WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Senate panel approves 2-cents tax on cell phones

  May 23, 2013 5:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A new 2-cents monthly tax on cell phones to help provide services for people with hearing impairment has been approved by the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The House-backed bill would change the current law by reducing the amount of tax levied per month from 5... more »

• Hurricane preparation tax holiday this weekend Play Video

  May 23, 2013 10:27 AM

  BATON ROUGE - People getting ready for hurricane season will get a break if they buy supplies this weekend. The annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26. On those days state sales tax will be waived on the first $1,500 of... more »

• Red carpet welcomes actors supporting state film tax credits

  May 14, 2013 10:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The stars were out in support of the state's lucrative film tax credits Tuesday night. Celtic Studios was transformed into a gala to support the credits, which have become the center of talk among some lawmakers at the State Capitol. There are discussions to possibly limit the... more »

• IRS targeting draws ire from local political groups Play Video

  May 13, 2013 6:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A report showing agents at the IRS targeted conservative groups who applied for tax exemptions drew the ire of local political groups. The IRS didn't target the Tea Party of Louisiana, but the group still believes it's a violation of their freedom of speech. "When you... more »

• Deadline to file La. taxes is Wednesday

  May 13, 2013 11:13 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The deadline for filing 2012 Louisiana individual income tax returns is Wednesday. The state Department of Revenue says filing can be made electronically and more information is available at the department's website, www.revenue.louisiana.gov/fileonline. Officials say the average refund processing time for electronic returns is 10 business days;... more »

• Gay LSU students celebrating graduation with public funds Play Video

  May 9, 2013 10:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - It's called the Lavender Graduation Ceremony and who gets the bill is rubbing some the wrong way. This year, LSU's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Questioning community is flashing pride with lavender stoles and a ceremony. But there's push back because their ceremony is separate and... more »

• Internet sales tax bill faces tough sell in House

  May 7, 2013 7:13 AM

  WASHINGTON - Traditional retailers and cash-strapped states face a tough sell in the House as they lobby Congress to limit tax-free shopping on the Internet. The Senate voted 69 to 27 Monday to pass a bill that empowers states to collect sales taxes from Internet purchases. Under the... more »

• Bill to reduce film tax credits pulled

  May 6, 2013 12:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The author of a bill which sought to cut lucrative tax credits for film companies in half pulled the bill today before it could be discussed at a legislative committee. Rep. Ted James (D-Baton Rouge) deferred the bill without testimony, saying he wanted to discuss the... more »

• Are you a tax cheat if you shop online tax-free?

  May 5, 2013 10:40 AM

  WASHINGTON - Buy anything on the Internet lately without paying sales tax? In all but a few states, you're probably a tax cheat. That's right, even if Internet retailers don't collect sales tax at the time of purchase, you're required by law to pay it in 45 states and the... more »

• News 2 Investigates: Top Ticket Violators

  May 2, 2013 7:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Parish Attorney's Office partnered with the City Clerk of Court will now withhold state income tax returns from people with outstanding parking tickets. Weekly, city court judges sign more than 200 money judgments allowing tax returns to be seized to pay off what's owed. ... more »

• Committee backs phase-in of property tax payments

  April 29, 2013 12:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A House committee agreed that property owners whose tax assessments increase by 15 percent or more in one year should be able to spread the increase over three years. The bill is sponsored by House Speaker Chuck Kleckley as an attempt to give property owners an adjustment... more »

• Tax cheats pony up $5.5 billion in amnesty program

  April 26, 2013 2:14 PM

  WASHINGTON - Government investigators say more than 39,000 tax cheats have come clean under a series of programs that offered reduced penalties and no jail time to people who voluntarily disclosed assets they were hiding overseas. In all, the Internal Revenue Service recouped more than $5.5 billion. But there's more.... more »

• Leaders plan to push tax increase again

  April 25, 2013 9:06 PM

  LIVINGSTON - Just one year later, leaders want to push a property tax increase to fund Livingston Parish mosquito control again. It was voted-down last year, but since about a third of residents still skip-out on paying the fee, Mosquito and Abatement believes the tax is necessary. Without... more »

• Internet sales tax could be forced at purchase Play Video

  April 23, 2013 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Online shoppers could be in for a surprise if lawmakers pass a bill that would allow states to require Internet retailers to charge sales tax on out-of-state purchases. Right now, companies that sell online but don't have a "brick-and-mortar" presence in the state aren't required to... more »

