Income Tax Lawyers in Downey, California
In Downey, California, an income tax is imposed on a certain percentage of the income of all individuals and businesses. Generally, 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 Downey, California tax attorney if you don't know what type of tax system your state has.
You might have heard rumors claiming that you don't actually have to pay your federal income tax. These rumors are false. "Tax protesters" rely on bizarre and discredited legal arguments in their claims that the federal income tax is somehow illegal. None of these arguments have ever been successful in U.S. Courts, and deliberately failing to pay your income tax in Downey, California is a good way to end up in federal prison.
Income Tax Deductions in Downey, California
A tax deduction is simply a reduction in the portion of a person's income which is taxable. For example, if someone makes $50,000 per year, and gets a $1,000 tax deduction, their taxable income is $49,000.
Don't confuse a tax deduction with a tax credit. A tax credit simply reduces your tax bill by the amount of the credit. A tax credit usually reduces your tax bill more than a deduction of the same amount.
Many common expenses in Downey 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.
If you live in a state that has an income tax, some of these expenses might also be deductible, though that depends on the particular tax laws of California.
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How Can A Downey, California Tax Attorney Help?
Income tax law can get fairly complex in Downey, 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.