WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Man gets 8 months for failing to file income taxes

  May 23, 2013 8:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Former Denham Springs attorney Roderick Dewitt Aguillard III has been sentenced in Baton Rouge to eight months in federal prison after admitting that he did not file income tax returns on $2.3 million he earned over a four-year-period. Failure to file a federal income tax return is a... more »

• New Roads disputes jury's road tax move

  May 22, 2013 10:15 AM

  NEW ROADS - The City Council has approved a resolution asking the Pointe Coupee Parish Police Jury to overturn a resolution it recently adopted seeking to raise the amount of taxes residents pay for street and road improvements. The council's action came at the request of Mayor Robert Myer,... more »

• Video poker interests get organized

  May 5, 2013 10:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. - Video poker interests in Louisiana are organizing to fight possible taxes on the devices. The Advocate reports that's a chief goal of the new Louisiana Video Gaming Association. Organization president Stan Guidroz says video poker operators want to be sure legislators don't raise taxes on them... more »

• Post office hours for late minute tax returns

  April 15, 2013 2:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The post office located at 8181 Bluebonnet Blvd will offer curbside collection in front of the collections boxes from 5:00 pm to 12 midnight. Customers can go to this location to drop off returns to receive the April 15th postmark. This is the only location... more »

• E. Feliciana split over proposed tax to fund schools Play Video

  April 5, 2013 5:42 PM

  CLINTON - A tax proposal East Feliciana Parish residents will vote on Saturday has leaders torn down the middle. School Board Superintendent Henderson Lewis Jr. wants a $4 million proposed tax to raise money for the parish's struggling school system, which isn't meeting state requirements. "Even though we're... more »

• Shoppers still spending at Tanger despite higher taxes Play Video

  April 4, 2013 4:17 PM

  GONZALES - People are still spending money at Tanger Outlet Mall, despite having to pay higher taxes. Shoppers are charged a 9.5 percent tax on what they buy at the mall, which is a cent more than in the rest of Gonzales. About 70 percent of each penny... more »

• Web purchase tax included in Gov. Jindal's reforms Play Video

  March 19, 2013 5:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE - One option being considered for Governor Bobby Jindal's tax reform package is a blanket, income-based tax which would cover all online purchases. It's called a safe harbor plan, and Louisiana budget officials say other states have already adopted similar measures. The plan would let people make... more »

• Jindal proposes $1.4B in new taxes on services

  March 15, 2013 2:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Your paycheck will grow larger, but in exchange, your haircut, cable TV and insurance bills will go up, if lawmakers agree to Gov. Bobby Jindal's rewrite of Louisiana's tax code. Jindal wants to do away with state income taxes, but he doesn't want to shrink the state's revenue... more »

• Tax plan targets services Play Video

  March 14, 2013 5:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Governor Bobby Jindal's plan to reform the state's tax system and eliminate the individual income tax would also need to add taxes on some services for the first time. Traditionally, services like haircuts, landscaping, pet grooming and cable TV aren't taxed, but Jindal's plan would add the... 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 »

• State has millions in unclaimed insurance money

  February 22, 2013 5:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Department of Insurance is sitting on $255 million in unclaimed money, and some of it could be yours. The money comes from a surcharge tacked on to all homeowner's insurance premiums to fund Louisiana Citizens Insurance in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. ... 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 »

• Leesville accountant pleads guilty in tax probe

  January 30, 2013 6:31 AM

  LAFAYETTE - A Leesville accountant has pleaded guilty to failing to pay the proper amount of payroll taxes that his former employer owed the federal government. Sixty-year-old Larry Wayne Bruce faces a maximum sentence of six years in prison following his guilty plea Tuesday to two counts of failure... more »

• Bill to avert fiscal cliff heads to House

  January 1, 2013 8:38 AM

  WASHINGTON - Now in the spotlight, House Republicans plan a closed-door meeting today to decide their next move after the Senate overwhelmingly approved compromise legislation avoiding a fiscal cliff of across-the-board tax increases and sweeping spending cuts to the Pentagon and other government agencies. The Senate endorsed the legislation early... more »

