Legal Question in Tax Law in Florida

Can New York State come after me for back taxes while I'm living in Florida. They state owe taxes from 1986. I received a letter from them about three weeks ago, contacted the state and tried to find out why they took so long to get a hold of me. I have no paperwork to prove my case. No one holds onto paper for that long. Supposedly, the NYS tax audit department is looking into getting me the copies of my returns, so that I can contest the amount. The amount is $24K+ due to penalties and interest. I have been living in Florida since 1987. I've had a PO box for an extremely long time and then in 2000 purchased a home which has been my physical address. I haven't been hiding. I've been paying my taxes. NYS says they've been trying for years to find me. What can or should I do? Thanks for whatever help you can give me.


Asked on 3/21/11, 4:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Sanford M. Martin Sanford M. Martin, P.A.

Based on the facts outlined in your question, it appears that NY is alleging that your nonpayment of taxes was deliberate and that you avoided payment since 1986. Best advice is to review the records provided to determine whether the assessment is valid and whether you did or should have received notice of such taxes. Yes, another state can levy or lien your property for such taxes; however, you may have an excellent basis for contesting the issue. Since you own a home in Florida, presumably your homestead, it is to your benefit to contest the issue. An experienced tax attorney can counsel you in this matter; this is another reason to request all relevant documents from NY state, contesting any action taken to impose or collect the taxes from you.

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Answered on 3/21/11, 6:18 pm


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