Tax Lawyers in Andover

To pay for general services like police, schools, firefighters, libraries, and hospitals, the government of Andover, Massachusetts collects taxes.

In Andover, Massachusetts, there are numerous different sources of tax revenue. Irrespective of the source, however, taxes are always levied in amounts decided by the relevant laws. Typically, 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).

Residents of Andover are legally obligated to pay their taxes. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties, criminal fines, and even imprisonment.

Sources of Tax Dollars in Andover, Massachusetts

Taxes can come from a wide number of sources in Andover, Massachusetts, such as sales tax, administrative/licensing fees, and tolls.

Sales Tax: A sales tax in Andover is a surcharge added to the price of most goods that are sold by retailers to the general public. The government of further imposes a sales tax, which must be paid in addition to the local tax. Normally, local sales taxes are less than one percent, while state sales taxes are in the 5% range.

Licensing Fees: The city of Andover may require business owners to acquire a license from the local government before they begin operating within city limits. Typically, the main hurdle involved in obtaining one of these licenses is paying a fee to the city government. Although these payments are called "fees" as opposed to "taxes," they operate in the same way, and serve largely the same purpose, as taxes.

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 Andover 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 Andover, Massachusetts Tax Attorney Help?

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

Thus, if you have any questions or problems with your taxes in Andover, Massachusetts, it's very important to speak with a knowledgeable Andover tax law specialist.