• Boehner: No decision on accepting 'cliff' pact

  December 31, 2012 10:51 PM

  WASHINGTON - House Speaker John Boehner and his leadership team say they need to review a Senate pact that would increase taxes on incomes exceeding $400,000 before deciding to schedule a vote on the measure or try to change it. In a joint statement late Monday, House GOP leaders promised... more »

• Deal reached on fiscal cliff

  December 31, 2012 8:32 PM

  WASHINGTON- The Associated Press reported late Monday evening, a deal was reached on taxes and other items involved in the so-called "fiscal cliff." The AP sites a Democratic aid. The report said the White House and the GOP reached a deal. Further details have not been released.... more »

• House won't vote before midnight on 'cliff' deal

  December 31, 2012 3:21 PM

  WASHINGTON - The House will miss the midnight Monday deadline lawmakers set for voting to avoid the "fiscal cliff." House Republicans notified lawmakers that the chamber will vote Monday evening on other bills. They say that will be their only votes of the day. President Barack Obama and Senate Republican... more »

• Obama cuts vacation short as 'fiscal cliff' looms

  December 26, 2012 6:43 AM

  HONOLULU - President Barack Obama is cutting short his traditional Christmas holiday in Hawaii, planning to leave for Washington on Wednesday evening as he and lawmakers consider how to prevent the economy from going over the so-called fiscal cliff. Obama was expected to arrive in Washington early Thursday, the White... more »

• Lawmakers see 'fiscal cliff' deal as elusive

  December 24, 2012 8:11 AM

  WASHINGTON - Lawmakers say it'll be time to get back to work when they and President Barack Obama return to Washington on Thursday following the Christmas holiday. Time is running out to avert the fiscal cliff of tax increases and domestic program cuts in January, and some members of... more »

• Obama says he is 'ready and willing' to get deal

  December 21, 2012 10:20 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says he is "ready and willing" to get a big package done to deal with the "fiscal cliff" and says there's no reason not to protect middle-class Americans from tax increases. Obama says he spoke Friday with House Speaker John Boehner and met with... more »

• Boehner on averting fiscal cliff: 'God only knows'

  December 21, 2012 9:33 AM

  WASHINGTON - House Speaker John Boehner says he's still open to talks with President Barack Obama on avoiding the double economic hit of automatic tax hikes and spending cuts but he needs Obama to compromise more. Boehner spoke to reporters Friday morning, hours after his rank-and-file Republicans handed him... more »

• No vote in DC on taxes, fiscal cliff

  December 20, 2012 11:04 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Unable to round up enough support, House Republicans abruptly put off a vote Thursday night on legislation allowing tax rates to rise for households earning $1 million and up, complicating attempts to avoid a year-end fiscal cliff that threatens to send the economy into recession. In a... more »

• Leading conservative says Obama will win tax fight

  December 13, 2012 10:08 AM

  WASHINGTON - A leading conservative who's resigning from the Senate is predicting that President Barack Obama will win the battle over raising taxes. South Carolina Republican Jim DeMint calls it "a political trophy" within Obama's grasp. He says, quote, "The president's proposal is not a plan, it's not a... 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 »

• Sen. Coburn latest to suggest he could support higher tax rates

  December 5, 2012 4:04 PM

  WASHINGTON - Another Republican is breaking ranks with party leaders on the issue of tax rates. Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma says he could support President Barack Obama's demand for an increase in tax rates at upper income levels, as part of a comprehensive plan to cut federal deficits. Coburn... more »

• Obama addresses CEOs, Native American leaders

  December 5, 2012 7:25 AM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama speaks to business leaders Wednesday morning amid the debate over how to avoid the fiscal cliff. Obama also plans to answer questions from members of the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of leading U.S. companies. The group has been urging... more »