• Cigarette tax hike rejected by House committee

  April 23, 2013 2:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A proposal to raise Louisiana's cigarette tax has been rejected by lawmakers. The House Ways and Means Committee voted 11-7 against the bill by Monroe Rep. Katrina Jackson to raise the current 36-cent per pack tax to 68 cents. Jackson's proposal would have let voters decide whether to... more »

• Cigarette tax increase stalls

  April 22, 2013 12:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An attempt to raise cigarette taxes by $1.05 per pack has stalled in the House tax committee. Bogalusa Rep. Harold Ritchie pulled his proposal before a vote Monday, saying he knew he didn't have the support to advance the measure to the House floor. It would have... more »

• Local woman sentenced in tax scheme

  April 19, 2013 10:33 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A 59-year-old Baton Rouge woman has been sentenced to a year in prison and ordered to pay more than $117,000 in restitution for a tax scheme involving homebuyer credits. U.S. Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux Jr. says Brenda Matthews pleaded guilty in October to making false claims to... more »

• Jindal says he'd veto cigarette tax without offset

  April 18, 2013 3:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal says he'll veto any cigarette tax increase that wins passage from lawmakers, unless it's coupled with a corresponding cut in taxes somewhere else. Jindal says he will oppose anything he considers a net increase in state tax revenue. A few weeks ago, Jindal was... more »

• Black caucus drops tax plan, except cigarette tax

  April 16, 2013 2:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE- With the House tax committee dropping debate of Gov. Bobby Jindal's income tax repeal, the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus says it won't push its alternate tax plan to lower the tax rates. Rep. Katrina Jackson, who is the chair of the group, says the caucus wouldn't seek hearings... more »

• Legislative fiscal analysts question Jindal budget Play Video

  April 15, 2013 6:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Senators opened their budget hearings with questions raised about financing plans proposed by Gov. Bobby Jindal to balance next year's budget. Members of the Senate Finance Committee heard Monday from analysts with the Legislative Fiscal Office about the 2013-14 budget proposal. Fiscal office analysts say the governor's... more »

• Lawmakers refuse to hear income tax repeal bills Play Video

  April 15, 2013 10:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The state House Ways and Means committee said today they would defer all income tax repeal bills for this session, essentially killing Governor Bobby Jindal's main plan for tax reform. Committee chair Joel Robideaux (R-Lafayette) said such bills already scheduled for a hearing would still be... more »

• Obama pays $112k in 2012 taxes on $609k of income

  April 12, 2013 1:12 PM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's 2012 tax returns show he and first lady Michelle Obama paid $112,214 in taxes last year on $608,611 in adjusted gross income. They paid an effective rate of 18.4 percent for their federal income taxes. The adjusted gross income figure is down from 2011, when... more »

• Jindal admin: Non-revenue neutral tax plans an option

  April 9, 2013 10:43 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's leader on tax issues is indicating to lawmakers that the governor is no longer seeking a dollar-for-dollar swap in an income tax repeal. Tim Barfield, executive counsel for the Department of Revenue, told a Senate committee on Tuesday that now that Jindal is supporting... more »

• Sources: Jindal to scrap tax plan, propose 10-year rollout

  April 8, 2013 1:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal is expected to announce he's scrapping his plan to immediately eliminate personal and corporate income taxes, according to multiple sources at the Capitol. Those sources tell WBRZ News 2 the governor will instead propose rolling out the eliminations over the next decade, without... more »

• Jindal scraps tax reforms, 10-year rollout proposed Play Video

  April 8, 2013 1:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal announced today he was scrapping his plan to immediately eliminate personal and corporate income taxes, and instead try to phase the changes in over the next decade. Jindal made the announcement during his joint address before the state House and Senate at the... more »

• Jindal to speak on tax reform at session opening

  April 8, 2013 10:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal will open the 2013 legislative session this afternoon with remarks about his tax reform plans. Jindal is scheduled to speak around 1 p.m. before the joint House and Senate, just after the two-month session opens officially at noon. The governor has proposed... more »

• Voters in East Feliciana deny new tax for public school system Play Video

  April 6, 2013 10:51 PM

  CLINTON- A new tax to fund schools in East Feliciana failed to gain approval by voters Saturday. The tax would have increased property rates by about 45%, but would have raised $4 million dollars for the school system. The superintendent said the tax was needed to get schools... more »

