Corporate Tax Lawyers in Lexington

In Lexington, Massachusetts, a "corporation" is an entity that is, under the law, distinct from any of its owners. Basically, this means that the people who own a corporation, and the corporation itself, are distinct "persons."

This concept is referred to as "corporate personhood" in Massachusetts, and it essentially means that, for many purposes under the law, corporations are treated the same as individual people, being subject to many of the same rights and responsibilities.

One of the main legal duties a corporation has is the requirement that it pay taxes on its income, just as a person would.

Corporate Tax Rate in Lexington, Massachusetts

Every profit-earning corporation in the U.S. must, legally, pay the federal corporate income tax. Most states also have their own corporate income tax, which corporations located in Lexington, Massachusetts have to remit.

At the federal level, and in some states, corporations are taxed at different rates from individuals. Federally, the top corporate tax rate is 35% - a rate applying to corporations earning more than .3 million per year. Corporations earning less than ,000 a year pay a 15% corporate tax rate, and there are a few tax brackets in between. For comparison, the federal income tax for individuals maxes out at 33%.

The corporate tax rate in Massachusetts 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 best way to attract business (and therefore improve their economies) is to have a low corporate tax rate.

Whatever their legal tax rate, all corporations in Lexington, Massachusetts are required to comply with state and federal income tax laws. Failure to pay income tax can be punished by massive fines, which can sometimes prove financially ruinous.

How Can a Lexington, Massachusetts 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.

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