Content Tagged As tax
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Tax preparer goes MIA, woman wants documents returned Play Video
October 25, 2023 3:54 PM
UPDATE On Tuesday, Mary Jane Spruel tells 2 On Your Side that she received her documents. The tax preparer originally said she'd drop the documents off at Spruel's home Monday evening. Several messages were sent to Spruel and 2 On Your Side from the tax preparer saying she wouldn't make... more » -
East Baton Rouge Parish Library closes the book on late fees and fines
August 1, 2023 9:21 AM
BATON ROUGE - Starting Tuesday, the EBRPL will be doing away with late fees and fines, lowering the barrier for teens and adults that need to access the library's amenities. Children's materials and items checked out by senior citizens were already fine-free, but the library is extending that policy... more » -
Stormwater fee-estimating map incomplete days before vote, parish reveals as government sells property charge
October 17, 2022 1:14 PM
BATON ROUGE – An estimating tool launched by the East Baton Rouge Parish government showing what property owners could pay if an upcoming fee is approved to fund flood control is incomplete less than two weeks before Metro Council is set to vote on the measure, WBRZ has learned. ... more » -
Why the urgency? Stormwater utility fee coming in hot; no chance for public input yet Play Video
October 7, 2022 4:42 PM
BATON ROUGE - A day after the mayor's office introduced a proposal for a Stormwater Utility Fee, there are a lot of questions. Stormwater Utility Districts are not new — other cities have been operating with the same thing for years. The urgency for East Baton Rouge Parish is... more » -
City agrees to $4M settlement after years-long legal battle over disastrous downtown library construction Play Video
September 13, 2022 1:31 PM
BATON ROUGE - A legal fight over who's at fault for the tumultuous development surrounding Baton Rouge's downtown library has ended with the city-parish getting $4 million in a settlement with the contractor that designed it. Court records show the city-parish's lawsuit was dismissed over the summer after those... more » -
Livingston Parish road gets temp fix, residents say more needs to be done Play Video
June 27, 2022 2:29 PM
SPRINGFIELD - A road in rough shape in Livingston Parish is getting a little attention thanks to 2 On Your Side and a Livingston Parish councilman. The councilman for District 8 says it's time to make a change to get more funding to do things the right way, instead... more » -
State asks living man for death certificate Play Video
May 16, 2022 12:34 PM
BATON ROUGE - For tax purposes, a man was asked to send in his death certificate to the Louisiana Department of Revenue — but he's not dead! Richard "Rooster" Shaffer contacted 2 On Your Side to help sort it out after he couldn't get in touch with the state.... more » -
As some states mull gas tax suspension, La. expert warns of mixed results Play Video
March 10, 2022 11:36 PM
BATON ROUGE - As the cost to fill up your tank continues to rise, more and more states are considering suspending state gas taxes aimed at providing drivers some relief. Louisiana, though, is not among them. Maryland became the latest state Thursday to take action, moving to suspend... more » -
Reminder: Louisiana's individual income tax filing deadline is June 15
May 14, 2021 10:10 AM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) issued a reminder, Friday, stating that the deadline for filing 2020 Louisiana state individual income tax returns is June 15, 2021. LDR says it granted automatic filing and payment extensions to individual and business taxpayers due to severe winter weather... more » -
West Baton Rouge Council refuses tax break for solar panel project Play Video
April 24, 2021 9:08 PM
WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH - A solar plant project in west Baton Rouge is now in jeopardy after the parish council refused to give the project a tax break. Carey Denstel, vice-chairman for the West Baton Rouge Parish Council, said $22 million in tax exemptions was too high a... more » -
Federal aid may push aside gas tax bills Play Video
April 12, 2021 11:48 PM
BATON ROUGE - As lawmakers gather at the capitol for fiscal session, two bills are expected to be heard regarding gas taxes. "In Louisiana, we have a huge infrastructure problem and the problem is a lack of investment," Representative Jack McFarland said. There are two bills filed in... more » -
IRS offers tax relief for Louisiana's severe winter storm victims
April 5, 2021 10:49 AM