• Consulting firm against part of Jindal tax plan

  April 5, 2013 11:25 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The consulting firm hired by Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration for economic analysis of the governor's tax plan says states should not enact a key plank of Jindal's proposal. In a report released nationally, Ernst & Young economists say sales taxes on services bought by businesses are bad... more »

• Lawmaker: Jindal tax plan faces hurdles to passage

  April 1, 2013 2:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Lafayette lawmaker sponsoring Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax rewrite proposals says no one should consider the tax package dead on arrival, as some critics have claimed. Rep. Joel Robideaux, Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, says opposition from a powerful business lobbying group and hundreds... more »

• Baton Rouge lawmaker proposes plastic bag tax

  March 29, 2013 4:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Baton Rouge lawmaker is proposing a new 5-cent state tax on plastic bags, like those used to carry groceries bought at the store. Rep. Regina Barrow, a Democrat, filed the measure Friday for consideration in the legislative session that starts April 8. For enactment, the bill... more »

• Jindal tax plan includes rebates for poor, retired

  March 29, 2013 3:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax package includes handing out rebate checks to the poor, military employees and certain retirees who otherwise could face hefty tax hikes under the restructuring. Those groups don't pay income taxes, so Jindal's proposal to eliminate income taxes in exchange for higher and more... more »

• Treasurer pushes for vote on Jindal tax plan

  March 29, 2013 10:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Treasurer John Kennedy says he thinks voters should decide whether to rewrite Louisiana's tax laws, if lawmakers pass Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax swap. Kennedy said in a column Thursday that the governor's proposal would impact every Louisiana taxpayer, so voters should decide in a statewide election if... more »

• Jindal increases proposed sales tax hike

  March 28, 2013 6:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal has made changes to his tax revamp proposal and will push to boost state sales taxes even higher than already announced to make the numbers balance. Jindal's proposal would increase the state sales tax from 4 percent to 6.25 percent, rather than the 5.88... more »

• La. Dems sound off against Jindal tax plan

  March 27, 2013 10:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Democrats critical of Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax swap plan sounded off at the state Capitol today. Representative James Armes (D-La. 30) said Jindal's plan to eliminate the state income tax and increase the state sales tax would take from the poor and give to the rich,... more »

• Jindal plan estimated to boost business tax costs

  March 26, 2013 1:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's leader on his tax rewrite says the plan would shift $500 million in tax costs from individuals to businesses. Tim Barfield, executive counsel for the Department of Revenue, says companies will benefit from the simplicity and stability of the rewritten tax laws. Lawmakers questioned... more »

• Louisiana state tax extensions must be filed online

  March 26, 2013 10:46 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Taxpayers in Louisiana who need more time to submit their individual income or Corporation Income and Franchise Tax returns can no longer file an extension the traditional paper way, according to the state Department of Revenue. A spokesperson said extensions must be filed online before the... more »

• Phase-In Recommended for Tax Plan

  March 25, 2013 11:23 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A government watchdog group says Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax plan should include a "margin of error" factor so the state doesn't end up facing new budget shortfalls. The Council for A Better Louisiana also suggests that if lawmakers agree to the tax system revamp, it should be... more »

• Religious leaders say Jindal tax data is wrong

  March 22, 2013 2:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A group of Louisiana religious leaders say Gov. Bobby Jindal used flawed data to claim nearly all families won't see increased costs under the governor's tax code rewrite. Jindal wants to get rid of state income taxes, in exchange for higher and more state sales taxes. The clergy... more »

• Jindal details tax reform plan at Capitol Play Video

  March 14, 2013 11:25 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal said the Louisiana's sales tax rate would increase from 4 percent to 5.88 percent under his plan to eliminate both the individual income tax and corporate income and franchise taxes. If approved, the tax reforms would also boost Louisiana's combined local and state... more »

• Tax break study panel releases recommendations

  March 5, 2013 10:37 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Lawmakers who spent months reviewing Louisiana's lengthy list of tax breaks are recommending more regular oversight and study of the credits, exemptions and rebates. In its final report released Tuesday, the Revenue Study Commission didn't recommend getting rid of any specific tax breaks. Instead, the 14-member panel provided... more »

