Category Archives: Sales Tax

No Use for this Tax

Posted on September 14, 2009 by Russ

If you’re a business in California that doesn’t maintain inventory or sell products—that is, you’re a service business—you haven’t had to register with the Board of Equalization. The Board of Equalization administers California’s sales tax laws. That may change, though. … Continue reading →

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April Sales Tax Collections 12% Below Projection

Posted on May 11, 2009 by Russ

What happens when tax rates increase? Tax Collections decrease. That’s been shown time after time. So what has happened when California raised sales tax rates statewide on April 1st? Bill Leonard is reporting that collections fell 12% in April. Of … Continue reading →

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Congratulations, Chicago, You’re #1!

Posted on July 1, 2008 by Russ

Today is July 1st and Chicago has earned a dubious distinction. The Windy City now has the highest sales tax rate in the country, 10.25%. The old “winner,” Memphis, has a 9.25% rate. The sales tax will likely help suburban … Continue reading →

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Sales Tax on Hot Chocolate

Posted on May 13, 2008 by Russ

One of my favorite weekly reads is the Leonard Letter. Bill Leonard is one of the elected members of the Board of Equalization. Mr. Leonard notes, “Late last year an article entitled “Why Is Buying Hot Chocolate So Confusing?”appeared in … Continue reading →

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2.75% or 30.6%?

Posted on September 19, 2007 by Russ

I’m a native of Chicago. It’s a great city, and has every kind of attraction you can think of. It’s also the home to the best baseball team in the world (unfortunately, they usually don’t have a good record). But … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois, Sales Tax | Tagged | 1 Comment

How to be a Millionaire, Illegal Style

Posted on September 10, 2006 by Russ

There are lots of ways to become a millionaire. You can build a successful business, have real estate appreciate, and of course inherit money. You can win the lottery. Or you can do it illegally. One way is to collect … Continue reading →

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Arena Tax for Sacramento?

Posted on July 23, 2006 by Russ

Arco Arena is the home of the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. The 442,000 square foot arena opened in 1988. But the owners of the Kings, the Maloof brothers, want a brand new arena, so that they can have more … Continue reading →

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Sales Tax…On Lap Dances!?!

Posted on July 22, 2006 by Russ

Sometimes you just can’t make this stuff up. If you’re a proprietor in New York state of “Gentleman’s Clubs,” make sure you add sales tax on those lap dances, if they’re in a private room at your establishment. That’s definitely … Continue reading →

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Where There’s Smoke, There’s a Tax

Posted on July 21, 2006 by Russ

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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Fuel at SFO, Sales Tax in Oakland

Posted on May 21, 2006 by Russ

California’s sales tax rules, enforced by the Board of Equalization are far too complicated. Then throw in political shenanigans and you get…a lawsuit. San Francisco International Airport is located just south of the City by the Bay in San Mateo … Continue reading →

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