Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Tax Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Tax Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law and Federal Crimes for California on
Q: My employer gave me two different 1099 one with the wrong ss # and decided to file my taxes without my permission

They filled my taxes without my permission as a business owner who lost $108

Robert Weinstein
Robert Weinstein
answered on Dec 6, 2024

You have a few issues here. First, and maybe most important is it's generally illegal to sign another's original tax return without proper authorization. You may wish to contact the IRS and the identity theft department regarding another filing your tax return, or speak to an attorney... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Tax Law for California on
Q: My brother owes 10% of the house and I owe 90% of the house. My brother wants to do a quit claim deed and give me the

house. Can I avoid property tax? Both of our name is on the grant deed.

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Dec 3, 2024

Unfortunately, almost all exchanges of real estate in California will cause the property tax rate to increase. There are VERY FEW exceptions (one such exception applies when a person transfers real estate to their spouse.) There are no exceptions for property transfers to siblings, cousins,... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Tax Law for California on
Q: What is a trustee called after the grantor dies? The trustee was also listed as a co trustee.

Living trust has stocks worth 1.5 million. The financial institution wants to divide all stocks and move into beneficiaries account. When beneficiaries sell stock do they pay capital gains from stocks original purpose or from date received forward? Or is it better to sell all stocks and distribute... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Nov 4, 2024

The legal term “Trustee” is the title of the person with the right to handle assets in the trust and who must fulfill all the legal duties associated with that right. The word “Co-Trustee” means there are two people serving together as Trustees. They may have to do everything together or... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Tax Law for California on
Q: I have $330k CDTFA tax debt on failed during COVID S Corp. Am I personally responsible?

My wife and I were 25% each and my sister 50% owner's and officer's. Couldn't afford business BK, filed personal CH 7. CDTFA is liening my home for the debt.

Jorge Alesna Jr.
PREMIUM
Jorge Alesna Jr. pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 19, 2024

You can be held liable for the tax debt, and it appears that the CDTFA may have already made a dual determination if they placed a lien on your house.

A dual determination holds a person liable for a tax obligation shared with another, here, the corporation.

Under Revenue and...
View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Tax Law for California on
Q: I have $330k CDTFA tax debt on failed during COVID S Corp. Am I personally responsible?

My wife and I were 25% each and my sister 50% owner's and officer's. Couldn't afford business BK, filed personal CH 7. CDTFA is liening my home for the debt.

David S. Greenberg
PREMIUM
David S. Greenberg
answered on Sep 19, 2024

A person may be held personally liable for a business’ unpaid sales tax if the elements of California Revenue & Taxation Code (RTC) § 6829 and Regulation § 1702 are met. Section 6829 requires that the person subject to dual responsibility for the taxes is both a “responsible person” and... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for California on
Q: is selling a house that was inherited taxable?

my Brother sister and I inherited a house from our dad who passed away. He did not live in that house as his primary residence. We are selling the house. It is in escrow. Do we have to pay California tax on the sales price?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 26, 2024

When you sell an inherited house in California, the key factor for tax purposes is the stepped-up basis. The stepped-up basis is the property's fair market value at the date of your father's death. This value is used to determine the gain or loss when you sell the house.

If the...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: If I got a paycheck for doing work at a friend's company, and then wanted to give that friend a cash gift, is that ok?

Essentially I did work at a company and got paid by the company. I also want to give a gift to a friend. Would it raise any flags that the friend I want to give the gift to is also the owner of the company I worked for?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 2, 2024

To answer this question, we need to consider several aspects of tax law and potential implications. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Legitimate income:

First, it's important that the paycheck you received for work at your friend's company is legitimate income....
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Advice on Feasibility of a Lease-to-Own Agreement for Real Estate Investment

Hello,

I need advice on a potential lease-to-own arrangement. I invested in a person who can’t pay me back. He owns several properties but has low equity (around 25%). I’m considering renting the properties from him, making the mortgage payments directly to the bank, and taking... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jun 29, 2024

Thank you for your question!

You need an attorney to draft a lease agreement for you to protect your rights. If you are paying directly to the bank, you do not have to worry about the landlord's defaults.

You need to record the lease in the country recorder to protect your...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Advice on Feasibility of a Lease-to-Own Agreement for Real Estate Investment

Hello,

I need advice on a potential lease-to-own arrangement. I invested in a person who can’t pay me back. He owns several properties but has low equity (around 25%). I’m considering renting the properties from him, making the mortgage payments directly to the bank, and taking... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 29, 2024

Here's an overview of the key considerations for your proposed lease-to-own arrangement:

Legal feasibility:

This type of arrangement is generally legally possible in California, but would need to be carefully structured. You'd likely use a combination of a lease agreement...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: By the language within this settlement agreement do I have to pay taxes?

1. PAYMENT OF MONEY

In consideration for the execution of the general release and agreement to the other terms

of this Agreement by Claimant herein, Respondent will pay a Total Settlement of (xxxxxxxxxxxx) (“Settlement Sum”)

to

Claimant. The consideration paid... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 29, 2024

Based on the language provided in this settlement agreement, it appears that you will likely need to pay taxes on at least part of the settlement amount, but not necessarily on all of it. Here's a breakdown:

1. The portion described as "Non-Wage Payment" for "non-wage...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Is sibling buyout payment taxable?

