The IRS, in a shockingly forward facing-move, began the switch from paper forms to e-file years ago. This move is incredibly savvy on their part–it makes sure that people who aren’t inclined to do forms can still file their taxes (thus increasing the money they get) and it makes processing a lot easier for them. Win-win. Unfortunately, it’s a lot harder to file state income taxes online.
Harder, but not impossible, of course. Here are some ways you can do it: (more…)
How does an effectively bankrupt state pay the bills? By printing its own currency! California is issuing IOUs instead of paying bills in cash. In other words, instead of borrowing from people who want to lend money, and using that money to pay its bills, the state is borrowing from people who it already owes money to, and promising to pay the bills a little later (with a little interest).
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New Jersey made headlines today after the state collected as much as $600 million from a tax amnesty. It looks like great news: the state is collecting extra money during a recession, and late tax filers are able to pay back the money they owe without getting bitten by high interest and fees.
The problem is the behavior this engenders. A quick look at their previous tax amnesties reveals the effect this kind of program has on New Jersey taxpayers:
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Most people in the US live and work in the same state, which can make state taxes pretty easy to understand: you’re earning money, and you’re paying a tax on it. But what if you live in one state and work in another? Are you getting taxed on where you live when you make money, or where you make your money?
States are facing unprecedented budget deficits, as sales, real estate, and income tax revenue evaporate. From California to New Jersey are raising taxes, cutting benefits, and scrambling to borrow the money they need to pay the bills.
As CNN reports on tax hikes:
Already, 16 states have taken this unpopular step this fiscal year, and another 17 have proposed tax hikes for the coming year, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a policy group. In many cases, they are making small increases in specific taxes, rather than imposing a broad rate hike.