tagged w/ Sales Tax
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American companies are finding new overseas tax havens to legally protect some of their profits from the U.S. tax rate of 35 percent - among the highest in the world.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7376848n&tag=nl.e882American companies are finding new overseas tax havens to legally protect some of... more
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11dim
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added this
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10 months ago
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I’ve been reading a lot about Amazon’s outrage on having to pay sales tax in California and I’ve been doing a little bit of thinking about it. I honestly think that they should collect sales tax in California, but the idea that they’re not having to collect it is hurting local businesses is incorrect. Even if they do collect sales tax, it is in my opinion that they will still hurt local businesses and here is why.I’ve been reading a lot about Amazon’s outrage on having to pay sales tax... more
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http://blog.myfreeworld.info/2010/09/17/interview-with-mesa-count-commissioner-janet-rowland-on-medical-marijuana.aspx
By Brett Forrester, Originally published in The Source / September 2010
www.yvsource.com
The Source: When did you first realize that the public sector needed to be included in the process to allow or not allow medical marijuana centers.
Janet Rowland: The citizens voted to amend the Colorado Constitution to allow for the use of medical marijuana (MMJ) by people with debilitating diseases in 2000. But it wasn't until the Obama administration took the position that they would not prosecute individuals who used MMJ according to their state law, that we saw a significant increase in the use and distribution of MMJ. This new industry began to grow, but without regulations similar to the regulations for prescription drugs. It became clear to me that since MMJ cannot be distributed through pharmacies, it was necessary to implement similar regulations (for dispensaries or centers). Regulating the industry is a legitimate role of government. Eliminating it is not.
Given your background and personal understanding of how important this issue is, how have you helped this process along?
For me, the entire focus is on the Constitution. Personally, I did not vote in favor of Amendment 20, but it was passed by the voters and is now a part of our Constitution. As an elected official, I took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution. We should not pick and choose the parts of the Constitution we uphold.
Additionally, I do not believe we should opt out of the Constitution on a count-by-county basis. I do not agree that the majority of one community should be permitted to take a Constitutional right away from an individual. If the voters of Colorado are concerned about how MMJ has been implemented, then the voters of Colorado should consider amending or changing it. But it should not happen on a county or city basis. I have spoken out on this issue at every opportunity. I am disappointed that the issue will be on the ballot in Mesa County, and I intend to do as much as I am able to share my position on this issue with the voters of Mesa County.
What research did you do to come up with answers to the marijuana questions?
I haven't research much about the medical aspects of MMJ, because I believe that debate happened ten years ago. And the issue was resolved by a vote of the people when they amended the Colorado Constitution. My focus now isn't about whether or not MMJ is a good idea or not. My focus is on upholding the Constitution.
You, as an influential member of our community and a supporter of such political operations as the very recent one at the Old Courhouse, could perhaps be a rallying center and voice for all the MMJ dispensaries. Given the amount of money that has been spent and will be paid in taxes and the positive support you would receive from the dispensaries for your position, you could gain a real foundation in upcoming elections and probably on other controversial issues from that segment of the community. Are you willing to take a stronger step in the direction of getting the dispensaries approved, i.e., exercise influence on the city?
I am not sure how much influence I can have over the City of Grand Junction, as they are a separate elected body; but I have (spoken out) and will continue to speak out on what I believe to be a Constitutional issue. I am not sure whether my position on this issue would or would not help me in future elections, and frankly I don't care. I am taking a stand on principle, not politics.
Have you had conversations with area high schools about the MMJ issue and some people's saying it is destroying our youth? Do you believe that is true? If so, why?
I have not had a conversation with representatives from our local high schools. I had heard that there has been an increase in student suspensions related to the use of marijuana, but, when I spoke with one of the District 51 school board members about it, I was told that that information was strictly anecdotal, and that there was no data to support that claim at this time.
I have known persons who say that they are labeled as "pot heads," when these individuals have been very successful business owners and have paid big taxes because of the money they have made doing legitimate business. Do you think that those persons in MMJ business should pay more taxes or be penalized?
I believe most businesses are over regulated and over taxed. That is why I have worked with my fellow commissioners to lower the business personal property tax, eliminate Mesa County Planning/Development fees and reduce the bureaucracy in the Mesa County Planning/Development process. I do not believe any one industry should be singled out to pay more taxes than other businesses, and that includes MMJ (businesses). Regulations should focus on the health and safety of citizens and fees to be set back on the cost of the oversight of that particular industry.
One of the big problems with politics today is the hypocritical stand so many take on issues. If you find the truth, or more important, believe what you read and experience, would you (or better yet) should you not do everything in your elected power to help promote the truth, regardless of outcome. Right is right, is it not?
Right is right. And that has been my position throughout this issue. Eliminating MMJ retail centers will significantly restrict, if not completely eliminate, the ability of citizens to exercise their Constitutional right to use MMJ to combat debilitating diseases. Whether people agree with MMJ or not, it is in the Colorado Constitution and should be upheld. There are people who don't like the Tax Payers Bill of Rights (TABOR), but it is in the Constitution and should be upheld by all elected officials. There are also people who don't think guns are a good idea, but the second amendment of the US Constitution gives us the right to bear arms, and I would equally oppose any initiative to restrict or eliminate the ability of Mesa County citizens to purchase guns.
