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Posts with tag taxes

CA lawmakers want to tax iTunes downloads

The California Assembly, apparently facing an $8 billion deficit, has introduced a bill that would apply sales taxes to "media downloads," namely the music sales going through iTunes (which, as we've reported, is challenging even retailer giant Walmart for music sales numbers). But it seems as though (since new taxes require a 2/3 majority in California) they're going about it in a pretty weird way.

Basically, to duck the majority rule, they're instead trying to have "digital property" count like normal, taxable property. That way, all they're doing is changing a definition, not actually adding a new tax. Even then, they've got another hurdle to jump -- the California Assembly, of course, can only tax things bought in California, unless they charge a "use" tax, which is for people things buy elsewhere but only use in California. Which no one ever pays anyway. Yeah, it's weird.

Eventually, they'll probably pull something off -- Apple already charges sales tax in quite a few states, so it's not surprising that California, Apple's home base, would try as well. It seems like politics is making the process a little bumpier than elsewhere, though.

[Via Macdailynews]

Do your taxes (US) with your Mac

Here's one for our readers in North America. As of this writing, you've got six days to pay your dues to Uncle Sam. You know how the saying goes, "There only two things you must do in this life: Die and pay your taxes." Since there's no avoiding it (unless you think prison sounds like fun), then you might as well make the process somewhat pleasant by using your Mac.

There's a great article at Macinstruct all about filing with your Mac. They compare apps like TurboTax, TaxCut and TaxAct (both the boxed and unboxed versions) and explain how to apply for an extension - all with your Mac.

New Jersey begins taxing iTS downloads like CDs and armored cars

The state of New Jersey is suffering from a slight $4.5 billion debt problem. Macenstein is reporting that amidst a recent sales tax increase and a frantic session of checking the sofa for change, Governor Jon Corzine has expanded the list of items which can be taxed to include, amongst other things, iTunes Store purchases. This means that all iTS downloads will be taxed at the same recently raised 7% rate of other newly taxable items such as storage space, tanning, health club memberships and security alarms.

Interestingly, Dr. Macenstein also reports that he'll be trying to work around the new charges by changing his virtual iTS address to another state. C'mon Dr. M, you need to pay up for your tanning and limousine luxuries just like everybody else.

Macworld on TurboTax Deluxe 2005

Two things are certain in life: death and taxes, however, if you are going to be doing your taxes on your Mac it is almost certain that you will be using TurboTax Deluxe 2005. It is the only game in town (well, the only Mac desktop application) but luckily Macworld says it is a great product. It includes a question and answer section that it uses to fill out some of your tax information, based on your answers, and it can retrieve electronic copies of your W2's (if you have access to them).

Check out the review and marvel at all the tax prep prowess you get for $35.

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