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• Tax bills for rich families approach 30-year high

  March 3, 2013 12:27 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Washington is gridlocked again over whether to raise taxes on the rich. But it turns out that wealthy families already are paying some of their biggest federal tax bills in decades, even as the rest of the population continues to pay at historically low rates. A new... more »

• Washington hashing out marijuana taxes - recreational and medical

  February 18, 2013 8:21 PM

  OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - More than a dozen people, many of them medical marijuana patients or providers, testified Monday against a measure to tax medical marijuana dispensaries, an effort to undermine any black market when sale of state-taxed recreational marijuana starts at the end of this year. The bill, which... more »

• Obama will submit his budget in March

  February 11, 2013 2:00 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - An administration official says President Barack Obama plans to submit his 2014 budget plan to Congress in mid-March. The budget was supposed to have been released last week but the White House says it's been delayed by passage of legislation last month to avert the so-called fiscal... more »

• Makings of a US fiscal deal behind hot rhetoric

  December 5, 2012 12:58 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - One central question, after all the bluster is cut away, stands between the White House and Republicans in Congress reaching a deal that would prevent the U.S. economy from falling off the so-called "fiscal cliff" - the issue of taxes. President Barack Obama insists that government income... more »

• Amendment 64: to legalize or not to legalize? Play Video

  September 14, 2012 1:41 AM

  It's one of the most controversial ballot questions voters will face in November: should Colorado legalize marijuana? It's the next step in a process that has seen Colorado voters legalize medical marijuana. Under Amendment 64, adults 21 years and older could legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana;... more »

• Colorado uses tobacco taxes on smoking bans

  August 27, 2012 8:18 PM

  DENVER (AP) - State auditors questioned whether the Colorado Department of Health and Environment should be awarding money from tobacco taxes to support local policy initiatives barring smoking in public. A report Monday showed the department awarded $5.2 million to 140 grantees in 2010 and 2011 to help pass initiatives... more »

• Documents: R. Kelly owes nearly $5M in taxes

  June 14, 2012 9:55 PM

  CHICAGO (AP) - R&B star R. Kelly, who last year saw his suburban Chicago mansion fall into foreclosure, now has the Internal Revenue Service at his door. Local media reports documents held by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds show the recording artist owes the IRS nearly $5 million in... more »

• Obama says nation needs 'Buffett Rule'

  April 16, 2012 1:27 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says the nation can't afford to keep giving tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans "who don't need them and didn't even ask for them." Obama is using his weekly radio and Internet address to urge Americans to ask their member of Congress to support... more »

• Colorado's internet tax axed

  April 5, 2012 7:50 PM

  Once again, shopping at amazon.com is tax-free for Coloradoans after a federal judge this week tossed out a state law taxing online purchases. House Majority Leader Rep. Amy Stephens of Monument applauds the decision. "Not only was it a burden for interstate commerce but for our internet retailers." ... more »

• Lindsay Lohan faces lien for back taxes

  January 11, 2012 2:55 PM

  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Lindsay Lohan is facing a lien for nearly $94,000 that the federal government says she owes in unpaid taxes. Records in Los Angeles County show the lien was filed Thursday seeking payment for the 2009 tax year. Celebrity website TMZ first reported the lien... more »

• Coloradans face nation's only statewide tax vote

  October 30, 2011 4:35 PM

  DENVER (AP) - The nation's only statewide tax vote on the November ballot asks Colorado voters whether they want to temporarily raise taxes to generate $3 billion for classrooms and colleges. It's a proposal that has stirred fierce opposition because of the stagnant economy. The vote could serve as... more »

• GOP rivals focus on flat taxes, smaller government

  October 29, 2011 1:43 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - On jobs and taxes, the top Republican presidential candidates are locked in a fierce game of one-upmanship. They're trying to outdo each other in offering the boldest economic plan for the campaign to unseat President Barack Obama next November. Despite some notable differences, their blueprints all are... more »

• Cain says his rise in polls is for real

  October 16, 2011 12:12 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Presidential hopeful and pizza executive Herman Cain says he "won't be a flavor of the week" and his sudden climb to the top of GOP presidential polls will last. A recent spate of polls showed Cain joining Mitt Romney and Rick Perry in the top GOP tier.... more »

• Obama calls on GOP to fight for middle class

  September 6, 2011 5:03 AM

  DETROIT (AP) - President Barack Obama says Republicans should prove they'll fight as hard to cut taxes for the middle class as they do for profitable oil companies and the wealthiest Americans. Obama gave a partial preview of Thursday's big jobs speech before Congress at a union-sponsored Labor Day rally... more »

• Study suggests big repairs to CO's finances

  August 31, 2011 3:35 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Higher income taxes for the rich. Getting rid of public colleges or state crime labs. Changing Colorado's constitution to enact a state property tax. The University of Denver laid out some pretty dramatic proposals Wednesday for state officials trying to repair an out-of-whack financial situation. It... more »

