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A Florida Tax Lawyer For All Your Tax Needs

Florida’s tax-friendly climate makes it a top choice for people, retirees and businesses. With no state income tax, no estate tax, and low corporate tax rates, the Sunshine State ranks among the least-taxed states in the U.S. But even in Florida, you need careful planning to get the most benefits and avoid tax problems. Experience helps and can make a big difference if you need a Florida tax lawyer for personal tax plans or a business tax attorney in Florida for company needs. Goldburd McCone LLP, our tax law office in Hollywood, Florida, offers complete services to help clients across the state cut tax burdens, solve disputes, and reach financial goals.

Why Florida’s Tax System Stands Out

Florida’s tax advantages attract residents and businesses nationwide. Our Goldburd McCone LLP lawyers help maximize these benefits:

  • No State Income Tax: As one of seven states without personal income tax, Florida exempts Social Security, pensions, IRA payouts, and other retirement income, allowing residents to keep more earnings. Our tax strategy attorneys create plans to optimize these benefits within federal rules.
  • No Estate or Inheritance Tax: Florida imposes no estate or inheritance taxes, which is ideal for passing wealth to heirs. Our tax lawyers help set up trusts to reduce further federal estate tax risks, which affect only 0.2% of estates.
  • Low Corporate Taxes: Florida’s 4.458% corporate income tax rate is among the lowest. LLCs, partnerships, and S corporations avoid state income tax, reporting income federally. Our business tax attorneys assist with setup, payroll taxes, and compliance.

These tax benefits make Florida a prime destination for tax

Key Taxes In Florida

Florida skips many taxes, but it does use other tax sources. Knowing these can help residents and firms plan well and avoid surprises.

Property Taxes Property taxes make up about one-third of Florida’s income. But the following regulations help keep costs down:

  • Homestead exemption: Homeowners can exempt up to $50,000 of their primary home’s taxable value, significantly lowering their tax bill.
  • Save Our Homes Cap: Yearly increases in a home’s assessed value are capped at 3% or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is lower), guarding homeowners against big tax hikes.
  • Residency audits: People moving from high-tax states like New York or California may face checks from their old states to prove Florida residency. Our IRS tax debt solutions attorney in Florida team offers strong help in residency audits, helping clients prove they live in Florida and avoid surprise tax bills.

But issues can come up. “Snowbirds” who claim homestead breaks but spend less than six months and one day in Florida may face audits. Renting out a homestead home for long periods can also risk the exemption. A Florida property tax lawyer can defend against audits, appeal tax values, or guide new residents through homestead rules.

Sales and Use Taxes

Florida’s state sales tax rate is 6%, with local add-ons pushing the total to 7.5% in some areas. These taxes apply to:

  • Tangible personal property
  • Certain services
  • Commercial rent (Florida is the only state that taxes commercial leases)
  • Transient rentals (e.g., hotels, timeshares, RV parks), Electricity (6.95%)

Exemptions include food, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. Businesses must navigate complex sales tax rules, mainly for online sales or sales across states. A Florida sales tax lawyer can help companies stay legal, handle audits, or solve issues with the Florida Department of Revenue.

Other Taxes

  • Gas tax: Florida’s gas tax is 42 cents per gallon, among the highest in the U.S., affecting drivers and businesses with travel needs.
  • Tobacco taxes: Cigarettes have a $1.34 per-pack tax, while cigars and other tobacco items face an 85% excise tax.
  • Intangible personal property tax: Although this tax does not apply to people, it applies to some business assets, such as money owed to the business.

Common Tax Challenges And How We Help

Even in a low-tax state like Florida, tax issues arise. Our Goldburd McCone LLP lawyers provide tailored solutions:

  • IRS and State Audits: We defend you in IRS and Florida Department of Revenue audits on residency, income, sales, or property taxes, protecting your rights and minimizing penalties.
  • Tax Debt Resolution: For unpaid taxes risking liens or garnishments, we negotiate payment plans, offers in compromise, or penalty reductions with tax authorities.
  • Property Tax Appeals: We file appeals to lower high property tax valuations and resolve homestead exemption disputes.
  • Business Tax Planning: Our services include payroll, corporate, and sales tax compliance, as well as tax-efficient real estate and rental property strategies.
  • Tax Fraud and Scams: We help recover losses from phishing or fake refund scams, report fraud, and defend against tax cheating allegations.
  • Nonprofit Tax Compliance: We assist nonprofits with IRS Form 990 filings, state registrations, and tax-exemption applications.

Our skilled services ensure effective resolution of these challenges. Establishing Florida residency is key for new residents to avoid out-of-state audits.

Residency and Tax Compliance

Residency and Tax Compliance: New residents often miss the importance of setting up Florida residency rights. To avoid audits from other states:

Spend at least 183 days per year in Florida. Update voter sign-up, driver’s license, and car titles to Florida. File a Declaration of Domicile with your county clerk. Avoid keeping homes or firms in your old state that suggest you still live there. Our tax strategy attorney for individuals in Florida can check your case and give a plan for staying legal, whether you’re a snowbird, retiree, or full-time resident.

Navigating Federal Tax Obligations in Florida

Florida’s lack of state income tax shifts focus to federal tax obligations, which can be complex for residents and businesses. High earners, retirees, and business owners must navigate federal income tax rules, deductions, and credits to optimize their financial plans. For individuals, this includes managing taxable retirement distributions or investment income. Businesses face federal payroll taxes, corporate income taxes, and compliance with IRS regulations, especially for interstate operations. Errors in federal filings can trigger audits or penalties, even in a low-tax state like Florida.

Our Florida tax lawyers at Goldburd McCone LLP provide expert guidance on federal tax matters. We help individuals structure investments and retirement plans to minimize federal tax liabilities while ensuring compliance. We advise businesses on deductions, credits, and proper reporting to avoid IRS scrutiny. We also assist with federal audit defense, negotiating resolutions to reduce penalties or secure payment plans. By addressing federal tax obligations proactively, we help clients maintain financial security and capitalize on Florida’s tax-friendly environment. Contact us to ensure your federal tax strategy aligns with your goals.

Stay Ahead With Proactive Tax Planning

Florida’s tax perks are significant, but don’t remove the need for thoughtful planning. Skilled guidance ensures you stay legally and financially secure, whether resolving IRS tax debt, fighting a property tax valuation, or guarding against tax scams. Let our team at Goldburd McCone LLP help you make the most of Florida’s tax laws.

To set up a meeting with a Florida tax lawyer, call 212-235-1537 or contact us online today.