We are 3 siblings/beneficiaries of our mother's trust. Our sister wants to buyout the 2 of us. Will the buyout payment each of us receive be taxable? Will either of us 2 buyout recipients be responsible for higher property tax payments if they become due prior to the sibling property transfer?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 27, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's a general overview of the tax implications for a sibling buyout in California:

1. Taxability of the buyout payment:

The taxability of the buyout payment depends on several factors:

a) If the buyout is for your share of the...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for California on
Q: Will paying off an $8,000 credit card bill in cash raise a red flag w/ the IRS
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 26, 2024

Paying off an $8,000 credit card bill in cash is unlikely to automatically raise a red flag with the IRS. However, there are a few considerations:

1. Cash transactions over $10,000 must be reported by businesses to the IRS.

2. Multiple smaller cash payments to avoid the $10,000...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for California on
Q: Informal Profit Share Agreement Taxes

If an individual has an informal profit share agreement, how can this be made clear when doing taxes? (He is in Tennessee, and his partner is in California.)

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

When it comes to reporting income from an informal profit-sharing agreement for tax purposes, it's important to ensure that both parties report their respective shares of the profits accurately on their tax returns. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Documentation: Even if the...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Probate for California on
Q: Estate earns rental income from my deceased dad's house; question on capturing that correctly on 1041 and Schedule E.

I'm executor of my dad's will and his only child and beneficiary. He willed his house to me and we refurbished it and rented it out at the end of 2023. There is a small amount of income from that rental that accrues to the estate, therefore. Doing the 2023 1041 form and Schedule E for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems that for estate tax purposes, you should use the date of your father's death as the acquisition date of the property and the stepped-up fair market value (FMV) as the new cost basis for depreciation.

Here's the rationale:

1. When...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for California on
Q: I have a credit from a previous payment that wasn't applied to 2023 taxes balance.

I paid my 2023 federal taxes online through the IRS payment website, but my taxes were not accepted until after this happened. When I go to my account on IRS.gov it shows the payment made, but it wasn't applied to my taxes balance and there is not a way to do this via the website that I have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 18, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems like you have a credit on your IRS account from a previous payment that was not properly applied to your 2023 tax balance. Here are a few steps you can take to resolve this issue:

1. Contact the IRS directly: Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law, Tax Law and Business Law for California on
Q: Is consulting with an attorney a privileged communication

I am a pro se. The opposing council is demanding discovery of my communications with attorneys I consult with. I declined to provide information other than a privilege log. He's now threatening to move for request to compel discovery. Can he do that?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 14, 2024

Under California law, communications between a client and an attorney are generally considered privileged and confidential, even if you are representing yourself (pro se). This privilege means that you are not required to disclose the content of your communications with attorneys you have... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Sell/buy CA homes as joint tenant with sibling, both seniors, only he lives in new one; how is the property tax figured?

This is considering the "claim for transfer of base year value to replacement primary residence for persons at least age 55 years." Can we have the property tax paid only in his name, keeping his old prop. tax amount? Or do I have to pay property tax on my full share of the property... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2024

In California, if you and your senior sibling buy a home together as joint tenants and only your sibling lives in the new home, the property tax treatment will depend on several factors. Here's what you should know:

1. Proposition 60 and 90: If your sibling is over 55 and meets certain...
View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Tax Law for California on
Q: what should beneficiaries of a family trust do when the grantor and trustee (81) can no longer pay property tax?

I have been appointed as executor once she can no longer manage. Does spending the estate down, then unable to pay property taxes grounds for removal as trustee of estate? She has until the end of this month (June 2024) to pay $2,770 in property tax or it will fall into default. The property is... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jun 2, 2024

I usually describe the succession of executors and trustees like a baseball team. The person up to bat right now is your loved one who owns the property and is the executor (if they have a Will) or trustee (if they have a Trust). You and the other “back up” executors or trustees are waiting in... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Tax Law for California on
Q: what should beneficiaries of a family trust do when the grantor and trustee (81) can no longer pay property tax?

I have been appointed as executor once she can no longer manage. Does spending the estate down, then unable to pay property taxes grounds for removal as trustee of estate? She has until the end of this month (June 2024) to pay $2,770 in property tax or it will fall into default. The property is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 2, 2024

As a beneficiary of the family trust, you need to ensure the property tax is paid to prevent the property from falling into default. Since the current trustee is unable to manage the payments, you should consider stepping in to help manage the trust's financial obligations.

First, try...
View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law, Personal Injury and Tax Law for California on
Q: Deadlines to respond to RFAs

I served 76 RFAs and interrogatories to the defendant on April 29th. I also served a declaration to the court in support of the over-the-limit RFAs. On May 20th, the Defendant threatened to Oppose the RFAs if I didn't reduce them to 35. So I did. The deadline to respond was May 29th, but they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 31, 2024

Under California law, the deadline to respond to Requests for Admissions (RFAs) is 30 days from the date of service, unless otherwise agreed upon or ordered by the court. Since you initially served the RFAs on April 29th, the responses were due by May 29th. The defendant’s claim that the deadline... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.