• Obama, Boehner seem far apart on fiscal cliff

  November 30, 2012 3:51 PM

  HATFIELD, Pa. - President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner don't sound close to a deal to avoid that "fiscal cliff" of tax hikes and spending cuts due to hit in January. Boehner says negotiations are going "almost nowhere" right now. He says Obama's proposal to avoid the fiscal... more »

• White House warns impending 'cliff' could hurt holiday spending

  November 26, 2012 3:16 PM

  WASHINGTON - As Washington gets back to work on avoiding the automatic spending cuts and tax hikes that would take effect in January, White House economists are warning that the uncertainty facing U.S. taxpayers could cause consumers to rein in their spending during the current holiday season. The report... more »

• Stocks open lower on new fiscal cliff warning

  November 26, 2012 9:57 AM

  NEW YORK - Stocks are opening lower after a warning from White House economists dampened what had been a huge weekend for retailers. Shoppers flooded stores in record numbers over the weekend, according to the National Retail Federation. The organization said 247 million shoppers visited stores and shopping websites... more »

• Congress faces agenda of unfinished business

  November 12, 2012 2:36 PM

  WASHINGTON - Congress returns Tuesday to a crowded agenda of unfinished business overshadowed by the urgent need for President Barack Obama and lawmakers to avert the economic double hit of tax increases and automatic spending cuts. One week after the elections, Republicans and Democrats face a daunting task in a... more »

• Obama: Wealthy must see higher taxes under plan

  November 9, 2012 12:33 PM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama says raising taxes on wealthiest Americans must be part of deficit reduction plan but says he is "open to compromise" and "new ideas." Obama says he will refuse to accept any approach that "isn't balanced." Obama says in his first public comments since the election... more »

• Boehner says debt limit should be part of talks

  November 9, 2012 10:54 AM

  WASHINGTON - House Speaker John Boehner says any deal to avert the so-called fiscal cliff should include lower tax rates, eliminating special interest loopholes and revising the tax code. Speaking to reporters Friday, the Ohio Republican insisted that changing the tax code and making it more efficient would lead to... more »

• "Embarrassing" mistake almost led to no taxes Play Video

  October 29, 2012 4:16 PM

  BAKER - Residents in Baker almost didn't have to pay property taxes to the city this year after a paperwork mistake. The Baker City Council met today for an emergency meeting to clear up the mess. Some council members called it "embarrassing." Mayor Harold Rideau said new guidelines... more »

• Group of major CEOs urges tax hikes, spending cuts

  October 25, 2012 1:55 PM

  WASHINGTON - CEOs from more than 80 major U.S. companies are pressing Congress to reduce the federal deficit by raising taxes and cutting spending. With a sea of red ink confronting the nation, the deficit and how to tame it has become a looming theme in the presidential campaign. The... more »

• Half avoid taxes, get fed help but many not poor

  September 18, 2012 4:54 PM

  WASHINGTON - Mitt Romney got the math about right when he said 47 percent of Americans pay no incomes taxes and are "dependent on government" for support. But he blurred together half or more of the entire country with his comment, from the neediest Americans to some of the richest.... more »

• Obama responds to Romney's 'victims' comments

  September 18, 2012 4:52 PM

  NEW YORK - President Barack Obama is chiding Republican Mitt Romney for referring to supporters of the president as victims who depend on the government. Obama says anyone who wants to be president has to "work for everyone, not just for some." Appearing on the "Late Show" with David Letterman,... more »

• Property values increase 2 percent in Ascension Parish Play Video

  August 20, 2012 6:18 PM

  ASCENSION - Some homeowners in Prairieville and Dutchtown can expect to pay higher property taxes since home values have increased since 2008. The Ascension Parish Assessors Office valued 3,400 homes this year, which is down from 2008. Property values went up by 2 percent, compared to 8 percent the... more »

• Who pays health care law taxes

  August 9, 2012 7:51 PM

  The wealthiest 2 percent of Americans will take the biggest hit in higher taxes from the health care law upheld by the Supreme Court. Starting next year, the pain will start. It will be shared by some who aren't as well off as part of smaller tax changes to help... more »

