IRS • Florida DOR • Tax Controversy • Debt Relief
St. Augustine Tax Law & Debt Relief Attorneys
Federal and state tax problems can create serious financial and legal consequences. St. Johns Law Group helps individuals, businesses and organizations address IRS matters, Florida Department of Revenue disputes, tax collections, audits, tax litigation and related debt-relief issues.
St. Johns Law Group
St. Augustine Area’s Largest Law Firm
15 Attorneys
Full-Service Legal Team
300+ Years
Combined Legal Experience
100+ Jury Trials
Trial Experience Across the Team
1,000s of Closings
Real Estate Transactions
Tax & Debt Relief Team
Focused Experience for Federal, State and Bankruptcy Matters
Tax matters often require different experience depending on whether the issue involves the IRS, Florida Department of Revenue, litigation, collection activity, business obligations or bankruptcy.
Federal Tax Matters
James E. Hatfield
James Hatfield advises clients regarding federal income tax matters, tax planning, business structuring and related IRS issues.
Meet James Hatfield →
Florida DOR & Tax Litigation
Alex Nunchuck
Alex Nunchuck handles litigation and disputes involving Florida Department of Revenue matters and other contested state tax issues.
Meet Alex Nunchuck →
Bankruptcy & Debt Relief
Stephen M. Doty
Stephen Doty focuses on Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and debt-relief matters when tax problems are part of a broader financial situation.
Bankruptcy & Debt Relief →Tax Law Services
Federal and Florida Tax Representation
IRS Tax Matters
Federal income tax disputes, collections, audits, back taxes and related IRS issues.
IRS Representation →Florida DOR Matters
State tax disputes, assessments, audits, penalties and contested Florida tax matters.
Florida Tax Matters →Tax Collections
Liens, levies, garnishments, collection actions and negotiations with taxing authorities.
Collection Issues →Tax Controversy & Litigation
Representation in contested tax matters, administrative proceedings and litigation.
Tax Disputes →Federal Tax Law
IRS Tax Problems & Federal Tax Disputes
Federal tax problems may involve much more than an unpaid balance. The correct strategy can depend on how the liability arose, whether returns have been filed, the stage of collection, available documentation, applicable deadlines and whether the taxpayer is an individual or business.
- IRS income tax disputes
- Unfiled tax returns and back taxes
- IRS audits and examinations
- Liens, levies and collection activity
- Revenue officer matters
- Penalty-abatement and resolution strategies
- Offers in compromise where appropriate
State Tax Representation
Florida DOR Audits, Assessments & Tax Controversies
St. Johns Law Group represents clients in disputes with the Florida Department of Revenue, including contested assessments, collection matters and civil tax disputes.
- Florida DOR audits
- Tax assessments and proposed liabilities
- Penalty disputes
- State tax collection actions
- Administrative challenges
- Tax litigation where appropriate
Tax Collection Problems
When Tax Debt Becomes a Collection Matter
Tax liabilities can lead to serious collection activity. The available response depends on the taxing authority, procedural posture, taxpayer's financial condition and type of tax involved.
Tax Liens
Levies
Garnishments
Revenue Officer Cases
Penalty Issues
Negotiated Resolutions
Tax Controversy
Tax Disputes, Administrative Proceedings & Litigation
Some tax matters cannot be resolved through routine correspondence or payment arrangements. When liability, procedure, penalties or assessment methodology is disputed, the matter may require administrative advocacy or litigation.
Our litigation team can coordinate with tax counsel to address procedural and substantive issues in contested federal or state tax matters.
Tax Controversy May Include
- Disputed assessments
- Audit challenges
- Penalty disputes
- Administrative protests
- Florida DOR litigation
- U.S. Tax Court matters where appropriate
Tax Debt & Bankruptcy
When Tax Problems Are Part of a Larger Debt Problem
Some tax obligations may receive different treatment in bankruptcy depending on the type of tax, age of the liability, filing history, assessment dates and other factors. Bankruptcy should not be viewed as an automatic solution to tax debt.
When financial problems extend beyond tax liabilities, bankruptcy attorney Stephen M. Doty can help evaluate Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and other debt-relief options in coordination with SJLG's tax team.
Tax-Aware Planning
Wills, Trusts, Business Interests & Estate Tax Issues
Tax planning can be an important part of broader estate and business planning. SJLG's attorneys coordinate tax analysis with estate planning and business structuring when appropriate.
