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ACCOUNTING

– Audit processes and issues, CAQ issues new guide, 87:G–6 (5/8/09)
– Audit quality

– – Audit confirmations, PCAOB to revisit standard, 67:G–6 (4/10/09); scandals, technology spur PCAOB to mull revisions to confirmation standard, 70:G–7 (4/15/09)
– – PCAOB advisors provide input for guidance, 63:G–7 (4/6/09)

– Boards and advisory groups

See ACCOUNTING BOARDS

– Business combinations

See MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

– Cap Gemini stock, Ernst & Young cases

See CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES

– Conceptual framework, FASB drafts guidance on objective and qualitative characteristics of reporting, 63:G–1 (4/6/09); IASB agrees to comment period on reporting entity document, 97:I–1 (5/22/09)
– Convergence, U.S. use of IFRS

See U.S. adoption of IFRS, this heading

– Derivatives

See DERIVATIVES

– Emissions trading, FASB to revisit measurement issues, 66:G–2 (4/9/09)
– Fair-value measurement

– – Bank regulator Basel Comm. issues new guidelines for financial instruments, 71:I–3 (4/16/09)
– – Banking and insurance groups again criticize fair value, OTTI accounting in letter to lawmakers, 92:G–3 (5/15/09)
– – Capital Markets Regulation Comm. urges FASB, IASB to review, improve standard, 99:G–5 (5/27/09)
– – Chamber of Commerce seeks PCAOB guidance on FAS 157 following FASB changes, Council of Inst. Investors calls for better enforcement, 70:G–1 (4/15/09)
– – Crucial valuation processes for bank rescues still undecided, BNA Analysis & Perspective, 74:J–1 (4/21/09)
– – EU finance ministers want IASB to adopt recent FASB rule changes, 63:I–3 (4/6/09); tension between EU and IASB flares with rejection of immediate changes after FASB revisions, 79:I–4 (4/28/09); finance ministers delay response until June meeting, 85:I–4 (5/6/09); pressure on IASB continues, 88:I–1 (5/11/09); EU wrestles with commitment to IFRS, retreat to EU accounting regime, 99:I–1 (5/27/09)
– – FASB approves staff guidance on fair value, impairment effective for second quarter, 62:GG–1 (4/3/09); FASB issues final staff positions on mark-to-market accounting, impairments, 67:GG–1 (4/10/09); mainly praise for guidance, continued doubts, criticism of OTTI changes, 67:GG–2 (4/10/09); FASB eyes third-quarter release on enhanced disclosures of fair value, 77:G–2 (4/24/09); Chrm. Herz defends board's process in issuing guidance, 82:G–2 (5/1/09); FASB to delay release of rules as board tests beefed-up disclosures, 100:G–4 (5/28/09)
– – Goldman's Blankfein says more companies should have used fair value, 65:G–3 (4/8/09)
– – Hedge, private equity fund investments, FASB exploring possible fair value guidance, 84:G–4 (5/5/09); FASB to issue draft guidance by May 22, focus on pension funds and university endowments, 86:G–3 (5/7/09)
– – House Financial Services Comm. hearing on fair value sought by Bachus (R-Ala.), 84:G–3 (5/5/09)
– – IASB agrees draft on fair value exposure will include disclosures on U.S. standards, 77:I–2 (4/24/09); IASB declines to amend IFRS to match FASB changes on OTTIs, fair value, 78:I–3 (4/27/09); IASB releases draft standard for public comment, 101:I–1 (5/29/09)
– – Investor advocates, security analysts slam FASB on fair value, impairment proposals, 61:G–6 (4/2/09)
– – PCAOB staff issues auditor “practice alert” in wake of FASB fair value, OTTI guidance, 76:G–6 (4/23/09)

– Financial crisis

– – Advisory group's debate reveals conflicting issues, scale of task for FASB, IASB, 75:I–1 (4/22/09); IASB, FASB advisers urge political restraint on accounting changes, 81:I–1 (4/30/09); FCAG co-Chrm. Goldschmid says pressure on IASB threatens global standards project, 100:I–3 (5/28/09)
– – AICPA endorses key legislative ideas to reform financial regulatory system, 79:G–5 (4/28/09)
– – Bank regulators should accommodate provisioning for bad times, Grant Thornton suggests, 89:G–11 (5/12/09)
– – G-20 leaders agree to pursue range of reforms, 62:I–2 (4/3/09); IASB committed to progress on G-20 plan, 65:I–2 (4/8/09)
– – Impairment of debt securities, FASB guidance

