State and Local Taxes

Many do-it-yourself filers could pay about the same to have a credentialed tax expert do them, and still get their refund in about the same time, and with the peace of mind of real professional guidance.

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, has filed a bill to let Texans vote on allowing a limited number of legal gambling sites in Texas -- slot machines at horse and greyhound racetracks, and Las Vegas-style casinos in urban areas, on Indian tribal land and in tourist destinations on islands in the Gulf of Mexico.

Wisconsin taxpayers who pay for college tuition, health insurance or child care -- and those who lose money at the gambling table -- may be eligible for bigger breaks on their state taxes this year.

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and House and Senate GOP leaders again will push for a cut in the state income tax when lawmakers return to the Capitol on Monday for the start of a new legislative session.

Operation CPA eases the burden on military families during tax season

Your drive home from church Sunday could soon include a trip to the liquor store. State Representative Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, filed House Bill 421 Jan. 9, which would allow liquor stores to sell distilled spirits on Sundays.

While state and local government officials wait for Congress to level the playing field between brick-and-mortar and online retailers, a local state lawmaker pushed the debate forward.

It's still too early to tell what effect recent legislation will have on Alabama's ability to attract film and television production companies. But if you ask Kathy Faulk, director of the Alabama Film Office, the marquee might as well read "Welcome to Alabama."