Republican leaders in the Iowa legislature say they'll "keep an open mind" as they wait for more details of the governor's tax package. Republican Governor Kim Reynolds used the annual "Condition of the State" address this morning to propose deeper state income tax cuts as well as an increase in … [Read more...]
Governor’s ‘Invest in Iowa Act’ raises sales tax, seeks to lower other taxes
"Opportunity Lives Here" is the title of the annual "Condition of the State" message Governor Kim Reynolds is delivering this morning at the statehouse and she's asking legislators to raise one tax and lower others. Governor Kim Reynolds declared the condition of the state "truly strong," but she … [Read more...]
Governor says Iowa’s condition is ‘growth mode’
Governor Kim Reynolds will deliver the annual "Condition of the State" message to the Iowa General Assembly later this morning, the third year she's done so. Reynolds offered a bit of a preview a week ago at a statehouse forum organized by The Associated Press. "We have a diverse and growing … [Read more...]
Iowa Senate GOPers seek deeper income tax cuts
On the first day of the 2020 Iowa legislative session, Republican leaders in the Iowa Senate called for more income tax cuts. Two years ago, the Republican-led legislature passed the largest state income tax cut in state history. Senate Republican Leader Jack Whitver of Ankeny said it's time to … [Read more...]
IRS Free File now open for 2019 tax returns
Free tax filing of your 2019 return is now available from the Internal Revenue Service. IRS spokesperson Diane Fox says you can find the information on their website. "You can go to IRS.gov/freefile and get started on your taxes. Free File does all the hard work for you. Frankly, it makes taxes … [Read more...]
Now is the time to get your tax info ready for filing
You still have weeks before you need to file your federal tax returns -- but an IRS spokesman says now is the time to be sure you have all the paperwork ready. Chris Miller says organize the 2019 tax documents you already have and add to them as the other year end information comes in. "Gather … [Read more...]
Chamber Alliance calls for business tax breaks if sales tax hiked
A group representing Iowa's largest chambers of commerce is urging lawmakers to take steps to address the shortage of qualified and available workers in the state. Iowa Chamber Alliance executive director Dustin Miller says many people stop looking for work because they can't find -- or afford -- … [Read more...]
Farm Bureau says end property tax financing of mental health system
Lobbyists from business groups used a public hearing in the governor's office to tout proposals that would improve and expand affordable housing and child care options for working parents. "We know that we have to get kind of in the weeds now," said J.D. Davis, a lobbyist for the Iowa Association … [Read more...]
Panel hikes state tax revenue estimate by $230 million
State revenue forecasters are a bit more optimistic about how much tax money is flowing into Iowa’s coffers than they were two months ago. The Revenue Estimating Conference predicts state revenue for this fiscal year and the next will be slightly higher than they first thought. "All in all we … [Read more...]
Iowa Senate GOP to seek income tax cut if sales tax raised to fund water projects
The top Republican in the Iowa Senate says GOP lawmakers are considering a tax package that may raise the state sale one percent, with part of the money financing water quality efforts and the rest used to replace taxes that are cut. "As long as we've in the majority in the Iowa Senate and as … [Read more...]