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Frequently Asked Questions about Taxation
Q: What is taxation?
A: A tax is a compulsory payment by an individual or business entity to a governmental body. In practice, there may be little practical difference between a tax and a fee or charge. The legal distinctions, however, are important. One reason for this is that many states have restrictions on the ability of local governments to raise taxes in their constitutions or statutes.
Q: What is the Alternative Minimum Tax?
A: Congress created the alternative minimum tax (AMT) over three decades ago to prevent wealthy taxpayers from paying little or no tax due to various deductions, exemptions and other preferences in the tax code. The AMT requires people to recalculate their taxes using income that would otherwise be exempt from regular taxation.
The Internal Revenue Code is a complex set of regulations. If you have questions about tax issues, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced tax attorney for straightforward solutions that will work for you.
A tax dispute with the IRS requires immediate assistance from a tax attorney who knows how to protect your rights and negotiate the best possible result according to the facts and applicable law. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced tax lawyer.
The timely, cost-effective resolution of a tax law issue often calls for an attorney who is experienced in handling tax matters and dedicated to providing personal service. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with a tax attorney.
When you are faced with tax issues, an attorney who has regularly advised and represented clients in tax matters can help you achieve a resolution that serves your interests. To learn more about our legal services, contact the firm to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an experienced tax lawyer.
Legal Information About Taxes in the United States
Both businesses and individuals have obligations under the State of Georgia and U.S. Tax Code. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in serious financial consequences. In some cases, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may institute criminal proceedings against individuals who fail to pay the taxes they owe.
If you owe back taxes — whether you are an individual or a business owner — the worst thing to do is take no action. Face the problem head on, with help from a professional and knowledgeable tax law attorney.
The Georgia tax law firm of B. Phillips & Associates, P.C., has offices in Cumming, Alpharetta and Dunwoody.
We offer professional and knowledgeable legal help to taxpayers in negotiating settlements with the IRS and in filing appeals with the IRS Office of Appeals when negotiations fail. Contact our law firm to learn about our tax law practice and possible solutions to your tax problems.
Taxation - An Overview
In the United States, taxation - compulsory contributions imposed by government to pay for its services - has always been an important issue. "No taxation without representation" was a rallying cry of the American Revolution, and in 1773, Boston residents dumped hundreds of crates of tea into their harbor rather than pay a British tax on tea. In the early twentieth century, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes asserted famously "taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society." Today, taxation can still be contentious, and it has become more complex, as multiple levels of government all impose charges of various types on individuals and businesses. Today, the federal government, state government and local government can all impose taxes. In addition, numerous special taxing districts at the regional level impose taxes for items such as schools, utilities and transit. If you have questions about the tax laws, talk to a tax attorney.
Federal Income Tax Issues
Individuals can face a number of tax issues for which the assistance of an attorney is advisable. While an accountant can help an individual with filing his or her federal income tax return, a tax lawyer may be able to help if there are issues with that return. For example, an attorney can assist with IRS audits and litigation with the IRS over refunds or other issues. If you are dealing with a tax matter, an attorney can evaluate your situation and explain your options.
Civil and Criminal Tax Penalties
Failure to pay taxes or follow the Internal Revenue Service's rules and regulations can result in serious civil and criminal penalties. This article highlights the civil penalties for some of the common actions or omissions by taxpayers, as well as the penalties for various tax crimes. If you have questions about tax violations and potential penalties, contact an experienced tax attorney.
Taxpayers' Rights Regarding the IRS
In the mid-1990s, the poor treatment many taxpayers received from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) produced a national effort to establish the rights of taxpayers in dealings with the IRS. In 1996, Congress passed a Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act, which established a Taxpayer Advocate Service within the IRS. Two years later, following hearings investigating IRS abuses of power, Congress passed the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act to restructure the IRS and make it more responsive to taxpayers. This legislation is the starting point for understanding the rights of taxpayers in relation to the IRS, rights that are of particular interest to taxpayers filing the estimated 5 million individual and business returns that annually end up being audited or in some other dispute with the IRS. If you have questions about your rights as a taxpayer, schedule a consultation with a tax lawyer.
Alternative Minimum Tax
Congress created the alternative minimum tax (AMT) over three decades ago to prevent wealthy taxpayers from paying little or no tax due to various deductions, exemptions and other preferences in the tax code. The AMT is essentially a separate tax system that requires people to recalculate their taxes using income that would otherwise be exempt from regular taxation. For many years, the AMT affected few taxpayers but recently, application of the AMT has grown so rapidly that it now affects several million people. If you have questions about the AMT or whether it affects you, talk to an experienced tax lawyer.
Taxation Resource Links
Internal Revenue Service
This is the main IRS Web site. Follow the navigation links for specific information aimed at individuals, businesses and particular tax issues.
Taxpayers Advocate Service
This site describes the functions of the Taxpayer Advocate Service, which assists taxpayers who have disputes with the IRS.
Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board
This site provides information about the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, including details on the compliance procedures.
ABA Section of Taxation
Web page for the American Bar Association's Section of Taxation provides tax news and information.
United States Tax Court
Web site for the US Tax Court, which has jurisdiction of a variety of different tax disputes. The site has press releases, opinions and other information.
