I've been in public accounting for twenty years. Each year, tax season gets worse. The complexity of the law makes what used to be a simple tax return complicated. As the result, more and more people are driven to seek professional help. Normally, as a CPA, I'd say this was a good thing; after all, … Continue reading Tax filing deadline: time for a change
Ford Plant closing in 2008
The Pilot is reporting that the Norfolk Ford plant is on the list to be closed in 2008. The plant employs some 2,500 people and builds the top-selling F-150 truck. This plant has won awards for efficiency. I toured the facility last summer and was impressed with the operation. The most surprising thing to me … Continue reading Ford Plant closing in 2008
Norfolk assessments up 28.5% and growing
Seems that the 23% previously reported was a bit low. Chief Deputy Real Estate Assessor Bill Marchand reported to council yesterday that average assessments in the city increased 28.5% but could be higher. Final numbers won't be available until the end of the month. Increases by neighborhoods can be found here.
Lanteigne will not challenge Drake
Virginia Beach Sheriff Paul Lanteigne announced Monday that he will not challenge Thelma Drake for the Republican nomination for the 2nd District congressional seat. From the Pilot article: "I have been advised that with Phil Kellam unopposed for the Democratic nomination, some Democrats are advocating crossing over into the Republican primary and voting for Thelma … Continue reading Lanteigne will not challenge Drake
Norfolk car tax to increase
Former Governor Jim Gilmore won election based on doing away with the car tax. The program to do away with the tax called for the state to reimburse the localities. Due to the expense of the program, the reimbursement has never exceeded 70%. In 2005, the General Assembly changed the funding formula. Instead of reimbursing … Continue reading Norfolk car tax to increase
Regional Candidates’ Forum
From today's Virginian-Pilot: City council candidates from five cities in South Hampton Roads – Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach – will meet and greet voters April 20 at a forum sponsored by the Round Table of Business Leaders.The meeting will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 4453 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach. … Continue reading Regional Candidates’ Forum
Quickie: CPRV Candidates’ forum
I attended the Colonial Place/Riverview Civic League candidates' forum tonight. In attendance were all three candidates for Ward 2: Andy Wallach, Terry Whibley & Felisha Belin. I'll do a complete writeup later (need to get back to doing some more tax returns) but suffice it to say that I think any of the three will … Continue reading Quickie: CPRV Candidates’ forum
DYK: Norfolk’s Ward System
An earlier comment by a poster reminded me that I needed to write a piece on the ward system. Come May, the ward system in place in Norfolk since 1992 will change slightly, expanding from its current seven members to eight with the election of a mayor. The mayor will be elected at-large, meaning he … Continue reading DYK: Norfolk’s Ward System
Quote of the day
Ultimately in a democracy, your influence depends on putting people in power to represent your interests. --- Angleica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles
Apply for Norfolk’s Real Estate Tax Relief
Applications for the City of Norfolk's Tax Relief program are now being accepted. Note that you must apply every year for this program. The eligibility for this program are: 65 years of age or totally disabled Live in the property to be exempted Income of all relatives living in the property combined cannot exceed $50,000 … Continue reading Apply for Norfolk’s Real Estate Tax Relief
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 