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• Jindal signs private school tuition tax break

  May 8, 2012 6:03 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed into law a bill that creates a new tax break program that will give rebates for donations to voucher programs that allow students to attend private schools. Jindal says it will give children in failing public schools more opportunities to... more »

• Hurricane sales tax holiday set for May 26-27

  May 7, 2012 7:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Stocking up on flashlights, batteries and other items to get ready for hurricane season this summer? You might want to wait until May 26 and 27, when the state holds a sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness items. That weekend, Louisiana residents won't have to... more »

• Lafayette Bar Levy Temporarily Suspended Play Video

  April 4, 2012 12:32 AM

  By a unanimous vote, the Lafayette City-Parish Council approved an ordinance which will temporarily suspend the downtown bar levy, until a lawsuit on the issue is resolved in federal court. "The ordinance is predicated upon when a judge in the United States Western District of Louisiana, determines whether or... more »

• Lincoln Chamber disapproves sales tax

  March 29, 2012 10:49 AM

  RUSTON, La. (AP) - A quarter-cent sales tax on the ballot in Lincoln Parish in late April will not have the support of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The business leaders say, while they understand the importance of good law enforcement, now is not the time for... more »

• La. House approves private school tax rebate

  March 28, 2012 6:29 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana House backed a proposal Tuesday to give a dollar-for-dollar state tax rebate to people who donate money to nonprofits that give scholarships to help students attend private and parochial schools. The proposal by Rep. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, is part of Gov. Bobby... more »

• Colo. senior tax break fight ends before it starts

  March 27, 2012 5:53 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado's improving economy has helped lawmakers avoid the most contentious debate of the year - restoring a suspended property tax break for senior citizens. Lawmakers learned Monday that sunny fiscal projections - a revenue boost from personal income and business taxes - combined with money left over... more »

• Iberville officials ask for restoration of tax

  March 22, 2012 10:36 AM

  PLAQUEMINE, La. (AP) - Iberville Parish voters will decide Saturday whether to restore a lapsed, decades-old property tax that school system officials say is vital to pay for utilities, pest control, garbage collection and a number of other services. If the tax proposition were to fail, school Superintendent Ed Cancienne... more »

• Man Illegally in US Arrested in Tax Scam

  March 6, 2012 9:29 AM

  Kenner police have arrested an illegal immigrant living in LaPlace in connection with a fraudulent tax scam. Police said Tuesday that $20,000 was seized as evidence from his vehicle. Officers responding to a disturbance Friday found Marvin Baca in an argument about false W-2 forms that he sold to another... more »

• Lafayette council to decide tax vote

  January 24, 2012 10:24 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - Lafayette voters could be asked as early as April to approve a new half-cent sales tax dedicated to funding the police and fire departments. The Advocate reports the City-Parish Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on whether to put the measure on an April 21 ballot.... more »

• Bars Not Forced to Pay Police Tax, But Patrols Stay the Same Play Video

  January 17, 2012 11:26 PM

  Seven downtown bars appealed hefty liquor license suspensions at Tuesday night's Lafayette City-Parish council meeting. B.E.D., Bootleggers, Rabbit Hole, Karma, Guamas and Shakers are all facing one year suspensions and Nite Town facing a three day suspension, after the bars failed to pay a controversial security tax. But Tuesday... more »

• Downtown Bars Appeal Liquor License Suspensions

  January 17, 2012 4:33 PM

  Seven Lafayette bars in the downtown area are appealing hefty liquor license suspensions at tonight's Lafayette Consolidated Government Meeting. The suspensions come after the bars failed to pay a controversial tax, specially levied against them to pay for downtown police detail. Coming up at 5 & 6, KATC's Maddie will... more »

• Free income tax return preparation for low income individuals and families

  January 17, 2012 9:35 AM

  The ASSIST Agency, a local nonprofit agency, is providing free income tax return preparation for low income individuals and families in Acadia, Jeff Davis, and Vermilion Parishes. There are certified VITA Volunteers that are trained by the IRS to prepare taxes. These volunteers will assist with the Earned Income Tax... more »

• Broussard prepares to collect sales tax

  January 11, 2012 10:38 AM

  BROUSSARD, La. (AP) - The Broussard City Council has approved the introduction of an ordinance to impose a half-cent sales tax dedicated to recreation. The measure was approved by city voters in the Nov. 19 election and the new tax is estimated to raise about $2.4 million annually. City bond... more »

