Sarasota IRS Tax Attorney

Sarasota IRS Tax Lawyer

Having any type of tax issue with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be very financially and personally straining. Whether you have received notice of an audit or you have existing tax debt, it is easier to deal with when you have the support of a Sarasota IRS tax attorney. An attorney can help you navigate an audit as well as understand the options for settling your tax debt.

At TaxSmith, LLC, we bring you dedicated legal representation based on collective decades of experience with Florida tax codes. Our attorneys understand how to navigate IRS audits and federal tax debt. When you are dealing with IRS tax issues, we listen to your unique financial and personal circumstances. Our firm is proud to help individual and business taxpayers manage these problems and find the ideal resolution for their IRS tax issues.

Audits can have significant consequences depending on what the IRS finds. With an attorney, you can help mitigate the worst of these penalties and may be able to address mistakes prior to an audit.

What Causes the IRS to Conduct an Audit in Sarasota?

The IRS conducts an audit for several reasons. While many taxpayers worry that an audit means the IRS thinks they have done something illegal, this is not necessarily true. There are three primary reasons the IRS will conduct an audit:

1. Random selection. The IRS randomly reviews tax returns of certain taxpayers to determine if they are accurate.
2. Administrative error. Inaccuracies or other discrepancies that the system notes in your tax information can lead to an IRS audit.
3. Related audits. You can also be audited because someone you have completed transactions with was selected for an audit for either of the prior reasons.

Even if you are being audited because of random selection, do not take it lightly. The IRS assessed more than 50.7 million penalties in 2024, including nearly 595,400 for accuracy errors in individual income taxes. If an error is found in your tax documents, it can lead to fines, penalties, and even criminal charges in extreme cases.

It can be overwhelming to receive notice of an audit, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Whether you are being audited as an individual or as a business taxpayer, the support of a Sarasota IRS tax lawyer can help you prepare for an audit, review your information for potential discrepancies, and gather documentation. An attorney also protects your rights when dealing with an IRS agent. The agent only considers the interests of the IRS, not your interests.

When you need to discuss IRS tax issues, there is an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Office located five miles from the city center, on 5971 Cattleridge Boulevard. A skilled attorney can help you prepare or even represent you during discussions.

What Information Does an IRS Audit Review?

An IRS audit reviews your financial and personal information to ensure it matches the claims made in your tax documents. The IRS may request documentation about:

• Your employment, including your income, uniform policies, and continuing education requirements
• Receipts of purchase, especially those that are business-related
• Bills paid to people or organizations
• Loan agreements and their terms
• Cancelled or bounced checks
• Travel tickets, especially for a business purpose
• Legal papers such as a divorce or custody agreement, a civil or criminal defense case, property documents, or tax preparation advice
• Healthcare and dental information, including reimbursement policies
• Theft or loss reports
• Bank account information

The documentation requested will depend on what aspect of your tax information is being reviewed.

Why Do You Need to Hire an IRS Tax Attorney in Sarasota?

If you hire an IRS tax attorney in Sarasota, they can protect your rights, negotiate with the IRS, and even save you money when you have disputes with the IRS or tax debt or are involved in an audit. If you are dealing with complex IRS issues, the support of an attorney is essential to mitigate your stress and achieve the ideal possible outcome.

When you have existing tax debt, an attorney can help you review your options for settlement, such as an installment agreement or penalty abatement. In 2024, the IRS established 3.4 million new installment agreements.

FAQs About Sarasota IRS Tax Law

Does the IRS Forgive Tax Debt After 10 Years?

Generally, the IRS is unable to collect tax debt after ten years, beginning from the date the tax was first assessed. However, the expiration date can be extended beyond ten years for many reasons. The date is suspended or extended if you requested an installment agreement, filed for bankruptcy, requested a hearing for collection due process, were in a combat zone, or lived outside the U.S.

How Does a Tax Attorney Help Me Deal With the IRS?

A tax attorney helps you deal with the IRS by negotiating on your behalf for tax debt resolution, helping you prepare your taxes, gathering documentation to prepare for an audit, and taking many other actions to help you work with the IRS while protecting your rights. A tax attorney licensed to deal with the IRS understands the requirements and possible penalties you face. They help you meet responsibilities and work to avoid penalties.

How Much Will the IRS Usually Settle For?

The IRS will usually settle for the amount it believes you can reasonably pay, based on your income, expenses, asset equity, and other financial information. In 2024, the IRS accepted 7,199 offers in compromise, or tax debt settlement, and these offers amounted to $163 billion, or an average of $22,695.24 per offer. Very few taxpayers qualify to file for an offer in compromise, and fewer are accepted. You are more likely to secure this with an attorney.

Reach Out to TaxSmith, LLC Today

If you are facing a federal audit, are dealing with IRS tax debt, or are worried about IRS collection actions, TaxSmith, LLC can help you. We can help you prepare for any tax issue and limit the risks associated with dealing with the IRS. Contact our firm today.

Serving Sarasota and the Surrounding Southwest Florida Area

If you’re facing IRS tax problems, state tax issues, or need assistance with tax resolution in Sarasota or nearby communities, our experienced tax attorney is here to protect your rights and financial future. We understand the serious consequences of unresolved tax matters and the stress of dealing with tax liens, wage garnishments, audits, or collection notices.

Located in Sarasota, TaxSmith LLC is deeply familiar with both federal tax law and Florida state tax requirements. Attorney Angie Smith has successfully resolved thousands of tax cases throughout the region, offering strategic and personalized tax resolution services for individuals and businesses facing complex IRS and state tax challenges.

Whether you’ve just received a notice from the IRS, are facing an audit, or have years of unfiled tax returns, acting quickly with a Sarasota tax attorney who understands the intricacies of tax law can make all the difference in achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.