Lapekas Law, P.A.

01/31/2024

This was a highlight of the month for me. A highlight of my career, really. Last week I was selected as one of the newest Fellows in the American College of Tax Counsel. I’m in awe of and encouraged by the company of tax attorneys in this organization.

At a meeting held on January 20, 2024, in San Francisco, California, the Board of Regents of the American College of Tax Counsel (the “College”) elected the

05/27/2022

The proudest moment of my career.

This completely unexpected award meant the world to me because it represents such a large part of my world and my dreams for it.

Thank you, Mary Ann David of Legal Services of Greater Miami, for the nomination that made this happen. I am forever grateful and at your service! 🙏

Karen Lapekas of Lapekas Law in Miami, Florida received the 2022 Janet Spragens Pro Bono Award at the Section Luncheon & Plenary Session of the Hybrid 2022 M...

04/07/2022

I've always believed my cases meant more than just helping one client pay no more tax than they owed. To me, there are bigger implications---like keeping the government accountable to the law and facts. Yesterday, a small, local case I'm co-counsel on made international news. I believe the case has widespread importance and it's encouraging to see others may think so as well.

Hear the interview here (at 28:00) on CBC/Radio-Canada.

Ukraine: Foreign Ministers, Holocaust memorial reunion, Manhattan high-rise elevators, Miami houseboat, Boris Brott obit, Kim's video collection, Fastest solo female rower and more

03/28/2022

Will Smith slaps Chris Rock and social media thinks there’s something to discuss. The act was WRONG. End of story.

The Miami Dade Property Appraiser’s Office slaps my client with a tax bill and thinks there’s something to litigate. The tax is ILLEGAL. Here’s the story….

The owner of the “Arkup” vessel is suing the Miami-Dade property appraisers office over its decision to levy property tax on the eco-friendly yacht which is actually a house boat.

08/03/2021

I received this review for 2 reasons:

1. The client asked me for links where she could post a review; and

2. did its job.

When the works like it should, it results in results like this. Litigation was avoided and both the client and the IRS saved countless resources. Most important to this case was having an IRS Appeals Officer who focused on the facts and law and not the amount at issue. Because regardless of whether $1 or $1 million in penalties are on the table, if the law supports their removal, they should be removed—without consideration of whether they could be paid. The law is the law is the law. And here, the Appeals Officer upheld it.

When the IRS works, it works for everyone, and it’s a beautiful thing.

03/12/2021

Actually...the best time is NOW. But I hear it all the time, “I’ll settle with the IRS when I have more money.” Wait....what???

No. You don’t wait to lose weight before going to the gym, you don’t wait until you feel amazing before going to a therapist, and you don’t wait until you’re in divorce court to work on your marriage. So why would you wait to work on your IRS problems?

03/05/2021

My iPhone is telling me Tax Day is April 15. 🗓 It’s WRONG. It’s the date we’ve been programmed to believe when returns should be filed and taxes paid by, and for SOME people, it is. But if you’re an S Corporation (Form 1120S) or a Partnership (Form 1065), your tax return or extension must be filed by MARCH 15. It’s a COMMON mistake new business owners make. It can be an expensive one. Head’s up, because March 15th is just around the corner!

02/26/2021

PSA💡: Because it’s Friday and there are EXACTLY 44 weeks left in the year. 🗓 If you’re looking to reduce your 2021 tax liability with little effort* and no 💵*. March is the month to GET TO WORK! 🥰😂 💯% tax humor, 99.9% truth. *

02/25/2021

Here are two signs that got me through trial yesterday/today. The first, to quiet the outside noises. The second, to quiet the inside ones. The 2nd was the most important. Trial for me is when I’m overcome with the anxiety-inducing question of whether I did enough leading up to the day. It can feel a heavy weight. My clients’ lives are in the balance and I question whether I did enough to bring the truth to light (but not so much that it came at too great a cost emotionally or financially). This was a reminder to trust the power of the truth, to let go, and have faith in its process. In the end, sooner or later, I believe it always prevails.