We need to remove the emotion and personal biases and simply support the Constitution.http://blog.myfreeworld.info/2010/09/17/interview-with-mesa-count-commissioner-janet-ro... more
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The New York State budget is finally a done deal. Hold on to your wallet!
The 125-day late plan for 2010-2011 brings a $9.2 billion deficit under control, but it also means you’ll have to pay more in some taxes and fees. Those taxes and fees part of a $1 billion revenue bill passed by the Senate Tuesday night which literally hits a lot of us where we shop and where we live.
Governor Paterson says the budget may not have ended up the way he wanted it – but it closes a huge deficit and does not include new debt. Governor David Paterson said, “It was a meaningful budget in that in spite of all the discussion earlier in the year, there was no borrowing. We didn’t borrow a dime.”
Here’s a breakdown of what the budget does and does not include.
- $1.6 billion in STAR rebate checks won’t be going out this year.
- The per pack cigarette tax that went into effect a few weeks ago now becomes permanent.
- A temporary reinstatement of a 4% percent state sales tax on clothing under $110 as of October 1.
- The state’s richest New Yorkers will lose half their deductions for charitable giving, but a tax aimed at hedge fund managers was dropped.
- $1.4 billion school aid cut backs as well as a contingency plan if New York loses out on all or part of the $1.1 billion of federal Medicaid assistance funds it hopes to collect
- The budget does not include the sugary drink tax the governor pushed for.
- No plan to sell wine in grocery stores.
- No plan to let SUNY and CUNY schools set their own tuition rates.
- $100 million in business tax breaks are being delayed.
Read More about the budget and the reaction here:
http://morichesdaily.com/2010/08/impact-finally-passed-york-state-budget/The New York State budget is finally a done deal. Hold on to your wallet!
The... more
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Sales taxes can be applied to tangible goods like food (in some states), clothing, cars, furniture, household items, and other goods. By comparison, the sales tax does not generally apply to landscaping services, attorney fees, private school tuition, stocks and bonds, real estate investments, and other purchases more typically made by higher-income families.
A seller has to charge sales tax if it has 'nexus' where it is located. Nexus, or physical presence, is established if a business maintains a temporary or permanent presence of people (employees, service people or independent sales/service agents) or property (inventory, offices, warehouses) in a given locality. There is no over-arching definition of nexus, so each taxing locality may define it differently - and many do, leading to endless problems for businesses which have operations in multiple states.
http://www.infotaxsquare.com/view_article.php?id=183Sales taxes can be applied to tangible goods like food (in some states), clothing,... more
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A fictitious business name, assumed business name, or DBA (doing business as), referred to as allows you to legally do business as a particular name at minimal cost, and without having to create an entirely new business entity. You can accept payments, advertise, and otherwise present yourself under that name.
http://www.infotaxsquare.comA fictitious business name, assumed business name, or DBA (doing business as),... more
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REPORTING FROM SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told education leaders this morning that he will push for a tax hike and deep cuts to schools to help close the state's yawning budget gap, according to several participants in the meeting.
The news, delivered in a conference room outside the governor's office, came as a shock to the educators, who were told to prepare for immediate cuts in the range of $2 billion to $4 billion.
"There is just no way we would be able to cut that much," said Scott Plotkin, executive director of the California School Boards Assn., who was at the meeting. "For virtually every district I know of, this would be catastrophic."
Administration officials confirmed that the meeting took place but refused to discuss details.
Several educators who were present said the governor stated clearly that he would renew his push for a sales tax hike in the special legislative session scheduled to begin next week. The governor unsuccessfully championed a temporary increase in sales taxes during the summer budget debate.
REPORTING FROM SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told education leaders this... more
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Amazon.com has filed a lawsuit challenging New York State’s new law forcing online retailers to collect sales tax on shipments to state residents...
The issue is not whether people should pay tax when they buy goods from out-of-state sellers like Amazon. For decades, the state has required them to pay sales or use tax.
The question is whether the vendors must collect that tax on behalf of the state. Generally, only those companies that have a physical presence — like an office or store — in the state where the purchase is made are required to collect the tax.
The new law is based on a novel definition of what constitutes a presence in the state: It includes any Web site based in the state that earns a referral fee for sending customers to an online retailer. Amazon has hundreds of thousands of affiliates — from big publishers to tiny blogs — that feature links to its products. The state law says that thousands of those have given an address in New York State, although the addresses have not been verified.
The law says that if even one of those affiliates is in New York State, Amazon must collect sales tax on everything sold in the state, even if it is not sold through the affiliate. This is an extension of an existing rule that companies employing independent agents or representatives to solicit business must collect taxes for the state.
Amazon’s suit challenges the constitutionality of this interpretation and seeks a declaratory judgment that it is invalid...Amazon.com has filed a lawsuit challenging New York State’s new law forcing... more
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Of all things to tax illegally. "A Pennsylvania K-Mart levied an illegal $0.28 tax on Mary Bach's $3.99 12-pack of Angel Soft toilet paper. Pennsylvania's sales tax guide clearly states that toilet paper is a non-taxable item. Mary first spoke with a cashier after noticing the illegal charge. When K-Mart again charged her the tax on a second visit, she decided to sue."Of all things to tax illegally. "A Pennsylvania K-Mart levied an illegal $0.28... more
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