In Costa Mesa, California, an income tax is imposed on a certain percentage of the income of all individuals and businesses. Usually, income from all sources can be taxed. The federal government has had explicit constitutional power to impose an income tax since 1916, with the passage of the 16th Amendment. This came after the Supreme Court had repeatedly found a federal income tax to be unconstitutional. States, including California, have always been free to impose whatever type of income tax they liked.
While the federal government levies an income tax against every person and corporation in the U.S., the income taxes imposed by the states vary widely. Some states have relatively high income taxes, and a few have none at all. You should consult with a Costa Mesa, California tax Attorney if you don't know what type of tax system your state has.
Income Tax Deductions in Costa Mesa, California
A tax deduction is an expense which, in whole or in part, is subtracted from a person's taxable income. For example, if you make ,000 in a year, and the tax rate is 10%, a deduction of ,000 results in only ,000 being taxed. This means that you will pay ,900 instead of ,000.
This should not be confused with a tax credit, which is simply a reduction in somebody's tax bill. A tax credit will typically reduce your tax liability far more than a tax deduction of the same amount.
Many common expenses in Costa Mesa can be deducted from your taxable income. They include mortgage interest, charitable donations (if property documented, of course), the cost of tax advice, union dues, and many others.
How Can A Costa Mesa, California Tax Attorney Help?
Income tax law can get fairly complex in Costa Mesa, California. If you have any questions about your income tax liability, you should not hesitate to speak with a tax Attorney sooner, rather than later.