Sarasota State Tax Attorney

Sarasota State Tax Lawyer

It’s important that taxpayers in Sarasota are aware of both their federal and state tax obligations. While the state has no individual income tax, there are still several taxes that individual and business taxpayers are responsible for. If you have complicated finances or are dealing with debt or another dispute with the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR), a Sarasota state tax attorney can help you prepare your taxes or find a resolution.

When you consult with a skilled Sarasota IRS tax attorney at TaxSmith, LLC, we can help you ease your stress when managing state taxes. This includes obligations to property taxes, sales and use taxes, corporate sales and income taxes, unemployment taxes, and many more. We help you remain compliant, limiting the risk of disputes, fines, and other penalties.

Our firm has spent years supporting individual and business taxpayers in navigating cases with the DOR. We can help with tax preparation, audit cases, and settling your tax debt. When you need to negotiate directly with the DOR, there is a DOR Service Center in Sarasota on 100 Paramount Drive, in Suite 200. Our attorneys can represent you in discussions.

State Tax Planning Tips in Sarasota

Managing both state and federal taxes can be stressful for many taxpayers. Understanding your obligations and planning ahead can make it easier to navigate. Some important state tax planning basics include:

• Gathering information: It’s important to know where your important information and documentation is. This includes financial records for your income, bills, expenses, and deductions. These documents should be organized and dated. You also want to ensure you understand the state tax brackets and where you fall. Your tax bracket can impact the deductions you are able to take.
• Strategizing tax avoidance: Tax avoidance is the term for legally reducing the taxes you owe, such as through deductions and other methods. Consider options such as contributing to retirement accounts, operating tax-advantaged accounts, and using tax-loss harvesting. These options can lower your taxable income or result in deductions.
• Planning ahead: Begin your tax preparation in advance, and plan for important events that can have tax consequences. This includes marriage, divorce, buying a home, or growing your family.

When you prepare your taxes and are aware of your responsibilities, you are more likely to limit errors and mistakes. The DOR reported that more than $108 million was collected from Sarasota County for the local option sales tax in the Fiscal Year 2023 to 2024. In the same time period, the DOR collected almost $65.5 billion from state and local taxes. The agency takes collection seriously, and errors can lead to fines and disputes.

What Are Common State Tax Disputes?

In Sarasota, there are several disputes or other issues with the DOR that can result in administrative penalties, and in more severe cases, can even result in criminal charges. Some potential state tax disputes include:

• Tax penalties: Penalties can be assessed for failure to pay, paying with a bounced check, information errors, and many other issues. If you ignore the penalties, some may continue to be assessed, and they will accrue interest. In some situations, there are reasons to waive a penalty, such as for reasonable cause or as part of first-time penalty abatement.
• Tax audits: Audits are a simple review of your tax documents for accuracy, but they can become a bigger issue if errors are found and require you to pay more in taxes. It’s important to prepare properly for audits.
• Liens and levies: When you have tax debt that you haven’t addressed, the DOR may take collection actions, such as placing a claim or lien on your property, or levying the funds through your bank account. It’s crucial that you act quickly if you receive notice of a collection action.
• Tax fraud and evasion: If the DOR believes you are intentionally lying on your tax documents or deliberately refusing to pay your taxes, you could face criminal charges for tax evasion or tax fraud. You need legal representation in these cases with a full understanding of state tax codes.

FAQs About Sarasota State Tax Law

How Much Is It to Hire a State Tax Attorney in Florida?

Every state tax attorney in Florida has unique fees, reliant on their experience, where their firm is located, and the kind of state tax legal representation you need. The average cost of a tax attorney in Florida is $389 an hour, but the complexity of your case will affect attorney costs. Fees for fraud litigation will likely be much higher than finding a solution for tax penalties. When you hire a state tax attorney, always discuss their fees and costs.

Is It Worth Getting a State Tax Lawyer?

It is incredibly beneficial to get a state tax lawyer, particularly in situations where you have existing tax debt with the DOR, or you have other complicated financial and personal circumstances. This could include having multiple streams of income, receiving public benefits, or owning a home. A state tax lawyer is able to help you prepare your taxes and determine how you can engage in legal tax avoidance. They can also help you negotiate tax debt you cannot repay.

How Much Is a State Tax Attorney Retainer Fee?

A state tax attorney retainer fee varies and will be partially based on their hourly fee. A retainer fee reserves an attorney’s services for a certain number of hours. Like an hourly fee, the retainer would rely on the attorney’s experience and location, their firm’s policies, and the type of tax service you need. It also depends on how many hours are included in the retainer fee. Not all tax attorneys charge retainer fees.

Why Might You Seek the Help of a State Tax Attorney Rather than a CPA?

You might seek the help of a state tax attorney rather than a CPA (certified public accountant) if you need legal advice or need to be represented before a tax agency. Both CPAs and tax attorneys are educated and experienced in state tax codes and the ways that those laws affect individual and business taxpayers in different circumstances. A CPA can help with accounting and financial planning, while an attorney can help you negotiate tax debt or manage litigation.

Work With the Right Sarasota State Tax Lawyer

You don’t have to deal with the DOR by yourself. Look out for your interests with TaxSmith, LLC. We can help with tax preparation, liabilities, penalties, and other disputes. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.

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.