BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Caterpillar Mulls Relocating: How Do You Move a Bulldozer Company?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/28/caterpillar-mulls-relocating/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/28/caterpillar-mulls-relocating/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/28/caterpillar-mulls-relocating/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a recent letter to the governor of Illinois, Doug Oberhelman, CEO of heavy machinery maker Caterpillar (CAT), outlined his concerns about new state taxes that could force the Illinois-based company to move operations to another state. Reportedly, Wisconsin, Indiana and New Jersey are all courting the company.

With 23,000 Caterpillar employees in Illinois, the stakes are high. Hopefully, Governor Pat Quinn and Oberhelman will be able to work something out.

Continue reading Caterpillar Mulls Relocating: How Do You Move a Bulldozer Company?

Caterpillar Mulls Relocating: How Do You Move a Bulldozer Company? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CATCaterpillarCaterpillar jobsCaterpillar to movechinaDoug OberhelmanfeaturedIllinois governorinthenewsletterPat QuinnquinntaxesWisconsinMon, 28 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Toilet Paper Tax -- Really?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/24/toilet-paper-tax/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/24/toilet-paper-tax/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/24/toilet-paper-tax/#commentsFiled under: ,

I was a bit amused to hear Omaha Mayor Suttle unrolled the idea of a toilet paper tax, but I am not so sure he really thought this tissue through. At first glance, the tax of 10 cents per roll to pay for sewer projects seems like a fair user tax; but I think the politicians really should have contemplated this a little more. Is it really fair to women?

While certainly my heart goes out to politicians trying to balance spending all that money without the pesky things called taxes; but I don't think this idea is going to ... float. But I think it is important to give the politician partial credit for productivity; as I imagine they thought up this idea while in the john.

Continue reading A Toilet Paper Tax -- Really?

A Toilet Paper Tax -- Really? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>international paperinthenewsIPOmaha Mayor SuttleTaxestoilet paperwausau paperWPPThu, 24 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[H&R Block Gets Less Taxing for Investors]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/10/handr-block-q3-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/10/handr-block-q3-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/10/handr-block-q3-earnings/#commentsFiled under: ,

H&R Block (HRB)Over the past few years, the shareholders of H&R Block (HRB) have taken many hits. The recession slowed growth and the company's digital strategy has been lacking.

But there are some signs that things are improving. In fact, on news of H&R Block's fiscal third-quarter results, the stock is up about 5%.

Continue reading H&R Block Gets Less Taxing for Investors

H&R Block Gets Less Taxing for Investors originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsH and R BlockHRBinthenewsTaxesThu, 10 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Weatherford International Discloses Huge Tax Errors]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/02/weatherford-international-discloses-huge-tax-errors/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/02/weatherford-international-discloses-huge-tax-errors/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/02/weatherford-international-discloses-huge-tax-errors/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

WFT logoWeatherford International (WFT - option chain) stock is trading lower today after the company disclosed last night errors in its tax accounting. These errors will lead to adjustments of $100 million to $150 million to its historical financial statements in each year from 2007 to 2010. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on WFT.

This morning, WFT opened at $19.77. So far today the stock has hit a high of $22.31 and a low of $19.56. As of 12:25, WFT is trading at $20.81, down $2.71 (-11.5%). The chart for WFT looks neutral and S&P gives WFT a neutral 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking.

Continue reading Weatherford International Discloses Huge Tax Errors

Weatherford International Discloses Huge Tax Errors originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsInvestors ObserveroptionsTaxesWeatherford InternationalWFTWed, 02 Mar 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Chasing Value: Is Congress Indirectly Helping International Paper?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/10/chasing-value-is-congress-indirectly-helping-international-pape/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/10/chasing-value-is-congress-indirectly-helping-international-pape/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/10/chasing-value-is-congress-indirectly-helping-international-pape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

International Paper logoForgive me but I am still fuming about what is going on in Washington with our money. Money that is disappearing faster and faster. No matter how much our representatives cut taxes and extend benefits, it is meaningless. What is the good of having twice as much money when it is worth only half.

Welcome to Washington D.C. -- home of the Great Pretenders.

We just think that our Capitol sits atop solid ground. I think if you swept away the top soil you would find a giant cardboard box because our leaders are certainly playing the biggest game of three-card Monte of all time.

Continue reading Chasing Value: Is Congress Indirectly Helping International Paper?

