Tax Lawyers in Westwood

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

In Westwood, Massachusetts, there are many 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 Westwood 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 Westwood, Massachusetts

A wide variety of activities are subject to taxation in Westwood, 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 Westwood 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: In Westwood, licenses are required to engage in many different activities, or at least to do so legally. The most common of these are business licenses. While some professions require licenses because the state has an interest in ensuring competence in them (in law and medicine, for instance), many business licenses exist for the primary purpose of collecting revenue, and therefore serve 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 everyone who drives into Westwood via public infrastructure. This means that everyone who visits is required to make at least a small contribution to the government services they'll be using while there.

How Can a Westwood, Massachusetts Tax Attorney Help?

Tax Law in Westwood, Massachusetts is sometimes simple. More often than not, however, some wrinkle appears that makes determining one's tax liability more perplexing 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.

Accordingly, it's very important that you seek the advice of a qualified Westwood, Massachusetts tax attorney if you have any type of issue involving local taxes.