Best Tax Attorneys in Lawrence

FAQs

• Where does the Tax Court hold trial sessions closest to Lawrence, Kansas?

  Wichita is the nearest location to Lawrence where U.S. Tax Court trial sessions take place. Please note that these sessions handle small tax cases exclusively and do not occur in a permanent courtroom. For the exact address, always refer to the notice of trial.

• Where is the low-income taxpayer clinic that is closest to Lawrence, Kansas?

  The closest low-income taxpayer clinic to Lawrence is the Kansas Legal Services LITC, located at 712 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66603.

• What is the total sales tax imposed by the City of Lawrence, and how is it distributed?

  Lawrence imposes a sales tax of 1.55 cents, distributing the revenue across various domains. One cent of the total sales tax supports general city functions. A temporary special sales tax of 0.55 cents, set to terminate in 2029, fulfills unique requirements. From this special tax, 0.3 cents go to infrastructure and roadworks, 0.2 cents fund public transportation projects, and the residual 0.05 cents aid affordable housing programs.

• Who sets the property tax rates in Lawrence, and how often are these taxes levied?

  In Lawrence, property taxes are levied yearly by four distinct entities: Douglas County, the Kansas State government, Unified School District #497, and the Lawrence City administration. Each body sets its tax rates based on its individual needs. These levies are a critical funding source, accounting for more than half of all school district financing, and equally vital for sectors like public safety, health, recreation, public transportation, and infrastructure for water and sanitation.

• How is the residential property tax calculated in Lawrence?

  In Lawrence, residential property tax is determined by multiplying the appraised value of the property by 11.5% to obtain the assessed value. Then, the assessed value is multiplied by the mill levy, and $46.00 is subtracted — a credit given for the first $20,000 assessment on the school mill levy's general portion. This sum, however, doesn't account for any special assessments, such as those for sidewalks or streets.

• What is the process for property owners in Lawrence to apply for property tax abatement?

  To apply for a total property tax abatement in Lawrence, property owners must fill out the TX Application Form and furnish a legally sworn statement supported by the necessary documentation. They must demonstrate eligibility through industrial revenue bonds or property engagement in manufacturing, R&D, or commercial goods storage. If the proof is deemed insufficient, the exemption may not be granted. All applications undergo review by the county appraiser before a recommendation is made.

• What type of tax incentive is available to startups in Lawrence, and how can one qualify?

  The Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Program is available to startups in Lawrence. To qualify, startups must keep their primary operations and headquarters in Kansas for at least five years, or 10 years for bioscience companies, according to KSA 74-8136(g). These tax credits aim to stimulate economic growth and employment by enhancing investment in innovative firms. Before these tax credits are issued, an agreement must be signed with the Kansas Development Corporation, which administers the KAITC, and the qualified Kansas businesses.