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St. Augustine & Jacksonville Tax Controversy and Litigation

Assertive Advocacy for Federal and State Tax Disputes in North Florida

Dealing with the IRS or the Florida Department of Revenue can feel like an uphill battle. Whether you are facing a high-stakes audit, a significant tax deficiency notice, or aggressive collection actions, you need a legal partner who understands the intricacies of the tax code and the procedures of tax authorities.

At D. Naples Law, we provide strategic tax controversy and litigation services to individuals and business owners throughout Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and across Northeast Florida. Our mission is simple: to protect your financial interests and resolve your tax disputes with precision and authority.

Comprehensive Tax Controversy Services

We represent clients at every stage of the dispute process, from the first notice of an audit to representation in the courtroom. Our services include:

Audit Defense and IRS Appeals

An audit doesn’t have to result in a financial crisis. We represent Jacksonville residents and businesses in federal and state audits, ensuring your rights are upheld throughout the examination. If an audit leads to an unfair assessment, we navigate the IRS Appeals process to challenge the findings and pursue a favorable resolution.

Tax Litigation in Federal and State Courts

When administrative negotiations reach a standstill, D. Naples Law is prepared to litigate. We provide robust representation in:

  • U.S. Tax Court: Handling deficiency cases and collection due process.

  • U.S. District Courts: Pursuing refund suits and federal tax claims.

  • Florida State Courts: Resolving disputes involving sales tax, corporate income tax, and property tax assessments.

Collections, Liens, and Levies

If you are facing IRS collection efforts, we act quickly to protect your property and income. We assist with:

  • Offers in Compromise: Negotiating to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed.

  • Installment Agreements: Structuring manageable payment plans that fit your financial reality.

  • Lien and Levy Releases: Taking immediate action to secure your assets and bank accounts.

Penalty Abatement and Compliance

Tax penalties can grow exponentially if left unaddressed. We help clients seek penalty abatement for reasonable cause and provide guidance on offshore voluntary disclosures (FBAR) and innocent spouse relief to mitigate your exposure.

Why Choose D. Naples Law?

The tax landscape in Duval County and St. Johns County requires a localized approach backed by deep technical proficiency.

  • Local Presence: With several years of legal experience in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, we are accessible and responsive to our North Florida clients.

  • Strategic Advocacy: We don’t just respond to the IRS; we proactively build a defense designed to minimize your liability and stress.

  • Direct Communication: Tax law is complex, but your relationship with your lawyer shouldn’t be. We provide clear, candid guidance at every turn.

Protect Your Interests Today

Don’t let a tax issue escalate into a legal emergency. Whether your business is in Downtown Jacksonville or you are a resident in St. Augustine, the team at D. Naples Law is ready to stand between you and the taxing authorities.

Contact D. Naples Law today to schedule your confidential consultation.

FAQs

The most important step is to not ignore it. Both federal and state tax authorities operate on strict timelines; missing a deadline for a protest or a Tax Court petition can result in the loss of your right to challenge the tax. Contact D. Naples Law immediately so we can review the notice, determine the deadline, and begin protecting your assets.

Yes. Through a levy or wage garnishment, the IRS can seize funds to satisfy a debt. However, there are legal procedures to stop these actions. We work with clients in Duval and St. Johns County to negotiate releases of levies and establish alternative resolutions like Installment Agreements or Offers in Compromise.

Florida does not have a personal income tax, so state audits often focus heavily on Sales and Use Tax or Corporate Income Tax. The Florida DOR can be particularly aggressive with “Trust Fund” taxes (sales tax collected but not remitted). D. Naples Law has extensive experience navigating the specific Florida statutes that govern these state-level disputes.

Not necessarily. Most tax controversies are resolved through administrative appeals or settlements. Our goal is to reach a favorable resolution without the time and expense of a trial. However, if the taxing authority refuses to be reasonable, D. Naples Law is fully prepared to litigate your case in the U.S. Tax Court or Florida state courts.

In many cases, yes. Under “Responsible Person” rules, the IRS and the State of Florida can look past the corporate veil to hold owners or officers personally liable for unpaid payroll or sales taxes. We provide strategic defense to help shield your personal assets and contest these “trust fund” recovery penalties.

Absolutely. Tax controversy often intersects with estate planning. We help families in St. Augustine and Jacksonville ensure that Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts are compliant with tax laws, and we defend against IRS challenges regarding the tax-exempt status of these vital financial tools.