Taxes
Small business owners slightly more optimistic
Small-business owners were slightly more optimistic about the economy last month but their outlook remained poor, according to a private survey released Monday.
24 more states considering sales tax on accounting and tax services in 2013
The AICPA's Advocacy program states that as many as 24 states "anticipate that their 2013 legislature will consider a proposal to tax accounting services."
Pennsylvania property tax, rent rebate program applications now available
The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.
Former NY State Senator pleads guilty to fraud conspiracy
Former New York State Senator Shirley Huntley has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
Groups accused of mortgage fraud and “forensic audit” scam reach settlement agreement
The Federal Trade Commission has announced that the defendants behind an operation that allegedly preyed on vulnerable homeowners have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they lured people into paying $1,995 or more by holding out bogus promises that they could help them avoid foreclosure and renegotiate their mortgages.
Taxing tax prep and accounting? New Ohio bill would expand sales tax to nearly all services
As a part of his broader attempt to overhaul the tax system in his state, Ohio Governor John Kasich's plan would expand sales taxes to virtually all services that are currently not subject to sales tax under state laws.
11 indicted for filing taxes for 2,700 dead people
A South Florida ring accused of plotting to fleece $34 million from the U.S. government by filing phony tax returns in the names of thousands of dead people was indicted this week.
IRS forms for Education Credit and Depreciation now available
The Internal Revenue Service announced on Friday afternoon that taxpayers and tax professionals will be able to start filing two major tax forms starting Sunday covering education credits and depreciation.