BATON ROUGE- In harmony with a March 10 announcement from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Louisiana citizens who were impacted by winter storms that occurred February 11-19 of this year have until June 15 to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. According to a... more » -
Tax preparer allegedly pulled gun after customers complained about filings
March 29, 2021 11:50 AM
HOUSTON - A tax preparer was arrested after she brandished a gun at customers who noticed problems with their tax returns. KTRK reports the situation unfolded at Latunya Wright's business, called MZ BIZ, in Houston. One of Wright's customers, Marquita Boyle, said she went to the business looking... more » -
Surprising tax notice for man with missing unemployment benefits Play Video
March 1, 2021 5:45 PM
BATON ROUGE - For 18 weeks last year, Karl Hamilton was furloughed from his job and hoped to collect unemployment benefits. He assumed it would take a couple of weeks for the benefits to arrive, but months went by and nothing came. Hamilton says he called the Louisiana Workforce... more » -
Property tax deadline approaching though many cannot pay due to COVID-19 Play Video
December 10, 2020 6:30 PM
BATON ROUGE - Property taxes are coming due in the next three weeks. With many people still struggling during the pandemic, that year-end payment could be difficult to make. Even though many people have been unemployed over the last few months, no one is doing any favors, and property... more » -
Vacuum truck works to remove debris from drainage area Wednesday Play Video
November 18, 2020 5:58 PM
DENHAM SPRINGS - A vacuum truck spent a few hours Wednesday sucking out debris from drainage pipes at a busy Livingston Parish intersection. The truck was stationed at Hwy 16 and Lockhart Road in Denham Springs. The $340,000 machine was purchased with funds generated from a one-cent sales tax... more » -
Property tax assessment to be adjusted for homeowner concerned over huge increase Play Video
August 31, 2020 6:21 PM
BATON ROUGE - As residents living in East Baton Rouge Parish continue to receive their property tax reassessments in the mail, they're learning more about the numbers. Last week, 2 On Your Side met with Dal Daigle as he was trying to make sense of his surprising new property... more » -
Customers of tax preparation businesses say stimulus money deposited in wrong bank account Play Video
April 16, 2020 6:19 PM
BATON ROUGE - Millions of stimulus checks were deposited in bank accounts across the country this week, but some people say their money has been deposited into the wrong account. Watch this full story live on News 2 at 6 When Olivia Williams logged onto the IRS portal... more » -
Councilman says "toxic climate" forced ExxonMobil withdrawal
January 24, 2019 12:15 AM
BATON ROUGE - ExxonMobil may have had the votes for a multi-million dollar parish tax exemption at the EBR Metro Council Wednesday night but didn't want to deal with the public vitriol to get it, according to Republican councilman Dwight Hudson. The company withdrew its exemption application after losing a... more » -
ExxonMobil releases stern, ominous statement related to its failed tax break requests Play Video
January 22, 2019 2:37 PM
BATON ROUGE – ExxonMobil released a scathing – and perceived scary – comment on its pursuit of certain industrial tax breaks and its future in the region Tuesday afternoon. In a sternly-worded statement, local refinery experts almost painted a bleak future for their industry locally. “...The perception of... more » -
Council on Aging says it can't afford taxing any less, will fight possible tax coup
January 10, 2019 4:48 PM
BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging is entering 2019 trying to head off an attempt at throttling its property tax collection. In a letter sent to benefactors and supporters this week, the head of the board overseeing the Council on Aging blasted an idea floated... more » -
Voters to decide on mental health center Saturday Play Video
December 7, 2018 7:38 AM
BATON ROUGE- A once failed mental health tax is back on the ballot for Saturday's election. In 2016, the then two millage tax didn't have enough muscle to pass, but now, it may. It's now at 1.5. millage rate if passed, it would generate 6 million dollars a year... more » -
Hundreds of addressed property tax documents returned to sheriff's office Play Video
December 6, 2018 6:16 PM
UPDATE: A senior Postal Manager visited the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Department Friday morning and went through hundreds of property tax notices that were returned to sender and found only one that was deliverable. The manager says they will return to the sheriff's office and volunteer to help the sheriff... more » -
