Monday, February 27, 2006

The clock is ticking

Discussions about funding government programs for the least among us often get stuck on the issue of taxes. Another way to raise the necessary money, aside from cutting government waste, is to collect the money that already is owed.

A story from the Associated Press in today's Times Union reports:
Time is running out for wealthier New Yorkers who have illegally hidden money in dubious tax shelters to come forward and avoid prosecution.

New York's Voluntary Compliance Initiative, which began in October as a way for the state to collect millions in taxes that would otherwise go uncollected, expires March 1. Those who come forward won't face civil penalties or legal action, but will have to pay the back taxes plus interest.

The rest of the story is here.

And for those who are overly concerned about taxes on the rich, we recommend
Responsible Wealth
Responsible Wealth is a national network of businesspeople, investors and affluent Americans who are concerned about deepening economic inequality and are working for widespread prosperity. Our three primary areas of work are tax fairness, corporate responsibility and living wages.