Tax Lawyers in Baltimore
To pay for basic services like police, schools, firefighters, libraries, and hospitals, the government of Baltimore, Maryland collects taxes.
In Baltimore, Maryland, 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore, Maryland
A wide variety of activities are subject to taxation in Baltimore, Maryland, 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: In Baltimore, the sales tax is a tax that's added to the price of goods at the point of sale. Usually, you have to pay a city sales tax on top of whatever sales tax is levied by . Typically, the local sales tax is much smaller than the state tax, which is usually in the area of 5-8%, with the city tax most often being less than one percent.
Licensing Fees: The government of Baltimore issues licenses for engaging in a wide variety of different activities. Most often, they issue business licenses, which business owners must obtain before operating any type of business in city limit. The most important of this process is usually paying a fee. While these taxes are called "fees," instead of "taxes," they are functionally identical, and serve the same purpose (namely, raising revenue).
Bridge/Road Tolls: Some larger cities have tolls set up on every major highway that enters the city. Effectively, this amounts to a fee that you have to pay in order to enter Baltimore, if it imposes such a toll. The idea is that visitors from outside the city enjoy many of the protections provided by the city government while they're there (such as protection by the police), and should pay at least a token sum to contribute to those services.
How Can a Baltimore, Maryland Tax Attorney Help?
In Baltimore, Maryland, tax law can get pretty complicated. Taxes are levied on a huge range of products and activities, and they are often calculated in complex ways. Also, many groups and individuals are subject to special tax breaks and exemptions, which might or might not apply to you.
If you have any legal issues with your taxes, you should seek legal advice from a competent and reputable tax attorney in Baltimore, Maryland.