Mayor Broome presents road tax plan to voters Play Video
July 23, 2018 11:32 PM
BATON ROUGE - Constituents had a lot of questions Monday night about the mayor-president's tax plan for roads. It was the first public meeting held to sell the proposal. "I'm going to be open-minded which is a big change for me," said resident Deborah Todd. She opposed last year's... more » -
Study shows St. George would run a deficit Play Video
July 9, 2018 7:44 PM
BATON ROUGE - Two LSU professors said the proposed City of St. George would bring in less tax revenue and spend more money than its organizers claim. Economist Jim Richardson and Public Administration expert Jared Llorens presented their findings Monday at the Baton Rouge Press Club. "In the initial... more » -
Some metro council members only want one tax on ballot Play Video
June 28, 2018 12:03 AM
BATON ROUGE - Some metro council members say two tax initiatives is too much. The mayor-president's office had two tax proposals introduced at the council meeting Wednesday night, one for roads and one for a mental health facility known as the Bridge Center. "I support both programs but not... more » -
Some Metro Council members like new road tax plan better than last one Play Video
June 20, 2018 11:49 PM
BATON ROUGE - Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome had a series of private meetings with metro council members Wednesday about a number of issues including her new road tax plan. The mayor wants the metro council to place the initiative on the December ballot. "I like that the funding source... more » -
Despite crashes, tickets and a lawsuit, employee driving state vehicle keeps clean driving record Play Video
May 24, 2018 6:19 PM
BATON ROUGE – A state corrections employee is facing discipline and the woman's bosses are trying to figure out a glitch in records after a series of wrecks involving state vehicles driven by the employee. Despite having an accident free record, Chelsea Laurent, a probation and parole officer, has... more » -
New tax plan for bridge across Mississippi River Play Video
April 5, 2018 11:54 PM
BATON ROUGE- Would you vote for higher taxes if it paid for a new bridge across the Mississippi River? Voters in five parishes may soon get the chance. State Senator Rick Ward (R-Port Allen) has proposed creating a special taxing district encompassing East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension,... more » -
School board proposes massive construction effort, new schools in south EBR Play Video
February 22, 2018 5:10 PM
BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Parish School System proposes using proceeds from a 1-cent tax renewal to pay for a renovation of Glen Oaks High, a new elementary school and land for another new school somewhere in the southern part of East Baton Rouge Parish. There are... more » -
New Louisiana law aims to get taxes owed by online shoppers
January 16, 2018 7:02 AM
BATON ROUGE, La.- Online shoppers get ready. Louisiana is beefing up its efforts to collect taxes on purchases made from out-of-state Internet retailers. Residents who bought products last year from online companies and didn't pay state sales taxes will begin receiving notifications this month from the retailers,... more » -
Flood victims continue to receive deductions on 2017 property taxes Play Video
December 5, 2017 5:58 PM
BATON ROUGE - Mike and Margie Johnson are just about done rebuilding from the August 2016 flood. They're still living in a Manufactured Housing Unit but like their neighbors, whether they flooded or not, property taxes are coming due. Homeowners in Ascension, Livingston, and East Baton Rouge Parishes are... more » -
Weak support on metro council for police pay tax Play Video
November 21, 2017 11:43 PM
BATON ROUGE - Half of the members on the Baton Rouge Metro Council either oppose or are undecided on a property tax hike for police pay raises. The 8-mill property tax hike proposed by council members Matt Watson and Tara Wicker was introduced at the metro council Tuesday night and... more » -
House bid on at parish tax sale after homeowner's mail issues Play Video
October 20, 2017 6:05 PM
BATON ROUGE - A woman living in Texas says her mail was not delivered on time and her property went up for tax sale. Debe Goree says the whole thing could have been avoided if she'd been able to pay her fees online. For years, Goree has owned... more » -
Metro Council to vote on road tax next week Play Video
