Tag Archives: United States

Amnesty Program … (Paymytax.org)


This temporary amnesty program waives penalties and interest on certain unpaid Washington State business taxes.

Program dates:

February 1, 2011 through April 30, 2011

This program waives penalties and interest on:

State business and occupation (B&O) tax

State public utility tax

State and local sales and use tax including:

General retail sales and use taxes

Rental car taxes

King County food and beverage tax

Additional sales and use tax on motor vehicle sales/leases

Lodging taxes, but not including tourism promotion area lodging charges

Brokered natural gas use tax

Important: If you have filed and paid all tax returns as of November 25, 2010, you are not eligible for amnesty on tax returns due after that date.

Who’s eligible:

Registered businesses

Unregistered businesses

How to apply:

By April 18, 2011 you must:

Submit an Application (pdf)

File all outstanding tax returns and any amended returns for which you are requesting a waiver.

Requirements:

For amnesty to be granted, you must:

Pay all tax due by April 30, 2011, on any invoice for which you are requesting a waiver. You must also pay penalties and interest on taxes not included in this program.

Pay all filing and other fees on any tax warrant for which you are requesting a waiver.

File and pay all tax returns on time during the amnesty period.

Waive your right to seek a refund or challenge the amount of taxes paid under the program.

Exclusions:

Taxpayers are excluded from this program if they:

Have ever been assessed a penalty by the Department for evasion or misuse of a reseller permit or resale certificate.

Are in bankruptcy and payment of tax debt would violate federal bankruptcy laws.

Have ever been prosecuted for failing to pay or collect the proper amount of any tax administered by the Department under RCW 82.32.

For more information:

See the Amnesty Q & A. For specific questions, send an email to communications@dor.wa.gov or call us at 1-800-647-7706 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-647-7706 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

mashup Monday &some News …


Featured photo is on Bloody Sunday-with police officers waiting for demostrators

FYI … a sad but true reality …Today marks the anniversary of Bloody Sunday

In this year 2011, the definition of freedom of speech seems misused manipulated and disrespected mostly by right-wingers.

Now, Representative Peter King, a part of homeland security seems to be using his position to pursue Muslims. For months, he and his conservative comrades have talked about the radicalization of young Muslims here in the US of A. He was a part of that whole don’t build a mosque near ground zero group and is doing his part in the whole fear mongering department. However, the mongering has moved from just words to an attempt to find the underlying cause of why “they” are so radical and that “they” need to cooperate and talk to the FBI. While watching the interview with him and Representative Ellison I got the feeling freedom of religion and singling out a group of people instead of dealing with radicalization as a whole was not on his mind whatsoever. I definitely yelled at the television machine because yes it hurt to see this guy, a so-called public servant who should represent the people, all people talk like what he was about to do was acceptable. Even though he said, it is only a small percentage of Muslims and when asked to provide more information he preceded to say 1 or 2 as well as the general comment about speaking to some police and or the FBI. I found most if not all of his comments and reasons for the Muslim hearings offensive and wondered how anyone would vote for a guy who does not seem to believe in the constitution. I was offended when he compared what he is doing as nothing different from when the government singled out and went after the Mafia, Gangs, and groups appearing radicalized beyond at least his or their taste. At first, i thought that he might just be discussing the need for hearings but then dashed by reality when Representative Ellison stated he would be testifying at the hearing. I am relieved that Rep.Ellison will be there if not to say all the things others might be too scared and or worried to say while seating in what clearly will be a hot seat. I have to say March Madness comes in all shapes and sizes but more and more madness from the right by people who seemed sane clearly are feeling very comfortable to express their extremely right side. Can i just say March madness is catching and it makes you wonder who can we support, vote for and trust anymore because the definition of a public servant is becoming a blur and disrespected. It was nice to hear ms.crowly call out mr.King and when she did all you had to do is replace with any group that might be on the “watch list”. I wish more talking heads would challenge people who hold public office making comments, specifically folks like MBachmann, McConnell, Boehner, Huckabee, SBrown and SPalin though freedom of speech is a right.

The uptick in rhetoric coming from conservatives, tea party and in some cases the Republican Party does promote fear, hate, and in some cases incite violence. The act or use of freedom of speech also means you should not only use it responsibly but also held accountable for it.

Other News …

**Costco agrees not to sell fish on the endangered list

**Gadhafi is using airstrikes to either scare and kill his own people

**Egyptian protesters fight troops over Mubarak documents

**Gates says we must stay in Afghanistan

**S.Korea makes 2nd try at sending N.Koreans home

**Oil tops $106 a barrel

**Rep. Daniel Akaka will not seek re-election

**Samsung exec says their tablet is “inadequate”

 **Rep.Peter King will hold his hearings starting Thursday -peaceful protests needed

CSPAN …

Iowa Conservatives Hosts GOP Presidential Hopefuls

2012 Iowa Caucuses in View

http://c-span.org/Events/Iowa-Conservatives-Hosts-GOP-Presidential-Hopefuls/10737420004/

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Attorneys General to Meet in Washington

focus on economy

http://c-span.org/Events/Attorneys-General-to-Meet-in-Washington/10737420017/

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Senate to Consider Long-term Spending Measure

Procedural votes on Tuesday

http://c-span.org/Events/Senate-to-Consider-Long-term-Spending-Measure/10737420016/

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Civil Rights Spies

Rick Bowers is the author of, “Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement.” The book is about the State of Mississippi’s Sovereignty Commission that tried to stop integration and the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Bowers discusses his book at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC.

