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California Tax Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for California on
Q: I run an e-commerce site connecting local buyers and sellers of baked goods. Am I required to collect sales tax?
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answered on Nov 17, 2023

Under California law, sales tax is generally applicable to retail sales of tangible personal property, which includes baked goods. As the operator of an e-commerce platform connecting buyers and sellers, your responsibility to collect sales tax depends on whether your business is considered a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Tax Law for California on
Q: Ca Judicial Council intercepted my CA state tax refund this year to satisfy a wage overpayment from my 2016 retirement.

I never received notice regarding an overpayment. They say they sent it but is was returned. I moved in 10/2017, mail was forwarded for 6 mos after that. What type of notice is required? Does this violate the 3 year statute of limitations under Gov Code s 19838?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 13, 2023

Under California law, proper notice is typically required before intercepting a tax refund for a debt such as a wage overpayment. The entity claiming the overpayment must make reasonable efforts to notify the debtor, often through mailed notices. If a notice is returned, further steps may be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Divorce filed 09/2023 (in CA). If husband files his taxes separately would any owed taxes be their joint responsibility?

CA case. Date of separation is filing date of 9/15/23. Couple still living together in home. Husband is retired and Wife is the major breadwinner (which is why husband wants to file separately). To stick her with the taxes. Shouldn't any taxes owed come out of the community property assests... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2023

In California, a community property state, income earned by either spouse during the marriage is typically considered community income, and both spouses are equally liable for taxes on that income. If a couple is married but files separately, they still generally share responsibility for any taxes... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Tax Law for California on
Q: If I gift to my heirs, which accounts should I gift from to reduce taxes after I die? Tax deferred, Roth or savings?
Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Nov 8, 2023

Funds coming out of a traditional (non-Roth) IRA or 401k are taxable whether taken out during life or when withdrawn after death. If all of your beneficiaries are natural persons then they will be required to make withdrawals from the traditional/taxable IRAs that you leave to them on a specified... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Probate for California on
Q: Is a lien attached to a person
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answered on Nov 6, 2023

In California, a lien is typically attached to a property rather than a person. It serves as a legal claim or hold on the property as security for a debt or charge that must be paid off. When the property is sold, the lien must be satisfied from the proceeds before clear title can be transferred to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for California on
Q: I get paid as a web developer with 1099. If I form a LLC, does that help me to pay less tax ?
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answered on Nov 4, 2023

Forming an LLC in California as a web developer may provide some tax advantages, such as potential deductions and business expense write-offs. However, it won't necessarily reduce your overall tax liability. California LLCs are subject to an annual franchise tax, and as the owner, you would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Tax Law and Business Law for California on
Q: California 2011 BPC Division 8 [18400 - 22948.7] Ch. 21.5 Money Exchange Houses section 22516

I recently exchanged money from a Money Exchange House registered with the corresponding authorities of the City of San Diego (in California). Their signage was misleading and they made a commission surcharge of 15% I was not aware of, taking $45 USD from the amount I exchanged.

I looked... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 31, 2023

Under California's Business and Professions Code (BPC) Division 8, Chapter 21.5, Money Exchange Houses are regulated to ensure transparency and fair dealings. Section 22516 mandates that a licensee conspicuously post and provide each customer a written disclosure of any and all fees and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for California on
Q: Do I have to pay taxes? If I do, how much would it be and how to do it?

I am a non US citizen living outside of the US who just got $85,150 deposited into my US bank account. This money came from a conversion of cash that I had in a drilled safe deposit box to a cashiers check and into my account. It figures as "bank credit".

Do I have to pay taxes... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2023

In the U.S., taxes are primarily based on income. If the deposit into your U.S. bank account represents a conversion of your own funds and not income earned, it is generally not considered taxable income. However, there are reporting requirements for foreign bank accounts and large cash... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and International Law for California on
Q: What happens if a person fails to disclose ownership of a foreign corporation that doesn't have any business activities?

What would the implications be for a U.S. tax individual who, unaware of the requirements to report ownership of foreign businesses, fails to disclose their ownership interest in a foreign company? Suppose this company isn't active and was believed to have been seized by a foreign government... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 28, 2023

U.S. taxpayers, regardless of where they reside, are generally required to report their worldwide income and disclose foreign financial interests. Failure to report foreign financial accounts and ownership interests can result in significant penalties under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Probate for California on
Q: How is a final tax return filed in California if the deceased does not have anyone in charge of assets below $100,000.

The deceased is divorced and has 2 children that do not want to be involved. The deceased never set up a will, power of attorney, conservatorship or legal representative for his finances.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 24, 2023

Under California law, when a decedent's assets are valued below $100,000 and there's no formal probate proceeding initiated, the heirs can use the "Affidavit Procedure for Collection or Transfer of Personal Property" to collect the deceased's assets. In this case, given... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for California on
Q: - Should I be unmarried to qualify for a head of a household? - Bank withdrawal without authorization

- In 2018 taxes, did I have to be unmarried to be considered as a head of a household, since three adult children werel living with me all students full time, and one is mentally challenged?

