TELL US: Should the Gas Tax Be Raised to Fund Transit Projects?

It has not been increased in more than two decades. Some people say the time has come to raise it. Others say people pay enough taxes.

As time progresses, unfortunately so do prices. That cheap burger you bought many years ago is no longer so cheap. What once could be purchased with some loose change you found in your pocket now requires cash or a credit card. But for the past 21 years and counting, the state gasoline tax has remained the same. Massachusetts residents pay 21 cents per gallon at the pump, with nearly all the money going to fund public and private transportation projects and programs (roads, bridges, public transit systems, etc.). Some people say this amount is no longer sufficient to improve and maintain what the state has to offer. In its 2007 report, the state's independent Transportation Finance Commission recommended the tax be raised to 32 cents. The…

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Best Of

Best Of: Patch Readers Pick Weinstein & Weinstein as Best Place to do Your Taxes in Stoughton

Eric M. Weinstein of Weinstein & Weinstein is the winner of this week’s “Best Of” poll.

After a week of voting, Stoughton Patch readers have selected Eric M. Weinstein of Weinstein and Weinstein Tax Centers as the best place in Stoughton to do your taxes. This poll continued a “Best Of” series that allows readers to vote for their favorite businesses and places in Stoughton. Weinstein finished with 30 percent of the votes, almost more than double the second place choice. His office is located at 966 Park St. in Stoughton. Irving W. Goldberg came in second, followed by H&R Block, Brenda J. McGivern, P.C., Lawrence M. Perlmutter, CPA, and Wallace, Savage & Davis. The poll opened Monday morning and closed Friday morning. Take a look at the full results here: Best Place to do Your Taxes in Stoughton Next week’s “Best Of” poll …

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Best Of

You Pick: Best Place to do Your Taxes in Stoughton

Patch is continuing its "Best Of” feature. This week, vote for the best place to get your taxes done in Stoughton. The poll is open all week…check back Friday for the winner.

Patch is continuing its “Best Of” series this week, which allows readers to vote for their favorite businesses and places in Stoughton. Last week we asked readers to vote for the best place to eat breakfast in Stoughton. This week we’re asking where is the best place in town to do your taxes. The deadline to file your taxes is fast approaching. Typically the filing date is April 15, but this year, we have been given an extension until April 17. Which place in town is your go to place to help with this annual task? Voting in the poll below is open until 9 a.m. this Friday (April 6). We will announce the winner at noon on April 6. Because this poll is not scientific, it is not the sole consideration in choosing a winner. The winner will be …

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Governor Proposes “Sin Taxes” [POLL]

A tax on cigarettes and junk food aims to raise money for state and make residents healthier.

Under a proposal by Gov. Deval Patrick, "sin taxes" on cigarettes will increase and new sales taxes on candy and soda will be put into place.  Patrick is proposing the increase as a way to raise $260 million in new revenues for the state budget, according to an Associated Press article. Under the plan, the cigarette tax will be increased from $2.51 per pack to $3.01 per pack — an increase of 50 cents. The plan will also ask to impose the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax on candy and soda — both items are currently exempt from the tax — and expand the state’s bottle deposit law to include bottled water, sports drinks and other beverages, the Associated Press reported.  The plan would also double the taxes paid on other tobacco products such …

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