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What is Tax Law?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Tax law refers to the legislation that regulates the process of government collecting money from citizens or businesses. This money is usually a major source of revenue for governments, but laws are needed to ensure that it is taken in a just and fair manner. Tax law, therefore, tends to outline who must pay taxes and the rate at which they can be taxed. Legislation also addresses situations that may arise in the course of collecting and paying these dues, such as qualifying for exemptions or seeking remedy for non-payment.

It is common for this type of legislation to be referred to as administrative law or public law. Administrative law refers to regulations that are outlined by a government agency. In the United States, for example, much of the tax law is developed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Each state also has its own taxation agency. In some places, tax legislation is known as public law, which defines a category of regulations that affect a government’s interaction with the public and vice versa.

Tax law requires that individuals must be notified of their overdue tax bills.
Tax law requires that individuals must be notified of their overdue tax bills.

One of the first things that tax law usually does is establish a government’s authority to collect these funds through a particular agency. Once this has been done, a process needs to be put into place to determine how it will be collected. Sometimes, as is seen with sales tax, it is collected on a regular basis. In other instances, taxes may be collected on a periodic basis, such as annual or quarterly payments. This is often seen in instances such as those involving the income taxes due from self-employed individuals.

For the tax collection system to be fair, it must be determined not only who must pay, but how much they should pay. There are some taxes, such as those imposed on the sale of goods, which are usually charged at a flat rate for everyone. For example, two cents may be charged for every dollar spent, no matter who is making the purchase. In other cases, such as with income taxes, the rates charged are often affected by a number of factors, including the amount of money earned, exemptions that apply to certain portions of a person’s income, and the type of business that the tax is imposed upon.

Other issues that are addressed by tax law include instances of non-payment. Legislation often outlines civil procedures such as notifying individuals of their overdue tax bills and permitting the garnishment of wages if the situation is not rectified. In some instances, failure to adhere to tax law is viewed as a criminal offense, and the minimum and maximum consequences may be expressed.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@talentryto- I understand your point, but some people just can't afford to hire a tax attorney. People who are facing any problems that involve taxes can also consult with their tax preparer.

Though these professionals aren't lawyers, they have broad knowledge when it comes to taxes. Also, most of the advice they provide is included in the fees clients pay to have their taxes prepared, and many tax preparers will help their clients if they are audited.

Talentryto

Tax law is very complicated and almost impossible for the average person to understand. Anyone who is facing any issues related to taxes, such as owing the government money or getting audited, should seek legal advice. Not having an attorney that understands tax law could be very costly in the long run for these individuals.

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    • Tax law requires that individuals must be notified of their overdue tax bills.
      By: Jenner
      Tax law requires that individuals must be notified of their overdue tax bills.