Governor Continues Easing Mask Mandate but They’re Still Required in Some Places

Gov. Holcomb speaks during his weekly COVID-19 press conference on Mar. 3.

Governor Holcomb is easing some of Indiana’s remaining mask requirements, but a few will remain in place. Starting Tuesday, masks will no longer be required in most state government buildings. But they will still be required at COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, Indiana prisons, state hospitals, and other congregate facilities owned by the state.

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More Schools Looking to Go After Income Tax Refunds to Collect Unpaid Debt

The Knox Community School Corporation is the latest local district to decide to go after unpaid debt by intercepting state income tax refunds, while North Judson-San Pierre is considering it. The Knox School Board recently approved a memorandum of understanding for the Tax Refund Exchange and Compliance System (TRECS), according to Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart.

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Pulaski Council Looks to Revisit Supplemental Homestead Credit, As Tax Discussions Continue

Pulaski County Council: back row: Mike Tiede, Kathi Thompson, Brian Young; front row: Scott Hinkle, Rudy DeSabatine, Jay Sullivan (not pictured: Ken Boswell)

The Pulaski County Council passed an ordinance Monday that could allow property taxes to increase by “thawing” the county’s levy freeze. But one council member pointed out that another measure to balance the county’s tax structure had already been agreed upon but never been implemented.

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Pulaski County Council to Vote on Property Tax Levy Freeze ‘Thaw’ Tonight

Pulaski County Council: back row: Mike Tiede, Kathi Thompson, Brian Young; front row: Scott Hinkle, Rudy DeSabatine, Jay Sullivan (not pictured: Ken Boswell)

An ordinance to “thaw” Pulaski County’s property tax levy freeze will be up for final approval during a special county council meeting tonight. The measure would allow the tax levy to increase within the limits set by the state’s growth quotient.

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Income Taxes Due Today

 
 

Federal and state income taxes are due today. Michelle Bachtel from H&R Block says you need to file an extension if you can’t finish your return. Doing so gives you six additional months to file but does not  defer payments due. If you owe, pay as much as you can. Otherwise you will be assessed interest and penalties from April 15th. Continue reading

Don’t Ignore Income Tax Filing Deadline

 
 

Federal and state income tax returns need to be filed tomorrow. Michelle Bachtel with H&R Block says you have options if you owe and are not able to pay. She adds the most important thing is not to panic

“If you can’t pay the full amount by April 15, just pay what as much as you can,” Bachtel said. “Even though interest will accrue on the amount owed, you’re not going to be arrested, and they’re not going to come knock on your door and seize your home.” Continue reading

Itemizing Pays If You Qualify

 
 

Federal and state income taxes are due Wednesday. Michelle Bachtel from H&R Block in Knox says taxpayers can either take the standard deduction or itemize, depending on which will be most advantageous for their personal situation.

For individuals who are filing single or married filing separate, the standard deduction is $6,200. For a married filing joint couple or a qualifying widower with a dependent child, that amount is doubled to $12,400. And for a person filing head of household the amount is $9,100.

Bachtel encourages taxpayers to study their options carefully. Continue reading

Bring Essential Documents to Your Tax Appointment

 
 

If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, time is running out. Federal and state income taxes are both due Wednesday, April 15. Michelle Bachtel from H&R Block in Knox says you need to have personal information for everyone on your return handy before you start. This includes Social Security numbers, birth dates and full legal names as registered with the Social Security Administration. You will also need documentation of all of your income from wages, tips, savings, investments, retirement, rental property, self-employment or farming. Continue reading

Tax Preparer Offers Tips for Choosing Federal Form

 
 

Income taxes are due in six days. There’s still plenty of time to file if you haven’t already done so. Michelle Bachtel with the Knox H&R Block office says it’s important to choose the federal form that best meets your needs. A popular option is the 1040-EZ. However, it has limits.

“As long as you are under the age of 65, your income is below $100,000 and the income only comes from things like wages, salaries, tips and unemployment, with less than $1,500 in interest, you can use this form. But you cannot itemize deductions, claim dependents or be filing separate from your spouse. With this form your credits are limited, so just because you are eligible to file this form doesn’t mean you should, Bachtel said. Continue reading