Federal tax code may favor driving over other transportation modes
There are common complaints that transit is subsidized and roads pay for themselves; however, this is found over and over again to be untrue. Taxes are due in less than a month, and the Tri-state took a peak at the available and recently-expired tax credits and deductions that are related to automobile and transit use in the federal tax code. They did so in order to see if the tax breaks being proposed had a bias towards automobile use over other transportation.
It is possible that the federal tax code provides benefits for automobile owners; however, it seems as they offer limited incentives to taxpayers that take transit or travel by bike. This article isn’t meant to be an expert analysis on taxes, as we aren’t tax advisers, but it may be an optional guide or simply seen as an educated opinion.
If you own or operate a vehicle, these are some of the benefits you may earn:
Tax payers who choose to donate their vehicles to charity can receive a tax deduction
Individuals who have experienced an automobile crash that aren’t fully reimbursed by the insurance of the other driver, as long as the crash wasn’t the individual’s fault, may be able to deduct the unreimbursed amount.
Automobile owners may also receive tax credits to purchase or lease fuel efficient vehicles or even fuel cell vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Additionally, individuals may take a tax credit for qualified fuel cell vehicles that were serviced in 2012.
Also, individuals that drive to work may be eligible to take up to $245/month in a pre-tax deduction in order to cover parking expenses.
Categories: Federal Tax, Income Tax, Tax Law Tags: federal income tax, federal tax, gasoline tax, income tax, sales tax, taxes
Comptroller applicant withdraws more than $34,000 federal tax lien
There is one city comptroller in Grand Rapids that is withdrawing from consideration following a MLive inquire about a federal tax lien for his property.
The comptroller applicant named Mark Pospiech disclosed delinquent city income taxes on his application. Supposedly, he also owns $34,813 in federal income tax for 2009-2011, according to a tax lien that was filed in November of 2012 with the Kent County register of deeds.
Jerry Czaja, the county’s chief deputy register, says that it looks pretty clear that Pospiech didn’t pay his 1040 tax. When a person doesn’t pay their 1040 tax, the federal government will file a lien in the office, and the lien will become attached to any interest they have in any property. Currently, it doesn’t seem like a discharge will be recorded to release the lien.
Pospiech was one of the three applicants for the position of comptroller that was vacated when Donijo DeJonge stepped down from the position in December. He responded to MLive calls about the talked about lien with a written statement that he is going to withdraw from consideration of the comptroller position.
Pospiech said that throughout the application and interview process for the comptroller position, he said that the focus of the Press was more on his situation, eclipsing his abilities for the position. He believes that there are a variety of factors that have led to his current tax issues, but those factors are personal, and shouldn’t be drawn out by public opinion.
Categories: Federal Tax, Income Tax, State Tax, Tax Evasion, Tax Law Tags: avoiding taxes, corporate tax, federal tax, federal tax fraud, filing taxes, income tax, tax code, tax fraud
What Are White Collar Crimes?
Usually, we associate the word “crime” with people killing other people, robbing banks, or stealing money from another person or establishment because these are the types of crimes that we hear and see on the news from day to day. “White collar crimes”, on the other hand, may be known but are usually unidentified. Simply put, people may be familiar with examples of white collar crimes but don’t actually know that these are classified as “white collar”.
White collar defined
The term white collar crime was first coined by Edwin Sutherland in 1939. In one of his speeches, he defined such crimes to have been committed by a person of authority in the course of his term. He further theorized that these criminals are different from street criminals when taking motives and attributions into consideration. Today, however, the definition of white collar crime is still a subject of contention among experts of law. In a general sense, though, these crimes are nonviolent and are committed for financial gain.
Examples of white collar crime
There are many examples of white collar crime, some of which are the following:
1. Blackmailing
This is an act in which a person threatens to expose secrets, pose physical harm to people or their properties, in exchange for money.
2. Bank fraud
This is when people engage in a scheme wherein the aim is to illegally obtain money from a bank.
3. Extortion
This happens when a person or a group of persons engage in unlawful acquisition of somebody else’s property, money, or other assets by violent force – either actual or threat.
4. Embezzlement
This occurs when a person who is in charge of handling money uses it for personal reasons.
5. Racketeering
When people establish and operate illegal business for financial profit.
6. Tax evasion
When people or an individual intentionally commits errors in filing income tax in an attempt to refrain from paying higher taxes
The above mentioned examples of white collar crime are only few of the actual number of white collar crimes existing today. Aside from these, there’s also money laundering, securities fraud, cellular phone fraud, and many others. People who are charged with white collar crime must seek the services of a professional white collar crime lawyer in order to be duly represented in court.
Looking for a white collar lawyer
Just like in choosing a doctor, you have to choose a white crime lawyer with care. Remember, this is the person who holds your chances in his hands. If you wind up with someone whose knowledge is direly limited and has only been practicing since recently, then your chances of winning at court will likely be lower. Here are some considerations for choosing a white crime lawyer:
1. Is he someone you are at ease with?
You will have to expose all the details of the incident to your lawyer – imagine doing that to someone with whom you are not even comfortable just starting small talk with. Make sure your lawyer makes you feel at ease and unthreatened.
2. Does his rate fit your budget?
During consultation, clarify whether charges are hourly or flat. This should help you get the right expectations in terms of budget.
Featured images:
- License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images
Cedric Loiselle is a passionate and versatile writer specializing in a wide range of niches. It would help you a lot if you read his articles especially when you are looking for the best white collar crime lawyer New Orleans can offer, such as those under Ben Bagert Law Firm.
Categories: Tax Evasion, Tax Law Tags: 1%, tax crime, tax evasion, tax fraud, tax the wealthy, white collar crime