Naples State Tax Attorney

Naples State Tax Lawyer

Both individual and business taxpayers have obligations to pay state and federal taxes in Naples. While Florida is a draw for many employees and employers because there is no personal income tax, this doesn’t excuse taxpayers from their many other tax requirements. Many taxpayers can benefit from a Naples state tax attorney when planning their state tax obligations or addressing disputes with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR).

When you work with a skilled state tax attorney, you can minimize your tax obligation through legal tax avoidance, reduce the chances of errors, potentially prevent costly issues, and find solutions for tax debt. At TaxSmith, LLC, we have spent decades helping taxpayers throughout Florida meet state and federal tax responsibilities.

Near Naples, there is a DOR service center in Fort Myers. This office is located at 2295 Victoria Avenue in Suite 270. Our attorneys can represent your interests in negotiations or advise you on how to navigate a meeting.

What Are Possible State Tax Disputes in Naples?

The Florida DOR collected nearly $65.5 billion in state and local taxes in Fiscal Year 2023-2024. In the same time period, the DOR collected nearly $69.2 million from local option sales tax revenue in Collier County. The agency takes tax collection very seriously. Several issues could result in civil, administrative, or even criminal consequences for taxpayers, including:

Tax Penalties

The DOR can assess penalties against taxpayers for:

• Failing to pay
• Paying with a dishonored check
• Late payments
• Inaccurate financial information
• Other errors

If you ignore the penalties, they earn interest, and some penalties may even continue to be assessed. This can make your debt grow substantially.

When you work with a state tax attorney, they can address penalties. Sometimes, it is better to pay them. In other cases, they can be disputed. Penalties can be made without reason, you could waive the penalty for a first-time offense, or you may have had a reasonable cause. An attorney can review your situation and find a resolution.

Audits

Tax audits can lead to an error being found in your tax information, meaning that the DOR may request that you pay more in taxes. If you disagree with this outcome, an attorney could appeal the decision. Some audits can result in more severe consequences, even criminal charges. Your attorney can also prepare you for an audit as soon as you are notified of an upcoming audit.

Liens and Levies

These are collection methods used by the DOR or IRS to collect taxes you have failed to pay. Liens are claims on real estate or other property you own, preventing you from selling or refinancing it. Liens can eventually result in the seizure of the property, also called a levy. Levies can also be put on bank accounts, removing the funds from your account to cover your debts.

Fraud and Evasion

If you have been accused of a criminal tax offense by the DOR, you need legal support. Tax fraud and evasion include offenses like:

• Purposefully not reporting all your income
• Hiding assets to not pay taxes on them
• Not paying income withholdings
• Misclassifying your employees
• Lying about your assets

Some of these offenses are felonies. An attorney can represent you and protect your interests.

Planning Tips for Filing State Taxes in Naples

When you plan your state taxes and know your obligations, it can prevent errors and disputes. Some tips to consider include:

• Collect and maintain financial records, including for income, expenses, and deductions you plan to take.
• Contribute to retirement accounts.
• Understand what tax bracket you fall into.
• Determine the effect your tax bracket has on the deductions you can take and other legal tax avoidance plans.
• Plan around major events that can affect taxes, such as marriage, divorce, or buying a home.
• Use tax-advantaged accounts.
• Use tax-loss harvesting.
• Plan strategic tax avoidance to minimize your tax liability.

While planning ahead for your state and federal taxes can help, it doesn’t always prevent all mistakes or other issues. If you are facing a state tax issue, hire a state tax attorney to minimize the possible consequences.

Why Choose Our Firm?

At TaxSmith, we offer personalized legal assistance to navigate the complexities of tax law. We provide direct access to an attorney, ensuring you are not just another case file. Our firm operates with a commitment to honest, transparent service and flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. We believe in providing realistic solutions and will never make deceptive promises; our goal is to guide you on the right path to resolving your tax issues.

Our Naples Tax Law Services

We are proud to serve our community with a comprehensive range of tax law services, including:

• Tax Debt Settlement
• Bank Levy
• Wage Garnishment
• IRS Tax Issues
• Payroll Tax
• Offer in Compromise
• Tax Lien
• Tax Preparation

FAQs About Naples, FL State Tax Law

How Much Does a State Tax Attorney Cost in Florida?

Each state tax attorney in Florida will have their own fees. These depend on specifics like their experience in the field, their location, and the type of tax service you need. If you need litigation representation for a tax dispute, the fees are likely to be much higher than tax preparation costs. Always discuss fees upfront with a potential attorney.

Is It Worth Getting a State Tax Attorney?

It can be very helpful to work with a state tax attorney for many taxpayers. This is especially true if you have complex state taxes, such as multiple income sources. An attorney can prepare your taxes accurately and with less stress. State tax attorneys can also help if you have significant tax debt that you can’t pay off. There may be options for negotiating your debt by establishing a payment plan or debt settlement.

What Kind of Attorney Do I Need for State Taxes?

It’s important to work with a state tax attorney who understands the specific Naples state tax laws and how that affects your taxes as an individual or a business. It is helpful to find a state tax lawyer who is licensed to deal with tax agencies, including the IRS and the state DOR. These attorneys can not only file your taxes but also represent you in negotiations or disputes regarding your taxes.

How Much Does a State Tax Attorney Cost vs. a CPA?

A state tax attorney will typically cost more than a CPA (certified public accountant), but each type of professional may have their own unique fees that depend on numerous factors. Unlike CPAs, a tax attorney can provide legal advice on state tax cases, and they can represent your interests in negotiations with the state DOR or the IRS. Both professionals have significant experience, education, and certification in tax codes and how those affect taxpayers.

Find a Dedicated State Tax Attorney in Naples

At TaxSmith, LLC, we can assist with your tax planning, disputes, debt, or other issues. Contact our firm today to learn more.