by Fresh Start Tax | Nov 26, 2013 | Florida Sales Tax
Florida Sales Tax Audit Defense
Hire Former Sales Tax Agents who know the system.Frank Lamantia was a Former Agent with over 16 years of direct working experience with the Florida Department of Revenue.
Is your business being audited for Florida sales and use tax?
Has the Florida Department of Revenue contacted your company about a Florida sales and use tax audit or have you already received the Florida form DR 840 – Notice of Intent to Audit Books and Records?
Beware:
The Florida Department of revenue will use every effort to intimidate you in order to collect tax, penalty and interest from your business.
Do not be bullied by a Florida tax agent.
We are a full-service tax firm that specializes in everything from IRS bills and notices and state warrants to tax records.
We are comprised of tax attorneys, tax lawyers, certified public accountants, enrolled agents, former IRS agents, former state of Florida auditor, managers and tax instructor’s.
Businesses and individuals that the DOR suspects have avoided for tax payment are targeted, but any business with significant business activity can expect to be audited eventually.
Lately we’ve seen the DOR target entire industries such as convenience stores, restaurants and bars, hotels, and manufacturers.
But let it be known that audits are also randomly selected or could have been turned in by a former employee or customer for the tax issue.
The auditor will ask for all kinds of records that they are not necessarily entitled to have such as electronic copy of your whole accounting records.
The auditor will also ask you to sign certain documents that could wave your rights as a taxpayer, such as agreeing to the states sample method.
Most of the time the auditor is chasing a lead that may not prove to generate any revenue for the state but in the chase they usually find other tax issues.
Companies that have done everything they can to comply with the Florida tax laws can still end up with serious complications on a Florida sales and use tax audit just because the auditor’s job is to find deficiencies.
Insider Tips:
As a former Florida sales tax agent I can tell you in advance what type of questions the auditor will ask, how the auditor will conduct the audit, what the auditor will focus on and what types of documentation will be examined.
Remember that the auditor’s job is to find unreported or underreported revenue and use tax from purchases that did not have the proper sales tax paid and therefore the questions will be focused aggressively in the areas of high dollar recovery.
On sales expect the auditor to focus on these issues:
• review internal controls for a recorded/undocumented sales
• sales on the books as compared to sales per state tax returns
• sales per the federal income tax returns compared to sales per the state tax return
• deposits per bank statements compared to sales per sales tax return
• an analysis of the sales tax payable account to the sales tax actually remitted
• verify that tax being collected is at the correct rate for the locations
• review a representative test for each revenue account
On the use tax side the auditor will focus on these issues:
• purchases from out-of-state vendors of items that were not resold to customers
• review depreciation schedules and/or check register for assets purchased during the audit
• review County tangible personal property tax returns for asset acquisitions
• purchase of fixed assets and fixed asset additions
• Internet purchases
• verify and trace accruals from source documents to general ledgers and sales tax reports
• analyze consumables pulled from inventory
• analyze leases of tangible personal property for compliance
For commercial rent the auditor will focus on:
• rental income – ensure tax was collected on all components of the rent
• rental expense – ensure tax was paid on all components of rent
• on rent paid – ensure that the landlord is properly registered with the state of Florida
Our staff consists of tax attorneys, certified public accountants, Florida IRS agents and a former sales tax auditor with over 16 years of direct work experience with the Florida Department of Revenue.
Feel free to contact us for initial tax consulting for Florida sales tax audit defense.
We will completely review your case and give you a full assessment of your audit status so you can make an informed and confident decision on how to fully resolve your sales tax audit case.
Florida Sales Tax Audit Defense
by Fresh Start Tax | Nov 26, 2013 | Tax Help
Help getting IRS Tax Levy, Wage Garnishment Levy Removed – 954-492-0088 We Know the System, Free consults
Affordable Tax Solutions and Remedies
If you are currently dealing with the Internal Revenue Service and need immediate and permanent tax resolution contact us today and we can get your IRS tax levy or wage garnishment levy removed once and for all.
We can not only get your IRS tax Levy or wage garnishment levy removed we can also settle your case with the Internal Revenue Service at the same time.
We have worked hundreds and hundreds of cases right here in South Florida and are one of the most experience in seasons tax firms in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
We are one of the most affordable choices for South Florida and have been in practice right here since 1982. We are A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau.
