Tax Law in Rapid City, SD

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 , South Dakota 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.

South Dakota is one of the few states without a personal income tax. Instead, Rapid City residents pay taxes in other ways. For example, purchases in the city are subject to a 6.5% sales tax. This combines both a state and city rate. In addition, Rapid City property owners are subject to Property Taxes. The county will assess your property and tax you on 85% of the full market value. The rate will depend on the property’s location and may involve multiple tax districts.

Tax Law Topics to Understand

If you find yourself facing , South Dakota 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 Rapid City, South Dakota 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 Rapid City 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 , South Dakota 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 Rapid City, South Dakota you can face hefty fines, prison time, or both.

Income Tax and Fraud

Income tax fraud is the willful attempt to evade or defraud the IRS and Rapid City 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

Since South Dakota does not have income taxes, most Rapid City tax fraud cases are federal crimes. These can result in large fines and up to 5 years in prison. However, South Dakota law does include a misdemeanor charge for fraudulent evasion of state use taxes.

When Would You Need an Experienced Rapid City, South Dakota Tax Law Attorney?

Facing Legal Issues Regarding Taxes

If you’re under investigation from the IRS or planning a lawsuit against you, you will need a qualified , South Dakota 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 , South Dakota 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.

South Dakota is one of only 4 states that does not impose either a corporate income tax or a franchise/privilege tax. Because of this, the only Rapid City businesses that pay state taxes are financial institutions. Of course, some corporations will still owe federal income taxes. Furthermore, there are some local taxes that may apply to your Rapid City Business. The Pennington County Treasurer will assess property taxes. In addition, some contractors may be subject to an excise tax.

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.

According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, Rapid City estates are not subject to any state taxes. However, they may still owe federal estate taxes if they meet the minimum value threshold.

Work with an Experienced Tax Law Lawyer In Rapid City, South Dakota

Facing issues related to tax law can feel overwhelming. No one wants to go head-to-head with the IRS. Experienced , South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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!