• School Tax Fails, School Board Considers Options Play Video

  October 24, 2011 10:35 PM

  Lafayette Public Schools will have to find a new way to pay for repairs, after two tax millages aimed at updating some public schools failed at the polls on Saturday. For the Lafayette Parish School Board, it's now time to regroup and star discussing what to do now after... more »

• Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty in Tax Fraud Case

  October 15, 2011 10:37 AM

  SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) - A Dallas woman who owned a Shreveport tax preparing service has pleaded guilty to filing fraudulent claims for federal income tax refunds. Forty-one-year-old Letitia C. Scott faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine following her guilty plea Friday to one... more »

• Jindal Says He'll Veto Cigarette Tax Within Days

  June 4, 2011 10:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Gov. Bobby Jindal says he's not changing his mind: He intends to veto a 4-cent per pack cigarette tax renewal passed by Louisiana lawmakers. Jindal received the bill this week and said he will reject it within the 10 days he has before the renewal... more »

• State GOP Running Radio Ad Against Cigarette Tax

  May 13, 2011 9:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state Republican Party says it's launching an anti-tobacco tax ad Friday on radio stations around Louisiana. According to a script released by the GOP, former U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston narrates the 30-second ad, which urges people to call their lawmakers and tell them to... more »

• Jail Maintenance Tax Returns to Ballot Play Video

  April 26, 2011 10:51 PM

  A jail maintenance tax will return to the ballot in St. Landry Parish Saturday, April 30th. The tax had been on the books for the past 30 years, but voters didn't renew it last fall. Every ten years the people of St. Landry Parish are asked to renew a... more »

• Tax Evasion Arrests in Ville Platte

  February 17, 2011 7:43 PM

  From ATC: Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control ("ATC") Commissioner Troy Hebert announced that ATC agents arrested three men last night for participating in an alleged tax evasion and money laundering scheme. Adham Salam of Ville Platte, La, and Anwar Hadaba and Frank Fletcher, both of Alexandria, La were arrested on... more »

• May 16 Deadline for LA Individual Returns

  January 8, 2011 11:00 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - State officials have set a May 16 filing deadline for Louisiana indvidual income tax returns. The Department of Revenue normally sets a May 15 deadline, but that date falls on a Sunday this year. So, the deadline is being extended to the next business day. more »

• House Democrats reject tax plan without changes

  December 9, 2010 4:50 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - House Democrats voted Thursday to reject President Barack Obama's tax deal with Republicans in its current form, but it was unclear how significantly the package might need to be changed. By voice vote in a closed caucus meeting, Democrats passed a resolution saying the tax package should... more »

• Wesley Snipes again asks for a new tax trial

  December 8, 2010 9:50 PM

  ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Actor Wesley Snipes made a last-minute request for a new trial a day before he is scheduled to report to prison for failing to pay taxes. Snipes' attorney Daniel Meachum has said he received an e-mail from a juror who claims three others on the panel... more »

• Fee, tax increases proposed for New Orleans

  October 14, 2010 9:56 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is proposing a city budget that is almost $30 million less than last year, but that will still require hikes in sanitation fees and property tax millages. In his budget message Thursday, Landrieu said the $483 million budget he's proposing for... more »

• 1 Cent Sales Tax Hike Approved in Iberia Parish

  October 14, 2010 4:19 PM

  A sales tax hike is on the way for those who shop the US-90 corridor in Iberia Parish. The Iberia Council voted to levy a one-percent sales tax on the economic development district. It did not need a vote of the people because it does not include residential properties.... more »

• Kaplan Hospital Tax Play Video

  October 13, 2010 7:37 PM

  A hospital in Vermilion Parish is banking on voters to keep it's doors open. A sales tax in Kaplan is up for renewal on November 2nd. If passed, it will continue to fund Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital. The hospital has served Vermilion Parish residents for 50 years, as the only... more »

• Renewal of a One-Mil Tax Fails For the St. Landry Parish Jail

  October 4, 2010 3:53 PM

  A renewal of a one-mil tax for the maintenance and upkeep of the St. Landry Parish Jail did not pass Saturday night. The jail tax renewal failed, receiving only 7,962 votes, or 47.48 percent. An estimated $215,460 per year property tax renewal would have been committed to maintaining and... more »

• Sentencing Delayed for Head of Defunct Movie Studio for Selling Nonexisting Tax Credits to Members of the Saints

  September 29, 2010 1:50 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Sentencing is being delayed until Jan. 19 for the head of a defunct movie studio who pleaded guilty to selling $1.9 million in nonexistent tax credits to members of the New Orleans Saints. On May 13, Wayne Read pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen funds... more »

