Ft.Lauderdale – Sales Tax Audits – Affordable Sales Tax Experts, Attorneys, CPA's, Former Agents, Since 1982
Ft.Lauderdale – Sales Tax Audits – Affordable Sales Tax Experts, Attorneys, CPA’s, Former Agents 954-492-0088
Due the shortfall with the Department of Revenue in the State of Florida many more sales tax audits are expected. Also due to the transient nature of businesses in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area, the Department of revenue wants to stay on top of businesses that owe sales tax in real time. Many times by the time the state of Florida begins the sales tax audit the company is closed or out of business and the officers can no longer be found.
By nature sales tax audits take place 2 to 3 years after the fact.
Both the federal government and the state government are putting programs together to make sure that businesses that owe sales tax are in compliance in real time.
We will be seeing a huge shift in sales tax audits and we have in the past.
We are comprised of tax attorneys, tax lawyers, certified public accountants, enrolled agents and former IRS agents and managers who know the sales tax system.
We can help walk you through a sales tax audit and should you owe any money to the Department of revenue we will be able to work out a tax settlement for you.
We have been practicing right here in South Florida since 1982 in our A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau. We have over 206 years of professional tax experience and we should be able to make this a painless process for you and your business.
Why you get a Sales Tax Audit from the State of Florida
Why Are Taxpayers Audited?
The state of Florida, Department of revenue audits taxpayers to:
- Enforce Florida tax laws uniformly.
- Deter Sales tax evasion.
- Promote voluntary compliance.
- Educate businesses and individual taxpayers.
The State of Florida accepts most tax returns as filed however they sales tax audit some returns to verify accuracy and evaluate compliance.
Sales Tax Audits do not always result in the taxpayer owing additional tax, penalty or interest.
The auditor may adjust a credit carryover or correct distribution without assessing additional tax.
The auditor may even determine that a refund is due.
How Are Taxpayers Selected for Sales Tax Audit?
The methods for selecting a business or individual to audit vary from tax to tax.
Here are some examples of sources we use to identify a potential sales tax audit candidate:
- Internal Revenue Service information.
- Information sharing programs with other states and state agencies.
- Computer-based random selection.
- Analysis of Florida tax return information.
- Business publications, periodicals, journals, and directories.
What Types of Records Will I Need to Provide for the Sales Tax Audit for the Department of Revenue?
When the State notifies you of our intent to audit they will also tell you what records you will need to provide.
The types of sales tax records may include, but are not limited to:
- General ledgers and journals
- Cash receipt and disbursement journals
- Purchase and sales journals
- Sales tax exemption or resale certificates
- Florida tax returns
- Federal tax returns
- Depreciation schedules
- Property records
- Other documentation to verify amounts entered on tax returns
Record Keeping for the State of Florida
You must keep your records for three years since an audit can extend back that far.
The Department may audit for periods longer than three years if you did not file, or filed a substantially incorrect return or payment.
What Are My Rights During an Sales Tax Audit?
The Florida Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights provides protection for taxpayers’ privacy and assets during their interactions with Revenue employees.
Your rights include:
- The right to fair treatment.
- The right to get available information and prompt, accurate responses to your questions.
- The right to have the Department begin and complete its audit in a timely manner after we notify you of our intent to audit.
- The right to get simple, nontechnical statements which explain the reason for audit selection and the procedures, remedies, and rights available during audit, appeals, and collection proceedings.
Communicating and Meeting Deadlines
Throughout the audit process, communication is vital.
After we send you a Notice of Intent to Audit Books and Records, the auditor will work with you to set a date to begin the audit.
The auditor will give you deadlines for providing information or documentation. If you need additional time to prepare, or need to request a delay for other reasons, contact the auditor. The auditor will make every effort to accommodate your requests.
If you fail to respond or provide the requested information, we may issue an assessment and file a warrant based on the best available information.
Can I Request Technical Assistance During the Sales Tax Audit?
When there are transactions or issues for which the tax consequences are questionable, you may ask for a written statement of our position any time during the audit. Our office of Technical Assistance and Dispute Resolution will issue a Technical Assistance Advisement (TAA), which is binding on the Department.
Contact us today to learn more about sales tax audits if you live in the South Florida area. We are one of the most experienced professional tax firms and can help you through all phases of the sales tax audit including sales tax appeals or sales tax settlements. We are your affordable solutions when choosing a professional tax team and firm.
Ft.Lauderdale – Sales Tax Audits – Affordable Sales Tax Experts, Attorneys, CPA’s, Former Agents