Best Tax Attorneys in Cambridge

FAQs

• Where does the Tax Court hold trial sessions closest to Cambridge, Massachusetts?

  The United States Tax Court nearest Cambridge is in Boston. Tax cases are litigated in Courtroom 5 on the 12th Floor of the John W. McCormack Post Office & Courthouse at 5 Post Office Square, Boston 02109.

• Where is the low-income taxpayer clinic that is closest to Cambridge, Massachusetts?

  People from Cambridge may take part in the low-income taxpayer clinics of the Greater Boston Legal Services and Asian American Civic Association. Their contact information is as follows: (1) Greater Boston Legal Services 60 Gore Street, Suite 203 Cambridge, MA 02141 Phone number: (617) 371-1234 ; (800) 323-3205 (2) Asian American Civic Association LITC 87 Tyler Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111 Phone number: (617) 426-9492

• How can a taxpayer in Cambridge justify failure to file an FBAR?

  There are two acceptable reasons if a taxpayer fails to file an FBAR in Cambridge. The first one is the “Significant Mitigating Factors." Some examples of this case are when the taxpayer has historically been complying with FBAR requirements or was not required an FBAR filing before failing to file. The second cause is called “Events Beyond the Filer’s Control." Some examples of the second cause are when the taxpayer fails to file an FBAR because of the IRS agents' actions or the scarcity of related business records due to unexpected events.

• Does Cambridge have an excise tax on vehicles?

  The state excise tax is $25 per $1,000 of the vehicle value and the minimum is $5. If you have related concerns on the excise tax, call the city's Finance Department at (617) 349-4220. Check your balance by calling Voice Response (IVR) at (617) 314-8226. You can also visit the City Hall at 795 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139.

• Are you required to prepare a pretrial memorandum for your Cambridge case in tax court?

  Yes, the tax court usually attaches a pretrial memorandum form on pretrial orders, and you are encouraged to submit it. The memorandum can assist the judge in evaluating your situation and help you with organizing your Cambridge tax case. Carefully read the notice and follow the instructions. Then, send a copy to the IRS attorney once you submit the memorandum to the court.

• Can the IRS's Voluntary Disclosure Practice help a taxpayer in Cambridge who is facing criminal prosecution?

  Yes, the Voluntary Disclosure Practice can be an option for individuals in Cambridge with tax-related crimes. Applying for voluntary disclosure means the taxpayer is pursuing legal protection from criminal prosecution. However, it will not automatically assure immunity but rather it may lead to the case being endorsed for non-prosecution. Be informed that this method does not apply to taxpayers prosecuted for unlawful sources of income whether under state or federal laws.

• What should you do if you do not agree with the state auditor's findings in Cambridge?

  If you do not agree with the state auditor's findings, you can submit the case to the Appellate Tax Board. The deadline to file an appeal is around 30 days before the audit results are considered final. Appeals can be submitted by mail or hand carried to the ATB office at 100 Cambridge St., Suite 200, Boston, MA 02114.