The Maine State Legislature has agreed to reject a bill that would have created a one-time statewide sales tax holiday. This bill (HP 792, LD 1148) would have exempted all items sold on Columbus Day weekend in October 2010.

North Carolina House Democrats made a budget proposal on 9 June 2009 to increase the state sales tax rate by 0.25%.  Also included in the proposal is two new income tax brackets for people making over $200,000, an increase of the tax on beer and wine, and an expansion of the sales tax to apply to online purchases, deliveries, warranties, installations and repairs.  In order for a final budget to be passed the Governor, Senate and House must all approve.

In February of 2009 Ponderay City Council had approved a resort city tax increase of 0.5%, which would have raised the resort city sales tax to 6.5%.  This proposal failed to gain enough approval and did not make it to the voting stage.

Legislature has decided not to extend the taxability exemption regarding manufacturer’s rebates, and beginning 1 July 2009 retailers sales tax and compensating use tax will be owed to the state for all manufacturer’s cash rebates for purchases or leases of motor vehicles.

EXEMPTION OF ALL SALES OF NON-PREPARED FOOD ITEMS FROM BOROUGH TAX

Beginning 1 July 2009 through 30 June 2011, SB 275 states that Colorado vendors will no longer be able to retain any amount of taxes collected to cover a vendor’s expenses for collecting and remitting the state sales tax. The bill also states that any return made prior to 1 August 2009 a vendor shall not be liable for any interest or penalty imposed as a result of any error.

On 29 May 2009, West Virginia’s Governor called the legislature to a special session without a set date to adjourn.

The Maryland Governor authorized a tax amnesty program for a period of two consecutive months within fiscal year 2009, such period to expire not later than October 30, 2009. During the amnesty period, the Commissioner may waive all penalties, and half the interest, on certain unpaid taxes subject to certain conditions. 2009, SB 552

The Governor of Georgia recently approved two sales tax holidays. The first, which will occur from 30 July 2009 until 2 August 2009, will be a sales tax holiday on school supplies, clothing, shoes, and other accessories. The second sales tax holiday will pertain to Energy Star appliances costing $1,500 or less, and will take place from 1 October 2009 through 4 October 2009.

SB 429 was vetoed by Governor Jim Gibbons on 28 May 2009.  Nevada lawmakers promptly overrode his veto on 29 May 2009.  The override will result into SB 429 increasing the local schools support tax portion of the sales tax at the state level by 0.35% effective 1 July 2009.

The Hawaii Department of Taxation’s “Tax Fresh Start Program” provides an opportunity for eligible individuals, businesses, and other taxpayers who either failed to file a tax return or who have underreported the amount of taxes owed, to voluntarily become tax compliant by paying the Hawaii taxes due for eligible tax periods during the program period running from May 27, 2009 through June 26, 2009. Taxpayers participating in the program will not be subject to any applicable penalties, will pay interest at a substantially reduced rate and will not be referred for criminal tax prosecution.