Tax Lawyers in Santa Barbara County

The government of Santa Barbara County, California collects taxes from its residents in order to pay for basic public services, like police and fire departments, libraries, hospitals, and public transit.

Taxes in Santa Barbara County, California are derived from a wide variety of sources. Regardless of the source, however, the amount that's taken is never arbitrary, and is always determined by law. A tax can come either in the form of a flat fee, or as a percentage of one's income, the value of a piece of property, or a sale.

You are legally-required to pay your taxes in Santa Barbara County. If you fail to pay your taxes, without a compelling reason, you are committing a crime, and may end up going to jail as a result.

Sources of Tax Dollars in Santa Barbara County, California

Taxes can come from a wide variety of sources in Santa Barbara County, California, such as sales tax, administrative/licensing fees, and tolls.

Sales Tax: Typically cities in the U.S., as well as most states, charge a sales tax. In Santa Barbara County, the sales tax is calculated as a percentage of the sale price of most goods and services. The rate varies from state to state, and city to city.

Licensing Fees: The government of Santa Barbara County issues licenses for engaging in a wide variety of different activities. Most frequently, 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 major cities charge a toll to enter them via major roads or bridges. These fees are meant to pay for the upkeep of general public infrastructure in Santa Barbara County, by imposing a tax on visitors to it. In theory, this means that people who visit the city are required to contribute to the upkeep of the infrastructure that they will be using while present there.

How Can a Santa Barbara County, California Tax Attorney Help?

In Santa Barbara County, California, tax law can get pretty complicated. Taxes are levied on a huge range of products and activities, and they are often calculated in confusing ways. Additionally, many groups and individuals are subject to special tax breaks and exemptions, which might or might not apply to you.

If you have any legal issues with your taxes, you should pursue legal advice from a skilled and reputable tax attorney in Santa Barbara County, California.