On April 15, the annual ritual of filing income tax reports is a dreadful time for most Americans. Some of us, even after watching government take a large chunk out of every paycheck, have to send even more money to square our debt to Uncle Sam and the state of Arizona.

I'm sure by now that most everyone has heard about General Electric not paying one red nickel of income taxes on more than $6 billion dollars in earnings for 2010. And, I bet that most conservatives reading this commentary are anticipating me to brow beat GE and other corporations for being tax "deadbeats" by not paying their fair share. Well, hang on to your hats, because I'm not going there. In fact, it is my opinion that any taxation of income or earnings in a capitalistic economy is downright, well, un-American.

I'm sure by now that most everyone has heard about General Electric not paying one red nickel of income taxes on more than $6 billion dollars in earnings for 2010. And, I bet that most conservatives reading this commentary are anticipating me to brow beat GE and other corporations for being tax "deadbeats" by not paying their fair share. Well, hang on to your hats, because I'm not going there. In fact, it is my opinion that any taxation of income or earnings in a capitalistic economy is downright, well, un-American.

Did you know there is a way to convert your business accounts receivable received from selling tangible personal products into your 401(k) as an investment while reducing your business taxes and receiving tax-free income all at the same time? This is a little-known tax strategy that is permitted by the pension rules but not promoted by banks, insurance companies or investment firms (there is no product for them to sell).

The Mesa United Way’s free tax-preparation service for families with incomes less than $50,000 can help families find often-overlooked tax credits.

Free tax-filing help is available to lower-income earners through the Mesa United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. More than 80 volunteers have gone through training to provide help for households with incomes under $50,000 beginning Jan. 31.

Gov. Jan Brewer wants to slash corporate income taxes and let some corporations escape the levy entirely.

Mesa United Way has partnered with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance to offer free tax preparation centers where low-income earners can get help and maximize their benefits.

Time is almost up for East Valley residents who have yet to file their 2008 federal and state income tax returns.

Lawmakers looking at Arizona's private school tuition tax credit program said Monday it may be time to require that scholarships go only to families who meet low-income requirements.

A new proposal to switch Arizona's individual income tax to one flat percentage rate was part of a budget agreement reached Friday between top legislative leaders and Gov. Jan Brewer.

Arizonans received more than $778 million in federal earned income tax credit money last year, and yet that didn't include everyone eligible for it. The Internal Revenue Service is urging all taxpayers in Arizona to find out whether they're eligible for the credit when filing their 2007 federal income tax returns.

Arizona voters may get the chance to scrap the state income tax on what they earn in favor of expanded sales taxes on what they buy.

Eight members of an East Valley family who ran a Gilbert-based tax preparation company were charged Thursday in a 136-count indictment alleging income tax fraud.

Backed by at least one business group, Republican legislators launched a proposal Wednesday to cut individual and corporate income taxes by 10 percent — and state revenue by $440 million a year.

For business owners struggling with basic tax questions, a new certified public accountant in the area is offering some free help.

For business owners struggling with basic tax questions, a new certified public accountant in the area is offering some free help.

Congratulations, City Council. Let's have a public cup of coffee. Scottsdale's deficit is the perfect political excuse to lay aside politics and debate policy based on facts, merit and the best interests of the city, to make progress - not win arguments.

Will I have enough money in retirement?

Will I have enough money in retirement?

WASHINGTON - Americans' incomes, bolstered by strong gains in hiring, rose by 0.3 percent in February while consumer spending climbed at an even faster pace of 0.5 percent, the government reported Thursday.