In Pittsfield, Massachusetts, 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 has had the constitutional power to impose an income tax since 1916, since the passage of the 16th Amendment. Before then, states could, and still can, impose whatever income tax they like, including in Massachusetts.
While the federal income tax applies to everybody in the United States, the income taxes imposed by individual states vary widely, and some states have no income tax at all. You should consult with a Pittsfield, Massachusetts tax Attorney or accountant to find out if your state is one of them.
Income Tax Deductions in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
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.
Under federal law, many expenses in Pittsfield are tax-deductible, including interest paid on a mortgage, charitable contributions, the cost of tax advice, and union or professional dues, among many others.
How Can A Pittsfield, Massachusetts Tax Attorney Help?
Income tax laws can get pretty complex. If you are in Pittsfield, Massachusetts 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.