Florida communities we serve
Explore federal tax representation for communities across Florida. The firm has one Melbourne Beach mailing location, not separate city offices.
IRS audit defense for Florida taxpayers
Whether you live on the Space Coast or elsewhere in Florida, an IRS audit concerns federal tax law. The response depends on the issues raised in the examination, not simply your city or county. A Florida tax attorney can help review the return and supporting records, address information requests and evaluate proposed changes.
The firm represents taxpayers in IRS examinations and helps assess administrative review or litigation options when a disagreement remains. Learn about IRS Audit Defense and the stages of an IRS audit.
Resolving IRS tax debt in Florida
A balance-due notice, federal tax lien or levy raises different questions from an audit. The firm reviews the liability, collection history and financial circumstances to discuss potential installment agreements, offers in compromise, penalty relief and collection review. An offer in compromise is not suitable for every taxpayer, and no particular result is guaranteed.
Keep every notice and note any response deadline. Read about IRS collection defense and settling IRS debt through an offer in compromise.
Tax Court, criminal tax and offshore account matters
Not every federal tax matter follows the same process. A Tax Court case may involve a filing deadline; a criminal tax investigation presents different risks from a civil examination; and foreign accounts may carry reporting obligations separate from a tax return. Contact the firm to discuss the kind of notice or government contact involved before deciding how to respond.
IRS Audit Defense
An IRS examination can raise questions about income, deductions, business records, or reporting positions. McCarthy Tax Law represents taxpayers in audits and examinations, helping address the issues raised by the IRS.
Tax Court Litigation
When a federal tax dispute cannot be resolved administratively, litigation may be the next step. McCarthy Tax Law represents taxpayers in Tax Court matters and helps evaluate the legal and procedural issues involved.
Offers in Compromise
An offer in compromise may allow a taxpayer to resolve a tax liability for less than the full amount owed. It is not available or appropriate in every situation. McCarthy Tax Law helps taxpayers evaluate this option alongside other ways to address IRS debt.
IRS Penalty Abatement
IRS penalties can substantially increase a tax balance. McCarthy Tax Law helps taxpayers evaluate whether a penalty is correct and whether relief may be available based on the facts and the applicable requirements.
IRS Installment Agreements
If you cannot pay an IRS balance in full, a payment arrangement may be an option. McCarthy Tax Law represents taxpayers in installment-agreement matters and helps evaluate a payment approach in light of their finances and tax obligations.
IRS Collection Defense
An IRS collection matter can affect finances, property, and business operations. McCarthy Tax Law represents taxpayers in collection disputes, including matters involving liens, levies, and potential alternatives for resolving tax debt.
Criminal Tax Defense
A criminal tax investigation presents different risks from a routine tax examination. McCarthy Tax Law represents taxpayers in criminal tax investigations, drawing on Bernie McCarthy’s experience as a former IRS attorney and Special Assistant United States Attorney.
FBAR & Offshore Compliance
Foreign accounts and offshore assets can raise reporting obligations beyond a federal income tax return. McCarthy Tax Law represents taxpayers in FBAR and offshore compliance matters, including disputes and questions about previously unreported information.
A former IRS attorney on the taxpayer’s side
Bernie McCarthy’s background includes IRS Revenue Agent, Appeals Officer and Trial Attorney roles, followed by experience as a KPMG Director and a partner at Shutts & Bowen LLP. His practice focuses on federal tax controversies for taxpayers, businesses, trusts and exempt organizations.
Read Bernie’s background and reported cases and published articles.
Based in Melbourne Beach, serving Florida
The firm’s mailing address is 3830 S Hwy A1A, PMB 4-175, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951. This is not a walk-in office. Bernie meets clients at their locations; contact the firm to discuss arrangements for your matter. Hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
For Melbourne Beach, Melbourne, Palm Bay and other Space Coast communities, visit our Brevard County tax attorney page. The firm also represents taxpayers outside Florida in federal tax controversies.