Tax Lawyers in Suffolk County

To pay for basic services like police, schools, firefighters, libraries, and hospitals, the government of Suffolk County, Massachusetts collects taxes.

In Suffolk County, Massachusetts, there are several different sources of tax revenue. Irrespective of the source, however, taxes are always levied in amounts determined by the relevant laws. Usually, 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 Suffolk County are legally required to pay their taxes. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties, criminal fines, and even imprisonment.

Sources of Tax Dollars in Suffolk County, Massachusetts

A wide variety of activities are subject to taxation in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, creating a large range of revenue sources. For example, cities usually impose a sales tax, charge fees for certain licenses, and collect tolls on roads and bridges.

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

Licensing Fees: The city of Suffolk County may require business owners to obtain 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: Many larger cities in the U.S. charge tolls to enter the city via major highways or bridges. This amounts to a tax paid for the privilege of entering Suffolk County if it has such toll roads. Besides being a general source of revenue, these tolls require visitors to the city, who will have many city services available to them while they visit, to pay at least some contribution to these services.

How Can a Suffolk County, Massachusetts Tax Attorney Help?

Tax Law in Suffolk County, Massachusetts is sometimes simple. More often than not, however, some wrinkle appears that makes determining one's tax liability more convoluted than it probably needs to be. Additionally, many individuals and groups are legally entitled to tax breaks and deductions, which can make figuring out one's tax liability even more difficult.

Therefore, it's extremely important that you obtain the advice of a qualified Suffolk County, Massachusetts tax attorney if you have any tax law questions.