• Policy group urges caution concerning tax reform Play Video

  March 4, 2013 6:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says Louisiana's tax structure needs to be improved. He told the Baton Rouge Press Club that any plans to elminiate state income tax will likely be permanent. Erwin says Louisiana's tax structure is complicated. That makes Louisiana's business climate... more »

• Court rejects $1B in 'phony tax deductions' by Dow

  February 27, 2013 6:06 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - A federal court in Louisiana is rejecting transactions by The Dow Chemical Co. that created $1 billion in what the U.S. Justice Department calls "phony tax deductions." Justice said Wednesday that the tax-reduction scheme was created by Goldman Sachs and the law firm of King & Spalding.... more »

• Where's my Louisiana income tax refund? Play Video

  February 27, 2013 5:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE - If you haven't received your Louisiana state tax refund, you're not alone. "I got my federal return pretty quickly," resident Elizabeth Crain said. "I've been wondering where my state return is." Crain isn't the only one wondering where her refund is. According to the state... more »

• Bill would force online retailers to charge you tax Play Video

  February 20, 2013 5:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Marketplace Fairness Act, which is co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), would allow states to force online retailers to collect sales taxes on Internet purchases. The bill is intended to help small businesses that often lose out to online retailers who don't have to charge... more »

• Bill could force you to pay online tax

  February 20, 2013 10:29 AM

  BATON ROUGE- The Marketplace Fairness Act, which is co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), would allow states to force online retailers to collect sales taxes on Internet purchases. The bill is intended to help small businesses that often lose out to online retailers who don't have to charge... more »

• Tax return rejected after dependants wrongfully claimed Play Video

  February 7, 2013 6:33 PM

  HOLDEN - After her tax return was rejected two years in a row, mother of three Melissa Peavy says she's fed up. "I'm just angry," said Peavy. "I'm angry, not for myself, but for my children." Two of her children have been claimed as dependants on a stranger's... more »

• La. taxpayers have choices for state income tax refunds

  February 7, 2013 2:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Taxpayers in Louisiana can now choose between methods to receive their state income tax refunds. Taxpayers who file electronically can select direct deposit, a paper check, or the Louisiana MyRefund Card, a pre-loaded debit card that can be used to withdraw cash at ATMs or bank teller... more »

• Jindal seeking to expand sales tax to more items

  February 6, 2013 3:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor Bobby Jindal wants to charge state sales taxes on more services and products than there are currently provided. Items like landscaping, marina services and cable TV could be included. Governor Jindal says the increase on the state's sales tax income would help offset the loss... more »

• Jindal tax plan expected to include cigarette tax

  February 4, 2013 3:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two years after strongly opposing a 4-cent cigarette tax renewal, Gov. Bobby Jindal is considering his own larger proposal to raise tobacco taxes. The Jindal administration has floated the idea to lawmakers for the upcoming legislative session that begins in April, as part of a proposed rewrite... more »

• Taxpayers can start filing their state tax returns

  January 30, 2013 2:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE- People can now file their state income tax returns, but the state revenue department says the earliest tax filers will get their refunds is Feb. 26. The department announced Wednesday that new computer software designed to prevent fraudulent electronic filing is being rolled out. That identity verification software... more »

• St. Helena considers road-revenue plan

  January 24, 2013 10:57 AM

  GREENSBURG- The St. Helena Parish Police Jury wants to rededicate two sources of tax revenue to road improvements, which all jurors agreed is an immediate necessity. On a 4-2 vote, the jury decided this week to seek advice from bond attorneys about possibly rededicating a 5-mill ad valorem tax that... more »

• IRS loses lawsuit in fight against tax preparers

  January 18, 2013 5:33 PM

  WASHINGTON - A federal judge has ruled that the IRS lacks authority to impose new regulations, including a competency exam, on hundreds of thousands of tax preparers. The ruling Friday from Judge James Boasberg bars the IRS from implementing a host of regulations that would have required tax preparers to... more »

• PAR raises concerns about Jindal tax swap plan

  January 18, 2013 2:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A nonpartisan government watchdog organization says Gov. Bobby Jindal's plan to get rid of state income taxes in favor of higher sales taxes could weaken the state's revenue base. The Public Affairs Research Council's tax advisory panel says a shift to a sales tax-focused system could fall more... more »

