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So, I’m on vacation in lovely Maine. Each time we come here (and we’ve been coming for a bit), I constantly hear complaints about the overall tax burden of Mainers. And I have to say, I’m a bit perplexed.

The sales tax in Maine is 5%. The tax is a bit broad in that items like clothing and newspapers are taxed (they’re not in my home state of Pennsylvania) but still, 5%? I’m used to paying 7%.

Likewise, the tax on bars, restaurants and hotels (and other lodging like our cabin) is an amazingly low 7%. Yep, 7%. In most areas, liquor taxes and hotel taxes quickly hit 10% and climb close to 15%.

I’m not privy to real estate and income tax rates just now - but I am checking them out. I’ve got to find out what’s driving these Mainers crazy…

If you’re a reader and you’re from Maine, please chime in!

Tags: liquor taxes, Maine, sales-tax

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taxgirl is on vacation (I know, I know!)

I’m with the family in the wilds of Maine this week. I have no internet connection inside the cabin (hence, the vacation part) but never fear, there’s still plenty of taxgirl on tap. Check back to see what’s percolating inside of my head… we’ll see what inspires me out in the woods!

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taxgirl® - tax news, tax info and tax policy:

Yeah, I wanna know, too.

My best laid plans have gone awry - this has been one of the busiest summers that I can remember (that’s supposed to be a good thing, right?).

I haven’t had a second to go to the movies. And since no one has inquired about Pixar’s “Cars”, the only movie that I have seen on DVD this summer (over and over and over), I’m far behind for this year’s taxgirl goes to the movies contest.

With that, I’m announcing that the contest has been extended through mid-October. Details forthcoming. You still have time to get your suggestions in - go to this post to leave your recommendations!

Tags: cars, movies, taxgirl, taxgirl goes to the movies

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taxgirl® - tax news, tax info and tax policy:

Joe Francis has spent his life duping young girls into flashing their breasts in front of a camera. Now, he’s claiming that he’s the one that’s been duped.

As previously reported, Francis is facing a trial in September on federal charges, including tax evasion. The fed allege that Francis claimed over $20 million in phony business expenses on his corporate tax returns for 2002 and 2003. He is also accused of shifting assets overseas in an effort to avoid taxation. Francis faces up to 10 years in prison and $500,000 in fines if found guilty.

Jail would, of course, not be new to Francis who recently served 11 months in jail on charges arising from complaints that he filmed naked underage girls. He subsequently pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges while in prison for possession of Aprozolam, Lorazapam, sleeping pills and cash.

Francis plans to argue that he is the victim of an accountant with an agenda. He claims that his accountant set him up by preparing returns without his knowledge and then turning him into the IRS under the whistleblower program.

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Girls Gone Wild, tax evasion, Joe Francis, whistleblower, Donald Trump

It sounds like a crazy defense - but I could be wrong. I missed the boat on the Wesley Snipes trial since I was sure that Snipes would be found guilty on more charges; Snipes was acquitted of the most serious charges. Apparently, Francis has been reading up on his…