Locate Massachusetts Tax Lawyers
In Massachusetts "taxes" are monies taken from individuals or corporations by the government, at a rate set by law.
The taxes that Massachusetts collects pay for basic public services like roads, firefighters, police, courts, schools, and many other benefits that come with living in a modern society.
Everyone who legally resides in Massachusetts is obligated to pay their taxes. If you don't pay the taxes assessed against you, you are committing a serious criminal offense, punishable by jail time and large fines.
Sources of Tax Revenue in Massachusetts
Taxes in Massachusetts can be derived from a large number of different sources, and in different amounts. The most frequent sources of tax revenue nationwide are Sales Tax, Income Tax, and Property Tax.
Sales Tax: Most states collect a tax on the sales of goods. In Massachusetts, the sales tax is calculated as a percentage of the sale price of most (but normally not all) items. Technically, the tax is assessed against the sellers of goods. However, the vast majority of vendors pass this tax onto their customers, adding it to the marked price of a product at the point of sale.
Income Tax: In Massachusetts, the "income tax" is exactly what the name implies: a tax on the income of individuals and corporations. Everyone in the United States has to pay the federal income tax. Therefore, even if the state you live in doesn't have a personal income tax, you are accountable for the federal tax. However, the majority of states have their own income tax, though it's usually much lower than the federal tax. Depending on how much money you make per year, your income will be taxed at a rate ranging from 10% to 33%.
Property Tax: The property tax in Massachusetts is applied to every owner of real property (land and buildings). The state collects from every property owner a percentage of the property's value, on an annual basis. The state first calculates the value of every piece of property within its territory. It then notifies the owner of this assessment, and sometimes gives them an opportunity to contest it (evidently, people want their assessed property value to be as low as possible, so it will be subject to the lowest tax possible). Usually, the property tax is paid as a monthly payment, sometimes included in one's mortgage.
How Can A Massachusetts Tax Lawyer Help?
Everyone in Massachusetts who engages in any type of economic activity, whether it's working at a grocery store, or owning one, is going to have to pay taxes.
In Massachusetts, tax law can get pretty convoluted. There are lawyers in Massachusetts who only practice tax law, and nothing else. This should impress upon you the fact that taxes are governed by a large and complex body of laws. For that reason, if you have an issue with your state or federal taxes in Massachusetts, such as an audit, you should not hesitate to speak with a reliable tax attorney.
Interesting Facts About Massachusetts
Massachusetts is known as "The Bay state" and was the sixth state to join the Union. The state of Massachusetts played a major role in the historical, cultural, political, and economic development of early America. The area was settled as early as the 1630's and continues to be a model of life in the U.S.
Since its early days, Massachusetts has been influential in shaping the structure and function of the U.S. government. For example, the Massachusetts State Constitution was drafted in 1780, eight years before the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Massachusetts' Constitution is one of the oldest written constitutions still in effect in the world. Another of Massachusetts' contributions is the Mayflower Compact of 1620, which was the Pilgrim's governing document for Plymouth colony.
The Massachusetts legal system is composed of the Supreme Judicial Court at the highest level, followed by the Appeals Court, then the Superior Court Department. Beneath these courts are the District Court Department and the Boston Municipal Court Department. The state also operates a number of specific courts including the Housing, Probate & Family, and Land Courts. The Supreme Judicial Court has produced several landmark decisions that have influenced American law, such as those relating to same-sex marriage, higher education, and medical reform.
Lawyers in Massachusetts form the foundation of the state's reputation for outstanding legal services. Many Massachusetts lawyers have been involved in cases that have set the precedent for subsequent cases. Attorneys in Massachusetts handle a wide range of legal issues.
