TAX MAN: Spotlight on retirement income
This week we continue our series on the recommendations made by the Hawai‘i Tax Review Commission.
TAX MAN: Under the big top, the revenue circus begins
“Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, welcome to the greatest show on earth! What you are going to see today is stupendous! It’s astounding! It’s historic! The circus is about to begin!”
TAX MAN: TANF Hoarding does no one any good
One of the ways our government provides a safety net for those less fortunate is through a program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF.
TAX MAN: Considering a carbon tax with rebates
The Hawai‘i Tax Review Commission, under our state constitution, convenes once every five years or so to examine and report on our state tax system. It recently published its report addressed to the Legislature.
TAX MAN: More on green fees
Once every five years or so, the Hawaii Constitution asks our government officials to put together a Tax Review Commission. Its job is to “conduct a systematic review of the State’s tax structure, using such standards as equity and efficiency.”
TAX MAN: The new Honolulu County TAT earmarks aren’t the real problem
Honolulu, just like most of the other neighbor island counties, has passed a 3% addition to the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT).
TAX MAN: Foreign trade zone kerfuffle
If you’re in downtown Honolulu and you’re driving past Restaurant Row, you’re likely to see a sign on the makai side saying, “Foreign Trade Zone No. 9.”
TAX MAN: Lawmakers, please bring back sanity to governance
Several times in this space, we have discussed the Governor’s emergency powers. Our laws (chapter 127A, HRS) give the Governor broad powers to deal with emergencies.
TAX MAN: Tax isn’t a peanut butter cup
Once upon a time, there were some property developers on O‘ahu.
TAX MAN: Tax workers’ “Get Out of Jail Free” card
You might not know this, but our tax workers enjoy all kinds of special privileges.
TAX MAN: NOT the end of Gut-n-Replace
On Nov. 4, the Supreme Court of Hawai‘i released its decision in League of Women Voters v. State. That decision involved a bill enacted by the 2018 Legislature that went through some different incarnations before finally becoming law.
TAX MAN: Hike traffic fines for profit
The Honolulu City Council wants to raise money for the Honolulu Police Department by adding a surcharge to traffic fines. As KHON2 reports, they say that the money can and should be used to recruit, retain, and equip police officers. It’s definitely a creative idea to raise additional revenue without hiking the property tax.
TAX MAN: The Perils of Being a Watch Doggie
The story you are about to read is true. The names have not been changed to protect the innocent. This is the city: Honolulu, Hawaii. I live here. I’m a doggie.
TAX MAN: Where is the value from taxes?
On Oct. 13, the Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i published the result of a poll of about 1,000 Hawai‘i residents. They found, not surprisingly, that people don’t like our high state taxes:
TAX MAN: No, DOE, You’re Not God
In recent weeks, it’s been no secret that the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association (HSTA) has had some concerns about their working conditions. Schools are about to start up again with in-person instruction.
TAX MAN: HART makes up its voting rules
If at first you don’t succeed because of the rules, do you redouble your efforts to meet the rules? Or do you change the rules so you can meet them?
TAX MAN: Here’s what tax reform looks like in the Cornhusker State
What do you think of when you hear the name “Nebraska”? Steaks? Corn? Warren Buffett?
TAX MAN: Tax planning with the rich and famous
Occasionally, all of us wonder what it’s like to be rich and famous, or at least act like it. “Those people,” you might think, “have at their disposal so many ways to flummox the tax authorities if they want to. Panamanian bearer shares corporations. Dutch sandwiches. Entities from the Isle of Man, the Caymans, or Bermuda perhaps.”
TAX MAN: We compete with other states, countries, for people
Over the past 10 or so years that I have been in the seat, I have seen legislature after legislature consider many, many bills to increase taxes. Every year. Without fail. At the Foundation, we keep a list of the tax bills that are introduced and that get at least one hearing.
TAX MAN: Is it time for a vacant-homes tax?
Recently, the Honolulu City Council has taken up the idea of imposing a different tax rate for residences that are vacant.