Category Archives: California

Lurching its’ way through the Legislature is SB757, introduced by Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego). The bill has an innocuous title, “The Oil Conservation, Efficiency, and Alternative Fuels Act.” It is an efficient bill—if passed, this analysis indicates that 80,000 jobs … Continue reading →

In eWeek Magazine, the Florida Department of Revenue’s (FDOR) computer system, “SUNTAX,” is highlighted. The system is modern, integrated, and allows FDOR agents to quickly access records across the system. By all accounts, a successful project that replaced several antiquated … Continue reading →

For those of you in California, a warning. The Franchise Tax Board is having some computer issues, at least based on paperwork that my clients and I have recently received. One client recently received a two page bill from the … Continue reading →

Orange County Firefighters won their first court battle over an initiative (assuming no court losses, it will be on the June 2006 ballot) that would distribute about $80 million in taxes to firefighters that currently go to the Orange County … Continue reading →

The IRS recently ruled that bonds, in order to be tax free, must be for “essential government functions” only. Bonds to help in the building of an Indian casino resort (at Fantasy Springs Casino near Palm Springs) didn’t make the … Continue reading →

Dick Murphy, mayor of San Diego, announced that he is resigning effective July 15th. His resignation is a direct result of San Diego’s abysmal financial condition, as I noted earlier.

No, that’s not my wish; rather, it’s director Rob Reiner’s. Today he announced a proposal to increase the normal maximum California tax bracket from 9.3% to 11% (anyone earning more than $1 million would pay an additional 1%). The new … Continue reading →

As reported by the Orange County Register in this story (free registration required), Orange County faces a potential $80 million deficit if a firefighters union sponsored proposal passes on next year’s ballot. Much of the problem has to do with … Continue reading →

Forever. That may not seem reasonable, but California has no statute of limitations on collections of tax-related debt. That means that 30 years from now you could receive a letter from the state saying, “You didn’t file so pay us … Continue reading →

Answer: When it’s proposed by our Democratic led legislature. As reported in various news stories (here, in the Los Angeles Times (one-time registration required)), Democrats are proposing to lower California’s gasoline tax. (As you may remember, earlier this year the … Continue reading →