- FTB withdrew money from my account without sending me a notice or getting my authorization,... View More

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answered on Oct 20, 2023

For 2018, to qualify as "Head of Household" on your taxes, you did not need to be unmarried, but you must have maintained a home for a qualifying person, such as a dependent child, and paid more than half the costs of keeping up the home for the year. Having three full-time student adult... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: If I have been a guest in the same hotel room for 3 years am I supposed to be charged taxes in San Diego county
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answered on Oct 21, 2023

In San Diego County, as with the rest of California, hotel occupancy taxes, often referred to as transient occupancy taxes (TOT), are typically charged to guests who occupy a room in a hotel, inn, or other lodging for a period of 30 days or less.

However, if you've been a continuous...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Tax Law for California on
Q: Is it considered tax evasion to form an LLC for an online business in any state using a virtual mailbox address?
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answered on Oct 10, 2023

In California, merely forming an LLC for an online business using a virtual mailbox address is not, in itself, tax evasion. However, if one uses this setup to intentionally misrepresent their business operations, earnings, or other pertinent financial information to avoid paying taxes, it could be... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Tax Law, Banking and Probate for California on
Q: What to do w/lrg physical cash gift from an elderly relative? Legal, banking & IRS implications? Best courses of action.

My Uncle is 97 and intends to gift me a large amount in physical 'hard' cash either now or as an inheritance upon passing. He is admirable to whichever is more advisable. I desire to avoid a bank account freeze or other legal nonsense upon depositing of said funds i.e. 'fiat'... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Oct 8, 2023

There are many different ways to accomplish your objectives and each way has different tax implications. Depending on the amount a person wants to give away, he could give a gift of up to $17,000 (in 2023) per year without taxes. The recipient does not need to be a relative. But, if a person gives... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Business Formation for California on
Q: I'm looking for a pro-bono Attorney who specializes in Corporation entity to help me with our pre-revenue biz project.

Need a Business Attorney to join our Board, sweat equity for now until we get to our Series A funding.

Current state. Registered Delaware C Corp

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 10, 2023

Finding a pro-bono attorney for corporate matters can be challenging, as many attorneys offer pro-bono services primarily for public interest or individual needs. However, you can consider reaching out to local bar associations in California, as they sometimes have programs or can make referrals... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for California on
Q: I am 59 years old and my father wants to gift me 300k, do I have to pay taxes for it?
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answered on Oct 10, 2023

Under federal law, individuals can gift up to $17,000 per recipient each year without incurring a gift tax. Any amount above this is counted against the lifetime exemption, which is well over $12.92 million as of 2023. If your father has not exceeded this lifetime amount, he won't owe any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Business Formation for California on
Q: Is using a virtual address to form an LLC considered tax evasion if I don’t live in the state of the virtual address?

Is using a virtual mailbox address to form an online business considered tax evasion if it isn’t in the state where you live?

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answered on Sep 29, 2023

Using a virtual mailbox address to form an LLC in a state where you do not reside does not, by itself, constitute tax evasion. However, misrepresenting the primary place of business or not paying appropriate state taxes where the business operates can lead to tax liabilities and penalties.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Tax Law for California on
Q: Is using a virtual mailbox address for your business considered tax evasion if it’s not in the state where you live?

Can I use a virtual address when filing an LLC to establish my business legally?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 28, 2023

Using a virtual mailbox address for your business is not automatically considered tax evasion under California law. Many businesses use virtual addresses for legitimate reasons such as privacy and convenience. However, it's essential to ensure that your LLC complies with all relevant tax laws,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Banking, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: My bank account got FTB legal order on hold fund due to my husband not paying the tax, but we are separated

My husband and I are separated. After he stopped paying monthly support, I filed legally separated, and the court has ordered him to pay support, but he closed all the bank accounts (including joint accounts) and hiding outside of the US after selling his inheritance house. After filed separation,... View More

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answered on Sep 22, 2023

You may be able to file for innocent joint filer relief to address the tax liability issue caused by your husband's actions. You should consult with an attorney experienced in tax matters to guide you through the process and discuss potential options to release the hold on your bank account.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Tax Law for California on
Q: Settling on a wrongful termination case. My previous employer is insisting on taxing the full amount.

I want to change my w4 to exempt. I am currently not working and haven’t for several months. Can I claim exempt on the w4 before he issues the check?

Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
answered on Aug 28, 2023

It depends on what your former employer is willing to do. To protect itself, the employer must use the status it used when you worked there so that it does not get hit with penalties and other assessments.

This is a risk management issue for the employer.

Good luck to you.

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