State and Local Taxes

While state and local government officials wait for Congress to level the playing field between brick-and-mortar and online retailers, a local state lawmaker pushed the debate forward.

It's still too early to tell what effect recent legislation will have on Alabama's ability to attract film and television production companies. But if you ask Kathy Faulk, director of the Alabama Film Office, the marquee might as well read "Welcome to Alabama."

A Pennsylvania tax collector was arrested on Friday for allegedly stealing more than $50,000 owed to the borough of Fayette City and Belle Vernon Area School District.

Several senators are drafting a proposal that would raise the state sales tax by a penny to pay for specific transportation projects. Part of the money would be allotted to cities and counties for upkeep of local roads and bridges. The 1-cent tax would expire in 10 years.

The governor wants to wipe away the income deduction claimed by Kansans for property taxes they pay on their homes. Nixing that deduction would raise revenue, at least partially offsetting the lower state income tax rates Brownback wants to adopt.

Nebraska's individual and business taxes would be eliminated under a new tax plan outlined by Gov. Dave Heineman on Jan. 18. To make up for lost income tax revenue, the plan would end sales tax exemptions on products from agricultural machinery and chemicals to medicine and medical equipment.

The check is in the mail? Not anymore. Virginia's 2012-2014 Appropriations Act approved by last year's General Assembly has eliminated the way some people receive their state refund check.

Florida lawmakers are pressing Gov. Rick Scott's job-creation team to cough up more details about the hundreds of millions of dollars in tax-incentives it awards to companies every year.