Experienced And Skilled New Jersey Tax Lawyer
New Jersey is known for its excellent quality of life, top-notch education, strong health care systems, low crime rates and long life expectancy. However, the Garden State is also known for its heavy tax burden, ranking at or near the top for personal and business taxes. Working with a skilled tax attorney in New Jersey can make a big difference in handling audits, staying compliant and lowering tax bills for residents and businesses dealing with New Jersey’s complex tax system.
Through careful planning and strong advocacy, Goldburd McCone LLP, a leading tax attorney firm in New Jersey, helps people, businesses and nonprofits reduce their tax burdens and resolve disputes with the IRS or the New Jersey Division of Taxation. From our office in Lakewood, our experienced New Jersey tax lawyers offer complete help for audits, disputes and innovative tax strategies designed for compliance and cost reduction.
Property Taxes
New Jersey gets 45% of its revenue from property taxes, with an effective tax rate of 2.19%. High property values lead to homeowners’ average yearly tax bill of $9,196 (as of 2020). These funds mainly support the state’s education system (60%), with the rest going to counties (20%) and statewide infrastructure (20%). Because of this significant financial impact, hiring a tax appeal attorney in New Jersey can be vital for homeowners and commercial property owners who want to challenge wrong or too-high local assessor values.
Our tax attorneys in New Jersey focus on helping clients in property tax appeals, ensuring that values are fair and legally sound. Whether you’re fighting an assessment or seeking relief from high property taxes, our team offers comprehensive tax guidance to help you manage your property taxes.
Income Taxes
With seven tax brackets, New Jersey has some of the nation’s highest personal income tax rates. The top rate of 10.75% – which used to apply to incomes of $5 million – now affects incomes of $1 million or more, thanks to the new “millionaire tax.” People earning less than $20,000 don’t pay state income tax, which helps lower-income residents.
Residency audits create a big challenge for those who divide time between New Jersey and lower-tax states like Florida. The IRS and the New Jersey Division of Taxation closely check residency claims to prevent tax evasion. Our New Jersey tax lawyers have much experience defending clients in residency audits and advising on how to comply when moving to tax-friendly states. Talking to a tax advocate in New Jersey can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure proper records of your residency status.
New Jersey Sales Taxes
The statewide sales tax rate in New Jersey is 6.625%, which, while not the highest in the nation, is still high. Salem County enjoys a lower rate of 3.3% to compete with nearby Delaware, which has no sales tax. Businesses and people dealing with sales tax rules or disputes can benefit from the help of a tax attorney in New Jersey to ensure they follow state rules and solve any issues with the New Jersey Division of Taxation.
Inheritance Taxes
New Jersey is one of the few states still charging an inheritance tax. First-tier heirs, such as spouses, children, grandchildren and parents, don’t have to pay. However, other heirs – such as siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends and nonrelatives – may face tax rates of up to 16% on inherited assets. A New Jersey tax attorney can give key estate planning guidance to lower inheritance tax bills and ensure you follow state laws.
Business Taxes
The Tax Foundation ranks New Jersey 50th out of 50 states for its business tax climate, showing its challenging business setting. Besides personal taxes (income, property and sales), New Jersey imposes the nation’s highest corporate income tax, starting at 6.5% for the first $50,000 and reaching 11.5% for income over $1 million. For businesses facing audits or trying to improve their tax strategy, a New Jersey government tax audit attorney can provide valuable support in handling complex rules and fighting for fair treatment.
Why Choose A Full-Service New Jersey Tax Firm?
Dealing with New Jersey’s complex tax landscape requires sound legal advice. Goldburd McCone LLP has been a trusted leader in tax law since 1983, offering complete solutions for people, businesses and nonprofits. Our tax attorneys in New Jersey handle many matters, including:
- Property tax appeals: Fighting high values to reduce tax bills.
- Income tax audits: Defending clients in disputes with the IRS or New Jersey Division of Taxation.
- Business tax planning: Creating plans to lower corporate and personal tax bills.
- Residency audits: Ensuring compliance for those splitting time between states.
- Inheritance tax planning: Setting up estates to reduce tax burdens for heirs.
- Criminal tax matters: Providing strong defense in alleged tax evasion or fraud cases.
Our team combines deep knowledge of New Jersey’s tax laws with a client-focused approach, delivering custom solutions to meet your unique needs. Whether facing a New Jersey government tax audit or seeking proactive tax planning, our tax advocate professionals in New Jersey are here to help.
Navigating Tax Relief Options In New Jersey
If you’re struggling with tax debt or facing financial problems in New Jersey, a tax attorney in New Jersey can help you access several relief options. The state offers programs to ease tax burdens for qualifying residents and businesses.
Property Tax Relief Programs
New Jersey provides several property tax relief programs that many homeowners don’t fully use:
- Senior freeze program: Reimburses eligible seniors and disabled residents for property tax increases.
- Homestead benefit program: Offers property tax credits to qualifying homeowners.
- Veterans’ property tax deductions: Provides tax breaks for qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses.
- Property tax deduction/credit for senior citizens and disabled persons: Offers more relief for those who qualify.
Our tax appeal attorney in New Jersey team can check your eligibility and help you apply for these programs correctly to maximize your benefits.
Installment Agreements and Settlements
If you owe back taxes to New Jersey, you may qualify for:
- Installment payment plans: The New Jersey Division of Taxation allows taxpayers to pay their debt over time through payment plans.
- Offer in compromise: In cases of severe financial hardship, the state may accept less than the full amount owed.
- Penalty abatement: In some instances, penalties can be reduced or removed entirely.
As experienced tax attorneys in New Jersey, we’ve helped many clients negotiate reasonable terms with tax authorities, often significantly reducing their overall tax burden.
Tax Amnesty And Voluntary Disclosure
New Jersey sometimes offers tax amnesty programs that waive specific penalties for taxpayers who come forward independently. Even when formal amnesty isn’t available, the Voluntary Disclosure Program allows taxpayers who haven’t filed returns to comply with reduced penalties.
Our New Jersey tax lawyer team can guide you through these programs, ensuring you receive maximum benefit while lowering the risk of extra scrutiny.
Contact Us Today
Don’t let New Jersey’s complex tax system overwhelm you. Goldburd McCone LLP is ready to provide the experienced help and skilled advice you need to manage your tax duties effectively. Call our Lakewood office at 732-860-7961 to schedule a meeting, or contact us online. You can also reach us toll-free at 866-712-9505.