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Find tax law specialists who understand how the law affects the formation, operation, and liquidation of corporations and partnerships from mergers and acquisitions, international business contracts, and internal corporate and partnership restructuring; gross income, exclusions, deductions, depreciation, basis, tax accounting; sales and financing and use and other business taxes, death duties, and property taxes and exemptions and U.S. taxation on foreign persons and enterprises in relation to inclusions and exclusions, the foreign tax credit, controlled foreign corporations, and tax avoidance. . Find Tax Law WFH freelancers on April 17, 2025 who work remotely. Read less
U.S. Tax Law governs how taxes are assessed, collected, and enforced by various levels of government—federal, state, and local. It's a complex body of statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative guidance that touches on income, estate, gift, excise, employment, sales, property, and other forms of taxation. Here's an in-depth look:
Key Aspects of U.S. Tax Law:
Federal Income Tax:
Individual: Based on a progressive tax system where rates increase with income, with brackets ranging from 10% to 37% (as of the last major update). Includes deductions and credits like the Standard Deduction, Child Tax Credit, etc.
Corporate: Corporations are taxed on their income, with a flat rate of 21% for federal taxes since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
State and Local Taxes:
Vary widely, with states imposing their own income, sales, property, and excise taxes. Some states have no income tax, while others have high rates.
Capital Gains Tax:
Applies to the profit from the sale of assets like stocks or real estate. Rates are generally lower than income tax rates, ranging from 0% to 20%, plus a potential 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax for high earners.
Estate and Gift Taxes:
Estate tax applies to property transfers upon death, while gift tax affects transfers during one's lifetime, both with significant exemptions and progressive rates.
Payroll Taxes:
Includes Social Security and Medicare taxes, affecting both employees and employers, with self-employed individuals paying both shares.
Excise Taxes:
Imposed on specific goods, services, or activities, like gasoline, alcohol, tobacco, and luxury items.
Issues in U.S. Tax Law:
Complexity: The tax code is notoriously complex, with frequent changes, leading to confusion for taxpayers and high compliance costs.
Tax Evasion and Avoidance: The IRS continually battles against illegal evasion and legal tax minimization strategies, which can be controversial.
Interpretation: Tax law often requires interpretation, leading to disputes resolved through litigation or IRS guidance.
International Taxation: With globalization, ensuring U.S. taxpayers pay on worldwide income, addressing tax treaties, and combating offshore tax evasion are ongoing challenges.
Tax Policy: Debates over tax fairness, rate structures, and incentives like deductions or credits can lead to significant policy shifts.
Digital Economy: Determining tax liabilities for digital goods and services, especially with differing state laws, presents new complexities.
Compliance Burden: Small businesses and individuals often struggle with the administrative burden of tax compliance.
Role of Online Legal Freelancers in Taxation Law:
Online legal freelancers can provide a range of services tailored to the complexities of U.S. tax law:
Tax Planning:
Advising on strategies to minimize tax liability legally, such as when to take income, how to structure business operations, or managing estate taxes.
Tax Preparation:
Assisting in preparing tax returns, ensuring all deductions and credits are accurately claimed, particularly for complex situations like business owners or expatriates.
Representation Before the IRS:
While freelancers might not represent in court, they can handle audit representation, respond to IRS notices, or help with appeals.
Research and Compliance:
Keeping clients updated on tax law changes, researching specific tax issues, or helping with compliance for new business structures.
Consultation on Tax Issues:
Offering advice on tax implications of major decisions like mergers, acquisitions, or personal financial planning.
State and Local Tax (SALT) Consulting:
Navigating the patchwork of state tax laws, especially for businesses operating across multiple states.
International Taxation:
Assisting with the tax compliance of U.S. citizens abroad or foreign entities in the U.S., including FATCA compliance.
Education and Training:
Providing workshops or seminars on tax law changes, compliance, or strategy for businesses or individuals.
How They Operate:
Platforms: Freelancers offer services through platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or specialized tax advice platforms like Taxfyle or TaxHub.
Flexibility: They can provide services on an as-needed basis, which is particularly useful for seasonal tax preparation or ad hoc advice.
Specialization: Freelancers might focus on niche areas within tax law, like international tax or tax for small businesses, offering deep expertise.
Cost-Effectiveness: Often, they can be more affordable than traditional tax firms due to lower overhead.
Remote Access: Clients can access tax advice no matter where they are located, crucial in a mobile and remote-working environment.
Challenges and Considerations:
Qualifications: Ensuring freelancers have the necessary expertise, often through certifications like Enrolled Agent (EA), CPA, or specialized tax law knowledge.
Jurisdiction: Tax laws differ significantly by state; freelancers must be knowledgeable about these variations.
Confidentiality: Tax information is sensitive, requiring stringent privacy practices.
Ethical Standards: Freelancers should adhere to ethical guidelines concerning tax advice, akin to those for traditional practitioners.
Regulatory Compliance: Freelancers must comply with IRS regulations on giving tax advice, including Circular 230.
By leveraging online freelancers, taxpayers can access specialized tax advice more conveniently and potentially at a lower cost. However, it's crucial for clients to verify the credentials and experience of these professionals to ensure they receive accurate and ethical tax services.
