CCH's Guidebook to Massachusetts Taxes is the perfect resource for concise explanation for practitioners working with state taxation in Massachusetts. Designed as a quick reference work, the Guidebook presents succinct discussions of state and local taxes, giving a general picture of the state tax laws and regulations and highlighting the significant cases and administrative rulings. This annual publication is useful to tax practitioners, in-state and multistate businesspersons, and those who are obligated to file Massachusetts returns or who are required to deal with Massachusetts taxes. Now in its 50th edition, this popular handbook is the one source those involved with Massachusetts taxation need for timely and accurate answers in a convenient and accessible desktop format. It presents concise coverage of the taxes of major interest: - personal income tax - corporation excise (income) tax - taxes on banks and other financial institutions - sales and use taxes - estate tax Other Massachusetts taxes are summarized, as well, with particular emphasis placed on persons or transactions subject to tax, exemptions, basis and rate of tax, and returns and payment. The Guidebook includes additional practical tips, pointers and examples to practitioners by Stephen M. Politi, Esq., a partner of the Boston law firm, Engel & Schultz, P.C. This valuable commentary helps practitioners further apply the complex principles of Massachusetts tax law to specific practice situations. For the user's convenience in determining what is new in the Massachusetts tax law, a special Highlights of Tax Changes section is included to provide at-a-glance awareness of key recent developments in the law. While this handbook focuses on the law applicable to the filing of income tax returns in 2020 for the 2019 tax year, legislative changes effective after 2019 are also noted with an indication of the effective date to avoid confusion and to assist in future tax planning. Helpful references to both the Massachusetts and related federal provisions are provided throughout for those who wish to examine full text of the applicable law. Also, detailed Tables of Contents, Law and Regulations Finding Lists, a Topical Index and organized presentation of the content make pinpointing critical information quick and easy. Helpful references to specific paragraphs in the comprehensive CCH Massachusetts Tax Reports service are also provided throughout the Guidebook to assist users in further, more comprehensive tax research and tax planning. ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Stephen M. Politi is a Boston attorney concentrating in state, federal and local taxation. Mr. Politi is General Counsel to the Massachusetts Association of Public Accountants. He is the former Chief Counsel to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and formerly Counsel to the Massachusetts Joint Legislative Committee on Taxation. He is an adjunct professor at the Bentley College Graduate School of Taxation, where he teaches state and local taxation. Mr. Politi is editor of the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board Reporter and a Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of State Taxation. His writings about Massachusetts tax practice are extensive, and his articles have been cited as authority in tax proceedings and in professional publications. He is the former chairman of the Lexington, Massachusetts, Board of Selectmen. Mr. Politi earned his J.D. degree and LL.M. in Taxation at Boston University Law School.