Topic: Taxes

Radio Talk Show Hosts Vs. Common Sense – Alexander Hamilton

By Blayne Clements | September 22, 2009 |

Last week a radio political talk show host said the following (as always I am paraphrasing):

“The federal government is too big. Our founding fathers would be appalled at the size and scope of our current federal government. Even Alexander Hamilton (a Federalist), who preferred a strong central government would be appalled that the federal government is considering banning texting while driving – that should be a state rights issue, like speed limits.”

In an attempt to justify their viewpoints both conservative and progressive talk show hosts commonly claim a ideological lineage back to the founding fathers. The hope is to connect their line of thinking to the line of thinking that birthed this great country. I have always been particularly interested in the attempt to link the current conservative philosophy with that of the Federalist. And the most famous federalist is Alexander Hamilton. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Commentary | 2 Comments

Hope vs Fear & Ignorance: Which will win?

By Sue Freeman Culverhouse | September 7, 2009 |

Our society is at war with itself. The downturn in the economy has brought great fears to many citizens. People who focus on their fears have little chance of seeing a solution. Fear is a paralyzing emotion. Mix that with ignorance of some basic facts that are misconstrued by devious politicians seeking their own aggrandizement and you get demonstrations that defy logic.

With citizens in all walks of life losing their jobs and needing hope, some officials more concerned about grandstanding they hope will lead themselves to higher political office than to addressing the suffering of the people who elected them.

When people need hope, more money in their pockets, possibility of new jobs opening up for which they are qualified, we are unfortunately faced with some politicians who are more interested in spreading lies than in solving problems.

Yes, we all have to support our government through taxes. Yes, we need to be as frugal as possible with public money. Yes, we need to cut pork out of all budgets—federal, state, local or personal.

But first we need to bail ourselves out of the mess we’re in. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Commentary | 2 Comments

Buy home or new vehicle, get tax break

July 19, 2009 |

Purchase of Home or New Vehicle Could Generate Tax Break

NASHVILLE – If you’re considering buying a main home or a new vehicle, the Internal Revenue Service wants you to know you may qualify for a tax credit or a deduction after the purchase.

“Qualifying homebuyers generally can file for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit immediately after they purchase a home,” said IRS spokesman Dan Boone. “However, the deduction for buying a new vehicle is taken when you file your 2009 tax return next year.”

Homebuyers can get a tax credit, while new vehicle buyers can get a tax deduction. A tax credit comes directly off the taxes you owe, while a deduction lowers your taxable income, indirectly reducing your taxes. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Business | No Comments

AU lauds Senate vote rejecting taxpayer funding of religious institutions

February 8, 2009 |

Senate made the right call in rejecting reckless religious right overture, says Church-State watchdog group

Americans United for Separation of Church and State today hailed a Senate vote rejecting tax funding for religious facilities in the economic recovery package.

“The Senate has voted to reaffirm an important American principle that religious groups should pay their own way and not expect funding from the taxpayer,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United.

The 54-43 vote came after Religious Right groups began complaining that the proposed economic recovery bill (H.R. 1) was hostile to religion. In fact, the legislation merely states that tax funds used for school construction and rehabilitation may not be diverted to religious institutions. «Read the rest of this article»

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Our tax dollars go where?

By Rev. Charles Moreland | November 2, 2008 |

I was pleased when I  read earlier this season that taxes in Clarksville would not be raised to cover a “grave” deficit in the city budget.

The threat of raising taxes precipitates anger. Be it sales, property or wheel tax increases, we get upset and resentful at even the discussion of such action. We are quite normal as we resist and resent tax increases. It’s our responsibility to make searing but polite inquiry into what our tax dollars are supporting. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Politics, Spirituality | No Comments

Why Obama’s tax plan works — even for Joe the Plumber

By David W. Shelton | October 20, 2008 |

As the 2008 Presidential election draws closer still, with just a little over two weeks before the big day, Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama have locked horns on the single most misunderstood issue of the entire campaign: taxes. The campaign rhetoric has reached a redundant pitch where the McCain campaign has brought out the unlikely hero of Joe Wurzelbacher, commonly known as “Joe the Plumber.”

