, LLC

At TaxSmith, LLC, we have significant experience in state tax laws and cases, and we have helped Florida taxpayers for over a decade. We can aid you in understanding your sales tax, property tax, and corporate income tax obligations. Our firm can help you create a tax strategy that minimizes what you owe and limits errors when filing your taxes.

If you have tax debt or other complex issues with the DOR, our firm can assess what options you have to resolve them. If your tax dispute requires direct negotiation with the DOR, our firm can represent you. One of the nearest DOR Service Centers to Fort Lauderdale is in Doral, on 3750 NW 87th Avenue in Suite 300. We can help you prepare for a meeting or represent you directly.

Our firm’s goal is to provide you with transparent, understandable, and actionable tax advice. We are flexible and bring you the compassionate guidance you need when dealing with tax issues.

Things to Consider When Tax Planning in Florida

Filing your state taxes accurately and on time is the most effective way to avoid penalties or other consequences. Planning ahead can help you meet your tax responsibilities. Important considerations for tax planning are:

• Organizing your financial records, such as documentation of your income and expenses
• Clarifying your current and future tax bracket, and the impact that has on what you can deduct
• Maximizing your tax credits or deductions
• Operating tax-advantaged accounts
• Contributing to your retirement accounts
• Assessing other strategies for legal tax avoidance
• Planning for important life changes, such as buying a home or getting married

It is important that you meet your tax liabilities. From 2023 to 2024, the DOR collected $58 billion from state taxes and $7 billion from local taxes. $436 million was from Broward County’s local option sales tax, and $102 million was from the county’s tourist development tax. If you fail to pay the DOR what it is owed, it can lead to penalties.

What State Tax Disputes Can Affect Fort Lauderdale Taxpayers?

Issues with the Florida DOR can lead to fines or other administrative or civil penalties, but they can also lead to criminal charges. Taxpayers in Fort Lauderdale might face disputes with the DOR, such as:

• Penalties, including failure to file, paying with a dishonored check, or other errors. If these penalties are not addressed, they can continue to grow in interest. An attorney can help you consider options to deal with this debt, such as penalty abatement.
• Audits, which review your tax information to see if it is correct. These reviews can happen by random chance or because a discrepancy was found. Your attorney can help you navigate these audits successfully and work to avoid serious consequences if an error is found.
• Fraud and evasion, which are criminal charges the DOR may file if it believes you are lying on your tax forms or deliberately avoiding paying them. It is essential that you have legal support to navigate these accusations.

Hire a State Tax Attorney

It is incredibly useful to hire a state tax attorney, especially if you have complex financial or personal circumstances. A state tax attorney can help you navigate state and local tax codes. You may be an individual or business taxpayer, and a state tax attorney can help you understand how tax laws impact your unique situation. They can help with:

• Tax planning
• State or federal audits
• Tax debt settlement
• Disputes with tax agencies

There are many other ways that a state tax attorney can help you by avoiding issues in your taxes and finding the most beneficial solution to any issues.

FAQs About Fort Lauderdale State Tax Law

How Does State Tax Work in Florida?

In Florida, there is no personal income tax, but there are corporate income taxes. There is a 6% sales and use tax in Florida, with some exceptions. In Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, the sales tax is 7% because of the 1% discretionary sales surtax. The Broward County sales surtax does not expire until 2048. There is no state gift or inheritance tax. Property taxes are determined at the local level.

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

When you are 65 or older, you may qualify for benefits that reduce the property taxes you owe if the ordinance is adopted by your municipality. These benefits can allow you to have an additional homestead exemption. There are certain eligibility requirements, such as being 65 years or older, and making a home your permanent residence. An experienced state tax attorney can help you understand the options.

How Much Money Do You Have to Make to File Taxes in Florida?

Since Florida has no personal income tax, individuals do not have to file state tax returns. However, businesses do have a corporate income tax. Individuals in Florida are also still required to file a federal tax return. You have to file a tax return if your gross income is $14,600 or more and you are filing as an individual who is under 65. This increases to $29,200 for married couples filing jointly who are both under 65.

Is Florida a Tax-Friendly State?

Florida is considered a tax-friendly state, particularly for employees and for individuals who are retired. There is no personal income tax, which improves the retirement and pension benefits. There are also other benefits for retirees, like homestead exemptions. There is also no gift or inheritance tax, making transferring property to heirs much easier.

Contact Fort Lauderdale State Tax Attorney

When you need skilled and diligent legal representation for your state taxes, TaxSmith, LLC can help. We can assist with issues from planning your taxes to defending you against serious DOR accusations. Reach out to our firm today and see how we can help you.