Since the Chinese government imposed higher sales tax on big-engine vehicles from September 1, the imports of fuel-guzzling cars, especially those with 4.0L-plus engines, have fallen sharply, said xinhuanet.com today, citing figures from China Customs.

An SEI (Nasdaq: SEIC) poll released today revealed that while tax management is a major concern for both investment advisors and their clients, the industry is divided on how to optimize it.

Taxpayers filing taxes this year only to receive their economic stimulus payment can now use free online tax preparation services through the Free File Alliance ( www.freefilealliance.or g). Today, the IRS announced that a new page has been created to accept tax returns from taxpayers who do not currently pay taxes but wish to file so that they can be eligible to receive the economic stimulus payment.

Admit it. Most of us would rather visit the dentist than face our taxes. As a result, more than half of Californians are estimated to hire a professional tax preparer. It sounds like an easy out, but it can be stressful. What about tax scams? What if the tax preparer makes a mistake or turns out to be dishonest?

Capital Gold Group sponsored the "Tax-Strategies for the High Net Worth Individuals" conference hosted by AICPA. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) hosts the annual conference featuring a world renowned panel of experts and tax strategists. Wealth preservation and estate planning are the key topics of the tax-strategies conference.

High monthly payments and possible increases in property taxes top the list of considerations for Alberta first-time homebuyers, with more than 70 per cent of respondents ranking them as their top two worries about buying a home, according to a new report released today by Genworth Financial Canada, The Homeownership Company, a subsidiary of Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW).

The federal government is failing to meet the financial reporting needs of taxpayers, falling short of expectations and creating a problem with trust, according to survey findings released today by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA).

Thomas Ogden, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President today announced the creation of the Comerica Tax Assistance Loan Fund, which will assist low and moderate income homeowners living in Detroit who are at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure due to unpaid property taxes.

"It's the economy -- again," said Pennsylvania Business Council President David W. Patti this week, "and the best way to stimulate growth, the creation of jobs and better wages for Pennsylvanians is to make a few modest changes in the tax code that will encourage businesses to locate and expand in the Commonwealth."

Family tax benefit recipients will be means tested as part of Federal Government moves to slash spending.

Editor's Note: The following article was written by Douglas M. Dougherty, CFA, a vice president and portfolio manager with Atlanta-based CornerCap Investment Counsel.

Four types of professionals can legally charge consumers to prepare tax returns in California: A CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP), an Attorney, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or an Enrolled Agent (EA).