By Staff
Alabamians will begin to see the benefits of some positive steps taken last year.
On Dec. 30, a new law raising the minimum income before taxation took effect, increasing the level of earnings eligible for state income taxes from $4,600 annually to $12,500 for a family of four.
The state Revenue Department estimates that 60 percent of Alabama's taxpayers will benefit from the new law and the filing of 119,000 Alabama tax returns will be eliminated.
A second new law took effect yesterday that clarifies the rights of landlords and tenants. Approved by the legislature in March, the law affects 500,000 rental houses and apartments throughout the state. It requires landlords to provide safe, habitable housing, and it allows the landlords to evict bad tenants quicker than in the past.
Alabama voters also passed Amendment Two last year, which increases to a minimum of 10 mills the ad valorem taxes for education in 30 school districts in Alabama.
These changes should make life a little bit easier for those Alabama residents who have the least means.
The Andalusia Star News