See DEBT

– – Mark-to-market rules

See Fair-value measurement, this heading

– – Short-term fixes for risk derailing wider review, IASB Chrm. Tweedie warns, 74:I–3 (4/21/09)
– – U.S. adoption of IFRS, support waning due to financial crisis, economy, BNA Analysis & Perspective, 62:J–1 (4/3/09)

– Financial instruments

– – Credit risk, IASB will seek constituent views on staff research paper, 96:I–1 (5/21/09)
– – Debt instruments

See DEBT

– – Derecognition model, IASB proffers changes as response to market turmoil, global crisis, 60:I–1 (4/1/09); IASB confirms plans to replace IAS 39 within 6 months, 65:I–2 (4/8/09); IASB publishes annual standard changes, 72:I–2 (4/17/09); minority approach would bring greater derecognition, IASB staff say, 100:I–5 (5/28/09)
– – Discounted cash-flows, IASB members debate practicalities, application of model, 85:I–2 (5/6/09)
– – Fair-market alternative, FASB, IASB could release proposals by late 2009, 60:G–5 (4/1/09); IASB members debate practicalities, application of discounted cash-flows model, 85:I–2 (5/6/09); FASB mulls “current value” method, 86:G–1 (5/7/09)
– – Mark-to-market rules

See Fair-value measurement, this heading

– – Political pressure on standards setters, FCAG co-Chrm. Goldschmid, FASB Chrm. Herz, and IASB Chrm. Tweedie discuss impacts, 100:I–3 (5/28/09)
– – Securitization issues

See Securitization and consolidation, this heading

– – “Significant or prolonged” impairments, IFRIC to pursue enhanced due process on agenda decision, 88:I–3 (5/11/09)

– Financial statements

– – Consolidated statements, FASB to clarify Statement 160 provisions on partial sale, deconsolidation, 81:G–2 (4/30/09)
– – Interactive data

– – – IASCF seeks comments on XBRL handbook, 63:I–3 (4/6/09)
– – – SEC sets seminar on preparing financials in XBRL, 96:G–6 (5/21/09)

– – Interim reporting, IASB to shore up interim disclosure rules under quick-fix annual amendment process, 97:I–1 (5/22/09)
– – Management commentary, IASB approves giving normal due process to proposal, 79:I–3 (4/28/09)
– – Preparers voice concerns about presentation proposals, 61:I–2 (4/2/09)
– – Subsequent events, FASB issues new standard FAS 165, 101:G–2 (5/29/09)

– Fraud

– – American Home Mortgage Investment executives charged by SEC with engaging in accounting fraud and making false and misleading statements to hide company's deteriorating financial condition (S.D.N.Y.), 80:EE–11 (4/29/09)
– – Apogee Tech, 2 officers settle SEC earnings inflation charges (D. Mass.), 95:K–4 (5/20/09)
– – Audit firm liability

See Professional liability, this heading

– – Backdated stock options

See STOCK OPTION BACKDATING

– – Cardinal Health former executives settle SEC charges of scheme to inflate revenue (S.D.N.Y.), 100:K–2 (5/28/09)
– – Friedman's jewelry store chain former CEO sentenced to 12 years in prison for his alleged role in accounting fraud scheme (E.D.N.Y.), 81:EE–15 (4/30/09)
– – General Re's former CFO sentenced for role in manipulating AIG's financial statements (D. Conn.), 62:K–2 (4/3/09); former senior executive sentenced, 82:K–2 (5/1/09)
– – National Century former executives given lengthy prison terms (S.D. Ohio), 60:K–1 (4/1/09)

– GAAP codification likely effective July 1, FASB technical director says, 83:G–5 (5/4/09); codification flies under profession's radar, BNA Analysis & Perspective, 94:J–1 (5/19/09)
– Going concern, PCAOB urged by advisors to wait for FASB on more guidance, 63:G–7 (4/6/09)
– Governments, GASB guidance

See STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

– Inspections of audit firms

– – Deloitte & Touche and KPMG Canada unit, PCAOB finds significant deficiencies, 75:G–5 (4/22/09)
– – Ernst & Young, PCAOB identifies deficiencies in annual inspection, 99:G–2 (5/27/09)
– – Foreign firms

– – – PCAOB releases list of registered firms in foreign jurisdictions for 2009 inspections, 65:G–2 (4/8/09)
– – – SEC seeks comment on PCAOB proposal to delay some foreign inspections, 80:G–3 (4/29/09); Acting Chief Accountant Kroeker discusses issues, 83:G–4 (5/4/09)

– – McGladrey & Pullen and Crowe Horwath, PCAOB finds audit deficiencies at 2 top-10 firms, 87:G–3 (5/8/09)

