Trickle-Down Taxation: Maryland Residents Facing 'Rain Tax'
Faced with EPA orders to reduce stormwater runoff into the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland has required its 10 largest counties to institute a so-called rain tax on property owners.
property taxes
Virginia County Tells Residents: Balance Our Budget Yourselves
Everyone grumbles about their elected officials, and how they could write a better budget in their sleep. Fairfax County, Virgina, is letting its residents give it a shot.
How to Do Your Taxes if You're a Homeowner
If you're a homeowner, you've got a slice of the American dream, and the tax breaks that go along with it. Whether you bought, sold or just happily lived in your home this year, we'll walk you through all the tax stuff you need to know.
New Jersey Town Gives People Property Tax Break for Shopping
In a homegrown version of economic stimulus, the township of Marlboro, N.J., is giving residents a break on their property taxes if they shop at local stores participating in the "Shop Marlboro!" campaign.
States Taxes: Where They're Highest, and Where They're Lowest
Forget the IRS, State taxes and local taxes are big pieces of your tax puzzle - and one that varies widely depending on where you live. So which states charge the most, and which charge the least?
Stockton, Calif.: The Bleeding Edge of a Scary Economic Trend
On Thursday, Stockton, Calif., became the biggest U.S. city ever to file for bankruptcy. But the real worry is how many other cities could be headed in the same direction, because the problems that busted Stockton are everywhere these days.
The 10 Worst States to Retire In: They're Frosty and Costly
TopRetirements.com has named the 10 worst states in which to retire based in factors such as taxes and climate. Every retirement is unique, but before you end up living out your golden years chilly and underfunded, check out this list.
Tax Tips for the Accidental Landlord
In today's shaky real estate market, more and more homeowners are becoming landlords, often as an unexpected necessity. Whether you're renting out your old house, an investment property or even a single room, being the landlord means tax breaks -- and you should take every one you can.
Recession Lingers On in Silicon Valley
Much has been made recently of the huge valuations of Internet players like Facebook, Twitter and Zynga, but while Web 2.0 is doing well, the Silicon Valley region itself is not. A new report shows compensation and unemployment in the region haven't improved since the downturn.
The Worrisome Numbers That the Official Inflation Figures Aren't Showing
Inflation in 2010 was low, according to the consumer price index. But underlying growth in the cost of energy, raw materials and health care could indicate significant inflation this year. And that could mean higher prices for consumers or lower profits for companies.
The Big, Continuing Stories That Could Derail 2011
Major news stories ebb and flow, rising to the headlines and then slipping out of the spotlight. But even if they fade from attention, keep an eye on this handful of long-term issues, such as North Korea, which have the potential to disrupt the U.S. economy and global recovery.
Property Taxes Keep Rising as Home Values Keep Falling
Common sense suggests that as home prices decline, the property taxes based on their valuations ought to as well. But even as house prices continue to slip, property taxes nationally are clicking higher.
A Florida Housing Development Stalls, and the Cows Move In
Jerilee Wei never expected to be living next to a cow pasture when she bought her home in Lakeland, Fla., in 2007. In her upscale community, newly constructed houses were selling for between $300,000 and $425,000. Then one morning she woke up and found some cattle had moved in.
Will Property Taxes Really Escape the Downturn?
A recent Fed working paper happily points out that even as other sources of municipal tax revenue have plummeted, property taxes have held fairly steady, and the authors expect that to continue. Unfortunately, their optimistic prediction ignores the bigger picture.
