Providing Creative Tax Solutions Nationwide for New York, New Jersey, Florida And California Offices.

Since 1983, our tax firm has skillfully represented individuals and corporations across the United States and around the globe from our offices in New York, New Jersey, California and Florida.

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

It’s clear why tax professionals, financial planners and estate lawyers often choose to live and work in Florida. The state’s beneficial tax rules attract people and firms from all over. Here’s what makes Florida’s tax scene special:

No State Income Tax

Florida is one of seven states with no personal income tax, a significant plus for residents, many of whom are retirees. Social Security benefits, pensions, IRA payouts and other retirement income are free from state taxes, letting people keep more of what they earn. A tax strategy attorney for individuals in Florida can help create custom plans to maximize these perks while staying within federal tax rules.

No Estate or Inheritance Tax

Florida has no estate tax, and heirs don’t pay inheritance taxes. This makes the state great for estate planning, as families can pass down wealth without state tax costs. (Note: The federal estate tax only applies to estates over high limits, affecting less than 0.2% of estates nationwide.) Talking to a Florida tax lawyer can help wealthy people set up trusts and other tools to reduce federal estate tax risk further.

Low Corporate Taxes

For businesses, Florida offers a flat corporate income tax rate of 4.458%, one of the lowest in the country. LLCs, partnerships and S corporations benefit from Florida’s no-income-tax rule, as owners report income on federal returns without state taxes. A business tax attorney in Florida can help set up business types, handle payroll taxes, and follow state and federal rules.

Key Taxes In Florida

While Florida skips many taxes, 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 can arise. From audits to disputes, our lawyers at Goldburd McCone LLP offer custom solutions:

IRS and State Audits

Audits can check residency, business income, sales tax or property values. We stand with you during IRS and Florida Department of Revenue audits, guarding your rights and reducing penalties.

Tax Debt Resolution

Unpaid taxes can lead to liens, seizures or wage garnishments. Our Florida tax relief attorney team talks with tax groups to get fair payment plans, offers in compromise or penalty cuts, helping clients solve IRS or state tax debts well.

Property Tax Appeals

If your property’s tax value seems too high, a Florida property tax lawyer can file appeals to lower your tax bill. We also help with homestead exemption disputes and value challenges.

Business Tax Planning

From new firms to old ones, our business tax attorney in Florida services covers payroll taxes, corporate income taxes and sales tax rules. We advise on tax-smart real estate deals, condo projects and rental property taxes.

Tax Fraud and Scams

Tax scams are a growing worry, with crooks targeting people and firms through phishing tricks or fake refund offers. Our tax scam attorney in Florida helps victims get back losses, report fraud and defend against claims of tax cheating. We provide a vigorous defense to protect your good name and money if you face tax fraud charges.

Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Organizations

Florida’s nonprofit sector gets specific tax breaks, but following rules is key. We guide groups through IRS Form 990 filings, state sign-ups and exemption requests.

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.

Stay Ahead With Proactive Tax Planning

Florida’s tax perks are significant, but they 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 reach us online today.