State and local tax news — from state income tax quirks to property tax fights, because not all tax battles happen in Washington.
It’s a tough economy all over these days. It’s not just the feds struggling to raise revenue – state and local governments are facing the same challenges. Ideas abound for plugging holes in the budget, including raising tax rates to implement new taxes on everything from soda to legal services. Some governments, however, have decided…
I can’t believe that folks are already talking about back to school… With all of the snow this year, I feel like my kids just got out of school! But my niece is reporting that she’s starting next week (early, I know) and my inbox is filled with emails from Lands End reminding me to…
The whole of Massachusetts – nay, the world – can issue a collective sigh of relief now: Yachtgate has finally come to an end. Senator John F. Kerry (D-MA) has announced that he will “voluntarily” pay $500,000 to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for the use of his yacht. Kerry’s luxury yacht is reportedly worth…
New York has a problem: there’s no budget. The budget was due on April 1. Almost four months later, the budget still sits on the table, with no resolution in sight. It has not put Governor Paterson in a good mood. Addressing the press, he said, “I know it’s summer and everyone is tired of…
Nobody likes a tax hike. It especially hurts when you’re already tops for taxes in the nation. New Jersey, which holds the distinction of having the highest tax burden in the nation for three years running, has been pushing back at a budget with increases that Governor Christie (R) insists are necessary. This week, the…
LeBron James is a wanted man. Just after the first day of the NBA free-agent signing period, at least six teams (including his current team, the Cleveland Cavaliers) want a sit down to discuss a deal. Of course, you and I both know that the Cavs don’t have a chance. Despite being able to offer…
After trying for two years – and gaining support from New York City Mayor Bloomberg (I) – New York Governor Paterson (D) had to think that there was a chance to get a soda tax pushed through the legislature. His proposal to add a penny per ounce tax to the cost of sodas was met…
Who says tax amnesty doesn’t work? The cash-strapped City of Philadelphia expects to meet its goal of collecting between $25 and $30 million during its Tax Amnesty Program… and it just got a little bit closer. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the City received a single taxpayer payment of $2 million. That represents more than…
You can say goodbye to those creepy ads… Pennsylvania’s tax amnesty program ends today (June 18). Those taxpayers who chose to participate can avoid penalties and will pay only half the interest. Those taxpayers who didn’t participate will not only have the normal penalties and interest but will get an additional 5% penalty. Even worse?…
In an era of shrinking tax revenues, most states are rushing to raise funds by increasing rates and simply taxing more stuff. Rhode Island, however, has a different idea. The tiny New England state may be geographically the smallest in the country but it has big plans to make the state more attractive to business….