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The Two-Way
Oregon's Cash-Strapped Counties Reject Public Safety Levies
May 22, 2013 Two Oregon counties have reportedly rejected property tax increases that would have funded law enforcement and public safety services. The counties once received federal timber subsidies, but those days are over — and now they're scrambling to pay for essential services.
Shots - Health News
Obamacare Won't Affect Most 2012 Taxes, Despite Firm's Claim
March 29, 2013 CPRH&R Block claims it's equipped to guide you through the Affordable Care Act and the law's implications for your taxes this year. But the law doesn't really affect 2012 returns.
All Tech Considered
'Consumer Reports' Offers Tips For Doing Taxes Online
March 4, 2013 More self-preparation tools have become available this tax season. Some people may be anxious about doing their taxes online, but an expert from Consumer Reports says it's worth a shot.
NPR Ombudsman
Daddy Warbucks: What Do We Mean By 'The Wealthy'?
December 29, 2012 They are the subject of the fiscal cliff drama, and we find that the favored phrase by NPR reporters and hosts covering the negotiations is to call them "the wealthy." Some listeners rightfully object. However, alternatives such as "job creators" are also inaccurate and political.
The Two-Way
On 'Fiscal Cliff,' Majority Of Public Sides With Democrats, Pew Poll Says
December 13, 2012 Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said President Obama is making a "serious effort" to work with Republicans. Just 32 percent said Republicans are making a serious effort to work with the Democratic president.
Shots - Health News
The Perilous Politics Of The Health Insurance Tax Break
December 4, 2012 Economists say that excluding the value of employer-sponsored health insurance from federal taxes makes no sense. But many worry that changing the tax code could mean higher taxes or that employers would push down the value of the health insurance they provide.
Shots - Health News
The Huge (And Rarely Discussed) Health Insurance Tax Break
December 4, 2012 Most people don't realize that they don't pay taxes on the value of health benefits from their job. If employer-provided health insurance was taxed in the same way as wages, the federal government could gain $250 billion a year. But it would mean higher taxes for many people.
It's All Politics
Obama Back In Campaign Mode; This Time, It's Taxes
December 1, 2012 The president is using email, social media and public appearances to promote his message in the fight over federal taxes on Capitol Hill. The president hopes the campaign will put pressure on Republican lawmakers to come to a deal that would avoid automatic, across-the-board tax hikes.
The Two-Way
Today's Three Stories To Read About The 'Fiscal Cliff'
November 30, 2012 The White House and congressional leaders continue to talk about taxes, spending cuts and how to avoid an end-of-year deadline — when Bush-era tax cuts are set to expire and automatic spending cuts are set to go into effect.
The Two-Way
Grover Norquist: Pink Unicorns Aren't Real And GOP Won't Break Tax Pledge
November 28, 2012 The man behind Republicans' "no new taxes" pledge says Democrats won't propose "real" spending cuts or reforms. It's a fantasy to think they would, Norquist says. So, he says, even those Republicans who are suggesting they might vote for higher tax revenues won't do so.
The Two-Way
Romney's 2011 Tax Return Shows He Paid At 14.1 Percent Rate, Campaign Says
September 21, 2012 That rate is in line with earlier statements the candidate made about how much he paid in taxes last year. He's also releasing a summary of his taxes from the past 20 years — which may not satisfy Democrats who want him to offer more details.
Planet Money
The 47 Percent, In One Graphic
September 18, 2012 Why do nearly half of U.S families pay no federal income taxes? Low income and special programs for the elderly, the working poor and families with children.
It's All Politics
Romney's Plan To Broaden Tax Base Finds Critics
August 27, 2012 The Republican presidential candidate says he favors keeping all of the Bush-era tax cuts and then adding some more. To pay for these cuts, he would reduce or eliminate some of the tax deductions that many Americans have come to rely on. Economists support that plan, but Mitt Romney must win over Americans who benefit from them.
It's All Politics
Ryan's Taxes Show Gap Between Romney And The Not-So-Rich
August 19, 2012 Mitt Romney's campaign hoped to close the book on tax questions when running mate Paul Ryan released two years of tax returns. Not quite. In reality, the differences between Romney and Ryan's taxes helps propel the debate further.
Planet Money
Should We Tax Olympic Prize Money?
August 8, 2012 Taxes should be as simple as possible. A $25,000 prize the U.S. Olympic Committee pays you for winning a gold medal should be taxed exactly the same as $25,000 a restaurant pays you for washing dishes.