In San Mateo, California, an income tax is imposed on a certain percentage of the income of all individuals and businesses. Typically, 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.
Everybody in the United States must pay the federal income tax. However, you only have to pay the state income tax of the state in which you reside. You should speak with an accountant or tax lawyer in San Mateo, California if you aren't clear about what system your state has.
Income Tax Deductions in San Mateo, 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 conflated with a tax credit, which is a reduction in one's tax bill. A tax credit normally results in a greater reduction in tax liability than a deduction in the same amount.
Many expenses in San Mateo are tax-deductible, such as interest paid on mortgages, charitable donations, the price of tax advice, and union dues, among others.
How Can A San Mateo, California Tax Attorney Help?
Income tax laws can get pretty complex. If you are in San Mateo, California and have any questions about your taxes, you should consult with an accountant or local tax Attorney to avoid tax problems, such as audit or wage garnishment.