I represent taxpayers in Sarasota and throughout Florida who have federal and state tax issues. I have recently seen an uptick in the number of people contacting me who have not filed tax returns, some for many years. In fact, the non-filer issue is a priority for the IRS and they recently announced that they will increase face-to-face visits to high-income taxpayers who have not filed tax returns for prior years in an effort to increase tax compliance.More importantly, it is worth noting that the willful failure to file a tax return is a federal tax crime under the Internal Revenue Code Section 7203.So, what can non-filers do, and how can we help them get their tax return issue resolved with the IRS? It depends on why they failed to file a return in the first place.If the failure to fi... 11/03/2020

Summer is flying by and it will soon be time for parents and incoming students to attend the Ashton Elementary Meet Your Teacher Day on August 9th 2018.  This is when parents and their children get to meet their new teacher, tour their new classroom and ask any questions they might have.  My wife and I will be attending with our daughter who is entering Kindergarten.  It is my understanding you may also be able to drop off the required school supplies at this time to lessen the load on back to school opening day which is August 13th 2018. For the Ashton Elementary Meet Your Teacher Day, students with last names beginning A through M will be welcomed from 11am to 12pm.  Students with last names N through Z will be welcomed from 12pm to 1pm.   See the Ashton Elementary School Calender HER... 07/16/2018

We were visiting the Sarasota Florida area recently. We enjoyed a stop at "The Unconditional Surrender" statue which is located on Island Park Drive, along the Sarasota Bayfront.The statue stands 26’ tall and is a landmark in the city.  The statue is a recreation of the famous photograph from the end of the war celebration in Times Square.  It is known as "The Unconditional Surrender".  The sailor dipped an unknown nurse for this famous kiss to celebrate the end of World War II on August 14, 1945.The statue is made of aluminum and able to withstand winds from a Category 3 Hurricane. The Artist was Seward Johnson.  Jack Curran (a WW II Veteran) purchased the statue and with the support from numerous Sarasota veterans and organizations, he was able to donate the sculpture to the City of S... 07/15/2018

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2019 READ HERE!!! As a neighbor to the upcoming project for a roundabout at Ashton and Honore Avenue, and parent of a child preparing to attend Ashton Elementary, I've been curious about the start date and projected completion schedule.  I have included a link below to the Sarasota County plans for this upcoming traffic circle or "roundabout". Click here to view the Sarasota County plans for the Ashton and Honore Roundabout as well as the many other projects in the county.  Construction is schedued to begin in the fall of 2018 and completion is expected by the summer of 2019.  While it seems odd that the county would start at the beginning of the new school year instead of the Spring/Summer, the project looks like it will take at least 6 months to complete so both pedest... 06/18/2018

New Homes at Hammock Preserve on Palmer Ranch Hammock Preserve is the latest DiVosta community of homes in popular Palmer Ranch just south of downtown Sarasota.  This gated new home community features paired villas of 1,542 and 1,579 square feet staring in the $300,000 range as well as single family homes from 1,671 to 2,652 square feet beginning in the mid-$300's.   All homes are concrete block construction with tile roofs and paver driveways and patios among the  many standard features.  A whole list of custom options is available, and there are water view and preserve lots with premiums as well as standard home sites. There will be a total of 388 homes in Hammock Preserve which is a natural gas community.  Residents will enjoy a variety of neighborhood amenities within the gates of H... 12/14/2017

Arbor Lakes on Palmer Ranch is nearing completion and has started releasing home sites in their final phase.  Built by Taylor Morrison Homes, Arbor Lakes on Palmer Ranch offers a resort style pool and spa, a splash park and pirate themed playground for the kids, large covered pavilion, sand volleyball court, basketball court, gas fire pit and two lawn areas designated for special events.  In close proximity you will find great shopping, restaurants, A rated area schools, golf courses, easy access to the Interstate and a short 15 minute drive to area beaches including the #1 Beach in the USA, Siesta Key!There are a total of 8 floor plans to choose from.  The Estate Collection offers 52' wide lots with four home plans currently ranging in base price from 345,900 to 407,900.   Under air li... 09/24/2017

Open House 2451 Terry Lane, Sarasota, FL Get Directions Click Here OPEN HOUSE August 27, Sunday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure Our Reviews $ Click for current price 2 BEDROOMS | 2 (2 full ) BATHROOMS | 1432 SQUARE FEET If you love gleaming terrazzo floors and that Mid-Century Modern look, this spacious villa is the perfect place to call home. The interior of the home is a must see. It is clean, bright, open and comfortable; the home just makes you feel good when you walk in. The current owner says, "The location is perfect! We can walk to dozens of Gulf Gate area restaurants, or go shopping in the stores at The Sarasota Pavilion, and it's just a mile to the beach. I walk there for my exercise" This villa is complete with two bedrooms, two full... 08/23/2017