You need help dealing with a IRS Tax Levy or Wage Garnishment, contact Former IRS Agents today who know the remedies of relief.
Dealing with a IRS Tax Levy, Wage Garnishment, Tax Liens
Being a former IRS agents we have learned that most taxpayers fear getting an IRS tax Levy, a wage garnishment or have a federal tax lien filed against them.
Many taxpayers simply do not know what to do to avoid this IRS enforcement action.
But steps may be taken to avoid the IRS tax Levy, wage garnishment, and the filing of the federal tax lien.
Quick Tax Facts
The IRS files 2.8 million tax levies and wage garnishments each and every year,
The IRS files 920,000 federal tax liens each and every year,
The IRS settles 38% of all the cases they receive through the offer in compromise process
If federal debts go on pay the Internal Revenue Service will issue levies on bank accounts and on wages. There is a process that must take place before IRS can issue these enforcement procedures.
The IRS Process – Collection Action for Enforcement – IRS Tax Levy, Wage Garnishment Levy
For the IRS to proceed with any enforcement action the IRS is required by law to provide the taxpayer with:
1. Notice and demand for payment,
2. Notice of intent to levy,
3. Notice of a right to a Collection Due Process hearing,
The IRS accomplishes these requirements by sending a series of five letters, starting about six weeks after the taxpayer files a return. IRS works on a cycle system.
One week is one cycle. IRS may skip the cycles on repeated delinquents.
These tax notices are sent from there Cade 2 computer.
The five letters are sent by the to as the automated collection or ASC.
IRS collection notice stream cycle,
1.CP14,
2.CP501,
3.CP503,
4.CP504, and
5. L1058/LT11).
Should the taxpayer receive the last notice and does not pay the balance or make other arrangements to pay the balance, the IRS can levy the taxpayer’s income and assets, including garnishing wages and or self-employment income and seizing funds in bank accounts. These levy’s are on tax form, 668A, 668W.
Please note:
On all bank levies and there is a 21 when day freeze on your money. IRS gives taxpayers 21 days to get the levy lifted.
The IRS wage garnishment’s are immediate seizures and the money will be sent to IRS on your next paycheck.It is very important you contact IRS the day you get the wage garnishment.
How to Immediately Avoid an IRS Levy
If you know the balance is due and owing, it’s best to call the Internal Revenue Service and walk through the process of obtaining a settlement. Call the number on your notice or a tax professional like our firm. We can help you immediately.
When calling the IRS to avoid a tax levy or Wage Garnishment, the IRS will want a current financial.
IRS will want a collection information statement or financial statement. You can find that form on our website. They are usually on form 433-F or a 433A.
After you complete the form you will need to sent or fax to the IRS a copy of completed form along with your income verification (pay stubs) expenses, copy your bank statements, and verification of all monthly and installment expenses.
The IRS will carefully review the statement before reaching a conclusion.
Key Tip:
I recommend that all taxpayers call the IRS and have a fax machine nearby. If IRS has already issued the IRS tax Levy or notice of wage garnishment and they receive a fully completed financial statement along with all documentation they can release the tax levy and wage garnishment that day.
Note – The IRS will compare that financial statement against the national and regional expenses in your area and apply the national standards test to your financial statement. The National Standards are on our site as well.
It is best to contact a professional tax firm to make sure your financial statement is correct and you get the very best deal possible.
After the review of your financial statement the IRS will place you in one of three categories.
They have the option of placing you into a:
1. Current Hardship,
2. Installment Agreements/Payment Agreement,
3. Have you Filing an Offer in Compromise.
One simple, common solution is an extension of time to pay the balance in full.
IRS extensions allow you up to 120 days to pay the balance and avoid a levy.
What about a Tax Settlement called the Offer in Compromise
The IRS offer in compromise (OIC) is a collection alternative that settles a taxpayer’s tax debt for less than the amount owed, and it also suspends levy actions.
It’s important to note that if the IRS determines that you are purposely delaying the collection process, the IRS can use liens and/or levies even while it considers your request for a collection alternative.
It is critical you file all your back tax returns and make sure your courage on your withholding or estimated tax payments.
IRS Tax Lien vs. IRS Tax Levy, these are always mixed up.
A lien is not a levy.
