State and local tax news — from state income tax quirks to property tax fights, because not all tax battles happen in Washington.
Following in the footsteps of Alabama and countries like the UK, the state of New York is considering imposing a so-called “fat tax.” While each municipality is a little different, the New York proposal would slap an 18% tax on sodas and sugar-filled drinks which contain less than 70% real fruit juice. The official position…
If you’re looking for the series primer on state taxes, don’t panic… it hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s just on a brief hiatus while I post the 12 Days of Charitable Giving. I’ll be back any day now with Arkansas!
It’s Fix the Tax Code Friday! Earlier this week, the Philadelphia Inquirer ran an article about an issue that has been on the minds of many local taxpayers as the city prepares for major cuts in services: real estate tax abatement. Many municipalities – from major metropolitan areas like Philly and NYC to smaller towns…
Well, here’s good timing for you… On the day that I post my bit on the Arizona tax system, the Arizona Republic published an article about unusual Arizona tax breaks. The tax breaks include: • Credit for helping military families • Credit for helping working-poor families • Credit for private school scholarships • Credit to…
NOTE: This is from 2008. Welcome to my third in a series on state taxes! For information about what I’m trying to do, read my introductory bit. Next on the agenda: Arizona! ARIZONA Population: 6,338,755 (16th) Capital: Phoenix Largest City: Phoenix Gross Domestic Product: $232 billion GDP per capita: $27,232 (39th) 2004 election winner: George…
If you thought that proponents of the measure to extend public transit through downtown San Jose at taxpayer expense were surprised to hear that, days after the election, they were winning, imagine how opponents of the measure felt. Now, we know. Opponents have filed a lawsuit to block certification of the election results; they have…
Election Day was last week, right? Yet, a week and a half later, we’re still waiting for outcomes in at least two Senate races. And in the “anything can happen” category, voters in San Jose still don’t know the outcome of the vote to increase sales tax to increase regional transit to the city. Votes…
NOTE: This article is from 2008. Welcome to my second in a series on state taxes! For information about what I’m trying to do, read my introductory bit. Next on the agenda: Alaska! ALASKA Population: 683,478 (47th) Capital: Juneau Largest City: Anchorage Gross Domestic Product: $160 billion GDP per capita: $43,748 (7th) 2004 election winner:…
Melissa Etheridge is angry. In an article posted on The Daily Beast, Etheridge railed against the passing of Proposition 8 in California. Proposition 8 is, as you may know, a law which defines marriage in California as between a man and a woman. The law supersedes gay marriages in parts of the state, effectively making…
After a contentious fight, as blogged previously, supporters of Prop 8 declared victory in California on yesterday. Proposition 8 defines marriage as between a man and a woman, effectively banning gay marriage in California. Expect to see this one in court soon – likely on benefits and economic grounds. A federal challenge to the DOMA…