Is Augusta being too generous with it’s taxpayer discounts?

It’s been Augusta’s policy for years…paying your tax bill early, you get a one percent discount. For most taxpayers, it’s a little savings, but it adds up to a big cost for local governments. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

South Carolina’s 12.1 percent unemployment rate, third-highest in the country, could start affecting you next year even if you’re not unemployed. State officials say it’s likely the state will have to raise the unemployment insurance tax that businesses pay, which pays the benefits for people who lose their jobs. If businesses’ taxes go up, they’re likely to pass those costs along to you. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

The House Ways and Means Committee has passed legislation to revamp health care, approving tax increases on the wealthy to help pay for the plan.

It will be the bombshell in the mailbox…a tax bill that hits like a two-by-four. When tax bills go out to 80 Augusta homeowners, next month, they’ll be hundreds of dollars higher. It’s the state that’s to blame, but taxpayers will feel the pain. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

The financial health of Social Security and Medicare, the government’s two biggest benefit programs, worsened in the past year because of the severe recession.

Twelve South Carolina House members failed to file a state income tax return for at least one year from 1999 to 2007, according to the state Department of Revenue. Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken, announced it to his colleagues Tuesday afternoon on the Senate floor. In addition to those 12, three other House members did file returns but owe a combined $21,044 in back taxes. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

Thousands of South Carolinians who are fed up with federal spending rallied at the Statehouse Wednesday afternoon, one of 49 “Tax Day Tea Parties” around the state. While it’s modeled on the Boston Tea Party of 1773, this time, instead of the beverage, TEA stands for “Taxed Enough Already”. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

Groups gather to protest high taxes, big spending, and bailouts. A TEA party is being held in Augusta, and several other cities, Wednesday. WJBF News Channel 6’s Paige Tucker reports.

If you’re not going to make the April 15th income tax filing deadline, there are steps you can take to help make filing an extension easier. The IRS will allow you to set up payments on an installment plan. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Renita Crawford for the details.

Race car driver and “Dancing With The Stars” winner Helio Castroneves is insisting he’s innocent of federal tax evasion charges.

Race car driver and “Dancing With The Stars” winner Helio Castroneves is insisting he’s innocent of federal tax evasion charges.

The White House says President Barack Obama considers Tom Daschle’s tax troubles to be a “very serious” matter. But the president’s spokesman says Daschle remains the right person to lead the Health and Human Services Department.

President Barack Obama says he “absolutely” stands by Tom Daschle’s nomination for secretary of health and human services.

A new report names Georgia on a list of 18 states that taxed working poor families further into poverty last year.