• County wants to know your opinion

  July 25, 2011 9:20 PM

  The decision makers within the various government offices of El Paso County want to know how citizens feel about the value they receive for their tax dollars and where they would rate the county as a place to live. These questions are among a list of inquiries posted in... more »

• The politics of pledges

  July 18, 2011 3:47 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican presidential contenders may be feeling nostalgic for the days of a single pledge: the oath of office. This year, candidates are being asked - or pressured - to profess their fealty to a whole host of positions on marriage, taxes, the deficit, abortion and gay... more »

• Medical marijuana regulations take effect this week

  June 26, 2011 6:57 PM

  New state regulations involving the medical marijuana industry will take effect his week on July 1st. They range from new security measures all the way to a seed to sales tracking system. We're speaking with a local shop owner about how the regulations have affected his business on News First... more »

• Parks group drops tax effort for now

  June 21, 2011 4:53 PM

  Voters will not get to decide whether to raise taxes for parks this fall. The group Great Parks Great Communities officially pulled their request for a ballot initiative at Tuesday's county commissioners meeting. They had wanted to ask voters for a dedicated sales tax increase of 15 cents on... more »

• Fracking tax mix up costing Garfield Co. millions

  June 15, 2011 2:38 PM

  GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Officials in western Colorado say a tax collections mistake on materials used to hydraulically fracture shale is costing them millions. The Post Independent reported Wednesday that Garfield County officials say state revenue collectors overcollected taxes from energy development firms from 2002 to 2005. ... more »

• Anti-TABOR lawsuit to be filed in Colorado

  May 23, 2011 7:52 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Republican and Democratic lawmakers are challenging Colorado's strict and tax-and-spending limits in federal court. The group of more than 30 current and former public officialssay they were filing the lawsuit Monday. Among those challenging the Taxpayers Bill of Rights - or TABOR - are Democratic Rep. Andy... more »

• Tax amnesty bill likely to be signed

  May 14, 2011 11:00 PM

  DENVER (AP) - People and businesses behind on their taxes could get a chance this fall to make things right without facing penalties. A bill awaiting likely approval by Gov. John Hickenlooper would create a tax amnesty from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 to let taxpayers settle amounts they owe... more »

• Colorado ranks among top 10 states to make a living

  April 17, 2011 8:13 AM

  Colorado is among the 10 best states in the country to make a living according to a new ranking compiled by the website money-rates.com . The survey compared unemployment rates with average wages, tax rates and the cost of living index in each state. According to the report,... more »

• Tax pros prepare for last minute filings

  April 17, 2011 12:26 AM

  You've undoubtedly seen the numerous Uncle Sam's directing you to the nearest tax office. It's tax season crunch time and that means procrastinators. Even with tax day being extended by three days this year, many are still waiting till the last minute to file. "The last 3 days of tax... more »

• Runoff mayoral candidates face-off

  April 16, 2011 12:56 AM

  Voters are about one month away from the runoff election to see who will be Colorado Springs' first strong mayor; and with the field narrowed down to two, we're hearing more from the two remaining candidates. They faced off for the first debate of the runoff election on Friday at... more »

• Tea Party holds third tax time rally

  April 15, 2011 7:15 PM

  The Southern Colorado Tea Party held another rally at the Pueblo County Courthouse this afternoon. The TEA in Tea Party stands for Taxed Enough Already. The first rally happened two years ago to coincide with the April 15 tax filing deadline. The group is conservative in nature, generally pushing... more »

• Schools to raise taxes after county settles for over-taxing company

  April 4, 2011 9:15 PM

  Fremont County and the Holcim cement plant have reached an agreement that will refund the company $1.5 million in over-paid property taxes, including a $90,000 penalty levied because of the error. The company has been in appeals over the value of their property since 2008. Fremont County Assessor Stacey... more »

• Colorado lawmaker wants ag tax exemption reinstated

  January 31, 2011 7:17 AM

  DENVER (AP)-A Republican state lawmaker is trying to restore a state income tax exemption for farmers and ranchers. Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg of Sterling says agriculture needs the exemptions from sales and use taxes for the agricultural products for livestock and pesticides. The exemption would cost the state $1.3 million... more »

• Senate's GOP leader says tax cuts will be extended

  December 5, 2010 11:23 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate Republican leader says it's become clear now that taxes will not be raised for anyone during the current economic downturn. Sen. Mitch McConnell's assessment comes a day after Senate Republicans voted down Democratic efforts to limit any extension of the Bush-era tax cuts for... more »

• Palisade considers tax increase for fire services

  October 19, 2010 8:34 AM

  Palisade voters are being asked for a property tax increase that supporters say will help the town's fire protection district after a loss of funding. Palisade Rural Fire Protection District Treasurer Maggie Somerville says the property tax increase is needed because the town will lose $50,000 in revenue when... more »

• Colorado lawmakers looking at steep budget cuts

  October 7, 2010 3:06 PM

  State prisons, funding for colleges, gambling grants and severance tax grants will all be on the agenda when lawmakers sit down next month to consider up to $1.1 billion in budget cuts. Rep. Mark Ferrandino is a Democrat who chairs the Joint Budget Committee that sets state spending priorities.... more »

