Corporate Tax Lawyers in St. Helena

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

This rule is called "corporate personhood." Basically, under the law of California, corporations are, in many ways, the same as individual human beings. Thus, 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 St. Helena, California

Essentially every for-profit corporation in the U.S. is required to pay taxes on its income each year. Most states also have their own corporate income tax. All corporations in St. Helena, California are required to pay it.

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 various tax brackets in between. However, the individual federal income tax rate tops at 33%.

In California the corporate tax rate probably differs from the individual tax rate as well. In many states, policymakers have determined that the local economy benefits most when it is business-friendly. In those states, the corporate tax rate is normally lower than the individual income tax rate, unlike the federal system, where the corporate tax rate is higher.

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

How Can a St. Helena, California Corporate Tax Lawyer Help?

Most larger corporations have lawyers and accountants who ensure that they are in full compliance with both state and federal tax law.

But most smaller St. Helena corporations cannot afford to have these professionals on staff. Thus, they simply hire them as needed. If you are a business owner, and you have questions about corporate taxation, you should seek the counsel of a competent and trustworthy tax lawyer in St. Helena, California as soon as you can.