• Federal tax cut debate impacts La. treasury

  September 20, 2010 10:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - If Congress allows any of the Bush administration tax cuts to expire, Louisiana's state coffers will take a hit. Louisiana's tax code is tied to the federal tax laws. Louisiana lets its taxpayers deduct the amount of federal taxes paid from their state liability. So,... more »

• Tax Cuts Could Affect Louisiana

  September 20, 2010 5:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - If Congress allows any of the Bush-era tax cuts to expire, Louisiana's state coffers will take a hit. That's because Louisiana's tax code is tied to the federal tax laws. Louisiana lets its taxpayers deduct the amount of federal taxes paid from their state liability.... more »

• Tax Proposition Talk in Calcasieu Parish

  September 1, 2010 5:39 PM

  Representatives from the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and officials representing other public agencies affected by the Courthouse and Jail Maintenance Tax will discuss the Police Jury propositions on the October 2 nd ballot, Tuesday, September 7 th , at 10am, in Courtroom A, located on the 3 rd floor... more »

• 2010 Second Amendment Weekend Sales Tax Holiday is September 3rd, 4th, & 5th

  August 31, 2010 5:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Hunters and campers can save money this weekend on a wide range of supplies including firearms, ammunition, hunting knives and certain clothing items. The 2010 Second Amendment Weekend Sales Tax Holiday takes place Friday, September 3, through Sunday, September 5. During these three days, eligible items... more »

• Six Facts about the American Opportunity Tax Credit

  August 27, 2010 10:17 AM

  IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2010-23 There is still time left to take advantage of the American Opportunity Tax Credit, a credit that will help many parents and college students offset the cost of college. This tax credit is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is... more »

• TAX PREPARER SENTENCED TO PRISON

  August 26, 2010 5:36 PM

  Shreveport, La.: Sharay K. Johnson, 41, of Shreveport, La., was sentenced to 36 months in a federal prison, United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley. Johnson pleaded guilty in April to aiding and assisting in the preparation or presentation of a fraudulent tax return. Thursday's sentence was imposed by United States... more »

• `Tax lady' Roni Deutch says lawsuit is political

  August 24, 2010 9:53 PM

  SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - "Tax Lady" Roni Deutch says California Attorney General Jerry Brown is engaging in election-year politics by filing a civil lawsuit accusing her law firm of false advertising and misleading consumers. Deutch said in a statement Tuesday she will fight the $34 million lawsuit filed a day... more »

• Ex-state Sen. Charles Jones convicted in tax case

  August 23, 2010 5:20 PM

  SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) - A federal jury on Monday found former state Sen. Charles D. Jones guilty of tax evasion and other tax charges. Jurors took about three hours before convicting Jones, 60, of Monroe, of filing two false tax returns and one count of tax evasion. Jones, who's also... more »

• Free Tax Seminar For Business Operator

  July 28, 2010 12:46 PM

  The Louisiana Department of Revenue offers a free seminar to help business operators understand sales tax and other important issues. The next session is at 2 PM, Monday, August 16th at LDR's Lafayette office, 825 Kaliste Saloom. For details or to register, call (337) 262-5455 more »

• Sales Tax Holiday Approaching

  July 26, 2010 2:28 PM

  Press Release- The Louisiana Sales Tax Holiday takes place Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7. On these two days, most retail purchases are exempt from the four-percent state sales tax. The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 6, and continues through 12:00 midnight... more »

• Assistant Lafayette DA Charged with Tax Evasion

  July 14, 2010 7:52 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have filed tax evasion charges against a 15th Judicial District assistant district attorney. Joseph Floyd Johnson, who has worked for the Lafayette Parish District Attorney's Office since 1995, was charged Tuesday with one count of tax evasion. According to a bill of information, Johnson... more »

• Bill Passed To Extend Tax Credit to Homebuyers

  June 29, 2010 3:47 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The House has passed a bill giving homebuyers an extra three months to complete their purchases and still qualify for a generous tax credit. Under current law, homebuyers who signed purchase agreements by April 30 have until Wednesday to close on the sale to qualify for tax... more »

• Prison inmates wrongly received $9 million in tax credits

  June 23, 2010 11:52 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Nearly 1,300 prison inmates wrongly received more than $9 million in tax credits for homebuyers despite being locked up when they claimed they bought a home, a government investigator reported Wednesday. The investigator said 241 of the inmates were serving life sentences. In all, more than 14,100... more »

