WWNO skyline header graphic
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WWNO/WRKF Newsroom.

Support local, independent journalism on WWNO with your Member Fest gift now! Click the donate button or Call 844-790-1094.

New Revenue Generating Laws Take Effect Today

Penalties for tax extension returns take effect July 1
aghlc.com
Penalties for tax extension returns take effect July 1

Changes to a number of state laws go into effect today.  The items were passed in the legislative session to help create revenue in addressing a $1.6 billion shortfall.  

Penalties for tax extension returns take effect July 1
Credit aghlc.com
Penalties for tax extension returns take effect July 1

Among the changes, drivers will only have to renew their licenses every six years, but they'll pay more in fees when buying a car or seeking a copy of their driving record.  The change creates an additional $50 for a vehicle title, while an official copy of a driving record rises by $10.

A tax hike on cigarette smokers hits their pocket.  Lawmakers passed a 50-cent-per-pack increase in the session.  It pushes the tax up to 86-cents.

Meanwhile, residents who file extension returns for state taxes are subject to a new penalty.  "It'll affect mostly business people who get to the deadline and have so much paperwork, they automatically file for the extra time," says Sen. Mike Walsworth (R-West Monroe).

The tax benefit is still allowed, but paid in equal one-third amounts.  "Let's say after the extension, you have a $300 refund.  After three years, you'd receive $100, after the fourth, another $100, and the rest after the fifth year," explained Walsworth.

Lawmakers created the changes in the spring session to avoid deep cuts to the state's higher education system and health care services.  The entire package of bills is expected to generate about $700 million in revenue.

Copyright 2021 KEDM Public Radio. To see more, visit KEDM Public Radio.

Tyler Smith is a senior communications major at the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a concentration in Journalism. As a General Assignments Reporter for KEDM, Tyler is excited to cover stories that are important to northeast Louisiana. Originally from Lewisville, Texas, Tyler is the News Editor for the ULM student newspaper, The Hawkeye, and also reports campus news for91XKXULStudent Radio. He loves everything about storytelling, and is enjoying putting his skills to work in radio, print, and online.
After working in Baton Rouge radio for six years, Bob returned to Monroe in 1996. He served as program director for a local commercial radio station immediately prior to joining KEDM in 2009, as News and Public Affairs Director. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, he holds a degree in Radio/TV/Film Management.

👋 Looks like you could use more news. Sign up for our newsletters.

* indicates required
New Orleans Public Radio News
New Orleans Public Radio Info