Tax Lawyers in Santa Barbara
The government of Santa Barbara, 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, 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. 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, California
Taxes can come from a wide variety of sources in Santa Barbara, 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, 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 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, 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, California Tax Attorney Help?
In Santa Barbara, 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.
Thus, if you have any questions or problems with your taxes in Santa Barbara, California, it's very important to speak with a knowledgeable Santa Barbara tax law specialist.