• Obama backs bill to exempt taxes on Olympians

  August 6, 2012 12:22 PM

  WASHINGTON - The White House says President Barack Obama supports a measure that would exempt U.S. Olympians from taxes on their prizes. Press secretary Jay Carney said Monday that Obama would do "everything we can to support our athletes," including signing into law legislation introduced by Republican Sen. Marco Rubio... more »

• House Democrats lose bid to hike taxes on wealthy

  August 1, 2012 4:50 PM

  WASHINGTON - Democrats have lost a bid in the Republican-controlled House to increase taxes on high-income earners and on people who inherit million dollar-plus estates. The Democratic plan, which was backed by President Barack Obama, fell to Republicans who insisted that a full package of Bush-era tax cuts be renewed... more »

• Obama pitches tax cuts as pocketbook issue in Ohio

  August 1, 2012 3:22 PM

  MANSFIELD, Ohio - President Barack Obama says Republican Mitt Romney's economic plan would give tax cuts to the richest people in America at the expense of popular tax breaks for most everyone else. On a campaign trip in Ohio, Obama said Wednesday that Romney's tax proposal would force many people... more »

• No property taxes this year in Pollock

  July 19, 2012 10:47 AM

  POLLOCK - Officials in the central Louisiana town of Pollock have agreed not to collect property taxes this year. The Town Talk of Alexandria reports that Mayor Jerome Scott asked the town council not to impose the town's 7.52- mill tax this year. Scott notes that the town is nearly... more »

• Democrats, Republicans face off over tax proposals in the Senate

  July 10, 2012 1:39 PM

  WASHINGTON - The tax fight isn't just playing out on the campaign trail today -- it's also taking center stage in the Senate, where leaders of both parties are belittling each other's tax-cutting plans. Democrats today are trying to advance legislation that would lower taxes for companies that hire new... more »

• Battle over East Feliciana Parish tax continues Play Video

  July 6, 2012 5:30 PM

  CLINTON - After five years of not collecting a 5 percent tax on businesses that repair machinery, some leaders in East Feliciana Parish want the money. Jon Craft's 40-year-old grapple repair company paid the tax on rebuilt and repaired items for years. But in 2007 six East Feliciana Parish... more »

• Council delays taxes on ballot

  July 6, 2012 6:31 AM

  DONALDSONVILLE - The Ascension Parish Council has postponed a vote to put proposed taxes and fees on the election ballot until later this month. The move likely ensures the items would not go before voters on Nov. 6 with a proposed parish half-cent sales tax for road improvements. ... more »

• School board authorizes West Feliciana sales tax

  April 25, 2012 9:47 PM

  ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. (AP) - The West Feliciana Parish School Board has adopted an ordinance to begin collecting a new half-cent sales tax that voters approved Saturday. The 10-year tax, which raises the school board's total sales tax levy to 3 percent, passed by a vote of 1,331 to 568.... more »

• Not too late to file taxes but time is running out Play Video

  April 17, 2012 4:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Time is running out for last minute tax filers to put finishing touches on their federal tax returns ahead of tonight's midnight filing deadline. Latecomers are already getting two extra days this year. Tax Day is normally April 15, but because it fell on a... more »

• Prairieville could become official city

  April 12, 2012 5:22 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - Some in Prairieville want their area to become an official city, and they are spending their own money to do it. Milton Clouatre and a handful of people he knows are concerned the tax money they pay goes not to their area, but instead to other parts... more »

• Law would drop income tax for people making $50k or more

  February 29, 2012 4:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A new push in State government could save people making $50,000 or more money. A pre-filed bill in the State Senate would cut state income tax by 2% for those people- bringing it down to 4%. But, economy experts wonder if Louisiana could recap the lost... more »

• FTC: Tax-related ID theft complaints on rise

  February 25, 2012 10:24 AM

  WASHINGTON- The government says the number of identity theft complaints involving tax and wage fraud is soaring even as law enforcement agencies are trying to crack down on the problem. Federal Trade Commission officials says that 24 percent of the nearly 279,000 identity theft complaints it received last year came... more »