Chasing Value: Is Congress Indirectly Helping International Paper? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capital gains taxcardboardChasingValueCongressfeaturedinternational paperinthenewsIPShanty TownsTaxesFri, 10 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia's Job Boom Continues -- Is the U.S. Next?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/09/australia-s-job-boom-continues-is-the-u-s-next/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/09/australia-s-job-boom-continues-is-the-u-s-next/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/09/australia-s-job-boom-continues-is-the-u-s-next/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Australia's economy added 54,600 jobs in October. What, you ask, does that have to do with U.S. investing?

Well, adjusting for Australia's population, November's job growth down under is the equivalent of a 728,000 monthly job gain in the United States -- in other words, a Roaring 90s-level monthly job growth performance.

Continue reading Australia's Job Boom Continues -- Is the U.S. Next?

Australia's Job Boom Continues -- Is the U.S. Next? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Australiainthenewsinvestmentjob growthjobstaxesunemploymentunemployment rateThu, 09 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[H&R Block Taxes Investors Again]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/08/handr-block-taxes-investors-again/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/08/handr-block-taxes-investors-again/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/08/handr-block-taxes-investors-again/#commentsFiled under:

H&R Block HRB logoAll in all, it's been a tough year for H&R Block (HRB). With the slow economy, a growing number of people simply did not file tax returns. At the same time, there has been a shift towards digital alternatives, such as Intuit's (INTU) TurboTax.

For example, in late February, H&R Block gave a negative outlook for fiscal 2010. As a result, the stock plunged 13% to $17.09.

Unfortunately, this would not be the last disappointment. As of Thursday, H&R Block's stock price is off 8% to $14.12. Why? Well, the company announced that Alan Bennett will replace Russ Smyth as the CEO.

Continue reading H&R Block Taxes Investors Again

H&R Block Taxes Investors Again originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hrbinthenewsTaxesThu, 08 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Are Dividend Rates About to Drop 29%?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/03/dividend-rates/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/03/dividend-rates/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/03/dividend-rates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Is it time to dump dividend stocks before the Bush tax cuts expire? In 2001 and 2003 Bush, passed several tax relief bills that will automatically expire at the end of 2010. Obama campaigned against the tax relief packages and many Americans may be facing a huge tax increase as the package expires.

Dividend taxation is of particular concern to investors. Under the relief packages, dividends taxes were cut to 15%, but if the package expires, dividends may be taxed as ordinary income at levels up to 39.6%.

Continue reading Are Dividend Rates About to Drop 29%?

Are Dividend Rates About to Drop 29%? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bush tax cutsdividendsfeaturedinthenewsobamataxesSat, 03 Jul 2010 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Entrepreneur's Journal: Hire Your Spouse or Your Kids?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/30/entrepreneurs-journal-hiring-family/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/30/entrepreneurs-journal-hiring-family/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/30/entrepreneurs-journal-hiring-family/#commentsFiled under:

Some highly successful businesses are husband-and-wife teams. Or, may even involve the hiring of the kids. Yes, the proverbial family business can be a powerful thing.

What's more, there may be some attractive tax benefits.

But of course, you need to know the rules (which, no doubt, can get complicated). So here are some things to consider:

Continue reading Entrepreneur's Journal: Hire Your Spouse or Your Kids?

Entrepreneur's Journal: Hire Your Spouse or Your Kids? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 30 May 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredGlassdoor.comHIRE Acthiringhome officelabor lawssmall businesstaxesSun, 30 May 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[So You Need to File a Tax Extension?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/14/so-you-need-to-file-an-extension/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/14/so-you-need-to-file-an-extension/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/14/so-you-need-to-file-an-extension/#commentsFiled under:

While there is still some time left to file a return, there's a good chance you'll need to file an extension. In fact, you're not alone. The IRS forecasts that there will be ten million extensions filed for the week before April 15th. Keep in mind that taxes have gotten more complicated because of the stimulus programs as well as the increase in unemployment.

If you file an extension -- which is done with Form 4868 -- you will be able to file a return by October 15, which should be enough time. In fact, it is a simple one-page form.

Continue reading So You Need to File a Tax Extension?

So You Need to File a Tax Extension? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>TaxActTaxesWed, 14 Apr 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Down to the Wire with Your Taxes?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/13/down-to-the-wire-with-your-taxes/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/13/down-to-the-wire-with-your-taxes/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/13/down-to-the-wire-with-your-taxes/#commentsFiled under:

The rush is on as the tax deadline looms. Yet, there are some things you can do to help things out -- and hopefully reduce stress. This is according to a piece in Kiplingers.com.