http://c-span.org/Events/Civil-Rights-Spies/10737419933/

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Dred Scott

On March 6th, 1857, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in the Dred Scott Case, which ruled that slaves were not citizens and were not protected by the Constitution. The National Association of Attorneys General hosted this discussion on the importance of the Dred Scott decision.

http://c-span.org/Events/Anniversary-of-the-Dred-Scott-Case/10737419934/

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– 5 Things Unions Have Done for You

America’s unions have been one of the major forces in building a middle class and have fought over the past century to improve the lives of all Americans. READ MORE

http://act.alternet.org/go/5165?akid=6611.231355.8aH2z2&t=25

 By Zaid Jilani / Think Progress

Congress at work -Republican led House back on 3/8 -The Senate will deal with S.23 today


The Senate Convenes at  2:00pmET March 7, 2011

Morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

-Calendar #4, Anthony Battaglia, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of CA

-Calendar #32, Sue Myerscough, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL

-Calendar #33, James Shadid, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL

There will be one hour for debate equally divided between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time, Calendar #32, Sue Myerscough, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL will be confirmed.

The Senate will then proceed to a series of 3 roll call votes on the following:

confirmation of Executive Calendar #33, James Shadid, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL

-confirmation of Executive Calendar #4, Anthony Battaglia, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of CA

-motion to invoke cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act

5:00pm Filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to S.23, the America Invents Act.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act, was invoked by a vote of 87-3.

Following the vote, the pending Leahy and Bennet amendments were withdrawn. The Baucus amendment #141, as modified, was agreed to. Senator Reid then called up amendment #143 (to include public higher education in EPSCOR jurisdictions in definition of micro entity) and Reid #152 (effective date).

The Senate is now in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Votes:

32: Confirmation of Executive Calendar #33, James Shadid, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL;

Confirmed: 89-0

33: Confirmation of Executive Calendar #4, Anthony Battaglia, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of CA;

Confirmed: 89-0

34: Motion to invoke cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act;

Invoked: 87-3

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.55, a resolution expressing support for designation of a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

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The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on March 8, 2011 for Morning-Hour Debate.

Does Ford’s clean car press match what they’re saying in DC?


Make Sure the Media Gets it Right on Clean Cars

Make your voice heard and hold the automakers accountable both for their words and their actions as we aim to secure our clean car future.

Tell USA Today that Automaker Sales Show Why We Need Clean Car Standards >> http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=cBRjbrJcoXRmIxbo0qEWCQ .. 

The time to secure our clean car future is now. The federal government and California are collaborating on new emissions and fuel economy standards (aka “clean car standards”) which will cover vehicles from model years 2017-2025. These standards will help break America’s dangerous addiction to oil and are a significant piece of the Union of Concerned Scientists’ plan to cut our nation’s projected oil use in half by 2030.

U.S. automakers, such as Ford, are already benefiting from the current round of clean car standards. Indeed, USA Today notes that Ford’s main sales winner is the remodeled Explorer SUV model, which focused on fuel efficiency improvements. In acknowledging the U.S. consumer, Ford said “With oil nearing $100 per barrel and gasoline prices continuing to rise, consumers’ consideration for fuel economy once again is taking top billing.”

But as Ford sings the clean car song to the press, they and the other U.S. automakers are actually pushing to weaken the 2025 standards. Ensuring full and accurate coverage of the automakers in the press will be critical to pushing back against this effort.

We’ve proven time and time again that the public voice is an essential counterbalance to the automaker spin machine. So head to our online Action Center and help make sure the press is covering this story with your interests in mind, not just the automakers’.

Take Action Today!      http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=cBRjbrJcoXRmIxbo0qEWCQ..

Take care,

Scott Nathanson

National Field Organizer

UCS Clean Vehicles Program

P.S. Are you a FB user and want to use the power of “The Social Network” to clean up our cars? Then “like” our new UCS Clean Car Watchdog Facebook page. It will give you the latest news and even more real-time opportunities to make your voice heard on this crucial issue.

URGENT: House Republican​s preparing to defend DOMA!


In the wake of President Obama’s courageous decision to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), radical lawmakers have sunk to a new low.

Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor have spent this past week working to placate anti-LGBT members of Congress and their right wing base by indicating they will defend DOMA – no matter what it takes.

So much for their pledges to focus on jobs and the economy. These so-called fiscal conservatives are wasting Congress’s time and resources to defend discrimination.

We’ve never taken these attacks sitting down – and we can’t start now. Time and again, our opponents lash out when we make progress. And time and again we band together to stop them. We’ve got to do it again this week, with a rapid-response effort in Congress and beyond. Can you help now? www.hrc.org

In the past several weeks, HRC has helped drive major victories: civil unions in Hawaii and Illinois; unprecedented progress on marriage equality in Maryland, Rhode Island, and New York; and President Obama’s decision on DOMA. All of those phone calls, rallies, letters to Congress, meetings with lawmakers – they’re working.

But these victories have pushed our opponents to redouble their efforts to undermine equality.  www.hrc.org

So we’re at a crossroads. We can catapult off of these recent victories and others in Illinois and Hawaii, grab this momentum with both hands and lay a foundation now for a future of full marriage equality – or we can let the extreme right wing dictate America‘s political agenda.

Right-wing radicals know the tide is turning against them. It’s just making them more desperate. Only your generous grassroots support will help us stand strong. We must seize this moment. Are you with us    www.hrc.org

Thank you for helping us win – and for keeping this movement stro ng.

Best,

Joe Solmonese