In West Chicago, Illinois, income tax is imposed on most sources of income that a person receives in a given year. Under federal, state, and most local laws income from all sources can be taxed. The federal government imposes an income tax on all persons and entities present in the United States. The power to tax incomes was granted to the federal government in 1913 with the ratification of the 16th Amendment to the Constitution. Before that time, the Supreme Court had found a federal income tax unconstitutional, prompting the passage of the amendment. Of course, individual states, including Illinois, were free to impose income taxes as they saw fit.

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 West Chicago, Illinois if you aren't clear about what system your state has.

Income Tax Deductions in West Chicago, Illinois

A tax deduction is a reduction in your taxable income. For example, if a person makes ,000 per year, and receives a ,000 tax deduction, they will only have to pay taxes on the remaining ,000.

This should not be confused with a tax credit, which is a reduction of a person's tax bill. A tax credit almost always results in a lower tax burden than a tax deduction of the same amount.

Many common expenses in West Chicago 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 West Chicago, Illinois Tax Attorney Help?

Income tax laws in West Chicago, Illinois can get fairly complex. You should speak with an accountant or tax Lawyer if you have any questions about your income tax liability.