Law Offices of Moffa, Sutton, & Donnini, P.A. – Tallahassee, FL

Florida’s Premier Sales Tax Defense Team

The Law Offices of Moffa, Sutton, & Donnini, P.A. is a highly specialized law firm dedicated exclusively to State and Local Tax (SALT) controversy. With a primary focus on Florida Sales and Use Tax, the firm stands as a shield for businesses facing the aggressive enforcement tactics of the Florida Department of Revenue. Founded in 1991 by Joseph C. Moffa, the firm has grown into a powerhouse of tax defense, comprised of attorneys who are also Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). This unique dual qualification means they possess both the legal acumen to litigate in court and the accounting expertise to dissect complex audit records. Located in the Financial Plaza in Tallahassee, they are strategically positioned to handle matters directly with the Department of Revenue’s headquarters, providing clients with a significant advantage in resolving tax disputes.

Specialized Tax Practice

Unlike general practice firms that dabble in tax law, Moffa, Sutton, & Donnini, P.A. does nothing else. Their practice areas are laser-focused on protecting taxpayers:

• Audit Defense: guiding businesses through every stage of a Florida sales tax audit, from the initial notice (DR-840) to the final assessment, ensuring that the Department’s findings are accurate and fair.
• Tax Controversy and Litigation: challenging incorrect tax assessments in administrative hearings and state courts. The firm has a long history of winning significant cases against the Department of Revenue.
• Criminal Tax Defense: Representing business owners accused of tax fraud or theft of state funds, a serious charge that requires specialized criminal defense strategies.
• Reverse Audits: reviewing a company’s records to identify overpayments of tax and filing refund claims to recover money for the client.

The CPA-Attorney Advantage

The firm’s strength lies in its team’s deep background in both law and accounting. Managing shareholder Joseph Moffa and senior partners like James Sutton and Gerald Donnini II bring decades of combined experience, including time spent working for major accounting firms and the Department of Revenue itself. This ‘insider’ knowledge allows them to anticipate the government’s moves and counter them effectively. They are prolific authors and speakers on Florida tax topics, frequently educating other professionals on the nuances of the law. Their expertise extends to niche industries such as construction, automotive, and convenience stores, where tax rules can be particularly convoluted.

Dedicated to Business Survival

A tax audit can be a company-killing event. The penalties and interest alone can exceed the original tax bill. The Law Offices of Moffa, Sutton, & Donnini, P.A. understands the high stakes involved. They offer free initial consultations to assess a client’s situation and determine the best course of action. They also provide flexible payment plans, recognizing that cash flow is often tight during a tax dispute. Whether you are a small business owner receiving your first audit letter or a large corporation facing a multi-state tax issue, this firm offers the aggressive, knowledgeable representation needed to survive the scrutiny of the taxman.