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TaxBuzz Top 5 - Harris Faces Tax Plan Pressure from Donors, FL Supreme Court Denies Verizon Tax Appeal & More

TaxBuzz Top 5 - Harris Faces Tax Plan Pressure from Donors, FL Supreme Court Denies Verizon Tax Appeal & More

Each Friday, TaxBuzz brings you the top five tax and accounting headlines you need to know from the workweek. We know life can get busy and you don't always have time to scroll through your news feed to stay informed.

We weed through all of the week's stories to showcase the most important updates in the tax and accounting world.

1. Harris Faces Pressure Over Tax Plan from Wealthy Donors

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Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Vice President Kamala Harris is encountering pushback from major donors regarding her endorsement of a proposed tax on unrealized capital gains. NBC reports that this plan, which is part of President Biden’s latest budget proposal, aims to impose a 25 percent tax on the increase in value of stocks and other assets owned by Americans with a net worth of $100 million or more, regardless of whether they’ve been sold. The proposal has stirred concerns among some Wall Street and Silicon Valley executives, who are urging Harris to reconsider.

"From what I’ve been told, everything is on the table, nothing’s been decided yet," said Mark Cuban, a billionaire donor. While some supporters, like Aaron Levie of Box, describe the proposal as “quite punitive,” Harris’s campaign insists the tax will target a very small portion of the ultra-wealthy and that she remains committed to fairness in the tax system. Per the New York Times, Charles Kretchmer Lutvak, a spokesperson for Harris, stated, “Vice President Harris believes billionaires and large corporations should pay their fair share in taxes.”

Opponents argue that taxing unrealized gains could be problematic, with some suggesting that the value of such assets can fluctuate, potentially leading to unfair taxation. Despite these objections, Harris’s plan aims to address what critics see as a loophole allowing the wealthy to avoid substantial taxes. The proposal’s future remains uncertain as it navigates potential legal and political hurdles.

2. Colorado Legislature Passes Property Tax Cuts Amid Controversy

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Credit: CatLane/Getty Images

The Colorado legislature has enacted modest property tax reductions, concluding a four-day special session and momentarily easing the intense political battles surrounding the state's property tax policy. The Denver Post noted that this deal aims to provide stability and long-term relief following a turbulent period marked by a constitutional amendment repeal, economic fluctuations, and surging home values.

Governor Jared Polis emphasized the significance of this -- albeit controversial -- measure, stating, "Fundamentally, the people of Colorado have had their concerns addressed: long-term relief, a reasonable cap (on tax growth) and over 4,000 entities funded by property taxes, including every school district, (will) have the stability that they need to plan and budget."

House Bill 1001, which received final approval from the Senate, builds on a tax package from May that lowered assessment rates and capped tax revenue growth. It adds $254 million in cuts to the previously approved $1.3 billion. This will reduce typical homeowners' property tax bills by $60 to $80 in 2025 and $179 in 2026, on top of the $400 savings from earlier cuts.

The bill’s passage is also expected to lead to the withdrawal of controversial ballot measures that proposed stricter tax growth limits. However, opinions on the bill remain divided. Sen. Chris Hansen defended the process, asserting, "I think a dispassionate observer would come to the conclusion this was a public process."

Despite this, some lawmakers criticized the bill for insufficient tax relief and questioned its ability to resolve ongoing property tax debates. Rep. Emily Sirota warned, "I’d be shocked if this latest bill actually brought an end to property tax battles at the legislature."

3. Florida Supreme Court Rejects Verizon's Appeal on Tax Refunds

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Credit: Dennis Macdonald/Getty Images

The Florida Supreme Court has opted not to review Verizon's appeal regarding the application of federal tax provisions to state tax claims, upholding a lower court's decision. The court's order, issued on Wednesday, dismisses Verizon's challenge to the First District Court of Appeal's ruling that barred the telecommunications giant from utilizing pre-2000 net operating losses (NOLs) from acquired companies to amend its 2000 state tax return for refunds.

Law360 shared details regarding the case, noting that Verizon contended that federal tax mitigation rules should allow for refunds despite Florida's three-year statute of limitations, arguing that state law should align with federal provisions. However, the appellate court determined that Florida's statute of limitations should take precedence over federal rules. Judge Timothy D. Osterhaus emphasized that Florida's tax code specifies a three-year period for refund requests, regardless of federal mitigation rules.

The department of revenue opposed Verizon's petition, asserting that the appellate court's decision did not conflict with previous rulings and that Verizon's cited cases were irrelevant. "Florida's tax code includes a statute of non-claim that fixes a definitive three-year time period," Judge Osterhaus noted.

This ruling reaffirms the state's adherence to its statutory limits for tax refunds, despite federal tax provisions. Verizon's legal team, led by Michael J. Bowen and Kristen M. Fiore of Akerman LLP, and a department representative did not provide comments on the decision.

4. Nevada Voters Heavily Back 'No Taxes on Tips' Proposal

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Credit: Karl Weatherly/Getty Images

A recent poll shared by Las Vegas's 8 News Now reveals strong support among Nevada voters for the proposed elimination of taxes on tips, with 71% in favor. The proposal, initially introduced by Former President Donald Trump and later supported by Vice President Kamala Harris, aims to remove tax burdens from tips for gig workers and service industry employees.

Local Uber and Lyft drivers expressed enthusiasm for the proposal. "That would be wonderful," said driver Marshall Enzer, highlighting the positive impact it would have on those relying on tips. Fellow driver Francis Taylor echoed the sentiment, noting that support from both major candidates would be beneficial.

The proposal's popularity extends beyond Nevada, aligning with support in other swing states such as Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina.

However, economic experts like UNLV Law Professor Francine Lipman caution about potential long-term costs, estimating the proposal could result in a $150 to $200 billion loss due to the risk of income mischaracterization as tips.

Despite these concerns, many in Southern Nevada view the proposal as a significant benefit for gig workers, with Enzer stating it could be a major improvement for those struggling to make ends meet.

5. Oklahoma Ends State Grocery Tax: What It Means for Shoppers

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Credit: d3sign/Getty Images

As of Thursday, August 29, Oklahomans are no longer paying the state's 4.5% grocery tax, a change enacted by lawmakers in February. Tulsa news network FOX23 conducted a comparison shopping trip to highlight the savings.

During the shopping spree, potatoes cost $2.91, and a chocolate bar was priced at $4.91. While some grocery prices increased since a previous visit—orange juice rose from $7.49 to $7.91, and cheese went from $4.91 to $5.91—the overall tax savings were notable.

On the initial shopping trip, the total grocery bill before tax was $36.68. On Thursday, the pre-tax total was $36.60. The earlier total, including tax, was $39.77, whereas the tax-free total came to $38.03, reflecting a $1.74 savings per shopping trip.

For families who spend around $6,000 annually on groceries, the elimination of the state grocery tax could result in a $275 savings.

Despite the reduction, some items remain taxed, including prepared foods like rotisserie chicken and alcohol. Additionally, county and local sales taxes still apply to groceries. Shoppers reported noticing slight savings, with many believing the reduction will accumulate over time.

Which headline this week most interests you?

Feature Image by Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images

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