This is obviously a different kind of Joe from the “Joe Sixpack” from Sarah Palin’s disastrous, wink-wink performance in the Vice Presidential debate. In the third Presidential debate last week, McCain invoked the Iowa plumber, who asked Obama if his taxes would increase if he bought a business that had an income of $250,000.

Obama’s response was that any revenue over $250,000 would be taxed at 39 percent instead of 35 percent. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Business, News, Opinion, Politics | 2 Comments

Separation of Church and State applies to the spending of our tax dollars

By Rev. Charles Moreland | August 13, 2008 |

It’s common knowledge that the taxes we pay are necessary to support our military, social services, social security, education, police and fire services, legislative salaries, teacher salaries, and myriad other programs. Our infrastructure, the basic facilities and installations on the continuance and growth of a community depends on and is driven by the taxes we pay. Taxes are essential, and on that, everyone agrees.

Periodically we need to investigate how our taxes are being spent and the organizations that are being supported by our taxes. It is our duty and responsibility to pay our taxes but also our obligation to not just request but demand and expect accountability. It is our duty to demand publication of who receives our taxes, and those religious organizations receiving tax dollars for their ministries must be expected to keep within the laws that guide how tax dollars are expended. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Business, Education, Events, News, Opinion, Politics, Spirituality, Technology | No Comments

Local government puts beauty before protection

By Scott Beasley | July 18, 2008 |

For several years now I have noticed the subpar pay that the Clarksville Police and Firefighters have received. In the past, I have done little more than shake my head and think, “that’s pathetic”. Recently the local leaders of Clarksville approved a budget that again, kept the city employees from getting a cost of living increase. That’s understandable in a “tight” budget year. The problem is they haven’t gotten a cost of living raise in 10 years. Even the study conducted by the city found the city employees were underpaid by $1.8 million to comparable markets. The study also found that CPD officers were underpaid by $5,000.

Of the $9.4 million budgeted for capital projects, $4.2 million were mandated by a lawsuit to bring the sidewalks into ADA compliance. That leaves $5.2 million being spent on projects such as the marina, fountain and river walk. All of these amenities are very nice and many people around the community desperately want them. That being said, there’s a huge difference between wants and needs. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: News, Opinion, Politics | No Comments

State priorities out of order

By Scott Beasley | June 1, 2008 |

With the recent budget shortfall the state is facing, I find it extremely ironic that the state government has prioritized a honky tonk party bunker before education. Perhaps the Governor fears a nuclear attack in Nashville. Perhaps he wishes Nashville to have a ballroom to host the next “Dancing with the Stars”. Perhaps he just wants a place where he can whine and dine future business prospects in the hopes of getting them liquored up enough to open up shop here. Who knows?

The nearly $20 million price tag, is only the projected budget, anyone want to bet it goes over? Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for attracting businesses to the state, but what kind of a message are we sending here? The first highly hypocritical aspect is the state being forced to cut 2,000 jobs to meet the budget constraints next year. Would someone please tell me how this is supposed to work? We cut jobs, so we can spend $20 million on a banquet hall, so we can attract development in hopes of creating jobs? «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Politics | No Comments

De-stressing tax time with organization

By Rev. Charles Moreland | March 23, 2008 |

It’s “that time of year” again — tax time. With April 15 as the tax filing deadline for 2007. We have collected the w-2 forms, the 1099s, and the statements on charitable giving, computing our itemized deductions for the year. Our government recognizes charitable contributions and permits 14 cents a mile for volunteers working for charitable and non-profit organizations.

The following guidelines constitute legitimate advice on donations that can save you hundreds of dollars.

If you have a Certified Public Accountant or tax prepare, you can save money by having all your deductions organized and ready ahead of time. Don’t show up with a shoebox of tangled receipts. Preparers often charge by the hour, so do the as much preparation as possible ahead of time. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Business, Opinion | No Comments

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