108th Nebraska Legislature Issue Guide
108th Nebraska Legislature Issue Guide
The elections are over, and Nebraskans now know who will be representing them in the Nebraska Legislature. People run for public office for a variety of reasons. For many, the decision is because they want to make a difference and help others. For some, they feel that elected officials currently serving have let them down....
By Nicole Fox
Michael Lucci on the Future of Nebraska’s Tax Policy
Michael Lucci on the Future of Nebraska’s Tax Policy
Nebraska ranks 39th in the country for property tax competitiveness. How do we modernize our tax policy to keep and attract more people? Today, we’re talking about the future of Nebraska’s tax policy and how we compare to other states. Given the changes in the economy, states are competing to keep their current population and...
By Jim Vokal
Nebraska’s Surging Tax Revenues Should Accelerate Reforms
Nebraska’s Surging Tax Revenues Should Accelerate Reforms
What to do with Nebraska’s surging tax revenues is a problem every policymaker would like to face. Nebraska legislative leaders have already pointed to the best solution. Senator Lou Ann Linehan, who chairs the Revenue Committee, argued that the surplus revenue “has to go back to the taxpayer.” The best way to do that, Sen....
By Michael Lucci
Nebraska Income Tax Modernization
Nebraska Income Tax Modernization
Nebraska’s income tax was created in the Nebraska Revenue Act of 1967 and has been applied to both individuals and corporations since its creation. The income tax was increased soon after it was created, and it evolved into a less competitive structure over its first few decades. Nebraska policymakers took steps to improve the competitiveness...
By Michael Lucci
Nebraska Sales Tax Modernization
Nebraska Sales Tax Modernization
Nebraska was one of the last states to adopt a sales tax, allowing the Cornhusker State to benefit from the decades of sales tax experience in other states. Nebraska policymakers can once again fuse their knowledge from decades of sales tax experience with the principles of sound taxation to update Nebraska’s sales tax for the...
By Michael Lucci
Nebraska property tax modernization
Nebraska property tax modernization
Nebraska’s property tax is older than the state itself, and old taxes benefit from being updated as the state economy evolves. Property taxation was first instituted in 1857, under a territorial legislature, and then became a statewide tax when Nebraska achieved statehood in 1867. Nebraska leaders have iteratively updated the property tax system throughout the...
By Michael Lucci
Missouri Tax Reform Heightens Tax Competition on Nebraska’s Border
Missouri Tax Reform Heightens Tax Competition on Nebraska’s Border
Missouri Governor Mike Parsons signed a tax reform package into law on Wednesday, October 5th, improving Missouri’s individual income tax. Senate Bills 3 and 5 will advance the Show-Me State towards a lower, flatter income tax structure by enacting near-term rate cuts with more rate cuts scheduled for coming years. The tax cuts will result...
By Michael Lucci
Nebraska’s Property Tax Relief Needs to Deliver for all Taxpayers
Nebraska’s Property Tax Relief Needs to Deliver for all Taxpayers
Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference on September 15th to encourage Nebraskans to claim their property tax credits. The Department of Revenue’s website has the relevant documents, here, for Nebraskans who have not yet claimed their credits. Taxpayers can claim a credit worth up to 30% for their school property taxes paid, depending on...
By Michael Lucci
What you need to know about Truth in Taxation in Nebraska: Part 2
What you need to know about Truth in Taxation in Nebraska: Part 2
As a reminder, beginning this year, Nebraska’s counties, cities, school districts, and community colleges are required to directly notify taxpayers and hold joint public hearings if the budget they propose requires a more than 2% plus the real growth rate increase in property tax revenue compared to the previous year. This process is formally known...
By Elizabeth Hallgren