September 7, 2017 11:43 PM
BATON ROUGE- Mayor Sharon Weston Broome held her ninth public meeting to promote her road tax plan Thursday night at Broadmoor Methodist Church. The 5-mill property tax hike goes before the Baton Rouge Metro Council next Wednesday where members could approve it for the November ballot. Broome said she's... more » -
2nd Amendment Sales Tax Holiday occurs this weekend
September 1, 2017 1:37 PM
BATON ROUGE - This weekend, hunters are getting a sales tax discount when shopping for firearms or other hunting supplies. From September 1 through September 3, purchases connected to the 2nd Amendment will be fully exempt from local sales taxes and subject to only three percent sales tax instead... more » -
Deadline to claim solar energy tax credit is Aug. 31
August 21, 2017 6:41 AM
BATON ROUGE – Louisiana taxpayers have until Thursday, August 31 to claim a tax credit for qualifying residential solar energy systems purchased and installed on or before December 31, 2015. Taxpayers who purchased qualifying systems, and who did not submit solar tax credit claims previously, must file their claims... more » -
Millions of state income tax refunds will become unclaimed property if not claimed by Sept. 6
August 16, 2017 7:18 AM
BATON ROUGE – Millions of dollars in state income tax refunds will become unclaimed property if taxpayers don’t claim them by September 6. The Louisiana Department of Revenue sent letters to 9,500 taxpayers advising them to claim the refunds before they are transferred by law to the Unclaimed Property... more » -
Mayor Broome to hold series of meetings on road tax plan Play Video
August 13, 2017 6:41 PM
BATON ROUGE - In order to have better roads and transportation in East Baton Rouge Parish, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome says taxes may have to increase, but she wants your input before anything is finalized. For the next month, she will be holding a series of public meetings around... more » -
Higher hotel tax pushed for rooms in Baton Rouge
August 4, 2017 4:59 PM
BATON ROUGE – It's not just the mayor's office who is pushing a tax for an upcoming ballot. The city's tourist officials announced Friday, they hope voters approve a hotel occupancy tax in November. Tax would go up by two cents if approved. The tax would be charged on... more » -
Mayor schedules meetings to sell EBR voters on tax to pay for roads
August 4, 2017 4:16 PM
BATON ROUGE – The mayor's office announced a series of meetings aimed at selling a property tax proposal to voters. Earlier, the mayor announced plans for a property tax that would raise about $500 million to be used on roads throughout the parish. WBRZ.com previously highlighted which roadways would... more » -
See list of suggested roads mayor's new tax would fix Play Video
July 26, 2017 3:24 PM
BATON ROUGE – The mayor's new property tax proposal goes before Metro Council for its first appearance Wednesday. The council is expected to introduce the tax and debate whether or not it should make its way to a parish-wide vote on the November ballot. Voters then would have the... more » -
WATCH LIVE: Mayor Broome to announce plans for proposed transportation tax Play Video
July 20, 2017 1:36 PM
BATON ROUGE – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced that she will reveal plans for a proposed 5-mil property tax to fund better transportation for roads in Baton Rouge, her office announced on Thursday. WATCH LIVE HERE The proposal for the tax to go on voters' ballots in... more » -
Lawmaker delays vote on Louisiana gas tax hike
May 24, 2017 10:23 PM
BATON ROUGE - A Louisiana lawmaker pushing to increase Louisiana's gas tax is urging his House colleagues to consider the proposal, which so far doesn't have enough votes to win passage. Republican Rep. Steve Carter, of Baton Rouge, delayed a scheduled vote on the tax hike bill until next week.... more » -
Home owner burned on solar panel investment Play Video
May 22, 2017 6:33 PM
BATON ROUGE - A promise of big savings on his electric bill convinced a man to make an investment into solar power, only to be burned when tax rebates never materialized. Frank Masanz purchased solar panels for his home in 2015 when a salesman with Global Efficient Energy knocked... more » -
City official wants EBR Council on Aging removed from spending tax money
May 18, 2017 3:55 PM
BATON ROUGE – Metro Councilman Dwight Hudson will ask his colleagues for strict oversight of the recently-passed property tax that will fund elderly affairs operations through the EBR Council on Aging. Hudson told WBRZ's Chief Investigator, Chris Nakamoto, Thursday, he filed an agenda item for an upcoming meeting that... more » -