• Livingston sales tax revenue increases

  January 18, 2013 12:49 PM

  LIVINGSTON - Livingston Parish sales tax revenue rose 7 percent in December, compared with the previous year, marking the 26th straight month that tax receipts have increased. The Advocate reports more than 70 percent of the sales taxes collected in the Denham Springs Economic Development District are still being used... more »

• Tax break recommendations expected in March

  January 18, 2013 6:38 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The chairman of a legislative study panel reviewing Louisiana's billions of dollars in tax breaks says he won't meet a February deadline to compile recommendations to lawmakers. Rep. Joel Robideaux, a Republican leading the Revenue Study Commission, says he'll have the report and its suggestions ready for... more »

• Jindal tax plan would keep incentive programs

  January 16, 2013 4:42 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The leader on Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposed tax code rewrite, Tim Barfield, says the administration wants to keep most of the state's economic development incentive programs as part of the revamp. Many of the programs give credits or exemptions to income taxes. Though Jindal is proposing to... more »

• Jindal tax plan would keep incentive programs

  January 15, 2013 4:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The leader on Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposed tax code rewrite, Tim Barfield, says the administration wants to keep most of the state's economic development incentive programs as part of the revamp. Many of the programs give credits or exemptions to income taxes. Though Jindal is proposing to... more »

• Lawmakers hesitant about Jindal tax proposal Play Video

  January 11, 2013 2:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Lawmakers are responding with caution to Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposal to eliminate Louisiana's income tax in exchange for higher sales taxes and other tax code changes. Among specific concerns raised Friday by legislators who will decide the fate of the plan are how it will impact low- to... more »

• Tax filing season starts Jan. 30 for most filers

  January 8, 2013 1:19 PM

  WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service says late changes to federal tax laws should mean only a short delay for most taxpayers to file their 2012 returns. The agency said Tuesday that more than 120 million taxpayers - about 80 percent of all filers - should be able to start... more »

• Deadline approaching for Isaac-delayed taxes

  January 7, 2013 10:25 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The IRS reminded people today that this Friday is the deadline for certain tax filings delayed by Hurricane Isaac. After Isaac passed through Louisiana on Sept. 5, the IRS postponed several tax filing and payment deadlines for taxpayers in Louisiana and Mississippi, giving them until Jan.... more »

• New reality series to focus on Trina and Edwin Edwards Play Video

  January 4, 2013 11:14 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Former governor Edwin Edwards and his new wife are the focus of the latest reality TV series to come out of Louisiana. Production on "The Governor's Wife" has already finished, and it is scheduled to air on A&E Feb. 27. According to reports, the show... more »

• Fiscal cliff averted but taxes rise for all Play Video

  January 2, 2013 5:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers reached a deal last night in Washington, averting the fiscal cliff, which included tax hikes for the middle class. The deal did not include an extension of the payroll tax cut. Beginning January 1st, one tax went up for everyone. It's a two percent increase... more »

• Congress approves deal to avoid 'fiscal cliff'

  January 1, 2013 10:45 PM

  WASHINGTON - Past its own New Year's deadline, a weary Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation to avoid a national "fiscal cliff" of middle class tax increases and spending cuts late Tuesday night in the culmination of a struggle that strained America's divided government to the limit. The bill's... more »

• State panel approves Lafayette parks tax election

  December 21, 2012 9:09 AM

  LAFAYETTE - The State Bond Commission has voted to approve an April 6 vote in the city of Lafayette on a property tax increase to support the struggling Parks and Recreation Department. The department stands to gain an estimated $6.5 million annually if voters approve the measure, which would... more »

• Sources: New Obama offer moves toward Boehner

  December 17, 2012 6:37 PM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has proposed a deficit-reduction package to House Speaker John Boehner that would increase the top tax rates on taxpayers earning more than $400,000, cut more spending from health care programs and add $200 billion more in spending cuts over 10 years to his earlier offer.... more »

• Pelosi says time running out for fiscal cliff deal

  December 13, 2012 10:45 AM

  WASHINGTON - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi says a deal must be reached "in the next couple of days or the very beginning of next week" to avoid the fiscal cliff of automatic tax hikes and spending cuts. The California Democrat criticized Republican House leaders for sending lawmakers home on... more »

