Diane Battiato’s right: Assessors aren’t the cause of Nebraska’s property tax woes
Diane Battiato’s right: Assessors aren’t the cause of Nebraska’s property tax woes
As summer begins and finalized property valuations land in many Nebraska mailboxes, county assessors can take an undue share of the blame for what looks to be an unavoidable—and sometimes major—increase in property tax bills. But in a recent Omaha World-Herald letter to the editor, Douglas County Assessor and Register of Deeds Diane Battiato appropriately...
By Jim Vokal
Iowa’s repeal to leave Nebraska with region’s only inheritance tax
Iowa’s repeal to leave Nebraska with region’s only inheritance tax
Thanks to a comprehensive tax reform bill (SF 619), Iowa has successfully set a date for repealing its inheritance tax. Iowa will phase down the tax by 20% each year until it is repealed in 2025, leaving only 5 states in the nation left with an inheritance tax. Among them, Nebraska has the highest rate...
By Sarah Curry
5 Essential Steps to Reform Taxes in Nebraska
5 Essential Steps to Reform Taxes in Nebraska
Do you ever wonder why Nebraska doesn’t seem to have its act together when it comes to taxes? Politicians want you to think it’s a red or blue problem. It’s not. It’s a lack of vision problem. That’s why I’m sharing the five essential steps to reform Nebraska taxes. Stay tuned until the end to...
By Jim Vokal
How much do Nebraska-based companies pay in taxes and does it matter?
How much do Nebraska-based companies pay in taxes and does it matter?
Nebraska is no stranger to business incentives. Starting in 1985 (LB273), Nebraska embarked on a long journey of business incentives in an attempt to lure companies to the Cornhusker State as well as promote job creation. Over the last 35 years there have been many central programs in the state’s history including the Employment and...
By Sarah Curry
Truth in Taxation bill awaits governor’s signature
Truth in Taxation bill awaits governor’s signature
Today, the Legislature passed Sen. Ben Hansen’s LB644 – often referred to as “the postcard bill” in the Legislature. When it’s signed into law, Nebraska will be the third state to adopt a comprehensive Truth in Taxation law, which requires direct notification of property taxpayers, by mail, about proposals for local property tax increases. As...
By Nicole Fox
State tax collections are $650 million more than compared to last year, even with the delayed tax filing deadline
State tax collections are $650 million more than compared to last year, even with the delayed tax filing deadline
The April 2021 state tax revenues have been published, and overall, it’s good news again. The revenues are broken down into two measures, one for the month and another for the fiscal year. For the month of April 2021, the revenues do not meet the state’s expected forecast of revenue – however, this may be...
By Sarah Curry
Nebraska ranks 35th in national economic outlook according to policy group
Nebraska ranks 35th in national economic outlook according to policy group
Every year, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) releases their economic outlook rankings for states. The Rich States, Poor States ranking incorporates 15 different policy variables to look at the 50 states and determine their economic outlook. This is essentially a forecast for each state. Since 2008, Nebraska has remained relatively steady in the outlook...
By Sarah Curry
Taxpayers Beware: 3 Issues You Should Be Concerned About in Nebraska
Taxpayers Beware: 3 Issues You Should Be Concerned About in Nebraska
Do you think Nebraska taxpayers would like to pay $1 billion more in taxes each year? Unfortunately, some groups and policymakers in our state have pushed for this without many people even knowing about it. That’s why experts at the Platte Institute go down to the Capitol to testify against expensive policies threatening economic opportunity...
By Jim Vokal
Treasury issues guidance on Federal relief package and some of the rules might impact Nebraska
Treasury issues guidance on Federal relief package and some of the rules might impact Nebraska
The U.S. Treasury has issued guidance as a follow-up to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that was enacted by Congress on March 11, 2021. As background, Congress enacted ARPA as a continuation of their previous relief packages to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, there was $350 billion spent for...
By Sarah Curry
Montana enacts pro-growth tax cut and now has lower rates than Nebraska
Montana enacts pro-growth tax cut and now has lower rates than Nebraska
According to the 2020 U.S. Census figures, Montana grew 9.6% over the last ten years, and as a result has gained an additional congressional seat. The last time the state had two U.S. House seats was in 1992. In the wake of the good news, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte decided it is time to continue...
By Sarah Curry
Iowa governor proposes $400 million in tax cuts
Iowa governor proposes $400 million in tax cuts
In an attempt to create compromise between the Iowa House and Senate, Governor Kim Reynolds offered a plan on Wednesday, May 5 to cut taxes in the Hawkeye State by $400 million. How is she doing this? She has proposed shifting the funding for county mental health from local property taxes to the state’s general...
By Sarah Curry
Consumption tax proposal to eliminate Nebraska property taxes fails to advance
Consumption tax proposal to eliminate Nebraska property taxes fails to advance
If you listened to the Nebraska Legislature debate today you would have heard the following quotes from multiple members: “Our tax code is antiquated and was written in a time before the internet existed and before people and businesses were as mobile as they are today.” “People are mad about their property taxes.” “Nebraska can...
By Sarah Curry