Category Archives: California

California Propositions: Proposition 1A

Californians will have a long ballot to wade through this November. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to review all of the tax-related propositions on the ballot, beginning with Proposition 1A. This is one of five propositions that Governor … Continue reading

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Washington 4, Indians 0

If you’re a Native American and reside in California on a reservation, you’re exempt from California personal income tax. However, you’re not exempt from federal income tax. And that’s where this story begins. The Chumash tribe runs a very successful … Continue reading

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Where There’s Smoke, There’s a Tax

Pity the smokers in California, home of one of the US’s top cigaratte tax rates. Why not buy the cigarettes over the Internet and save on the tax? That’s not a bad idea, except that the Board of Equalization, California’s … Continue reading

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“Tax Relief Is Good. Taxes Are Bad.”

If you’d ask John Q. Public his opinion on taxes, the answer you would receive would probably be the title of this post. And politicians who forget this are usually in for a surprise. This November Californians will vote for … Continue reading

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California Fights Back Against Nevada; Will It Matter?

According to this news story, California will soon unveil a $600,000 ad campaign to fight back at Nevada’s attempt to lure California businesses. California, according to the new ads, is, “…the place where the smartest companies are located.” While this … Continue reading

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When Is a Tax Increase Not a Tax Increase?

My parents live in the San Fernando Valley, an area within the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Daily News has an interesting story on how Los Angeles increased the trash pickup fee by 254% without having to take … Continue reading

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Two Tax Increases for November Ballot

Californians have signed enough petitions so that two tax measures will be on the November ballot. One would increase the cigarette tax to make it the most expensive in the state; the other would add an ‘oil severance’ tax, taxing … Continue reading

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Independent Contractor or Employee?

That’s one of the most vexing questions for the business owner. Is your staff employees, or can they be classified as independent contractors? The IRS has a webpage devoted to helping taxpayers make the classification choice. Employers must withhold payroll … Continue reading

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End of Phone Tax Impacts California

The end of the phone tax that funded the Spanish-American War may impact California. According to this story in the San Jose Mercury-News, many local entities in California tied their telecommunications tax to the federal tax. Some of the ordinances … Continue reading

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Youngstown, California

My writing partner lives in Youngstown, Ohio. The last time I checked a map it was over 2000 miles from the Bronze Golden State. However, the Board of Equalization must look at different maps. According to this column in the … Continue reading

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