In the heat of a presidential election campaign in the United States, contentious questions are emerging about the fairness of the country’s taxation system and the growing income and wealth gap between the richest Americans and the vast masses of their countrymen. The issue of tax fairness and wealth in America came to the fore […]
In the US, Contentious Questions Abound About Taxes and Wealth
Obama Presses for Tax Cut Extension
U.S. President Barack Obama is again urging opposition Republicans to extend a payroll tax cut set to expire at the end of this year. In comments at the White House Monday, President Obama said the economy is “still fragile” and that extending the tax cut is important not just for the economy as a whole, […]
Obama Pushes for US Payroll Tax Cut Extension
U.S. President Barack Obama renewed his push Monday for an extension and expansion of a payroll tax cut that benefits 160 million American workers. The current tax cut was worth about $1,000 to the typical worker this year, but it expires at the end of the month and workers’ taxes would increase in January. Mr. […]
Australia Passes Historic Carbon Price Laws
The Australian Senate passed a controversial plan Tuesday that imposes a carbon emissions tax on the nation’s biggest polluters. Cheers erupted in the upper house of parliament as the package of 18 laws was approved by a vote of 36-32, nearly a month after the lower house passed the legislation. Effective July 1, Australia’s 500 […]
Denmark Becomes First Country to Impose ‘Fat Tax’
Denmark has become the first country in the world to introduce a “fat tax” on foods high in saturated fats, in an effort to improve the health of Danish citizens. Consumers hoarded butter, oil, meat and milk before the tax went into effect Saturday. Stores have experienced empty shelves as residents tried to avoid paying […]
Swiss media Report US Ultimatum on Tax Cheats
Swiss news reports say the United States has presented an ultimatum to Switzerland, demanding that it provide detailed information about thousands more U.S. citizens suspected of using Swiss banks to cheat on their taxes. The reports quote an August 31 letter from U.S. Deputy Attorney General James Cole requesting detailed data on suspected tax evasion […]
Swiss media Report US Ultimatum on Tax Cheats
Swiss news reports say the United States has presented an ultimatum to Switzerland, demanding that it provide detailed information about thousands more U.S. citizens suspected of using Swiss banks to cheat on their taxes. The reports quote an August 31 letter from U.S. Deputy Attorney General James Cole requesting detailed data on suspected tax evasion […]
Chinese Complain Over Decision to Tax Gift Mooncakes
Chinese residents are seething over a decision by Beijing tax authorities to begin taxing mooncakes, a traditional pastry often distributed by employers as gifts at the time of the Mid-Autumn Festival. State-controlled media reported Sunday that the lotus seed paste-stuffed delicacies will be taxed this year as a non-cash benefit, prompting many residents to say […]
Australia Treasurer: Carbon Tax Will Pass
Australia’s Treasurer predicts carbon-tax legislation will pass parliament, despite being mired by controversy. In an interview with Sky News Sunday, Wayne Swan said the bill will go to parliament where it will be debated and passed quickly even though there is a minority government. Last month, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced plans to charge 500 […]
Germany, Switzerland Reach Agreement in Tax Dispute
Germany has announced an agreement with Switzerland to resolve a long-running dispute over tax evasion. The deal means that Swiss banks will pay the German government $2.7 billion to help cover the tax debt of Germans who have hidden their money in Swiss bank accounts. The deal also gives Germans with previously undisclosed Swiss accounts […]