Taxes

Brightspeed Agrees to $14.3 Million Settlement with Columbia Over Unpaid Taxes

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — A prolonged legal battle has concluded as internet provider Brightspeed, formerly known as CenturyLink, agrees to pay the City of Columbia $14.3 million. The sum represents a settlement concerning unpaid license taxes and fees owed to the city. Court documents reveal that the settlement was finalized on July 16. This resolution comes after years of disputes between the city and the telecommunications company over financial obligations. City officials welcomed the outcome, stating that it helps to reinforce the importance of accountable business practices within the community. The settlement is expected to bolster … Read more

Judge Declares Local School Property Taxes Unconstitutional, Demands State Funds to Ensure Adequate Education for All

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Concord, N.H. — Superior Court Judge David Ruoff has determined that the state of New Hampshire has failed to fulfill its obligation to adequately fund public education, a conclusion that extends to the unconstitutionality of varying local school property tax rates across municipalities. Ruoff’s ruling arises from a lawsuit filed by property taxpayers, including Steven Rand, following a New Hampshire Supreme Court decision in July. The high court had upheld Ruoff’s earlier determination that the state’s funding of $4,182 per pupil is “facially unconstitutional,” while affirming his assessment that an adequate funding level is $7,356.01 … Read more

Illinois Judge Refuses to Block Law Limiting Credit Card Swipe Fees on Tips and Taxes, Banking Groups Vow to Fight On

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In a significant legal ruling, a federal judge on Thursday refrained from halting an Illinois law designed to limit certain charges by credit card companies, which is set to alter transaction fee structures statewide. These companies typically impose “swipe fees” on merchants for processing credit and debit card payments. Last spring, the Illinois Legislature enacted the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, a pioneering law that prohibits these fees on the taxation and gratuity portions of credit and debit card transactions, effective from July 1. This legislative move, part of the state’s budget resolution, … Read more

South Carolina’s Top Tourist Cities Sue Major Rental Platforms Over Unpaid Taxes and Fees

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Charleston, SC — A coalition of South Carolina’s most popular tourist cities, including Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach, has filed a lawsuit against several major online travel companies. The municipalities contend that these firms have neglected to remit local accommodation taxes and, in some instances, business license fees collected on their platforms from both rental hosts and guests. At the heart of the litigation is the allegation that these digital platforms failed to forward taxes they collected, thereby depriving the municipalities of critical revenue streams intended for local infrastructure and services. This lawsuit illustrates a … Read more