Shameful Government Spending Cuts
Save Money Anywhere Else Please Tories
I read with real disgust the news that the Conservatives are considering removing the heating allowance for pensioners that have a bit of cash. I think the number they are talking about is income of 50k per annum.
Come on Tories.
These old folks have done their bit for society and it is about time we did ours for them. If they have an income of 50k plus they have probably been paying into a pension for 50 years, probably have been hit by annuity rates, probably paid millions in taxes over their working life, and are probably still struggling to get a lifestyle they actually deserve.
Retirement is not cheap. More free time means more money spent. Grand kids, helping out children and trying to get away for a break don’t come cheap either. Let’s not punish them for working hard all their lives. Let’s recognise them by keeping their heating allowance in place.
What is the Heating Allowance?
Here is a summary of what the heating allowance is:
The heating allowance is available to anyone who was born on or before 5 July 1951 and is normally resident in the UK during the qualifying week, which for this year was 17-23 September 2012. There are a few exceptions though; you’re not eligible if during the qualifying week you:
- Were in prison
- Were in hospital getting free treatment that lasted 52 weeks or more
- Needed permission to enter the UK and didn’t qualify for assistance from the Department of Work and Pensions
- Spent the last 12 weeks or more in a care home and claimed Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance
For more information on eligibility see the Winter Fuel Payment website.
If you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (this doesn’t include Housing Benefit, Child Benefit or Council Tax Benefit) your heating allowance should be paid automatically; payments are usually made in November or December and you should get it before Christmas. Otherwise you’ll have to make a claim. You can download a claim form from this link.
Ex-Pats Can Claim Too
If you live outside the UK but somewhere else in the European Economic Area or in Switzerland you may still be able to claim, as long as you can show a genuine link with the UK, such as holding UK citizenship. If you want to claim this you need to use a different form, which can be found here.
The amount you will be paid depends on a number of things, such whether you live alone or with someone else who qualifies for the payment and if you or someone you live with is aged 80 or older. More details are available here.
As well as the heating allowance you might be able to get cold weather payments if the temperature in your area is below 0°C for a week or more. To find out if you’re eligible for this please see this page.
I know we need to save money and reduce the National Debt. But I don’t think this is a good idea. What do you think? Sensible cost saving measure or slap in the face for our most deserving pensioners?
Phil Turner thinks that everyone needs to find out about the winter heating allowance. Information is important because it then allows you to lobby your MP and to talk with authority.
Categories: Federal Tax, Income Tax, Tax Law Tags: electricity bills, fuel bills, pensioners, seniors
Oregon’s budget increased because of federal tax hike on wealthy
Oregon lawmakers delivered some great financial news this past Friday, allowing some room to breathe with the budget.
The state’s economists have said that the state revenues are supposed to come in at $162 million higher in the latest biennium because of the tax increases on the wealthy that was implemented by Congress. The tax increases will have an effect on filers in 2013, which influenced a sell-off of assets at the end of 2012. This gave a sudden increase to state tax receipts.
The sell-off will eventually lead to a reduction of $75 million in the revenue outlook for the next two years. Adding it up, the lawmakers will have about $88 million more to use for Oregon as they start to develop a budget for the 2013-2015 biennium. This is not a bailout, but rather a difficult choice that had to be made. Oregon has experienced some bad news in its finances in the past four years, and it’s nice to have this good financial news drop on them.
Senate President Peter Courtney mentioned that this forecast is a positive net gain because every single penny will help Oregon, parting the clouds a little to help the sun shine enter.
Overall, Oregon’s state general fund is supposed to hit around $16.6 billion for 2013 through 2015. That’s about a 9% increase from the current budget of $15.2 billion. There’s expected to be larger tax collections in the new few months because of higher earners pushing more of their income into 2012.
Categories: Federal Tax, Income Tax, State Tax, Tax Law Tags: corporate tax, federal income tax, federal tax, income tax, oregon tax, tax code
Proposal To Simplify Tax Codes For Small Businesses
Simpligy the Tax Code for Small Businesses
The Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee wants to help small businesses by revamping the tax code. He has submitted a proposal to simplify tax compliance. The draft addresses several areas so that business owners can have a better idea of what they will pay on a yearly basis. The changes include a simpler formula to determine the tax code, additional time to submit returns and a permanent tax incentive that lets them deduct the expense of new equipment.
The Tax Foundation, a research group from Washington, D.C., reported that businesses are hesitant to invest. This is a result of a requirement that states that business expenses should be written off over a period of several years or perhaps even longer. This requirement limits a business by allowing it to deduct only a portion of its investments directly. The rest of the investments are to be deducted over a lengthy period of time that is contingent on somewhat confusing rules.
Strengthen the Economy & Increase Wages
Controller for BedFord Machine & Tool, Brian Pemberton, noted his appreciation for laws that help his business save money. The funds saved can be reinvested back into his business through additional jobs or increased capital. He added that the money aids not only in the growth of his own company, but it also can be put back into the economy.
Another section of the proposal simplifies the tax laws that apply to sole proprietors, partnerships and S-corporations. Options could be to revise current laws or to update those laws with a new process. Because of the major role they play in America, small businesses should be a large consideration in tax reform legislation. So far, the new proposals have been met with a good response from many small-business professionals. President Barack Obama has included several changes to the draft.
An Unbiased Tax Code for All Business
The nation’s largest group of tax attorneys feel that the changes to the tax reform are progressing well and they agree with the recent proposals. A spokesman for the organization explained that the bi-partisan involvement in putting together the draft has improved the proposals. The overall purpose of the bill is to make the tax code unbiased for businesses across the board, no matter their size. A spokeswoman for the National Association of Manufacturers added that simplifying the tax code will help the economy since the complications of the current system could mean that America is left behind in the global economy.
The draft added several key components, such as increasing the amount small businesses can use in cash accounting and increasing deductions for start-up costs. The small-business controller further observed that as complications have increased in the last two decades, the government needs to update the regulations accordingly. A streamlined tax code will help businesses compete effectively in today’s market.
Peter Wendt is a blogger interested in tax law. In need of a experienced tax attorney in Austin? Wendt highly recommends you visit http://johnmcduff.com.
Categories: Federal Tax, Income Tax, State Tax, Tax Law Tags: small business, tax code, tax compliance, tax law