Sarasota Payroll Tax Attorney

Sarasota Payroll Tax Lawyer

One of the many responsibilities of an employer or business owner is making payroll tax deposits on time. Payroll deposits may be made monthly or on another timeline, depending on the business, covering both state and federal tax obligations. Employers can save themselves time and stress by working with a Sarasota payroll tax attorney. An IRS tax attorney in Sarasota, FL, can help you avoid errors, mitigate the risk of penalties, and help you navigate any disputes.

TaxSmith, LLC: Helping You Manage Your Payroll Taxes

The team at TaxSmith, LLC has worked in tax law for years, and we want to help you manage your tax responsibilities and find the ideal resolution for any tax agency issues you are having. If you need professional support in filing your payroll taxes, we can help you manage that quickly and effectively. We can help you prepare for an audit and appeal negative decisions, protecting your rights along the way. Our attorneys can also help you manage any existing tax liabilities.

If you are involved in a dispute with the IRS or are having another issue with your payroll taxes, there is an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center Office located in Sarasota at 5971 Cattleridge Boulevard. At TaxSmith, LLC, we can help you prepare the right information for a meeting, or we can represent you and your business’s interests.

Employer Payroll Tax Obligations in Sarasota

The IRS collected more than $17 billion in business income taxes and $198 billion from Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and individual income withholdings in 2024 in Florida. In the same year, the IRS assessed more than $20 billion in civil penalties for business income taxes nationwide.

Payroll taxes are a percentage of an employer’s payroll that is paid to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Florida’s Department of Revenue (DOR). These deposits have to be made on time and be accurate. Florida business owners are responsible for the following employment and payroll taxes:

• 7.65% to the employer’s half of FICA taxes
  • 1.45% to the employer’s half of Medicare taxes
  • 6.20% to the employer’s half of Social Security taxes
• 6.00% to the Federal Unemployment Insurance Tax (FUTA)
• Federal corporate income taxes, the percentage of which is dependent on the type of business and other factors
• 5.50% to state corporate income taxes
• 2.70% to reemployment taxes for the first ten reported quarters, which is the state unemployment taxes

Regardless of whether you are aware of your tax obligations or not, you are still held liable for failing to meet them. It is essential that you pay these deposits accurately and on time to avoid penalties, fines, interest, and even the potential for criminal charges. A skilled attorney can help you be aware of your obligations, answer your questions, and help you file your deposits accurately.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Payroll Tax Attorney?

When you are an employer, you have a lot of responsibilities, and it is not uncommon to lose track of some things. Unfortunately, losing track of tax obligations can have serious consequences, even felony charges. When you hire a payroll tax attorney, you can limit your stress and let a professional handle this task. With an attorney, you are more likely to avoid errors that lead to fines, audits, or charges.

If you are involved in any issues with the IRS or DOR, an attorney offers additional benefits. They can represent you while negotiating the dispute with the tax agency. This can help you resolve the issue in the most beneficial way, protecting your financial and personal interests.

What Are Common Payroll Tax Errors in Sarasota?

Some of the frequent mistakes made by employers and business owners filing payroll taxes in Sarasota include:

• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
• Making late deposits for payroll taxes
• Failing to pay state taxes, such as reemployment and corporate income taxes
• Math and calculation errors

An attorney helps you avoid these errors and can provide advice on legal tax strategies.

FAQs About Sarasota Payroll Tax Law

What Is the Difference Between a CPA and a Payroll Tax Attorney?

The main difference between a CPA (certified public accountant) and a payroll tax attorney is that a payroll tax attorney can give you legal advice. Both CPAs and tax attorneys are professionals who are educated and trained in tax codes and can provide employer taxpayers with support. A CPA is helpful for accounting and financial planning, while an attorney can give legal advice and negotiate with a tax agency for you.

What Is the Average Retainer Fee for a Payroll Tax Lawyer?

The average retainer fee for a payroll tax lawyer will depend on the specifics of the attorney’s experience and your case, and not all tax attorneys charge retainer fees. The average hourly cost of a tax attorney in Florida is $389, but retainer fees generally make up many hours of work paid upfront. Cost will depend on the legal service, such as hiring a payroll attorney to prepare your payroll taxes or handle an IRS dispute.

What Does a Payroll Tax Lawyer Do?

A payroll tax lawyer provides tax services for business owners and employers, helping these taxpayers navigate tax codes successfully and meet their payroll deposit obligations. These attorneys understand tax, business, and accounting law, and how they interact with businesses of many different types and sizes in Florida.

In addition to helping with payroll deposits, a payroll lawyer can help navigate tax agency audits and disputes, minimizing the negative consequences for a company.

Can a Payroll Tax Attorney Negotiate With the IRS?

Yes, a payroll tax attorney can negotiate with the IRS, as long as that is something the attorney is licensed for. If they are able to, a payroll attorney can represent you and your interests in discussions with the IRS, negotiate decisions with an IRS agent, help you navigate audits, determine your options for debt settlement, and perform many other interactions with the IRS. Always check the credentials and abilities of a payroll tax attorney.

Reach Out to TaxSmith, LLC in Sarasota

When you need a dedicated payroll tax attorney for your business’s taxes, TaxSmith, LLC can help. Tax law is not easy to navigate and understand, especially when you have so many other aspects of business to manage. Contact our firm and learn how we can help you file your taxes accurately and navigate any issues that arise.

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.