A lien secures the government’s interest in your property when you don’t pay your tax debt. A levy actually takes the property to pay the tax debt.
If you don’t pay or make arrangements to settle your tax debt, the IRS can levy, seize and sell any type of real or personal property that you own or have an interest in.
If you live in the South Florida area contact us today and we can give you the help you need to get your IRS tax levy or wage garnishment levy removed and released.
Help getting IRS Tax Levy, Wage Garnishment Levy Removed – Ft.Lauderdale, Miami
by Fresh Start Tax | Nov 26, 2013 | Tax Help
You need help dealing with a IRS Tax Levy or Wage Garnishment, contact Former IRS Agents today who know the remedies of relief.
Dealing with a IRS Tax Levy, Wage Garnishment, Tax Liens
Being a former IRS agent I have learned that most taxpayers fear getting an IRS tax Levy, a wage garnishment or have a federal tax lien filed against them.
Many taxpayers simply do not know what to do to avoid this IRS enforcement action.
But steps may be taken to avoid the IRS tax Levy, wage garnishment, and the filing of the federal tax lien.
Quick Tax Facts
- The IRS files 2.8 million tax levies and wage garnishments each and every year,
- The IRS files 920,000 federal tax liens each and every year,
- The IRS settles 38% of all the cases they receive through the offer in compromise process
If federal debts go on pay the Internal Revenue Service will issue levies on bank accounts and on wages. There is a process that must take place before IRS can issue these enforcement procedures.
The Process – Collection Action for Enforcement
For the IRS to proceed with any enforcement action the IRS is required by law to provide the taxpayer with:
- Notice and demand for payment,
- Notice of intent to levy,
- Notice of a right to a Collection Due Process hearing,
The IRS accomplishes these requirements by sending five letters, starting about six weeks after the taxpayer files a return. IRS works on a cycle system. One week is one cycle.
These tax notices are sent form there Cade 2 computer.
The five letters are sent by the to as the automated collection or ASC.
IRS collection notice stream cycle,
1.CP14,
2.CP501,
3.CP503,
4.CP504, and
5. L1058/LT11).
Should the taxpayer receive the last notice and does not pay the balance or make other arrangements to pay the balance, the IRS can levy the taxpayer’s income and assets, including garnishing wages and or self-employment income and seizing funds in bank accounts. These levy’s are on tax form, 668A, 668W.
Please note:
On all bank levies and there is a 21 when day freeze on your money. IRS wage garnishment’s are immediate seizures and the money will be sent to IRS on your next paycheck.
How to Immediately Avoid an IRS Levy
If you know the balance is due and owing, it’s best to call the Internal Revenue Service and walk through the process of obtaining a settlement. Call the number on your notice or a tax professional like our firm.
When calling the IRS to avoid a tax levy or Wage Garnishment, the IRS will want a current financial.
IRS will want a collection information statement or financial statement. You can find that form on our website. They are usually on form 433-F.
After you complete the form you will need to sent or fax to the IRS a copy of completed form along with your income verification (pay stubs) expenses, copy your bank statements, and verification of all monthly and installment expenses. They will carefully review before reaching a conclusion.
Key Tip:
I recommend that all taxpayers call the IRS and have a fax machine nearby. If IRS has already issued the IRS tax Levy or notice of wage garnishment and they receive a fully completed financial statement along with all documentation they can release the tax levy and wage garnishment that day.
Please note – The IRS will compare that financial statement against the national and regional expenses in your area and apply the national standards test to your financial statement.
It is best to contact a professional tax firm to make sure your financial statement is correct and you get the very best deal possible.
After the review of your financial statement the IRS will place you in one of three categories. They have the option of placing you into a:
1. Current Hardships,
2. Installment Agreements,
3. Have you Filing an Offer in Compromise.
You may always ask for an extension.
One simple, common solution is an extension of time to pay the balance in full.
IRS extensions allow you up to 120 days to pay the balance and avoid a levy.
What about a Tax Settlement called the Offer in Compromise
The IRS offer in compromise (OIC) is a collection alternative that settles a taxpayer’s tax debt for less than the amount owed, and it also suspends levy actions.
It’s important to note that if the IRS determines that you are purposely delaying the collection process, the IRS can use liens and/or levies even while it considers your request for a collection alternative.