Just SOLD - at Full Price! 3356 Webber Street, Sarasota, FL Just Sold Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure Our Reviews Just Sold! Get the Info! Sarasota Homes For Sale Search All Homes For Sale Homes Close to Where You Work Free Home Values Mortgage & Refinance Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Presented By: The Buetergerds Team Keller Williams Realty Select 941-894-4063 Licensed In: FL License #: SL3223298   Schedule a Showing/Request Info $ Click for current price2 BEDROOMS | 1101 SQUARE FEET Your opportunity to buy a clean, well kept Sarasota home has arrived! If you're looking for your first home, or down sizing or just looking for a solid investment home this may the one for you! The home features mature trees, a LARGE fenced back yard with room to play and ... 08/21/2017

3036 BROWNING STREET, SARASOTA, FL Get Directions Click Here OPEN HOUSE July 29, Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM July 30, Sunday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure Our Reviews $ Click for current price 4 BEDROOMS | 3 (2 full, 1 half ) BATHROOMS | 1864 SQUARE FEET Honey, stop the car! This one is Updated, has a NEW ROOF, has Four Bedrooms AND a Pool! There's nothing left to do...just move right in! This home features New Carpet and Fresh Paint inside and out. The updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters is open to the dining and living room; it's perfect for entertaining. The large family room is off the kitchen with direct access to the backyard and pool. The backyard is completely fenced in white vinyl panels, and has a 20... 07/28/2017

2451 Terry Lane, Sarasota, FL Get Directions Click Here OPEN HOUSE July 30, Sunday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure Our Reviews $ Click for current price 2 BEDROOMS | 2 (2 full ) BATHROOMS | 1240 SQUARE FEET If you love gleaming terrazzo floors and that Mid-Century Modern look, this spacious villa is the perfect place to call home. The interior of the home is a must see. It is clean, bright, open and comfortable; the home just makes you feel good when you walk in. The current owner says, "The location is perfect! We can walk to dozens of Gulf Gate area restaurants, or go shopping in the stores at The Sarasota Pavilion, and it's just a mile to the beach. I walk there for my exercise" This villa is complete with two bedrooms, two full baths, a bea... 07/25/2017

Palmer Ranch, a roughly 6,700 acre development, was once part of a cattle ranch belonging to Bertha Palmer.  It offers residents many choices for housing including single family homes, villas, condos, rental apartments and assisted living facilities.  The outskirts of the community offer countless shopping and dining options, including the areas only Costco.  A branch of the YMCA can also be found on property.   Some neighborhoods are gated for those looking for more privacy.   From resort style communities, to "no frills" environment, there truly exists something for everyone looking for a place to call home.    There are two new developments that I'll go over in this post.  The first, is Legacy Estates at Esplanade on Palmer Ranch.  Homes will range in price from 500k to 2M and start ... 06/27/2017

3036 BROWNING STREET, SARASOTA, FL Get Directions Click Here Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure Our Reviews $ Click for current price 4 BEDROOMS | 3 (2 full, 1 half ) BATHROOMS | 1864 SQUARE FEET Honey, stop the car! This one is Updated, has Four Bedrooms AND a Pool! There's nothing left to do...just move right in! This home features New Carpet and Fresh Paint inside and out. The updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters is open to the dining and living room; it's perfect for entertaining. The large family room is off the kitchen with direct access to the backyard and pool. The backyard is completely fenced in white vinyl panels, and has a 20' x 9' storage shed. Three of the four bedrooms are upstairs away from the living area and the hust... 06/16/2017

The highly anticipated neighborhood project of Lakewood Ranch Waterside in Sarasota has finally broken ground with plans beginning to emerge.   The project has been stalled for nearly 15 years due to various legal battles and the real estate bubble of 2005.   This will be the newest village in the 30,000 acre master planned community of Lakewood Ranch.   Lakewood Ranch Waterside will span over 5,000 acres which includes 7 large lakes (4,000 acres worth!).  5,144 Residential units in 12 unique neighborhoods are proposed to be built 7 lakes offering 20 miles of shoreline (nearly 4/5 of the total community acreage is made up of lakes) 390,000 square feet of office/retail space 90,000 square feet of civic space Coastal inspired village center overlooking the 250 acre lake (Waterside Place) ... 06/13/2017