Louisiana tax study likely to be shelved, instead of enacted
May 15, 2017 2:55 PM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's lawmakers are on track to reject most of the big-ticket concepts pushed by a blue-ribbon panel they commissioned to recommend tax overhaul ideas. Few task force suggestions have advanced beyond their first hearings. Several of the main proposals have been killed outright, while others haven't even... more » -
City of Gonzales approves resolution for 10 percent sales tax Play Video
May 8, 2017 10:18 PM
GONZALES - Voters in Gonzales will decide on possibly raising the sales tax by a half-cent this October. The City of Gonzales council passed a resolution to allow a half-cent sales tax increase, which will hike the city's sales tax to 10 percent if voters approve it on October's... more » -
Gonzales City Council to discuss potential sales tax increase Play Video
May 5, 2017 6:58 PM
GONZALES – The Gonzales City Council will be considering a half-cent sales tax increase at its next meeting. The money from the sales tax will be used for public safety, police and fire protection. If the council passes the resolution for the tax increase, it will be placed on... more » -
Council members walk out on controversial Council on Aging discussion Play Video
April 12, 2017 6:20 PM
BATON ROUGE – The Metro Council failed to approve city ordinances associated with a property tax to fund the EBR Council on Aging after several members walked out of the meeting Wednesday evening. JUST NOW: @GaryChambersJr told metro council "holding up the decision of the people is a... more » -
Owner of tax preparation businesses accused of defrauding state for second time
April 10, 2017 1:51 PM
BATON ROUGE – The owner of a chain of tax preparation businesses faces fraud charges after the Louisiana Department of Revenue says he schemed to defraud the state of payroll taxes and inflated income tax refunds. Leroi Gorman Jackson, owner of Taxman Financial Services, LLC, is accused of withholding... more » -
Gas tax could increase 20 cents per gallon Play Video
April 6, 2017 6:48 PM
BATON ROUGE- The lack of funding for road work in Louisiana is causing more than just frustration on the highway. Business groups said Thursday it's hurting the Baton Rouge area economy. "We have a very unique example recently where the LA 1 Bridge across the river was posted [closed... more » -
Tax assessor begins surveys of flood-damaged property in Ascension Play Video
March 27, 2017 6:57 PM
ASCENSION – The tax assessor is going door-to-door in Ascension Parish, surveying residents' property that were impacted by the August flood. Justin Champlin, the chief deputy tax assessor says they plan on going to more than 6,000 flood-damaged properties in the parish. "All houses are different, so each... more » -
Tax break for owners of flood-damaged homes in Ascension Play Video
March 23, 2017 7:47 PM
ASCENSION – Homeowners in Ascension still impacted by the August flood could be in for a tax break this year. The break could be welcomed by homeowners like Richard Prince, who operates a small business that customizes in 18-wheelers. The business is located on the property where he lives.... more » -
Tax preparer accused of costing state nearly $300,000 in false filings
February 22, 2017 4:09 PM
BATON ROUGE – A Louisiana tax preparer faces fraud charges for a scheme that cost taxpayers an estimated $300,000. The Louisiana Department of Revenue reported the arrest of Melissa Cato for allegedly altering clients' state income tax returns to claim losses for businesses that did not exist. Auditors with... more » -
Tax filing extensions available for tornado-impacted areas
February 20, 2017 12:44 PM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Revenue is offering tax filing and payment extensions to taxpayers impacted by severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on Feb. 7. Tax filing and payment extensions are offered for residents whose homes, critical tax records or principal places of business... more » -
Council on Aging promises transparency spending millions Play Video
January 26, 2017 12:46 PM
BATON ROUGE – The EBR Council on Aging promised transparency and announced it will hold a series of meetings to discuss its controversial property tax that was approved by voters in November. The council shared information in a news release issued Thursday morning. Some on the Metro Council... more » -
State income tax filings begin Jan. 23
