West Palm Beach – Sales Tax Audit – Affordable Attorneys, Lawyers, CPA's, Former Agents – Florida Sales Tax Audits
Affordable, experienced Sales Tax Audit – Affordable Attorneys, Lawyers, CPA’s, Former Agents Since 1982. 954-492-0088
We are local affordable South Florida Sales tax experts in dealing with the Florida Department of Revenue.
With over 206 years of total firm experience we are one of the most reputable tax firms in dealing with sales tax issues and the Department of Revenue in the state of Florida.
If you are having a tax issue or tax problem with the state of Florida, Department of revenue sales and use tax, contact us today for free initial tax consultation.
You will speak directly to tax attorneys, certified public accountants or former agents who can help you with any Florida sales or use tax situation that you have.
We are experts in Florida sales tax audits, tax settlements, and all areas of tax negotiations.
We are A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and have been in private practice since 1982.
We are available for no cost initial tax consultation. We are the fast and friendly and affordable tax firm.
Why were you selected for a State of Florida Sales Tax Audit
The state of Florida audits taxpayers for many reasons some of those are the following:
- Enforce Florida tax laws uniformly to all industries and persons,
- Deter tax evasion statewide,
- Promote voluntary compliance within the state of Florida,
- Educate taxpayers and make sure they are following the tax laws correctly.
While the State of Florida accepts most Sales and Use tax returns as filed they audit some returns to verify accuracy and evaluate compliance. There are a certain number of tax returns that must be audited and this is determined by the budget given the Department of revenue.
Sales Tax Audits do not always result in the taxpayer owing additional tax, penalty or interest. Surprisingly many sales tax audit winds up as “no changes”.
Many times the State 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 State of Florida, Sales and Use Audit?
Some of 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 audit candidate:
- Internal Revenue Service information provided to the state,
- Information sharing programs with other states and state agencies,
- Computer-based random selection,
- Analysis of Florida tax return information.
- Business publications, periodicals, journals, directories and information received from third parties.
What Types of Records Will I Need to Provide during the Sales Tax Audit?
When the State notifies you of our intent to audit records, we will also tell you what records you will need to provide. The types of 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. Remember that each tax auditor is different and each state tax auditor looks at each case differently to their eyes.
Record-keeping requirements that are necessary
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 Florida State Tax Audit?
The Florida Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights provides protection for taxpayers’ privacy and assets during their interactions with Revenue employees.
Some of your taxpayers 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 Sales Tax audit process, communication is vital.
After the auditor sends 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.
Remember there are number two audits alike. Each sales tax audit is shaped by the tax return and the tax auditor.
As former IRS agents and tax auditors the best advice that we can give you is never to lie to any federal or state tax agent and is always in your best interest to hire a professional firm to get the best results.
There is a huge difference in the results when taxpayers attempt to settle these cases versus the tax professionals.
When you’re hiring a tax firm always check out their Better Business Bureau rating and always speak to the person that will be handling your sales tax audit.
Special Note of Interest
The Department of revenue many times uses a criminal approach to collect monies from businesses that own back sales tax. With the threat of criminal prosecution the Florida Department of revenue will conduct investigations prompting some of these individuals and businesses to pay the tax in full. And it works.
If you are under criminal investigation or you have received a notice from the Florida Department of revenue about a possible criminal investigation it is in your best interest to immediately seek a tax attorney or tax lawyer who specializes in Florida state sales tax. Contact us today and you can keep all your information you give us under attorney-client privilege.
West Palm Beach – Sales Tax Audit – Affordable Attorneys, Lawyers, CPA’s, Former Agents – Florida Sales and Use Tax Audits