First of all, you may actually be able to file your return for free at www.irs.gov/freefile. This is so long as you make $57,000 or less (this accounts for roughly 70% of all taxpayers). And if not, offerings from companies like TurboTax are certainly affordable and easy to use.

Continue reading Down to the Wire with Your Taxes?

Down to the Wire with Your Taxes? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IRAKiplingersTaxesTurbo TaxTue, 13 Apr 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Income Taxes Headed to 77%?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/12/income-taxes-headed-to-77/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/12/income-taxes-headed-to-77/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/12/income-taxes-headed-to-77/#commentsFiled under:

With surging budget deficits -- and upcoming obligations for the retirement of the Baby Boomers as well as increased medical coverage -- there is little doubt that taxes will go higher. Unfortunately, the levels may increase dramatically.

This is according to a report from the Wall Street Journal (subscription required), which has taken a look at the research from the Tax Policy Center. And yes, things look particularity grim.

Continue reading Income Taxes Headed to 77%?

Income Taxes Headed to 77%? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deficittax rateTaxesMon, 12 Apr 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Entrepreneur's Journal: What the Obama Health Care Bill Means to Your Business]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/04/entrepreneurs-journal-what-the-obama-health-care-bill-means-to/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/04/entrepreneurs-journal-what-the-obama-health-care-bill-means-to/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/04/entrepreneurs-journal-what-the-obama-health-care-bill-means-to/#commentsFiled under:

Despite the heated politics, business owners need to have an understanding of President Obama's $940 billion health care plan. So, I've talked with various experts on the matter.

And while things are far from set, there are some general things to consider.

Continue reading Entrepreneur's Journal: What the Obama Health Care Bill Means to Your Business

Entrepreneur's Journal: What the Obama Health Care Bill Means to Your Business originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillac insurancefeaturedhealth carehealth insuranceHealth-care billINTUMedicaidSam GibbsSHOP exchangestax creditstaxesSun, 04 Apr 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Average Income Tax Refund Is Up 10%]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/22/average-income-tax-refund-is-up-10/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/22/average-income-tax-refund-is-up-10/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/22/average-income-tax-refund-is-up-10/#commentsFiled under: ,

Americans can expect to receive a 10% increase in their tax refunds from last year. Average refunds are $3,036, up $266.

The reason for the increase stems from the wide array of tax credits offered in the Obama administration's Recovery Act. Here are some of the credits:

  • $400 for qualified individual workers, or $800 for married couples
  • $2,500 credit for certain college expenses
  • up to $8,000 for first time home buyers and $6,500 for repeat home buyers
  • a deduction for state and local taxes on the purchase of a new vehicle
  • a tax break for unemployment benefits; the first $2,500 of jobless benefits received in 2009 are not taxed.

There has been much confusion among taxpayers about exactly what the benefits are and how to file the proper tax forms to get them.

Continue reading Average Income Tax Refund Is Up 10%

Average Income Tax Refund Is Up 10% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>income taxtax creditstax refundstaxesMon, 22 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[H&R Block Feels the Pain from TurboTax]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/09/handr-block-feels-the-pain-from-turbotax/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/09/handr-block-feels-the-pain-from-turbotax/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/09/handr-block-feels-the-pain-from-turbotax/#commentsFiled under: ,

Late last month, H&R Block (HRB) dropped a bomb on investors. The company slashed its outlook because of the slow start of the tax season. As a result, H&R Block's stock price fell 13%.

So Monday, the company reported its official fiscal third-quarter results. Profits came to $50.6 million, or $0.15 per share, up from $47.4 million, or $0.14 per share in the same period a year ago.

Continue reading H&R Block Feels the Pain from TurboTax

H&R Block Feels the Pain from TurboTax originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>H and R BlockHRBIntuitTaxesTurboTaxTue, 09 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Intuit Gets a Boost from the Tax Man]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/19/intuit-gets-a-boost-from-the-tax-man/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/19/intuit-gets-a-boost-from-the-tax-man/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/19/intuit-gets-a-boost-from-the-tax-man/#commentsFiled under: ,

As we get into the tax season, things can get nerve-racking for Intuit (INTU), which operates the TurboTax franchise. But according to the latest quarterly report, it looks like the business is getting off to a nice start. The federal tax product has already shown 11% growth from the prior year period. As should be no surprise, the biggest driver was the web offering, with sales up 23%.