December 26, 2016 10:43 AM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Revenue will begin accepting 2016 state income tax returns on Jan. 23. LDR will accept returns filed electronically at www.revenue.louisiana.gov/fileonline , through third-party commercial software along with paper returns submitted through the mail and in person. The IRS will also begin accepting... more » -
Council on Aging keeps its funding Play Video
December 13, 2016 10:53 PM
BATON ROUGE- Metro-council members failed to strip funding from the Council on Aging in Baton Rouge Tuesday. Republican Buddy Amoroso wanted the senior-citizen group to be solely funded by a tax hike voters approved in November. "I'm disappointed we gave them $872,000 from the budget," said Amoroso after his... more » -
Property bills in EBR available soon, due January 31st Play Video
December 8, 2016 6:37 PM
BATON ROUGE - If you live in East Baton Rouge Parish, you might have noticed your property bills are late. Assessor Brian Wilson assures the bills are on their way, but they're late because about 41,000 homes had to be reassessed following the flood "We had to go... more » -
Proposed tax on Dec. ballot could allow for mental health facility in BR Play Video
November 29, 2016 6:22 PM
BATON ROUGE – As voters head to the polls, one item they will be asked to approve is a property tax that would generate nearly $6 million for a mental health facility in Baton Rouge. People suffering from behavioral health issues in need of treatment are behind bars. Only one... more » -
Nov. 18 last day for flood victims to receive tax reduction in Livingston Parish Play Video
November 18, 2016 7:09 PM
LIVINGSTON – Friday was the last day for owners of flood damaged property to get a tax break on their Livingston Parish tax bill. If flood victims showed their proof of damage, they could get a 20 percent property tax reduction. One property owner, Sonya Beadle, said that... more » -
Voters to decide on hotel occupancy tax increase on Dec. 10
November 17, 2016 11:12 AM
BATON ROUGE – East Baton Rouge Parish residents will decide on a proposition authorizing a two percent hotel occupancy tax that would be added to hotel guests' nightly room rate on the Dec. 10th ballot. Proceeds from the tax would produce an estimated $2.6 million each year to fund... more » -
Proposed tax hike for East Baton Rouge roads Play Video
November 16, 2016 12:05 AM
BATON ROUGE- The same day East Baton Rouge voters decide their next mayor-president, they'll also vote on a 5-Mill property tax increase for traffic improvements. City-parish leaders call it the Green Light Plan 2, an update of the 11-year-old road work program. Read the full plan here. Parish... more » -
Voters pass property tax for EBR Council on Aging
November 8, 2016 5:34 PM
BATON ROUGE – Voters approved a property tax that would create more money for the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging. In a close vote, the measure was passed with 90,791 votes (51 percent). The tax would be a 2.25 mill property tax for 10 years that would... more » -
Investigative Unit captures public equipment doing private jobs Play Video
October 27, 2016 5:25 PM
ST. FRANCISVILLE- Freshly cut grass and nicely manicured parking lots are things you'd expect on public property. But, you don't expect your tax dollars to pay to maintain private property. Our cameras captured that happening in the quaint town of St. Francisville. It has been going on for decades... more » -
Tax bill assessments delayed until February due to flood Play Video
October 14, 2016 12:03 PM
BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Tax Assessor has announced that due to the August flood some tax assessments are null and void and will require reassessment, delaying when residents will receive them. At this time, the tax assessor anticipates that reassessments will be completed by the first... more » -
Homeowners will pay less property taxes Play Video
September 26, 2016 7:41 PM
BATON ROUGE- Homeowners with flood damage will pay less property taxes this year. Per state law parishes will reduce a home's value based on its damage. East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes expect to mail bills a few months late, maybe early next year. The tax assessors need time to... more » -
New taxes for roads, mental health center to be discussed Wednesday
September 13, 2016 6:24 PM
BATON ROUGE - Metro Council will discuss five new tax proposals at its meeting Wednesday. Among the items are taxes on property to pay for new roads and a mental health facility. Also, the council will consider a two-percent tax on hotel rooms to raise money for the newly-created... more »