Which City Has the Nation’s Highest Sales Tax Rate?
Chicago is known as the Windy city and for good reason. However, thanks to a recent vote by Cook County commissioners, where Chicago calls home, it could now be called the tax city. That’s because Chicago, which already had a sales tax rate of 9.25 percent is jumping into the double digits after county commissioners voted to raise the sales tax rate by 1 percent, to a whopping 10.25 percent, which is the highest city rate in the entire country.
The new sales tax rate will take effect on January 1 of next year, and is expected to give the sales tax in the county a $474 million boost every year. Officials said they passed the increase proposal because they need the additional funds to help fix the pension system for Cook County employees. According to Cook County officials, there is already a shortage in the retirement of about $6.5 billion and the problem is getting worse every year, as it is reportedly increasing by $360 million annually.
With the increase, Chicago will now pass four counties in Alabama that all had sales tax rates of 10 percent, to become the city with the highest rate. Time will tell if the increased sales tax income will be enough to make a difference in the pension shortfall, but Chicago can now claim it’s number ranking for a rather dubious distinction.
“Madoff” or “Ponzi-Type” Tax Losses
“Madoff” or “Ponzi-Type” Tax Losses Update: 12/9/09 Wall Street Journal Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124623441944466541.html In addition to other good information about the type and amount of refunds people are obtaining it says in the last paragraph: “On Monday, Sen. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.) proposed a bill that seeks to further expand the carry-back period up to six…
Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003
Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003 On Nov. 11, 2003, President Bush signed into law the Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003. Among its provisions are these tax breaks related to military personnel: Death benefits The death gratuity paid to survivors of deceased Armed Forces members rises to $12,000 and is not taxable…
Voluntary Compliance Program for Withholding Agents
Voluntary Compliance Program for Withholding Agents In a memo dated February 25, 2005, the IRS Large & Mid-size Business Division, announced that based on recently received Chief Counsel Advice, withholding agents participating in the Section 1441 Voluntary Compliance Program (VCP) would not be subject to interest charges under certain circumstances. Section 1441 requires withholding agents…
Are Casualty and Theft Losses Tax Deductible?
Are Casualty and Theft Losses Tax Deductible? If your property is destroyed, damaged, or stolen due to casualty or theft, you may be entitled to a tax deduction. A casualty is the damage, destruction, or loss of property resulting from an identifiable event that is sudden, unexpected, and unusual. A sudden event is one that…