Where tax policy meets politics — legislation, elections, and the debates in Washington that decide how (and how much) you’re taxed.
I’ll be honest. This isn’t the post that I had originally written. I had initially crafted this very extensive point by point analysis comparing Obama to McCain. To bolster my argument, I was going to explain how I originally registered to vote as a Republican, how I have never voted straight ticket, how individual issues…
Boy, am I glad that the government pumped billions of dollars into the banking industry! Since that time, borrowing has become significantly easier. Wait, that hasn’t happened? Well, at least the Dow regained its faith in the market. Wait, that didn’t happen either? What did happen? Oh yeah, banks made more money. Need proof? I…
I’ve received a flurry of last minute emails about me about the differences between the presidential candidates’ tax strategies. I don’t have anything new to add (though look for more political blogging later tonight) but I did want to point you to some prior taxgirl posts on the candidates and their economic and tax policies:…
It’s Fix the Tax Code Friday! We know what Joe the Plumber thinks about the economic plans as proposed by the candidates… But what do you think? Here’s your last chance before the elections to state your case for economic change. Today’s Fix the Tax Code Friday question is: If you could ask either candidate…
It’s Fix the Tax Code Friday! As the economy continues to sour, Congress and the White House both agree that some measure of economic stimulus is needed. The problem? They can’t agree on what would work best. So, I’m taking it to you, the taxpayers… Which of the following scenarios currently being contemplated by Congress…
Even though many politicians – including President Bush – are still reticent to use the “R” word (recession), economic pundits, including those in the Bush administration are using it. Ed Lazear, President Bush’s chief economic adviser, has been quoted as saying that “parts of the country” are in a recession. With the threat (or reality,…
In a move that should surprise very few, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi confirmed yesterday that Congress is “unlikely” to approve an economic stimulus package that included tax rebate checks during this calendar year. The Democrats are, however, still pressing for approval on their $61 billion “economic stimulus package” which includes relief for the jobless and…
It turns out that “Joe the Plumber” has more tax issues than were spotlighted during the final presidential debate. He doesn’t just not like taxes, he apparently doesn’t like to pay them. He owes the State of Ohio nearly $1200 in back taxes; Ohio has filed a lien against him to recover amounts due. “Joe…
Earlier today, the GOP indicated that they are not on board with the Democrats’ proposal for a second economic stimulus package. There’s no surprise there. Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), the top ranking Republican in the House, wrote a letter to Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) calling the proposal: an irresponsible, business-as-usual approach that has earned this…
I indicated earlier that I didn’t think that a second economic stimulus package would be considered until after the elections – and it looks like that is, in fact, the case. I’m actually still confident that any stimulus package which includes “tax rebates” would not result in checks being mailed out until the new year….