Tax Lawyers in South Portland

To pay for general services like police, schools, firefighters, libraries, and hospitals, the government of South Portland, Maine collects taxes.

In South Portland, Maine, there are various different sources of tax revenue. Irrespective of the source, however, taxes are always levied in amounts decided by the relevant laws. Usually, taxes are calculated as a percentage of something, such as income or home value. Sometimes, however, they are simply collected as a flat fee (usually in exchange for a license or permit).

In case you were wondering, paying your taxes in South Portland is mandatory. The law states it. So, if you don't pay your taxes, with extremely few exceptions, you are guilty of a crime, and will be punished accordingly.

Sources of Tax Dollars in South Portland, Maine

In South Portland, StateName>, taxes can come from a range of sources, such as sales tax, licensing money, and bridge/road tolls.

Sales Tax: In South Portland, the sales tax is a tax that's added to the price of goods at the point of sale. Usually, you have to pay a city sales tax on top of whatever sales tax is levied by . Typically, the local sales tax is much smaller than the state tax, which is usually in the area of 5-8%, with the city tax most often being less than one percent.

Licensing Fees: The government of South Portland issues licenses for engaging in a wide number of different activities. Most often, they issue business licenses, which business owners must obtain before operating any type of business in city limit. The most important of this process is usually paying a fee. While these taxes are called "fees," instead of "taxes," they are functionally identical, and serve the same purpose (namely, raising revenue).

Bridge/Road Tolls: Most large cities in the U.S. charge fees, or tolls, on automobiles entering the city via public bridges and highways. This money is, more or less, a tax on everybody who drives into South Portland via public infrastructure. This means that everyone who visits is obligated to make at least a small contribution to the government services they'll be using while there.

How Can a South Portland, Maine Tax Attorney Help?

In South Portland, Maine, many different laws and regulations govern taxes, making the theoretically simple task of determining one's tax liability pretty convoluted. On top of that, there are many different breaks and exemptions that apply to specific types of groups and individuals, further complicating things.

So, if you have any questions or problems with your taxes in South Portland, Maine, it's very important to speak with a qualified South Portland tax law specialist.