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TaxBuzz Top 5 - Washington State May Nix Capital Gains Tax, Iowa Braces for Huge Tax Loss & More

TaxBuzz Top 5 - Washington State May Nix Capital Gains Tax, Iowa Braces for Huge Tax Loss & 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. Iowa Faces $1 Billion Revenue Drop Over Two Years as Tax Cuts Take Effect

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Credit: Monte Goodyk/Getty Images

Iowa's state tax revenue is projected to drop by $1 billion over the next two years, largely due to the implementation of recent tax cuts, according to the State Revenue Estimating Conference. Per the Des Moines Register, the panel forecasts a 5.3% decline in revenue for the current fiscal year, followed by an additional 6.3% drop in the next year. The total decline of 11.6% reflects the state's effort to leave more money in the hands of residents and businesses.

Kraig Paulsen, Iowa’s Department of Management director, that the state’s financial health remains strong and that the reduced revenue is a planned result of the cuts. “The tax cuts are having the intended effect,” he said in a Radio Iowa report. Paulsen stated there would be no interruption in funding key services.

However, some Democrats have raised concerns, pointing out that the state will be taking in significantly less revenue, which could lead to budgetary constraints. They argue the cuts favor corporations and wealthy Iowans, while public schools may see reduced funding as more resources are redirected to support private school programs. Governor Kim Reynolds defended the reductions, stating that they correct over-taxation by the government, in line with Republican fiscal priorities.

2. Tax Disputes in Powell, Ohio Divide City and Township Voters

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Credit: Alexis St. Jean/500px/Getty Images

A trio of tax issues on Powell Ohio's November ballot is exposing a growing divide between city and township voters in the area, which lies in Liberty Township just outside of the state capitol of Columbus. According to local news network ABC 6, the first proposal seeks to increase income tax from 0.75% to 1.15%, a measure city officials say is critical for maintaining infrastructure and public safety. Powell residents have not faced a tax increase since 2010, and city leaders argue the hike is necessary to keep up with rising costs.

Another issue involves a 1.8-mill property tax levy for the Liberty Township Fire Department, which serves both Powell and the surrounding areas. The levy has caused friction between Powell and township voters, as Powell city officials argue they already contribute significantly through an existing agreement.

The final measure proposes a 0.5% income tax credit for residents who pay taxes to other municipalities where they work. Township residents, who are not subject to Powell's income tax, oppose this move, seeing it as unnecessary.

These tax debates are indicative of deeper tensions between Powell and its neighboring township, as residents grapple with how to fund essential services and balance tax burdens in a rapidly growing area.

3. Trump’s Latest Tax Cut Proposals Face GOP Hesitation Amid Cost Concerns

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Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump’s latest tax cut proposals, revealed ahead of the 2024 election, are raising concerns among some Republicans who question their financial viability. At a recent Detroit rally, Trump promised middle-class relief through measures like making car loan interest fully tax-deductible and eliminating double taxation for Americans living abroad, some party members are cautious about the impact on the federal budget.

Trump’s ideas come at a time when the national deficit is already a contentious issue. Republicans supportive of cutting taxes generally are concerned these new proposals may exacerbate fiscal challenges. In the New York Times, Brian Riedl, a budget expert at the right-leaning Manhattan Institute, voiced concerns about the broader financial implications. "Many of these ideas could come with enormous price tags," he said, adding that any large tax cut needs a clear plan to address the resulting deficit.

While Trump’s tax plan is intended to energize key voter blocs, such as middle-class families and expatriates, skepticism from within his own party could pose challenges as Republicans weigh the potential long-term costs.

4. Washington State Voters to Decide Fate of Capital Gains Tax with Initiative 2109

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Credit: eyecrave productions/Getty Images

Washington State voters will soon have the chance to weigh in on the state’s capital gains tax as Initiative 2109 heads to the ballot. The measure seeks to repeal the controversial tax, which was passed in 2021 and upheld by the Washington State Supreme Court earlier this year. The tax imposes a 7% levy on profits from selling stocks, bonds, and other high-end assets above $250,000, with certain exceptions like retirement accounts and real estate.

Local NBC affiliate KING 5 shared that supporters of Initiative 2109 argue that the capital gains tax is an unconstitutional income tax in disguise, and they believe it could open the door for broader state income taxes in the future. Opponents, including state officials, maintain that the tax affects only the wealthiest residents and provides crucial funding for public education and childcare programs.

Those in favor of the repeal are led by groups like the Freedom Foundation, who claim the tax is unnecessary and unfair. Meanwhile, opponents argue that overturning the tax would hurt essential services and disproportionately benefit the wealthy. As the vote approaches, both sides are ramping up their efforts to sway public opinion on what has become a hot-button issue in the Pacific Northwest state.

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos’s recent relocation from Washington to Florida has added fuel to the fire. Washington, which lacks a state income tax, passed the capital gains tax in 2021, affecting high-income individuals and businesses. Some speculate that Bezos’s move may be partly motivated by Florida’s tax-friendly policies, which include no state income or capital gains taxes. This move proves a point raised by opponents of Washington’s tax, who argue that it could drive wealthy residents and businesses to more tax-friendly states, potentially impacting the state's long-term revenue.

5. Hong Kong Slashes Liquor Taxes to Boost Economy Amid Slowing Growth

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Credit: Chunyip Wong/Getty Images

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee announced a significant tax cut on alcoholic beverages during his annual policy address, in a bid to stimulate the economy as growth slows. The tax on beer, wine, and other liquors has been slashed by 50%, a move Lee said would support businesses and enhance the city's competitiveness as a hub for tourism and international trade.

The liquor tax cut comes as Hong Kong grapples with weakened economic recovery, hindered by global uncertainties and reduced tourism. In his address, shared by the Associated Press, Lee said the measure is aimed at boosting consumption and attracting tourists back to the city, particularly from mainland China. The tourism sector has been struggling to regain pre-pandemic levels, and this tax reduction is one of several initiatives aimed at reviving the local economy.

However, some critics question whether the tax cut will provide meaningful relief, pointing out that broader economic challenges, such as housing affordability and income inequality, require more attention. Nonetheless, the government is hopeful that the liquor tax cut will provide a short-term economic lift as Hong Kong navigates its post-pandemic recovery.

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