Taxation

Barbosa Legal’s tax practice consists of broad and sophisticated tax practice that serves a diverse range of clients, from individuals and families to businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs.

We provide expert guidance in all aspects of tax planning, including U.S. income, gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax strategies tailored to mitigate tax exposure, preserve wealth, and achieve our clients’ goals. In addition to traditional tax planning, our team advises on charitable giving strategies to maximize tax benefits while fulfilling philanthropic objectives. Barbosa Legal represents individuals, businesses, and tax-exempt organizations in need of tax controversy assistance before the Internal Revenue Service, the Florida Department of Revenue, Florida Counties, and municipal taxing authorities.

Our firm offers the resources and expertise to advise and guide our clients through all stages of the administrative process, from audit through administrative appeal, including litigating tax disputes in U.S. Tax Court and federal and state courts. Recognizing the complexities of globalization, our firm is well-versed in international tax matters, helping clients navigate cross-border transactions, compliance, and planning to optimize their tax position globally.

Our tax practice is committed to providing personalized, strategic advice that integrates seamlessly with our clients’ broader legal and financial objectives.

o Barbosa Legal’s International Estate Planning practice provides strategic counsel to non-U.S. citizens and non-resident aliens in the development of comprehensive estate and business succession plans tailored to the complex tax regimes applicable to cross-border assets and beneficiaries. Our attorneys deliver a full spectrum of international tax and estate planning services, including the structuring and administration of U.S. and foreign trusts and business entities, preparation of U.S. trusts and wills for foreign individuals, international reporting and compliance (including foreign account tax compliance act [FATCA] and offshore voluntary compliance), pre-immigration and expatriation tax planning, developing structures that protect clients’ financial privacy, structuring inbound business, portfolio and real estate investments (including FIRPTA compliance) in the United States, and starting or restructuring operations in the United States, among many other issues that relate to international work.

International Income Tax and Estate Planning

o Also, individuals relocating to the United States often forget to consider the tax implications of becoming a U.S. resident. Unlike most countries, the worldwide income and assets of all US citizens and tax residents are subject to tax in the U.S. Individuals who do not plan on permanently moving to the U.S. may still become a tax resident through physical presence. Our pre-immigration tax planning services include use of trusts, private placement life insurance (PPLIs), and other strategies to optimize outcomes, mitigate U.S. tax exposure, and ensure compliance with U.S. legal requirements.

o Barbosa Legal provides expert advice regarding cross-border tax transactions, including corporate reorganizations, guidance on CFC, PFIC, GILTI rules, among other global tax compliance matters. We assist clients in structuring the purchase and ownership of luxury yachts, airplanes, and other collectibles to optimize tax efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.

Estate Planning

Barbosa Legal advises clients on the strategic transfer of wealth in a manner that is both tax-efficient and aligned with their long-term family objectives and values. We counsel clients on legacy planning, design and implement tailored gifting strategies that optimize the use of available gift and estate tax exemptions and proactively consider evolving federal and state tax laws in all aspects of planning.

Our firm integrates asset protection strategies seamlessly with tax and estate planning to safeguard your wealth from potential risks. We design customized solutions that protect assets while preserving tax efficiency and ensuring smooth wealth transfer, providing peace of mind for you and your family’s future.

Trust & Estate Administration and Probate

Our attorneys also provide comprehensive support in the administration of trusts and estates, ensuring that fiduciary duties are met and client intentions are carried out with precision.

In addition, our firm provides expert guidance in both domestic and international probate and estate administration matters. We assist clients in navigating complex probate processes, resolving estate disputes, and ensuring efficient transfer of assets across jurisdictions. Our team is dedicated to protecting your interests and facilitating smooth estate settlements, no matter where your assets or beneficiaries are located.

Probate is the legal process the court uses to make sure a person’s affairs are properly handled after they pass away. In Florida, this means:

- Collecting and identifying the person’s assets

- Paying any outstanding debts or taxes

- Distributing what’s left to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.

These cases are handled under the Florida Probate Code, usually in a special probate division of the Circuit Court. Judges who regularly work on probate matters oversee the process.

If there is a valid will, the estate is called testate, and the will usually names a personal representative (sometimes called an executor) to manage everything. If there is no will (intestate), the court will appoint someone to act as personal representative according to Florida law. Either way, probate ensures everything is done properly, debts are settled, and assets are distributed fairly.

Probate in Florida may be required in two situations:

1. The deceased lived in Florida and left probate assets here, or

2. The deceased lived elsewhere but owned assets in Florida (this is called ancillary administration).

Not all assets have to go through probate, and figuring out which ones do can be complicated. Florida law also allows for two different probate procedures:

- Formal Administration – generally used for larger estates or when court oversight is necessary.

- Summary Administration – a faster option available for smaller estates or when more time has passed since the person’s death.

Business Entities & Business Succession Planning

Barbosa Legal advises businesses and family owners on selecting, structuring, and maintaining the most effective business entities to meet their tax-, family- and business-related goals. Barbosa Legal advises business entities and individuals, ranging from start-up ventures to established international companies, in complex taxation matters. We focus on analyzing the various jurisdictions involved and guide clients towards the most effective strategies.

Our advice can assist in the carrying out of business, obtaining financing, maintaining legal status, and creating competitive advantage. Also, we specialize in crafting tailored succession plans that ensure smooth transitions, preserve family and business harmony, and protect assets across generations. From startups to established enterprises, our strategic guidance supports sustainable growth and long-term success.

Charitable Planning and Foundations

Barbosa Legal’s Charitable Planning & Foundations practice advises clients on the formation, governance, and ongoing compliance of charitable organizations, including private foundations and public charities. We guide individuals and families in structuring philanthropic strategies that align with their values while maximizing tax efficiency. Our attorneys provide sophisticated planning in the areas of charitable giving, estate and gift taxation, and generation-skipping transfer tax, ensuring that philanthropic objectives are achieved within a sound legal and regulatory framework.

Real Estate & Title Insurance

Barbosa offers specialized representation in real estate matters. We understand investing in U.S. real estate can present challenges such as increased tax exposure or complications from defective property titles that delay purchases, financing, or sales. At Barbosa Legal, we provide tailored, comprehensive legal services for both residential and commercial real estate transactions, serving local and international investors alike. Our representation covers every stage of the process—from contract negotiation through closing—whether the property is residential, commercial, developed, or undeveloped. We work diligently to safeguard our clients’ investments against risks such as fraudulent sellers, outstanding liens, third-party claims, and other title or legal issues. We effectively structure for international and domestic clients seeking both asset protect and limiting tax exposure. In addition, our team offers dedicated Lender Representation, assisting banks and private lenders with all aspects of origination, modification, and closing of real estate–secured residential and commercial loans.

International Trade

Barbosa Legal provides comprehensive legal counsel on a wide range of cross-border trade issues. We assist clients in navigating complex import and export regulations, customs compliance, and trade sanctions imposed by various jurisdictions. Our team advises on compliance with international trade agreements, anti-dumping and countervailing duties, and trade remedies to help businesses minimize risks and avoid costly penalties. We also represent clients in government investigations and enforcement actions, as well as in resolving trade disputes through negotiation, administrative proceedings, and litigation. With a deep understanding of global trade frameworks and evolving regulatory landscapes, our practice supports businesses in maximizing opportunities while maintaining compliance in an increasingly interconnected world.