Tax Law Video
Tax Law & Debt Relief in Northeast Florida
Understanding Tax and Debt-Relief Options
Learn more about tax-law and debt-relief services available through St. Johns Law Group for individuals and businesses in St. Augustine, St. Johns County and Northeast Florida.
One Legal Team
Tax Problems Often Cross Practice Areas
Tax disputes may intersect with business ownership, real estate, litigation, bankruptcy, probate and estate planning. St. Johns Law Group brings those disciplines together so clients can receive coordinated legal advice when one problem affects several areas of law.
Our Process
From Tax Problem to Legal Strategy
1
Identify the Tax Issue
Review notices, returns, assessments, deadlines, collection activity and relevant records.
2
Evaluate the Options
Determine procedural rights, defenses, negotiation options and available resolution strategies.
3
Respond & Advocate
Communicate with the taxing authority, prepare filings and advocate for the client's position.
4
Resolve or Litigate
Pursue an appropriate negotiated, administrative or litigation strategy based on the matter.
Why St. Johns Law Group
Tax Counsel Backed by a Full-Service Law Firm
Federal & State Tax Experience
Separate experience for IRS matters, Florida DOR disputes and related litigation.
Integrated Debt Relief
Bankruptcy and debt-relief resources are available when tax problems are part of a broader financial issue.
Dedicated and Responsive®
Clear communication, practical strategy and responsive representation throughout the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Florida Tax Law FAQs
What should I do if I receive an IRS notice?
Read the notice carefully and identify the deadline, tax period and issue involved. Do not assume
the notice is correct, but do not ignore it. Some rights can be lost if a response or petition is
not filed on time.
Can an attorney negotiate with the IRS for me?
In many matters, an attorney can communicate with the IRS under a valid power of attorney,
evaluate collection alternatives and advocate regarding disputed liabilities or proposed resolutions.
What is an Offer in Compromise?
An Offer in Compromise is an IRS program that may allow eligible taxpayers to resolve qualifying
tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. Acceptance is not automatic and depends on
statutory and administrative criteria.
Can the IRS place a lien on my property?
Federal tax liabilities can result in tax liens and related collection consequences. The effect
on a particular property transaction, refinance, sale or other asset depends on the circumstances.
Can the IRS levy a bank account or garnish wages?
The IRS has broad collection powers, including levy authority, subject to statutory notice and
procedural requirements. Available responses depend on the stage of collection and the taxpayer's facts.
What if I have not filed tax returns for several years?
Unfiled returns should be addressed carefully. The appropriate strategy depends on which returns
are missing, available records, possible substitute returns, collection activity and other facts.
How are Florida Department of Revenue disputes different from IRS matters?
Florida DOR disputes are governed by Florida tax statutes, administrative procedures and deadlines,
which differ from federal IRS procedures. The correct forum and response depend on the tax and
procedural stage involved.
Can penalties be reduced?
In some circumstances, penalties may be challenged or reduced based on applicable law,
administrative standards and the taxpayer's facts. Relief is not available in every case.
Can tax debt be discharged in bankruptcy?
Some tax debts may be dischargeable, while others are not. Filing dates, due dates, assessment
dates, return history, fraud issues, liens and other factors can affect the analysis.
When should I speak with a tax attorney?
Legal review is especially important when a matter involves a significant assessment, audit,
tax lien or levy, collection action, administrative deadline, litigation, business exposure
or potentially substantial penalties.
Related SJLG Practice Areas
Coordinated Legal Resources
Bankruptcy & Debt Relief
Chapter 7, Chapter 13 and broader debt-relief issues.
Visit Bankruptcy →Business & Commercial Law
Business structuring, contracts and commercial matters.
Visit Business Law →Estate Planning
Wills, trusts, tax-aware planning and wealth-transfer considerations.
Visit Estate Planning →Civil Litigation
Complex disputes, commercial litigation and contested matters.
Visit Civil Litigation →Real Estate Law
Property transactions, liens, closings and real-estate disputes.
Visit Real Estate →Probate
Estate administration and inherited-property issues.
Visit Probate →Legal Insights
Tax, Business & Financial Legal Insights
Recent articles and practical guidance from St. Johns Law Group.
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Tax Law Consultation
Talk With a St. Augustine Tax Attorney
Tell us about your IRS, Florida DOR, tax collection, audit, litigation or related financial matter. Our team will follow up regarding next steps.
PHONE
(904) 495-0400
EMAIL
info@sjlawgroup.com
ST. AUGUSTINE OFFICE
104 Sea Grove Main Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
Dedicated & Responsive®