• Get your tax return quicker Play Video

  January 25, 2012 6:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE - File your state income tax return online, and you could have money in your pocket in days instead of weeks. If you file by paper, the Louisiana Department of Revenue estimates it will take between 12 and 16 weeks to get your return. E-file on the... more »

• Obama announces debt plan built on taxes to rich; GOP derides it

  September 19, 2011 4:07 PM

  WASHINGTON - Saying "We can't just cut our way out of this hole," President Barack Obama is calling for $1.5 trillion in new taxes as part of a 10-year deficit reduction package totaling more than $3 trillion. Speaking in the White House Rose Garden this morning, Obama said, "It's... more »

• Buffett calls for more taxes on 'mega-rich'

  August 15, 2011 12:14 PM

  Billionaire investor Warren Buffett is calling on the so-called mega-rich to pay more in taxes. Buffett says in a New York Times opinion piece that he would immediately raise rates on households with taxable income of more than $1 million, and he would add an additional increase for those... more »

• Tax deadline approaching fast

  April 18, 2011 7:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The deadline to file your federal taxes is tonight at midnight, but already record numbers have e-filed their returns. According to the IRS nearly 1.5 million people in Louisiana have filed their taxes and 1.3 million of those have done it electronically. "A lot of people are... more »

• Possibility of federal government shutdown hits home to Louisianians

  April 7, 2011 10:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE- If republicans and democrats don't reach a budget deal by Friday night, the government closes shop, and you're in the cross-hairs. It would be the first shutdown in 19 years. If the worst happens, the IRS will stop taking tax forms through the mail and will... more »

• What goes into creating the price of gas?

  March 7, 2011 10:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Up, up and away gas prices continue to rise across the Capitol City and the country. But what adds up to equal those numbers posted at the pumps? The Department of Energy says the literal cost of crude oil makes up only half of the cost.... more »

• Tax Deadline in EBR

  December 31, 2010 5:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Believe it or not, about 16,000 people don't pay their taxes each year in East Baton Rouge Parish, according to Tax Director Octave Anthaume. Those who won't get delinquent notices rushed into the Sheriff's Office to pay their property taxes Thursday and Friday, some because of... more »

• Tax deadline extended for some

  December 30, 2010 10:12 AM

  LIVINGSTON - Property owners have two more weeks than usual to pay your property taxes in Livingston Parish. The Sheriff's Office was two weeks late in sending out their notices, so they extended the deadline to Friday, January 14. Ascension Parish residents also have until January 14 to... more »

• IRS audits jump by 11 percent, wealthiest targeted

  December 15, 2010 1:17 PM

  WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service is making it riskier to cheat on your taxes. The tax agency increased the number of returns it audited by nearly 11 percent this year. Statistics released Wednesday show that wealthy taxpayers were most likely to be targeted. In all, the... more »

• At Obama's side, Clinton backs tax deal

  December 10, 2010 3:50 PM

  WASHINGTON - Former President Bill Clinton made a surprise appearance at President Barack Obama's side on Friday to back the tax cut compromise Obama negotiated with Republicans. "I don't believe there is a better deal out there," Clinton told reporters in the White House briefing room who'd been summoned at... more »

• Former assistant DA in Lafayette pleads guilty

  November 11, 2010 5:39 AM

  LAFAYETTE - A former Lafayette Parish assistant district attorney has pleaded guilty to not paying about $85,000 in taxes. Joseph Floyd Johnson was accused of not filing a federal income tax return in 2003 and hiding his income and assets. Johnson also did not file federal taxes for the years... more »

• Federal tax cut debate impacts La. treasury

  September 20, 2010 3:49 PM

  If Congress allows any of the Bush-era tax cuts to expire, Louisiana's state coffers will take a hit. That's because Louisiana's tax code is tied to the federal tax laws. Louisiana lets its taxpayers deduct the amount of federal taxes paid from their state liability. The federal tax... more »

