Phone: (949) 855-9250

Contact a Qualified Laguna Hills Business Tax Attorney Contact Laguna Hills Business Taxation Lawyers Beck & Christian by filling out our Business Tax Case Evaluation Form, or call us directly at (949) 855-9250 to make an appointment for a consultation. Dedicated to helping our corporate and business clients successfully navigate complex business tax matters since 1978.

Expert Business Tax Lawyers in Laguna Hills Laguna Hills Business Tax Attorneys at Beck & Christian have more than 35 years’ experience providing expert tax advice to businesses, and representing them in State & Federal tax audits and tax controversies. We also offer the following business and corporate tax services to our clients: • U.S. and Foreign Tax Planning • Business & Corporate Taxation • Business Continuation Agreements • Family Business Succession Strategies • California Property Taxation • California Sales Tax Issues & Audits • Tax Issues Arising from Employee Misclassification • Payroll Tax Matters • Employment Tax Issues • Business Formation Selection to Maximize Tax Benefits • Tax Strategies with Respect to Business Owned Property The Laguna Hills Law Firm Beck & Christian is committed to providing the highest quality advice and representation, and we zealously represent all of our clients’ best interests. We are dedicated to contributing to the success of your business by standing by our promise to not only deliver cost-efficient expert legal counsel, but also maintain good communication. We will make every effort to return calls by the end of the business day and respond to our clients’ written correspondence as soon as possible. When you need our services, we will be there for you. Business Taxation FAQ | Beck & Christian, APC What are Sales Tax Audits? Every commercial business has the potential to be the target of a sales tax audit. This is an attempt by the State of California to determine whether a particular business has paid the correct amount of sales taxes. During an audit, the State Board of Equalization will investigate and search for revenue which was not properly taxed. In addition, they are looking for instances where a business collected the sales tax, but did not properly remit it to the state. In an audit, the highest priority is to protect your rights, preserve your interests, and resolve the matter in the most timely and cost-efficient way possible. An experienced business taxation attorney can help you navigate the audit and appeals process while potentially making a significant difference in the outcome for you and your business. How are Employment Taxes Paid by Employers? Employers have the responsibility to calculate and pay taxes to the government for each employee. A business is expected to withhold a certain amount from the employee’s pay while also contributing funds for certain taxes. This process can be complex because the amount is based on several variables which are different for each employee. For example, these fixed withholding amounts can vary due to the pay period and the employee’s filing status. The amount will also depend on the number of withholding allowances an employee has claimed. In California, employers must maintain compliance by establishing and maintaining current accounts with the California State Employment Development Department. How can Employee Misclassification cause Problems? A business is taxed differently depending on a worker’s employment status. Is a worker classified as an employee, or is the worker an independent contractor? An independent contractor is not an employee. An independent contractor performs a service that is outside the company’s regular scope of business. A business must apply several tests put forward in California’s Labor Code when considering how to classify workers. Recent legislation in California has adjusted the traditional definition of independent contractors. If a business is found to have misclassified its workers, they may face significant penalties. The State handles these wage violations seriously. Misclassification can lead to additional payroll tax issues. What is involved in Business Property Taxation Issues? California requires businesses to pay property taxes by a certain date each year. These taxes are similar to the manner in which individuals pay property taxes. The amount due is based on the assessed value of each real estate asset. Failure to comply may lead to harsh fines. It is necessary for business owners to manage due dates and amounts. The business owner needs to be knowledgeable of the exact items to include as part of the cost of the asset, such as sales taxes, installation, and freight charges. In addition, the County Assessor’s office may send an adjustment notice for property values which could increase the amount of taxes due. When a property owner has reason to believe the taxes are too high, they may file an appeal with the Assessment Appeals Division of the county clerk’s office. If certain restrictions are met, a business owner may be able to deduct property taxes as a business expense. To avoid business property taxation issues, a business owner can work with an expert in business taxation issues.