Jul 27, 2009
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BOSTON (Dec. 15, 2008) - Turns out it's a pretty good time to be a tax cheat.
Desperate to bring in revenue in the middle of a recession, states across the country are adopting tax amnesty programs, offering to let people pay their past-due tax bills with little or no penalties or interest.
"Something is better than nothing," said Dino DiCianno, executive director of the Nevada Taxation Department. DiCianno said Nevada gave up more than $14 million in penalties and interest to collect nearly $41 million between July and October.
Oklahoma, like Nevada, generated about twice as much as it expected from its offer of amnesty, raising $82 million through its 90-day Clean Slate program for businesses and individuals. New York has a program under way, and Connecticut and Massachusetts are drawing up theirs. California debated one before rejecting it in favor of stiffer penalties. Delaware's incoming governor campaigned on the idea. A similar program is being considered for Louisiana when its lawmakers return in April.
State after state is facing a disastrous drop-off in tax revenue because of the stock market collapse and the recession. Many states have already cut their budgets and started laying off employees.
"Anything you can do to speed up cash flow is cheaper than your alternatives, like borrowing," said Verenda Smith, spokeswoman for the Federation of Tax Administrators.
Many states are reluctant to offer amnesty, arguing that it rewards cheaters, discourages honest taxpayers and poaches revenue the states will collect in the future — especially as they improve the databases they use to catch delinquents. They worry, too, that people will hold back on their taxes and simply wait for the next amnesty.
"If the attitude is we're going to hand out get-out-of-jail-free cards, people's attitudes can change," said Paul Warren of the California Legislative Analyst's Office. "You can have a breakdown in compliance."
An Oklahoma City lawyer challenged his state's amnesty program all the way to the state Supreme Court, arguing that the Oklahoma constitution prohibits forgiving a state debt. The court rejected his claim in a one-sentence ruling.
"It is a slap in the face to all law-abiding Oklahomans who pay their taxes as required by law," said lawyer Jerry F. Fent.
New York, which has a $1.5 billion deficit, began a limited amnesty last January that covers income, corporate and sales taxes. The state has collected $11 million so far and hopes to take in $30 million.
Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell has warned that the state faces nearly $6 billion in deficits over the next two fiscal years. The state is hoping to generate $40 million by instituting a 56-day tax amnesty program next spring. It will let taxpayers pay their late state taxes without penalty, and with a 25 percent reduction in interest.
"States are trying to reach for every tool in the toolbox right now," said Connecticut Senate President Pro Tem Don Williams.
Associated Press Writers Brendan Riley in Carson City, Nev., Ron Jenkins in Oklahoma City, Pat Eaton-Robb in Hartford, Conn., Valerie Bauman in Albany, N.Y., Randall Chase in Dover, Del., and Melinda Deslatte in Baton Rouge, La., contributed to this report.
Nov 20, 2008
International rescue Committee
Mayors office of immigrant affairs
We are pleading with the public to help find our daughter, sister, friend, neighbor, citizen. She is a wonderful person and no one deserves this. Besides the LPD's number there is a tipline: 563-0081. Please and thank you. Inserted is another picture of Etidal.
Friends and family of 21-year-old Etidal Abdullah are asking the community for help in finding the missing woman.
Her uncle says she was last seen yesteday (FRIDAY 9/5/08) afternoon in the Save-A-Lot parking lot on Abbott Road.
Etidal is described as being 5 feet tall and an approximately 95 lbs.
Her family is offering a $15,000 reward for any information leading to her whereabouts.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Lackawanna Police Department at 822-4900.
***On a personal note, please keep this young woman and her family in your thoughts and prayers. This happened in my neighborhood, in the middle of the afternoon. Please pray that she is found unharmed and brought home soon. Thank you.
Jul 23, 2008
There is a FREE prescription card available to Niagara county, NY residents - you can save 20-50%. Here is the site will enrollment and additional information
I am a woman of 34 years old looking to get out of debt and I feel ridiculous having a post here. I am a very hard worker, I live on my own and do not have a family. I went to school for art and then art education and owe about 40,000.00 dollars for my education (Rutgers University undergraduate BFA, Columbia Teachers College graduate, MA). I also currently owe 13,000.00 dollars in credit card debt. I have been bankrupt once before about 5 years ago. I work full time and have interviewed for many jobs. AT the moment I cannot get out from under the debt enough to go to school, excercise, create art, or kick the daily depression that I am in. I am willing to work two or three jobs but have not had much luck finding something. I would like some help, thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. My wish is to be debt free and have a decent job, savings and be able to pay my bills without have to scrap for change for spending money. I am a program manager at a non-profit that works with underserved and/or at risk and abused children. I work many hours with no overtime payment. Though I love my position, I will have to leave so that I can afford to live.
Thats the story.
Thank you,
L
Nov 26, 2006
Hi, Please assistance quick..
I am 23 year old, single parent. I have not been working for a couple of months. And I have been receiving unemployment. Now I have some many bills up to my neck. The 150 I receive every week, is helpful, but I still need more help. My rent is 795 a month and I am 3 months behind. I also have to pay for con-edison, and child care expenses for my two year old daughter when looking for work. Please I hate to beg, but if anyone can help me in anyway finacially it will be greatly appreciated. If not financially, I would accept prayers too. I just need assistance quick, because I do not want to end up in the street with my baby girl. Thank You so kindly for reading.
May you all be blessed,
Tamieka