• IRS opens hot line for spill victims

  July 13, 2010 5:59 AM

  Taxpayers affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill can now call an Internal Revenue Service hotline for help. The hot line is designed to answer questions about BP payments or help anyone with filing or payment hardships because of the spill. The number is 1-866-562-5227 and is open from... more »

• Hammond residents wrongly taxed

  June 7, 2010 5:43 AM

  About 175 property owners in some areas of Hammond have been paying Hammond school taxes for up to two decades even though their property is not within the official Hammond School District tax boundaries. Tangipahoa Parish Tax Assessor Joaquin Matheu says the error was discovered in February. Since then, the... more »

• Livingston tax revenue rises in April

  May 17, 2010 5:55 AM

  There's good news for Livingston Parish. Sales tax collections for April were the highest since Christmas. Sales tax revenue collections were up $1.4 million from the previous month for a 31 percent increase. The latest collections are still down 5 percent from last year, but that is the lowest percentage... more »

• Former state senator on trial in Monroe

  May 11, 2010 6:01 AM

  Jury selection is underway in the federal tax trial of former state Sen. Charles Jones. Jones is accused of failing to pay at least $190,000 in taxes. He is charged with two counts of filing false tax returns and one count of tax evasion. Eight potential jurors were dismissed Monday. more »

• W. Feliciana sales taxes to increase by half-cent

  April 28, 2010 7:49 AM

  Starting July 1, West Feliciana Parish sales taxes will increase by a half-cent. The school board officially counted the returns from a March 27 special election in which voters approved a new half-cent sales tax for the school system and 11 mills in new property taxes. The taxes will be... more »

• Jindal proposes cuts to fill deficit

  April 16, 2010 12:31 PM

  Gov. Bobby Jindal proposes cutting about $60 million from state agencies and public colleges and tapping into an array of one-time funds to close a $319 million budget deficit. The $29 billion budget must be rebalanced before the fiscal year ends June 30. Jindal unveiled his recommendations Friday. ... more »

• One post office in BR area open late on tax day

  April 15, 2010 10:00 AM

  People who need a few extra hours to drop off their taxes can do so today at the General Mail Facility at 8101 Bluebonnet, starting at four p.m. Postal workers will be there until midnight tonight. As long as you get there before the clock strikes 12, you'll have... more »

• St. Landry Parish sales taxes slide

  April 12, 2010 8:09 AM

  St. Landry Parish's sales tax collections continued their downward trend in March but, at least, at a slower pace. The Daily World reports sales tax collections, which fell 16 percent parish-wide in January and another 12.6 percent in February, where down again in March, but this time by only 6.6... more »

• Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon on 2une In

  March 31, 2010 6:56 AM

  Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon joined JP this morning on 2une In talk about State Farm and tax and insurance savings. more »

• Deputies seize 2 motels, owners arrested

  March 26, 2010 7:32 AM

  Jefferson Parish Sheriff's deputies have arrested a husband and wife and seized two Metairie motels. Authorities say an investigation revealed the couple was dodging local taxes and employees were turning a blind eye to prostitution on the property. Forty-two-year-old Anil Patel and 38-year-old Mayaben Patel were booked Wednesday with two... more »

• More people in Louisiana choose to e-file their taxes

  March 25, 2010 11:14 AM

  The number of people in Louisiana electronically filing their taxes has increased by nearly four percent as compared to last year. So far, 888,107 people have e-filed across the state. The total returns filed so far stack up to 1,062,769. more »

• More massive cuts could hit state government

  March 18, 2010 2:58 PM

  News 2 has learned the Jindal administration is quickly and quietly looking for solutions to an additional $250-$400 million in budget cuts. Projections indicate sales taxes and personal income taxes are down. We've learned higher education could get part of the cuts after being mostly spared in Gov. Bobby... more »

• Teachers could see smaller 13th check

  March 15, 2010 6:04 AM

  Teachers in Ouachita and Monroe City Schools could see less money in their extra paychecks at the end of the school year. That's because of decreased sales tax collections. Ouachita Parish business manager says it looks like teachers would receive about $200-$300 less this year than last. In previous... more »

