Business

IRS answers common questions for last-minute Alabama filers

Submitted by Bliss Bowman Wade, Digital Content Director

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013, 11:51am

IRS answers common questions for last-minute Alabama filers

With just days to go before the tax filing deadline, the IRS reminded Alabama taxpayers to file either a tax return or an extension request by April 15.

"Missing the tax deadline can be costly," said IRS spokesman Dan Boone. "But taxpayers can easily avoid or reduce the penalties by taking action no later than April 15," .

Boone said the IRS estimates that more than 127,000 Alabamians will file extensions to avoid the late filing penalty and request more time to complete their tax forms. An extension request requires no reason or excuse but has to be filed by April 15.

The IRS offered answers to questions often asked by those who have waited until now to file.

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Employees encouraged to stay fit with National Walk@Lunch Day

Submitted by Mary Howard, Web producer

Monday, April 23rd, 2012, 11:47am

Employees encouraged to stay fit with National Walk@Lunch Day

National Walk@Lunch Day is set for April 25.

The day is designed to complement a busy lifestyle. It was created to improve personal health and decrease the costs of healthcare for employers and employees.

Employees are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes and take a walk at lunch.

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Slow improvement in job market

Submitted by Lonnie Liebner, Community Web Producer

Thursday, November 17th, 2011, 8:50am

By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER
AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Little by very little, the job market is getting better.

A closely watched measure of the jobs crisis, the number of people filing for unemployment benefits for the first time each week, fell to 388,000 in a report released Thursday, its lowest point since April.

The four-week average, which economists check because it smooths out the week-to-week fluctuations in the job market, dropped below 400,000 for the first time in seven months.

Claims would have to be below 375,000 - and consistently - to signal the sustained job gains that the United States needs to lower its 9 percent unemployment rate. But economists were at least encouraged by the trend.

"The level isn't as important as the change," said Michael Gapen, senior U.S.

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Better Business Bureau warns against out of state letter

Submitted by Lonnie Liebner, Community Web Producer

Monday, November 14th, 2011, 5:31pm

Better Business Bureau warns against out of state letter

By Elizabeth Gentle

The Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning about a company that sells insurance for plumbing.

They've been slammed with calls from customers and utility companies receiving out-of-state letters from a company.

The Better Business Bureau said they have been getting calls from the public wanting to know if Homeserve USA,which sells insurance coverage for burst pipes, broken boilers and drains is a legal business.

"What we are concerned about there has been several letters to our area, this is the 3rd round this year, notifying consumers to purchase an insurance policy/warranty on water line that goes from the outside of the house," said Michele Mason with the BBB.

Mason said

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Tax deadline approaching

Submitted by Lonnie Liebner, Community Web Producer

Friday, October 14th, 2011, 8:22am

The deadline for people and small businesses to file tax forms is Monday. That's if they requested a six month extension back in April.

The IRS said its E-file and free filing options are only available through the deadline on Monday.

More than 1.7 million Alabamians have already used IRS E-file this year.

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Immigration law and businesses, hiring

Submitted by Lonnie Liebner, Community Web Producer

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011, 10:32pm

By Marie Waxel

WAFF 48 News is looking at Alabama’s law and the impact on businesses, specifically businesses losing employees because of the law.

We spoke to a dozen different businesses today throughout the city, and they said they haven't seen any changes from their Hispanic employees.

But people say around town they have noticed a decrease in business.

Javier Ambrosia is the owner of Keith's Automotive, and he said even though there is uncertainty when it comes to the new immigration law, he's not worried about his business.

He said he's more concerned with the country's economy and what the future holds for everyone.

“As far as me, knock on wood, I hope I won’t have any problems. I don't think I will on my part.

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Tornado recovery lifts hurting Ala. builders

Submitted by Lonnie Liebner, Community Web Producer

Monday, September 26th, 2011, 7:27am

ANNISTON, Ala. (AP) - The rebuilding effort after this spring's deadly tornadoes has helped lift Alabama's struggling construction industry.

A report from the Center for Business at the University of Alabama finds that state residents will spend somewhere between $2.6 billion and $4.2 billion on rebuilding efforts. Researchers expected about $1 billion will be spent this year, with the remainder following next year.

Calhoun County builder David Kelly, who installs drywall, told The Anniston Star (http://bit.ly/n1wXT1 ) that before the tornadoes struck, he was struggling to get by week-by-week. He says business has now started to pick up.

Homebuilder Tony Porco also says the recovery efforts after the storms stimulated the demand for construction work.

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