• Federal tax incentives for home buyers extended three months

  June 16, 2010 3:45 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate on Wednesday approved a plan to give home buyers an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives that boosted home sales this spring. The move by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would give buyers until Sept. 30 to complete their purchases and... more »

• Time To Roll Back "Billions Of Dollars In Tax Breaks" For Oil Companies

  June 2, 2010 12:29 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says it's time to roll back "billions of dollars in tax breaks" for oil companies and use the money for clean energy research and development. Obama made the comments Wednesday in prepared remarks for a speech at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He said... more »

• Tax Free Weekend Play Video

  May 29, 2010 11:30 PM

  As we worry about oil in the gulf our fears are increased with the threat of an active hurricane season. Since 2007 the State of Louisiana has waived state sales taxes on Memorial Day Weekend so people can fill their carts with flashlights, gas cans, generators-- the stuff for surviving... more »

• Hurricane Sales Tax Weekend

  May 28, 2010 10:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The 2010 Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday takes place Saturday and Sunday. Louisianians can get a tax break when buying emergency supplies, including self-powered light sources like flashlights and candles; portable self-powered radios; two-way radios and weather-band radios; tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting.... more »

• Tax-Free Hurricane Items this Weekend

  May 25, 2010 2:10 PM

  Hurricane season starts June 1st, so prepare by saving money on supplies this weekend. Items like batteries, generators and carbon monoxide detectors are tax free: "It's the first 1500 dollars of each eligible item and you save 4% on each item," says sot: Susan Malcombe from the Department... more »

• Tax Evasion Case Resumes

  May 25, 2010 8:55 AM

  SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) - Jury selection continues in former state Sen. Charles Jones' federal tax evasion trial. The process began May 10 in Monroe, but U.S. District Judge Robbie James granted a motion to move the trial the next day. In January 2008, a federal grand jury indicted Jones, of... more »

• 32 Cents Tax on Each Barrel of Oil to Help Finance Cleanups

  May 24, 2010 4:44 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress is getting ready to quadruple - to 32 cents a barrel - a tax on oil used to help finance cleanups. The increase would raise nearly $11 billion over the next decade. The tax is levied on oil produced in the U.S. or imported from foreign... more »

• Livingston Tax Revenue Rises in April

  May 17, 2010 7:18 AM

  LIVINGSTON, La. (AP) - Records show Livingston Parish sales tax collections for April were the highest since Christmas sales. Mike Curtis, director of sales tax collections for the parish, tells The Advocate that April sales tax revenue collections were up $1.4 million from the previous month for a 31 percent... more »

• State Income Tax

  May 14, 2010 10:12 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Monday is the deadline for those who have yet to file their Louisiana individual state income tax forms. Anyone who needs a filing exension must submit their requests on or before the May 17 due date. Officials say the fastest way to file is though... more »

• Sales Tax Holiday for Hurricane Supplies May 29-30

  May 12, 2010 10:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Hurricane season is fast approaching and the state wants to help residents prepare. On May 29 and 30, Louisianians can get a tax break when buying emergency supplies, including self-powered light sources like flashlights and candles; portable self-powered radios; two-way radios and weather-band radios; tarpaulins... more »

• 2 Charged: Fraudulent Tax Refunds

  May 7, 2010 10:18 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - A St. Charles Parish sheriff's deputy and a tax preparer have been indicted on charges they used the identities of prison inmates to fraudulently obtain more than $800,000 in tax refunds. The sheriff's deputy, 42-year-old Warren LeBeauf, and the tax preparer, 36-year-old Tamara Scott-Landry, were charged Thursday... more »

• The President Pays His Taxes

  April 15, 2010 1:08 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House says President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle made $5.5 million last year and paid nearly $1.8 million in federal income tax. The Obamas gave $329,000 to charities. That included $50,000 each to CARE and the United Negro College... more »

• 2 Indicted On Tax Fraud

  March 25, 2010 6:01 PM

  Angela M. Gallow, 45, of Oberlin, La., and Cella "Ceanne" J. Gallow, 59, of Mamou, La., were charged today with conspiracy and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns, Acting United States Attorney William J. Flanagan announced. An initial appearance for both defendants to appear in U.S. District Court... more »

• Louisiana should check tax files of contractors

  February 23, 2010 11:30 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Lawmakers should consider requiring "tax clearances" for individuals and businesses that contract with the state, a new audit report concludes. The Legislative Auditor's Office made the recommendation in a report released to the public Monday. The office looked at the state revenue department's methods for... more »

