Tax Law in Louisiana

Tax law refers to the regulations governing the calculating, filing, and paying of taxes. When handling tax law cases, attorneys may manage taxes at various levels, such as local, state, and federal. The practice of this type of law involves understanding, defending, and resolving issues related to payment or non-payment.

If you hire a qualified Louisiana professional to handle your business or personal taxes, you may feel protected from disputes. However, even a misplaced comma or added zero can cause the IRS to believe you owe more than you do. In some instances, accountants might also take deliberate actions that result in legal and financial repercussions.

Louisiana Tax Law affirms that the state draws revenue not only from income and sales taxes, but also from Property taxes, rental taxes, and even stadium and hotel occupancy taxes. Louisiana generally has a sales tax rate of 4.45%. However, depending on the local or municipal government, some residents face sales taxes as high as 11.45%.

Tax Law Topics to Understand

If you find yourself facing Louisiana taxation issues, understanding tax law and how it works can help. Most Americans have only basic knowledge of how the tax systems work, and with good reason. They are complex. Small business owners need to understand tax law and how it impacts their business. Here are some essential tax law topics to get you started.

IRS Audits

An IRS audit is a review of an experienced Louisiana individual’s or an organization’s finances and accounts to ensure accuracy. The audit may also uncover discrepancies business owners were not aware existed.

These are just a few of the things the IRS looks for when conducting an audit:

• Does your lifestyle match your income?
• Are you passing off personal expenses as business expenses?
• Are you overstating any of your business expenses?
• Did you fail to report any business income or did you inflate that income?
• Do your payroll taxes match that of your employees?
• If your business handles a lot of cash,  are you diverting any of this into your own pocket?

If you are about to have your business audited, consider hiring a qualified Louisiana tax law attorney. They can help you to navigate the complex process ahead and offer advice as issues arise.

Tax Evasion

Tax evasion refers to any activity an individual or business in Louisiana engages in to reduce or avoid their tax liabilities. There are two types of tax evasion: evasion of assessment and evasion of payment.

Evasion of assessment means the taxpayer performed an action with the goal of defeating the assessment of a tax. The under-reporting of taxes is a common example of this. Evasion of payment means that you avoid paying the IRS by hiding money or assets that should become taxed.

Here are some examples of tax evasion:

• Keeping a double set of books
• Overstating deductions
• Destroying financial records
• Concealing sources of income
• Filing a false return
• Making false invoices
• Holding property in another person’s name to avoid taxation

If you are found guilty of tax evasion in Louisiana, you can face hefty fines, prison time, or both.

Income Tax Fraud

Income tax fraud is the willful attempt to evade or defraud the IRS and Louisiana tax laws. Tax fraud occurs when an individual or business does any of the following:

• Prepares and files a false tax return
• Willfully fails to pay taxes
• Intentionally fails to file an income tax return
• Intentionally fails to report income received
• Makes fraudulent or false claims on the tax return

The Louisiana Legislature states that a wilful attempt to underpay, or avoid taxes constitutes a felony in the state. Failing to file a return can bring a penalty fee of 5% of the taxes owed for the fiscal year. However, defrauding the government or attempting to illegally withhold taxes can mean jail time, or a $5,000 fine.

When Would You Need an Experienced Louisiana Tax Law Attorney?

Facing Legal Issues Regarding Taxes

If you’re under investigation from the IRS or planning a lawsuit against, you will need a Louisiana attorney who practices tax law. To illustrate, counsel can help collect the information you need and create a viable defense.

When Starting a Business

There’s more to starting a business in Louisiana than selling products or services. You also need to determine the business type and structure. This status, in turn, determines how the business and your earnings get taxed. Choosing the wrong business structure can cost you.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue collects both corporate income and franchise taxes in the state. Every corporation deriving income from the state has to file a return in louisiana. In addition, franchise taxes, also known as “privilege taxes”, must be filed annually. However, certain institutions are exempt from franchise taxes. For example non-profits, and certain LLCs are exempt.

If You Have a Taxable Estate

If your estate is worth more than $11.58 million, or $23.16 million if you’re married, your estate might get taxed up to 40% for surpassing that threshold. No one wants a huge portion of their estate going to the IRS instead of their heirs. This is why wealthy people involve tax lawyers in their estate planning process.

Smart Asset lists Louisiana as one of the 38 states that does not seek to collect an estate tax once an individual passes away. However, this does not mean that there aren’t inheritance taxes and gift taxes that must be navigated. If you desire to keep what is yours, you should hire an experienced attorney in Louisiana.

Work with an Experienced Tax Law Lawyer in Louisiana

Facing issues related to tax law can feel overwhelming. No one wants to go head-to-head with the IRS. Experienced Louisiana tax law lawyers have the expertise you need, from conducting audits to defending you in court.  We can even help you connect with an attorney across Louisiana state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!