Here and Now - Tax Policy & Politics
Ever wonder where your taxes go once they're paid? Here and Now examines tax policy and the impact politics has on it. Why do elected leaders shy away from voting on tax increases? Should cities be giving away millions in tax dollars to lure development? Where do we begin to reform our complicated federal tax law? Got a beef about taxes, a question or concern? Use the comments section below or call (480) 774.8200 Wednesday from 11 to noon.
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kjzz at
11:00
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Comments (8)
I am paying for a house in Cheyenne WY that I eventually hope to retire to. I was planning on installing energy saving appliances and a solar electric and hot water heating system but I have been told by my tax preparer that I cannot use home improvement expences as tax deductions until I sell the house.
What if I don't plan on selling the house?
This doesn't give me any incentive to make improvements since any improvements will cost me money and raise my property taxes while at the same time I cannot use them as deductions.
Thanks. Jim.
When taxes are discussed in the legislature, it never seems to be in the context of how the legitimate and popular programs of government are to be funded. Rather, the debate is reduced to platitudes like "get the government off my back" or "the people know better than government how to spend their money."
Then legislators can't seem to figure out why there is a constant flow of ballot initiatives.
In the end, the constant call for tax cuts seems to me no more than spineless pandering.
Jim,
I'm not sure about state tax credits, but some quick research revealed there is a federal tax credit for system's purchased this year.
Try these websites for more info:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf
http://www.seia.org/getpdf.php?iid=21
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=Products.pr_tax_credits
Why does everyone think taxes is a dirty word, especially Mesa leadership...taxes or lack of, benefit us all,,schools, roads, safety, etc...Mesa has low taxes and the worst schools in the valley
I've often wondered why cities give tax breaks to big businesses that would just up and leave if profits were to drop.
Wouldn't the money be better spent giving breaks to small, local businesses that will stay and add character to the area?
The Goldwater Institute is a non-profit. Government in effect offers Darcy Olsen's institute tax-exempt status. As a consequences, non-profits flourish in the U.S. Is Darcy Olsen willing to give up her favorable tax treatment if she's so opposed to what she thinks is arbitrary tax policy?
I would like to understand:
1. How we can continue to mortgage our children's futures, knowing that our current deficits will be passed on to them. How will they be able to compete in a global economy if we've sold so much of ourselves to foreign investors to service our debts? There will be nothing left for them!
2. How is it that we've all somehow got on board with the ridiculous notion that we need to take money from local citizens to offer tax credits to the ultra-wealthy so they can "bring business to us"? If Hollywood wants to come here, they will, because we're already cheaper than CA. If someone wants to build a mall, let them pay for it. If someone wants to build a privately-held stadium, let them pay for it, not the local tax base! We've somehow all been duped by the ultra-wealthy into offering tax "incentives" and they are relying on this system to foster "competition" between states in an environment where it is simply not needed. If all incentives were removed nationwide, states would stop competing with each other and this awful practice would end for the benefit of the less-than-ultra-wealthy. If we would all wise up together, we could stop giving our money to the wealthiest of the wealthy!
No. Actually Ms. Olsen's answer was disingenuous. The Goldwater Institute could reincorporate tomorrow as a for profit and pay its fair share of taxes. Google has set up its charity arm as a for-profit just so it has the freedom under the tax code.