It is critical you file all your back tax returns and make sure your courage on your withholding or estimated tax payments.
IRS Tax Lien vs. IRS Tax Levy
A lien is not a levy.
A lien secures the government’s interest in your property when you don’t pay your tax debt. A levy actually takes the property to pay the tax debt.
If you don’t pay or make arrangements to settle your tax debt, the IRS can levy, seize and sell any type of real or personal property that you own or have an interest in.
Dealing with IRS Tax Levy, Wage Garnishment – Former IRS
by Fresh Start Tax | Nov 26, 2013 | Tax Help
IRS raises Federal Tax Lien Filing Thresholds – Former IRS
Fresh Start Notice of Federal Tax Liens
Increase in the Notice of Federal Tax Lien filing threshold
The Fresh Start changes increase the IRS Notice of Federal Tax Lien filing threshold from $5,000 to $10,000.
Notices of Federal Tax Liens may still be filed on amounts less than $10,000 when circumstances warrant.
The IRS will not retroactively apply the new $10,000 lien notice filing threshold and automatically withdraw a previously filed lien.
Requesting a lien withdrawal after the lien has been released
The IRS may now issue a withdrawal of a filed Notice of Federal Tax Lien after the lien has been released.
If you wish to have the Notice of Federal Tax Lien withdrawn, you must request the withdrawal in writing.
You need to use Form 12277, Application for Withdrawal (PDF). In item 11, Reason for requesting withdrawal, check the last box, “The taxpayer, or the Taxpayer Advocate acting on behalf of the taxpayer, believes withdrawal is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the government.”
Need to settle your IRS case, call us today.
IRS raises Federal Tax Lien Filing Thresholds – Former IRS
by Fresh Start Tax | Nov 26, 2013 | Tax Help
How to Get a Release of the Federal Tax Lien
We are comprised of Former IRS agents that can help you with any IRS problem you may have.
Great News for the taxpayer, the Fresh Start changes increase the IRS Notice of Federal Tax Lien filing threshold from $5,000 to $10,000.
Notices of Federal Tax Liens may still be filed on amounts less than $10,000 when circumstances warrant.
The IRS will not retroactively apply the new $10,000 lien notice filing threshold and automatically withdraw a previously filed lien.
Requesting a lien withdrawal after the lien has been released
The IRS may now issue a withdrawal of a filed Notice of Federal Tax Lien after the lien has been released.
If you wish to have the Notice of Federal Tax Lien withdrawn, you must request the withdrawal in writing.
You need to use Form 12277, Application for Withdrawal (PDF). In item 11, Reason for requesting withdrawal, check the last box, “The taxpayer, or the Taxpayer Advocate acting on behalf of the taxpayer, believes withdrawal is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the government.”
Generally, eligibility requirements are:
- Your tax liability has been satisfied and your lien has been released,
- You are in compliance for the past three years in filing,
- All individual and business returns,
- You are current on your estimated tax payments and federal tax deposits, as applicable.
Notice of Federal Tax Lien withdrawal after entering into a Direct Debit installment agreement.
If you are a qualifying taxpayer and meet the eligibility requirements, you may have your filed Notice of Federal tax Lien withdrawn after entering into a Direct Debit installment agreement.
Your request for lien withdrawal must be in writing.
Form 12277
Please use Form 12277, Application for Withdrawal (PDF). In item 11,
“Reason for requesting withdrawal,” check the third box , “The taxpayer is under a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.“
Qualifying taxpayers are:
- Businesses with income tax liability only
- Out of business entities with any type of tax debt
Eligibility Requirements are:
- The current amount you owe must be $25,000 or less
- If you owe more than $25,000, you may pay down the balance to $25,000 prior to requesting the lien withdrawal to be eligible
- Your Direct Debit Installment Agreement must full pay the amount you owe within 60 months or before the Collection Statute expires, whichever is earlier
- You must be in full compliance with other filing and payment requirements
- You must have made three consecutive direct debit payments
- You cannot have previously received a lien withdrawal for the same taxes unless the withdrawal was for an improper filing of the lien
- You cannot have defaulted on your current, or any previous, direct debit installment agreement
- If you are currently on a regular installment agreement, you may convert to a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
How to Get a Release of the Federal Tax Lien – Former IRS
