Fletcher & Phillips offers representation before Florida DOR and the IRS from Initial Audit Notice through Litigation, including but not limited to:
- Pre-Audit Consulting to Determine Areas of Potential Exposure
- Florida DOR Audit Defense
- Litigation before Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH)
- Litigation before Florida Circuit Courts
- Penalty Abatements and Relief
- IRS Installment Agreements
- Offer in Compromise
- Innocent Spouse Relief
- Litigation before US Tax Court
- Florida DOR Audit Defense
The Department conducts two types of audits: those done in Department offices (desk audits), and those done at your place of business (field audits). Contacting a knowledgeable professional when you receive the Form DR-840 can help avoid inadvertent errors that can create problems at a later date. If you have already received a Notice of Proposed Assessment (NOPA), it is important to act quickly to file either an informal or formal protest. A formal protest is an objection to an assessment that is filed and decided by the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) or by a circuit court.
Installment Agreements
If you cannot afford to pay your tax liability in full, the IRS will allow you to repay with a monthly payment plan. The amount of the payments and duration of the plan depend on several factors, including the amount owed, how old the tax liability is, and your ability to pay. Hiring a tax professional can help ensure you enter the most affordable repayment option and avoid future collection efforts. If the IRS has already begun collection efforts, those efforts will be suspended while negotiating a payment plan and will remain suspended during the duration of the installment agreement.
Offer in Compromise
You may be able to settle your tax liability for less than the amount you owe. There are different types of offer in compromises for which you may qualify. When you hear tax resolution companies promising they can settle your tax liability for “pennies on the dollar,” they are talking about the offer in compromise program. Unfortunately, not everyone can qualify for an offer in compromise. Hiring an honest tax professional will help explore what options are available to you and provide the best chance for success.
Innocent Spouse Relief
When a married couple files a joint return, they are both responsible for ensuring its accuracy and for the payment of any taxes owed. That means that the IRS can collect the entire tax liability, including principal, interest, and penalties from either spouse. In some circumstances, you may be able to use innocent spouse relief to avoid paying taxes or penalties due to your spouse making errors or committing fraud when filing the return. A qualified tax professional can determine whether you qualify for this relief option.
To find out more about how we can help or schedule a consultation, call us at (904) 353-7733.