Corporate Tax Lawyers in Pleasanton

In Pleasanton, California, a "corporation" is specified as a legal entity that's separate from its owners. Therefore, from a legal standpoint, the owner of a corporation and the corporation itself are not the same "person."

This rule is called "corporate personhood." Essentially, under the law of California, corporations are, in many ways, the same as individual human beings. Therefore, corporations have some of the same legal rights and obligations as actual people.

As a prime example, corporations have to pay income taxes, just as a person would.

Corporate Tax Rate in Pleasanton, California

All corporations in America have to pay a federal income tax. Numerous states also have a corporate income tax, which corporations operating in Pleasanton, California have to pay.

In most states, and at the federal level, corporations are taxed at a different rate than individuals. At the federal level, the corporate income tax maxes out at 35% for corporations that earn more than .3 million per year. Corporations that earn less than ,000 per year are taxed at 15%. There are many tax brackets in between. Nonetheless, the individual federal income tax rate tops at 33%.

The corporate tax rate in California may also differ from the individual tax rate. However, in many states, the corporate tax rate is lower than the individual income tax rate. This is because many states believe that the ideal way to attract business (and thus improve their economies) is to have a low corporate tax rate.

In Pleasanton, California, corporations must pay both the federal and state corporate income tax. Failing to pay these taxes can result in grave punishment, including huge fines which can put a corporation out of business.

How Can a Pleasanton, California Corporate Tax Lawyer Help?

Many larger corporations have lawyers and accountants who guarantee that they are in complete compliance with both state and federal tax law.

Of course, smaller companies in Pleasanton can't afford to have full-time legal and accounting departments on their payroll. Therefore, if your business is organized as a corporation, and has an issue with its taxes, it's necessary that you contact a Pleasanton, California tax attorney as soon as possible.