Taxes

For the residents of the City of Los Angeles there is no city income tax; though residents do have to pay State Income Tax in addition to Federal Income Tax. State income tax forms can be obtained from the State Franchise Tax Board Office, 300 South Spring Street, downtown LA, or by calling 800-852-5711, www.ftb.ca.gov. Their office is open from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday; a local post office or library may have that and other state forms available as well. The California Tax Service Center provides information on income, payroll, sales & use, property and special taxes at www.taxes.ca.gov/newind.html.

Sales tax in California is imposed on retail sales and food. Statewide, the sales tax is 7.25%, but LA County adds 1% for the Metropolitan Transit Authority. The break down of the tax is 5.5% State General Fund, 0.5% Public Safety Augmentation, 0.25% County, 1% City, and 1% Metro, coming to a total of 8.25%. Additional tax information is available from the California State Board of Equalization at www.boe.ca.gov.

Federal income tax information and forms can be obtained by calling 800-829-FORM or going to the lobby of the Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Westwood, 310-235-7110. Again, post offices and libraries carry state and federal forms (the Beverly Hills library generally having the most complete selection.) For additional information concerning taxes there is the IRS Tax Help Line (800-829-1040, www.irs.gov), or the Federal Teletax Information Line (800-829-4477).

California is a community property state. This means that property acquired by married couples while they are living in California is community property, with each spouse owning an equal share. Community property ends when either one of the spouses dies. It also ends when the decree of dissolution becomes final or when the couple separates with no intention of rejoining. For more information on community property, see IRS Publication 555, Community Property.

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