• State approves cultural districts

  February 22, 2010 7:45 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state has approved midcity Baton Rouge and downtown Lafayette for cultural products districts. It's a designation that seeks to promote arts development by waiving sales taxes on original works sold within the districts and providing tax credits for rehabilitating the districts' historic buildings. Kerry... more »

• Vermilion Parish police jury blocks delay in tax election

  February 18, 2010 7:27 AM

  ABBEVILLE, La. (AP) - The Vermilion Parish Police Jury has voted to block an attempt by Juror Mark Poche to delay a special March election that calls for a 5.7 mill tax for coastal storm protection. Potential revenue from the tax, if passed, is expected to be used as leverage... more »

• Free Tax Prep Services to help Acadiana

  January 26, 2010 12:40 PM

  Make your money work for you. United Way's "Earn It, Keep It, Save It" program helps Acadianians get every penny they deserve on tax returns. United Way of Acadiana and has teamed up with several local groups to offer free tax preparation services and help getting earned income tax... more »

• Dept. of Revenue implements Streamlining Committee recommendations for savings

  January 15, 2010 11:45 AM

  The Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) will save more than $2 million and improve the efficiency of its tax collection program when its 2010 streamlining plan goes into full effect. Key cost-saving measures have already been implemented, such as a decision to cease mailing paper tax booklets to taxpayers,... more »

• Cajundome forwards back-tax settlement

  November 24, 2009 7:40 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - A first step was taken Monday toward settling a dispute between the Cajundome Commission and Lafayette Parish school system over back taxes. The Cajundome Commission, after meeting in executive session for about an hour, gave its OK to a proposal that would settle a lawsuit it... more »

• Your Hard-Earned Money: Keep it. Save it. Play Video

  November 12, 2009 2:15 PM

  In Acadiana $30 million dollars in tax returns were left unclaimed last year. United Way of Acadiana has teamed up with the Acadiana Asset Building Coalition, 232-HELP, and the Department of Social Services to help people get their full returns and become money savvy. . "Earn it. Keep it.... more »

• MARIJUANA EVERYWHERE

  November 6, 2009 8:40 AM

  SEBASTOPOL, Calif. (AP) - It could be easier to find pot than a cup of coffee in L.A. Los Angeles has more pot shops than Starbucks and almost as many as public schools. In California, medical marijuana dispensaries are growing like -- well -- weeds. California voters approved medicinal marijuana... more »

• Gov. Jindal Announces a $30 Million Commitment for LSU's New Business Education Complex

  November 5, 2009 2:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal held a press conference today to make two announcements: a commitment of $30 million in capital outlay funds for LSU's new business education complex and $303.7 million in collections for the 2009 Louisiana Tax Amnesty Program, surpassing initial estimates for collections. $30 Million... more »

• Iberia school staff to see supplemental pay cut

  November 5, 2009 8:05 AM

  NEW IBERIA, La. (AP) - Employees of Iberia Parish schools will have to endure a slight cut in this year's supplemental pay and deferred payment. Director of Business Carl LeBlanc says a poor return on sales taxes has forced a $200 cut in certified teachers' deferred payment, and $133 for... more »

• Governor Jindal: $303M raised with tax amnesty

  November 4, 2009 12:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana has raised over $300 million with a tax amnesty program aimed at lessening the effects of budget cuts. Gov. Bobby Jindal on Wednesday called the program a success, noting that it brought in more than twice as much money as expected. Jindal said much... more »

• Cajundome's alcohol sales at risk

  October 30, 2009 9:49 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - Beer and liquor sales at the Cajundome could be halted unless a dispute surrounding $1.4 million in overdue sales taxes is resolved. The alcohol permit for the Cajundome and Convention Center is due for renewal Saturday. As part of the renewal, the Cajundome must obtain state... more »

• Sales Tax Vote in Grand Coteau Raises Concern Play Video

  October 16, 2009 6:07 PM

  Grand Coteau residents take to the polls Saturday to decide whether to increase local sales tax. Tom Colley and his wife co-own Days Gone By, a home decor shop in Grand Coteau. Colley says he wouldn't mind if people in town voted yes to raise local sales tax by... more »

• Lafayette Economy: "Not doing too Well" Play Video

  October 13, 2009 7:18 PM

  A Louisiana economist gives Lafayette a two year economic forecast. At Tuesday's annual business luncheon LSU's Loren Scott looks into his crystal ball and gives Acadiana businesses a look into the future. "Well, it's not doing too well." As the rest of the country gets back on its... more »