Sales and use tax issues

around collection are discussed herein.  http://www.cpa2biz.com/Content/media/PRODUCER_CONTENT/Newsletters/Articles_2012/CorpTax/SalesUseTax.jsp

A tax calculator for your state

 is located here   http://www.totaltaxinsights.org/

An article that compares highest and lowest tax areas by jurisdictions is at this url http://247wallst.com/2012/10/23/states-where-residents-pay-the-most-in-taxes/

What % are Americans paying in state and local taxes.  The above tool helps one to investigate and compare.

Heather Brooke on TED Talks

She urges us to ask our leaders questions through platforms like Freedom of Information requests.  While her situation applied to Parliament, it is relevant to government everywhere.  She calls it a culture clash.

http://www.ted.com/talks/heather_brooke_my_battle_to_expose_government_corruption.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TEDTalks_video+(TEDTalks+Main+(SD)+-+Site

Data visualization and graphics

in government.  The idea is to improve transparency:  "By providing our data in a more engaging way, we can get people more interested," said Kei. "They can see the value of our statistics and become more educated on what we do at the IRS." 

See the presentations that were associated with this webinar and powerpoints   http://www.howto.gov/training/classes/data-visualization-and-infographics

The states that are struggling

with unfunded pensions.   Still struggling...  http://247wallst.com/2012/10/18/nine-states-with-sinking-pensions/

The wastebook

Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma published a wastebook of his noted instances of spending he identifies as wasteful   http://www.fiercegovernment.com/story/congress-tops-coburns-2012-picks-wasteful-federal-programs/2012-10-17?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

Atwater California

faces fiscal emergency.   http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443493304578036781420348220.html?mod=djem_jiewr_AC_domainid

Rigged LIBOR impacts states and municipalities

who bought interest rate swap agreements before the financial crisis.  Impacted to the tune of billions.   http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-09/rigged-libor-hits-states-localities-with-6-billion-muni-credit.html

Sales tax, Amazon, and Confusion

Some of the issues are laid out in this article http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2012/10/08/confused-by-amazon-taxes-youre-not-alone/

Yellowbook Standards

and what is required for CPE, as presented in an 11 minute video prepared by Leita Hart.   Also there is a writeup that describes the gist of her video.   She is fun to listen to though.  Thanks Leita for the work you do.    http://yellowbook-cpe.com/what-does-the-yellowbook-require

Contributions versus Exchange Transactions

for NFPs, explained by BKD.  This informaiton is the accounting pertaining to grants.   http://www.bkd.com/articles/2012/contribution-versus-exchange-transaction.htm

A look at 10 states as they try to address pensions

California and Illinois lead the pack with unfunded pension liabilities.  http://www.benefitspro.com/2012/10/08/10-states-where-the-public-pension-fight-is-fierce?ref=hp

GASB Chairman Robert Attemore

to retire next June.   He has been at the helm since 2004.
http://journalofaccountancy.com/News/20126560.htm