• Lieberman urges compromise in final Senate speech

  December 12, 2012 1:34 PM

  WASHINGTON - Retiring Sen. Joe Lieberman in his final Senate floor speech is urging Congress to put partisan rancor aside and reach across party lines to break Washington's gridlock. The Democrat-turned-independent from Connecticut said Wednesday that strong bipartisan leadership is needed to solve the nation's most pressing problems such as... more »

• Reid: 'Extremely difficult' to solve fiscal cliff

  December 11, 2012 2:18 PM

  WASHINGTON - The Senate's top Democrat says "it's going to be extremely difficult" to pass legislation to address the so-called fiscal cliff before Christmas, but adds there's still a chance it can be done. Majority Leader Harry Reid commented Tuesday amid a souring mood in Washington over negotiations to forestall... more »

• Tweaks considered for 'enterprise zone' tax break

  December 11, 2012 10:28 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret says he'll propose changes to a tax credit program that was designed to spur development in depressed communities. The program has instead often benefited big companies investing in affluent areas. Moret told a legislative committee Monday that Louisiana granted $91 million in... more »

• Senate GOP leader calls on Dems to spell out cuts

  December 11, 2012 10:23 AM

  WASHINGTON - The Senate Republican leader is calling on President Barack Obama and Democrats to spell out where they would cut government spending as part of any deal to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff." Sen. Mitch McConnell complained on Tuesday that Obama has spent his time talking about raising tax... more »

• Obama 'won't compromise,' but holds back on GOP criticism

  December 10, 2012 3:26 PM

  REDFORD, Mich. - President Barack Obama says he "won't compromise" on his demands that the wealthiest Americans pay more in taxes. However, Obama held back from directly criticizing Republicans for opposing his tax plans, perhaps signaling that private negotiations over the "fiscal cliff" are showing progress. Obama and Boehner met... more »

• Obama tax plan no small deal to small businesses

  December 10, 2012 2:47 PM

  WASHINGTON - Congressional budget experts say President Barack Obama's plan to raise taxes on top earners will have only a small impact on the economy. Don't tell that to the 940,000 small business owners who will pay more. All together, they will account for more than half the $1.3 trillion... more »

• Fiscal cliff stalemate spurs anxiety in states

  December 10, 2012 12:35 PM

  JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A potential plunge over the federal "fiscal cliff" is causing anxiety for many state officials - not only because of prospective federal funding cuts, but because of the confusion surrounding the ongoing stalemate in Washington. The longer the White House and Congress remain at odds, the... more »

• East Feliciana Parish considers tax vote

  December 10, 2012 9:12 AM

  CLINTON - The East Feliciana Parish School Board has started talking about raising more money for public education. The board's financial adviser, certified public accountant Tommy LeJeune, presented estimates of the amount of money that could be gained if voters approved a 28-, 38- or 48-mill property tax increase.... more »

• Property owners shell out hundreds more for CATS Play Video

  December 6, 2012 5:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Property tax assessments are going out in East Baton Rouge Parish, and owners living in the city limits of Baker and Baton Rouge can expect much larger overall contributions compared to years past. To see what you owe, click here . In the Riverbend neighborhood... more »

• Obama, Boehner speak by phone on fiscal cliff

  December 5, 2012 4:37 PM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner discussed the fiscal cliff Wednesday in a telephone call. It followed several days of political sparring over steps to prevent a year-end series of tax increases and spending cuts. The call raises the possibility that negotiations will soon resume between... more »

• White House asks agencies to plan for fiscal cliff

  December 5, 2012 4:06 PM

  WASHINGTON - The White House budget office has asked federal agencies to calculate more than $100 billion in spending cuts that would go into effect in January if Congress and the Obama administration fail to reach agreement to avert the looming fiscal cliff. White House press secretary Jay Carney said... more »

• Obama: No fiscal cliff deal without higher rates

  December 4, 2012 12:35 PM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama says there will be no deal to avert the "fiscal cliff" unless Republicans drop their opposition to raising tax rates on the wealthiest Americans. However, Obama is signaling flexibility on where the rates eventually wind up. Obama says he knows he won't get everything that... more »

• White House rejects GOP fiscal cliff counteroffer

  December 3, 2012 4:47 PM

  WASHINGTON - The White House is rejecting a Republican counteroffer aimed at averting the "fiscal cliff," saying it does not meet what the White House calls "the test of balance." White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer says the GOP proposal would lower tax rates for the wealthy and stick the... more »