• Complete text: GOP A Pledge to America

  September 23, 2010 12:44 PM

  Want to know what Republicans would do if they win control of the House? No need to guess any longer. House Republicans were at a hardware store in suburban Virgina Wednesday to roll out a 21-page policy agenda. Their "Pledge to America" pulls together familiar proposals to slash... more »

• GOP to reveal 'Pledge to America' today

  September 23, 2010 8:46 AM

  Republicans are making their final argument to voters six weeks before congressional elections with a campaign manifesto designed to show they're listening to an angry public and focused on creating jobs. GOP lawmakers on Thursday were to roll out their "Pledge to America" - a 21-page document filled with... more »

• Report: More than half Colorado roads in poor shape

  September 17, 2010 8:43 AM

  A new assessment of Colorado's road conditions says that 52 percent of the roads maintained by the state are in poor condition, the first time more than half the roads were found in that shape. The Colorado Department of Transportation has assessed the roads statewide for 10 years. The... more »

• Democrat Hickenlooper returned tax break to IRS

  September 15, 2010 8:31 AM

  A Denver TV station is reporting that Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper paid over $52,000 to the Internal Revenue Service in 2008 to settle issues surrounding tax credits he received on conservation easements. KMGH-TV reported Tuesday that the easements were on land that Hickenlooper and a partner acquired in... more »

• El Paso County resumes debate over medical marijuana

  August 26, 2010 9:44 AM

  The El Paso County commissioners are once again debating whether medical marijuana operations should be allowed in unincorporated parts of the county. The commissioners are expected to consider Thursday whether to ask voters to weigh in or decide the issue themselves. They postponed a decision after a daylong hearing... more »

• Opponents rally against November ballot measures

  August 25, 2010 3:13 PM

  Dozens of people opposed to three ballot measures designed to cut taxes rallied in Colorado Springs Wednesday. Amendment 60, Amendment 61 and Proposition 101 are championed by proponents of small government. Amendment 60 would limit property taxes. Amendment 61 would halt most government borrowing. Proposition 101 would cut taxes... more »

• Sponsors of Colorado anti-tax measures fight court order

  July 28, 2010 8:34 AM

  The sponsors of three tax-cutting proposals have appealed a judge's order that they must disclose who contributed money and help to get the measures on the November ballot. The appeal filed last week with the Colorado Court of Appeals accuses the administrative law judge who oversaw the case and... more »

• Tanning bed tax begins

  July 1, 2010 7:26 PM

  Getting a nice tan will cost you more green now that the federal tanning salon tax is in effect. The IRS expects to collect some $2.7 billion in taxes from tanning salons over the next decade, but local salons owners are worried that the 10 percent price increase will... more »

• Soda, candy to cost a bit more beginning Saturday

  May 2, 2010 11:16 AM

  Satisfying your sweet tooth with candy or soda will start costing a little more in Colorado. A state sales-tax exemption on the items ends Saturday and customers can expect to begin dishing out a few extra cents. Colorado lawmakers approved a package of bills this year that included ending the... more »

• Need more time?

  April 15, 2010 10:04 PM

  Do you need more time? Whether you've procrastinated or you have a complicated tax return that's taking longer to prepare than expected, you still have a deadline to meet on Thursday. Applications for extensions are due the same due date as tax returns. It's easy to file, and... more »

• Colorado communities to hold local elections

  April 5, 2010 11:49 AM

  Colorado voters are going to the polls on Tuesday for local elections to decide issues such as sales taxes and term limits. The Colorado Municipal League says voters in at least 134 cities and towns will be voting on candidates and local ballot measures. Nine cities and towns... more »

• Why schools will lose money despite laws to protect it

  February 28, 2010 12:50 AM

  Lawmakers will finalize some $240 million in cuts to K-12 education next week leaving local districts short on revenue for the 2010-2011 school year. In Hanover, near the El Paso/Pueblo county line, the school board has already voted to close one of its two elementary schools. The District... more »

• Colorado House cutting $475 million from state budget

  February 18, 2010 8:23 AM

  Colorado lawmakers are slashing jobs and state services in an effort to cut another $475 million from this year's budget, targeting education, prisons and Medicaid patients. The House approved 31 bills Wednesday that will cut nearly every sector of state government as they work to cut $1.5 billion over... more »

• IRS to crack down on illegal payroll status

  February 11, 2010 2:37 PM

  The Internal Revenue Service and 37 states are cracking down on companies that illegally try to trim payroll costs by changing employees' status to independent contractors, The Associated Press has learned. The practice costs governments billions in lost revenue and can leave workers high and dry when they are hurt... more »

• Senate debates taxing software, candy and soda

  February 9, 2010 9:30 AM

  The full Senate has narrowly backed taxing things including candy and soda, software downloads and energy used in manufacturing to balance the state budget. The measures passed initial votes late Monday night after about 12 hours of debate. The final round of voting may not come until Wednesday. Bills to... more »