IRS & Florida DOR Tax Relief and Defense
When federal or state tax authorities take action, the first legal priority is protection: stopping levy, garnishment, or enforcement so damage does not continue. Maswadi Law represents clients in both IRS and Florida Department of Revenue matters and provides immediate intervention.
IRS vs Florida DOR — What's the Difference?
Most tax firms only handle IRS cases.
Florida DOR often moves faster and more aggressively, especially in sales tax and trust fund situations.
| IRS | Florida DOR |
|---|---|
|
Federal enforcement |
State enforcement |
|
Slower escalation |
Rapid assessments |
|
Negotiation windows |
Immediate freeze actions |
|
Offer in Compromise |
Limited but negotiable |
|
Tax Court |
Administrative challenge + appeal |
We adapt defense strategy to the agency actually enforcing the debt.
Immediate Relief: Protection First
Before negotiating numbers, we secure breathing room.
Relief may include:
• Pausing levy or wage garnishment
• Stopping a bank freeze
• Preventing DOR escalation
• Blocking additional penalties (where legally allowed)
• Reopening channels of review or appeal
Our Process
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Emergency protection (stop harm first)
-
Compliance review (returns, records, reporting)
-
Positioning (financial/ability/legal grounds)
-
Negotiation or settlement
-
Finalization and monitoring
Resolution Options
• Installment agreements
• Hardship / currently-not-collectible status
• Penalty abatement
• Offer in Compromise (federal)
• DOR settlement negotiation
• Audit defense / appeals
• Innocent spouse relief
• Tax Court petitions when needed
When Tax Court Helps
Tax Court preserves rights and creates negotiation leverage when the IRS refuses to adjust or reconsider. Filing before the deadline also prevents certain enforcement actions and moves the dispute into a forum where fairness review is available.
What to Expect on the First Call
We determine:
-
What agency is enforcing and on what basis
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Whether protection can be triggered immediately
-
What documents will be needed
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What type of relief is realistically available
-
Your next step toward resolution
What to Bring (If Available)
• IRS or DOR notices
• Levy/garnishment/bank freeze letters
• Prior returns or transcripts
• Business sales tax records (for DOR)
• Audit or appeal letters with deadlines
Schedule a Free Consultation
Evening and remote consultations available — in person or via Zoom.