• GOP proposes new 'fiscal cliff' offer to Obama

  December 3, 2012 2:16 PM

  WASHINGTON - House Republicans negotiating with President Barack Obama on avoiding the so-called fiscal cliff are proposing to increase the eligibility age for Medicare and to lower cost-of-living hikes in Social Security benefits. The proposal is a response to Obama's offer last week to hike taxes by $1.6 trillion over... more »

• Obama takes middle class tax cut pitch outside DC

  November 30, 2012 11:59 AM

  HATFIELD, Pa. - President Barack Obama is urging Congress to pass an extension of tax cuts for middle class families, saying a tax increase for them would be like a "lump of coal" for Christmas. In his first campaign-style event to sell his solution on the "fiscal cliff," Obama says... more »

• Obama to paint Republicans as obstacles to a deal

  November 30, 2012 7:47 AM

  WASHINGTON - During his visit to the Philadelphia area today, President Barack Obama is planning on insisting on higher taxes for the top two percent of earners. That's according to White House officials, who say Obama will cast Republicans as an obstacle to a deal that would avoid the "fiscal... more »

• Cyber shopping not tax-free Play Video

  November 29, 2012 5:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - You may not be charged tax when online shopping, but that doesn't mean your purchases are tax-free. Web retailers like Amazon.com aren't required to collect sales tax in states like Louisiana because there's no 'brick-and-mortar' store in the state, but Louisiana still requires consumers to pay... more »

• Oil and gas deduction could be key to onshore drilling Play Video

  November 28, 2012 5:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Louisiana oil and gas representatives say a tax deduction dating back seven or eight decades could help jumpstart onshore oil activity. The break allows companies to deduct a percentage of their income as costs. It is an annual break of 22 percent for certain properties. Mid Continent... more »

• First cracks in GOP resolve on tax rates

  November 28, 2012 10:20 AM

  WASHINGTON - The first cracks are developing among Republicans over whether to accept a quick deal with President Barack Obama on allowing the top two income tax rates to expire. Conservative Oklahoma GOP Rep. Tom Cole has told GOP colleagues that it's better to make sure that tax cuts for... more »

• Buffett urges Congress to raise taxes on wealthy

  November 26, 2012 10:33 AM

  OMAHA, Neb. - Billionaire Warren Buffett is again calling for higher taxes on the "ultra-rich" and he's urging Congress to compromise on spending cuts and tax increases. Buffett expressed his views on fiscal policy in an opinion article Monday in The New York Times. In the article, Buffett mocked the... more »

• Fire tax vote delayed in Ascension Parish Play Video

  November 19, 2012 5:57 PM

  GALVEZ - Ascension Parish will have to wait a few more months before voters will decide if the Fire Protection District No. 1 will get more money. The proposed 15 mill property tax was supposed to be on a December ballot, but instead will be held until a May... more »

• Iberville Parish unveils $41.6 million budget

  November 19, 2012 10:19 AM

  PLAQUEMINE - Despite declining tax revenues, Iberville Parish's $41.6 million budget for 2013 reflects a 1.5 percent increase in spending compared to 2012. The Advocate reports nearly 30 percent of the $611,882 projected spending increase is attributed to more than $11 million in capital outlay projects reflected in the proposed... more »

• Buffett says fiscal cliff won't trigger recession

  November 14, 2012 3:28 PM

  OMAHA, Neb. - Investor Warren Buffett says there won't be a recession if Congress can't resolve the so-called fiscal cliff before the automatic tax increases and spending cuts take effect in January. Buffett told CNN on Wednesday that the U.S. economy is very resilient, and it won't collapse if lawmakers... more »

• Senate GOP leader: Obama should offer deficit plan

  November 13, 2012 3:28 PM

  WASHINGTON - Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says it's up to President Barack Obama to present a deficit reduction plan rather than a campaign slogan to Congress. The Kentucky Republican said that like House Speaker John Boehner, he is ready to support new revenue as part of a deal that... more »

• Labor heads say Obama backs them on 'fiscal cliff'

  November 13, 2012 12:47 PM

  WASHINGTON - Labor leaders say President Barack Obama remains committed to preserving tax cuts for middle class families and ensuring that the wealthiest Americans pay more in taxes. The leaders of labor unions met with Obama Tuesday to discuss ways of averting the so-called "fiscal cliff" and find consensus on... more »