Intuit's other businesses -- such as its small business products -- are also faring well. Then again, the company has made key acquisitions, such as for PayCycle and Homestead.com, and has invested in new web-based offerings.

Continue reading Intuit Gets a Boost from the Tax Man

Intuit Gets a Boost from the Tax Man originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredinthenewsintuintuitiPhoneTaxesFri, 19 Feb 2010 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Private Equity Tax Could Have Unintended Consequences]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/private-equity-tax-could-have-unintended-consequences/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/private-equity-tax-could-have-unintended-consequences/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/private-equity-tax-could-have-unintended-consequences/#commentsFiled under:

The federal government needs cash, and we all know it has to come from somewhere. As no politician has ever been criticized (at least not broadly) for going after the folks with the deepest pockets, private equity industry needs to dig in for what could become a fierce battle over new taxes.

The issue isn't new. For a while now, the feds have been kicking around new taxes on private equity firms based on how profits are classified. Yet, this search for cash could have unintended consequences, as the definitions used could wind up taxing venture capital funds and small partnerships, which could be the keys to an economic recovery. Critics argue that the tax may not bring in as much money as the government hopes.

Continue reading Private Equity Tax Could Have Unintended Consequences

Private Equity Tax Could Have Unintended Consequences originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carried interestCarriedInterestinthenewsprivate equityPrivateEquitytaxesventure capitalVentureCapitalMon, 08 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Congress Allows for Early Deductions on Haiti Contributions]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/22/congress-allows-for-early-deductions-on-haiti-contributions/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/22/congress-allows-for-early-deductions-on-haiti-contributions/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/22/congress-allows-for-early-deductions-on-haiti-contributions/#commentsFiled under:

Since the horrific quake in Haiti, donations have continued to pour in. In fact, the American Red Cross has collected more than $137 million so far.

To help encourage even more giving, Congress passed the Haiti Assistance Income Tax Incentive Act this week. The bill, which provides tax incentives, will go to President Obama for his signature.

Typically, when you make a donation, you will get the tax benefit in the year you make the contribution. But under the new law, you can deduct qualified Haiti contributions for your 2009 return (by March 1st). Although, you still must itemize your deductions by filing a Schedule A with your 1040.

Continue reading Congress Allows for Early Deductions on Haiti Contributions

Congress Allows for Early Deductions on Haiti Contributions originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Charitable tax deductionsCharitableTaxDeductionsfeaturedhaitiHaitian earthquaketaxesFri, 22 Jan 2010 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Wall Street 'Transaction Tax' Would Raise $150 Billion Per Year]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/17/wall-street-transaction-tax-would-raise-150-billion-per-year/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/17/wall-street-transaction-tax-would-raise-150-billion-per-year/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/17/wall-street-transaction-tax-would-raise-150-billion-per-year/#commentsFiled under:

As in previous attempts, a possible federal transaction tax faces an uphill battle in Congress, and that's probably just as well.

U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, and U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, have proposed a transaction fee for all financial transactions: one-quarter of one percent (0.025%) for stock transactions; and a two-one hundredths of one percent (0.02%) levy on standardized commodity futures contracts.

Continue reading Wall Street 'Transaction Tax' Would Raise $150 Billion Per Year

Wall Street 'Transaction Tax' Would Raise $150 Billion Per Year originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget deficitfinancial transaction taxtaxesThu, 17 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[France follows the U.K. to impose tax on bank bonuses]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/10/france-follows-the-u-k-to-impose-tax-on-bank-bonuses/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/10/france-follows-the-u-k-to-impose-tax-on-bank-bonuses/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/10/france-follows-the-u-k-to-impose-tax-on-bank-bonuses/#commentsFiled under: , ,

French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, said he would follow the U.K. and impose a one-off tax on bonus payouts by banks operating in France.

The tax would be levied on bonus payouts above 27,000 euros. Paris's move is in line with Britain's tax on payouts above 25,000 pounds.

Both leaders issued a statement saying: "It is clear that the action must be taken at a global level. No territory can be expected to or be able to act on their own."

Continue reading France follows the U.K. to impose tax on bank bonuses

France follows the U.K. to impose tax on bank bonuses originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusbrownfranceinthenewsSarkozytaxesThu, 10 Dec 2009 09:40:00 EST