• State collects $1 billion online in taxes

  March 4, 2010 5:26 AM

  The Louisiana Department of Revenue says its online sales tax collection service has taken in more than $1 billion in state and local sales and use taxes. Known as Parish E-File.com, the free web application lets businesses file returns and remit those taxes online. The application was launched in August... more »

• Monroe sues for delinquent taxes

  February 19, 2010 7:44 AM

  The city of Monroe is looking to recover about $1.1 million in what tax officials believe are delinquent sales taxes. According to the Monroe News Star, the Taxation and Revenue division for the city filed petitions for delinquent sales taxes Wednesday and Thursday in state court. Taxation and Revenue director... more »

• Amnesty program yields $460 million

  January 28, 2010 6:38 AM

  The state is paying $5.3 million to a California-based collection agency that helped with a recent tax amnesty program. Diversified Collection Services operated a phone bank, mailed letters and developed a Web site for the two-month program and generated more than $460 million. DCS' share of the proceeds is relatively... more »

• Haiti donations qualify for immediate tax relief

  January 26, 2010 10:45 AM

  People who give to charities to help with earthquake relief in Haiti can claim the donations on their 2009 tax return. The new law only applies to monetary contributions made between January 11 and March 1, 2010. Donations of items such as clothes, medicine and other supplies do not qualify.... more »

• New Central schools could include tax break

  January 21, 2010 4:15 PM

  The costs for two new schools in Central may be lower than expected. That could mean a break for taxpayers. Plans call for a new intermediate and elementary school to be built on Sullivan Road north of Hooper Road. Voters in Central approved a 20 year property and sales... more »

• Jindal addresses education cuts

  January 19, 2010 4:46 PM

  Governor Bobby Jindal says money for education will be restored once the economy bounces back. When that happens, the governor says he wants more accountability. "It's not just the amount of money we give, it's the results we demand," said Governor Jindal. "For years we've been increasing the funding, but... more »

• Tax deduction available for Chinese drywall

  December 29, 2009 5:33 PM

  Stuck with Chinese drywall in your house? You might be eligible for a tax deduction. It's through the Internal Revenue Service, and is available to anyone who's home was damaged by the drywall. To qualify, homeowners must have their house inspected. News 2's Luke Margolis gets answers from... more »

• Sales Tax declines in Livingston Parish

  November 16, 2009 6:57 AM

  Sales taxes for Livingston Parish's two largest municipalities were down again in October. Sales tax revenues dropped 5 percent in Walker and 14 percent in Denham Springs, compared to October of 2008. Denham Springs Mayor Jimmy Durbin and Walker Mayor Bobby Font both said they have taken steps to reduce... more »

• Road projects could mean more taxes

  October 28, 2009 5:38 PM

  Louisiana needs more than $12 billion to pay for current and future road projects. Officials with the Department of Transportation and Development say the state can't pay for all the work without finding a new source of revenue, and that could mean new taxes. The 20 cents per... more »

• Final week of Tax Amnesty Program

  October 27, 2009 9:15 AM

  This is the final week for residents in Louisiana to take part in the state's Tax Amnesty Program. Kent LaPlace crunched the numbers this morning with JP on how you could save money on late taxes. Also, for more information click here . more »

• Louisiana tax amnesty generates $40 million

  October 9, 2009 10:53 AM

  Louisiana's tax amnesty program, aimed at getting those owing back taxes to pay up, has collected about $40 million. Officials with the state revenue department said $32.3 million has come from businesses, while individuals paid $8.1 million. The program allows the payment of back taxes without a penalty.... more »

• $15 million collected in state tax amnesty program

  September 25, 2009 7:13 AM

  The Louisiana Department of Revenue says they have collected nearly $15 million, with a little over a month left in a state tax amnesty program. The program, which began Sept. 1 and ends Oct. 31, waives all penalties and half the interest owed if taxes are paid in full. The... more »