 5 Mistakes Home Buyers Often Make  Beginning the search for a home without consulting a lender…When you go shopping for groceries, clothing, or even a car, you have an idea of just how much you can spend.  Your budget determines whether you buy steak, caviar and champagne or stick to the basics of the four food groups.  It determines functional versus frivolous attire and financing a Maserati or a Mini-Van. Before you begin your search, get your ducks in a row with your finances and make sure that you look only in the price range you can afford.  Go local for your lender.  It is best to deal in person and establish a relationship that you feel comfortable with. Having an unattainable wish list…Why do people build custom homes?  Because they want to realize every item on their wish list... 06/06/2017

  While visiting my shoe repair shop yesterday, I was happily surprised at the opening of a fabulous new store next door.  I ended up celebrating Doughnut Day at Five-O Donut Co . The name fits because it is located on Ringling Bouelevard right down the street from the Sarasota Police Department and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.  The small space is warm and welcoming, decorated with a police motif including an old time logo of a police officer with a nightstick and a car door painted like a squad car's.  It has mock-brick paneling, a navy-gray color scheme, along with corrugated metal details, exposed wood and farmhouse lights.  The "DO-NUT CROSS" crime scene tape was  cute and the scent of the donuts baking was heavenly.  The owner, Christine Nordstrom, is having fun with it a... 06/03/2017

 The Reserve, A Wonderful New Coffee Shop In Sarasota The Reserve is a recently opened coffee house located at 1322 N. Tamiami Trail just north of downtown Sarasota housed in three historical buildings built during the Ringling Era.  Owned and operated by Jessica Simmons, Kim Cressell and Bethany Simmons. The Reserve offers a tranquil oasis for enjoy your favorite coffee beverage or a glass or wine or beer while you visit with friends.  The Reserve also offers a nice selection of baked goods.  Feel free to browse the eclectic collection of hardcover and soft cover books for sale.  Or, just plan to settle in for a while to enjoy a respite from the hectic world we all live in. There are three separate buildings, each with it's own ambiance as well as an outdoor courtyard.  The wood floors... 05/26/2017

Sarasota Named Best Place To Live In Florida By US News & World Report! According to U.S. News & World Report's 100 Best Places to Live in the USA, the Sarasota Area ranked number 21 and came in as the top place to live in the State of  Florida.  That is no surprise to those of us who live here in this Gulf Coast semi-tropical paradise.   "Warm temperatures year-round, award-winning beaches and a thriving arts and cultural scene have made Sarasota a go-to place for retirees and families, not to mention a handful of celebrities," the report says. Sarasota is known as the cultural jewel of Florida.  In fact, we have been called the Number One Cultural City in America for a city of it's size.  Sarasota offers an Opera Company, Ballet and Symphony Orchestra.  There is a plethora of live the... 04/28/2017

2026 UTICA DRIVE, SARASOTA, FL Just Sold Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure Just Sold! Get the Info! Sarasota Homes For Sale Search All Homes For Sale Homes Close to Where You Work Free Home Values Mortgage & Refinance Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Presented By: The Buetergerds Team Keller Williams Realty Select 941-894-4063 Licensed In: FL License #: SL3223298   Schedule a Showing/Request Info $ Click for current price2 BEDROOMS | 1 (1 full ) BATHROOMS | 1216 SQUARE FEET Move right in - there is nothing left to do! Upon entering you will find yourself in an open and inviting home. The kitchen is updated and features stainless steel appliances which make cooking a joy. The large dining room has great views of the front yard. French doors lead from the famil... 04/24/2017

3356 Webber Street, Sarasota, FL Just Listed Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure Follow This Home! Sarasota Homes For Sale Search All Homes For Sale Homes Close to Where You Work Free Home Values Mortgage & Refinance Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Presented By: The Buetergerds Team Keller Williams Realty Select 941-894-4063 Licensed In: FL License #: SL3223298   Schedule a Showing/Request Info $ Click for current price2 BEDROOMS | 1101 SQUARE FEET Your opportunity to buy a clean, well kept Sarasota home has arrived! If you're looking for your first home, or down sizing or just looking for a solid investment home this may the one for you! The home features mature trees, a LARGE fenced back yard with room to play and the front yard's setback from the street is ... 04/09/2017

Figuring out what to give a customer as a closing gift can be difficult and sometimes stressful for some Realtors®.  In the past, I've given gift cards, wine, and even Cutco knife sets with personalized engraving on the blades.  Some of these items are very impersonal and once used are gone forever (as are you when they are no longer reminded of you and your gift). My wife recently introduced me to Thirty One brand bags which can be custom emroidered to each client.  Depending on the price of the transaction, I'll choose an appropriate sized bag, customize it with the customers last name, initials or the state of Florida with the year they purchased and fill it with some fun and useful housewarming gifts.  It's easy to pick up some coffee, wine, batteries, small houseware items, toys/bo... 04/04/2017