– Insurance contracts

– – Acquisition costs, liabilities, FASB continues deliberations, 94:G–3 (5/19/09)
– – Cash flows, FASB works on guidance, 62:G–3 (4/3/09)

– Internal controls, CAQ to hold Webcast for auditors, 100:G–6 (5/28/09)
– International standards

– – Cash equivalents, IFRIC declines to develop guidance, 88:I–4 (5/11/09)
– – Chemical safety, IFRIC declines to develop guidance on REACH scheme's compliance costs, 87:I–2 (5/8/09)
– – Discontinued operations, IASB asks staff to consult REITs, others on disclosures, 79:I–3 (4/28/09)
– – Financial instruments, derecognition

See Financial instruments, this heading

– – First-time adoption, IASB clears staff to begin balloting on IFRS 1 extractive industries amendment, 77:I–2 (4/24/09)
– – Free online access, IASB announces for financial reporting standards' core text, 74:I–3 (4/21/09)
– – Income tax reporting

See Uncertain tax positions, this heading

– – Joint ventures, IASB refines proposals after constituent input, 96:I–2 (5/21/09)
– – Mergers, IFRIC rejects constituent requests for guidance, 88:I–3 (5/11/09)
– – Share-based payments, IASB tells project staff to publish amendment, 78:I–4 (4/27/09)
– – Venture capital consolidations, fair value guidance requests turned down by IFRIC, 87:I–2 (5/8/09)

– Inventories

See INVENTORIES

– Leases, FASB discusses right-of-use model, 94:G–3 (5/19/09)
– Nonprofit mergers and acquisitions, FASB issue new standard, 98:G–5 (5/26/09)
– Off-balance-sheet activities

See Securitizations and consolidations, this heading

– Pension plans

See PENSIONS

– Professional conduct

– – Client tax evasion, accounting firm partner indicted for assisting (D.N.J.), 61:K–4 (4/2/09)
– – CPA's discharge did not violate whistleblower protections of Sarbanes-Oxley Act (U.S., rev den), 74:K–1 (4/21/09)
– – Swiss bank tax scheme, Fla. accountant first to face charges based on information provided by UBS (S.D. Fla.), 62:K–1 (4/3/09); text of complaint, 62:TaxCore (4/3/09)

– Professional liability

– – Investor's suit against auditors of failed real estate firm remanded to state court (S.D. Fla.), 86:K–2 (5/7/09)
– – New Century sues KPMG for $1B, citing bad audits, KPMG disputes allegations (Cal. Super. Ct.) (S.D.N.Y.), 61:K–1 (4/2/09)
– – Tax advice on stock redemption, PwC's motion for summary judgment in malpractice case denied (N.Y. Sup. Ct.), 96:K–1 (5/21/09); decision text, 96:TaxCore (5/21/09)

– Quality of audits

See Audit quality, this heading

– Revenue recognition

– – FASB hammers out more issues for exposure draft, 61:G–1 (4/2/09)
– – IASB proposal, PwC practitioners examine initial recognition differences, Viewpoint, 99:J–1 (5/27/09)

– Russian tax cases against audit firms

See RUSSIA

– Securities, IASB votes to temporarily halt earnings per share project, 76:I–2 (4/23/09)
– Securitizations and consolidations

– – Bank regulators, FASB collaborating on off-balance sheet guidance, Chrm. Herz says, 96:G–1 (5/21/09)
– – FASB tackles disclosures, other topics, 62:G–8 (4/3/09); FASB makes progress on more issues in pending VIEs consolidations effort, 66:G–4 (4/9/09); FASB to issue final rules by June, 71:G–2 (4/16/09); FASB moves to final drafting of amended rules on off-balance-sheet activities, 94:G–4 (5/19/09)
– – IASB to hold June roundtables on consolidations, derecognition, 75:I–2 (4/22/09); IASB adopts 2-stage strategy to complete consolidations project, 95:I–3 (5/20/09)
– – SEC Acting Chief Accountant discusses prominent accounting issues, 83:G–4 (5/4/09)

– Tax shelter litigation

See TAX SHELTERS

– Uncertain tax positions

– – IASB proposes new standard to provide more clarity, consistent reporting of income taxes, 60:I–3 (4/1/09)
– – Nonpublic entities, Deloitte official discusses deferral, 60:G–11 (4/1/09)
– – Passthrough and exempt entities, FASB expects to issue GAAP on FIN 48 by June, 71:G–2 (4/16/09); FASB seeks comments on key issues, 94:G–1 (5/19/09)
– – PwC panelists say IASB proposal to require complex calculations, 75:I–3 (4/22/09); PwC compares proposal with current guidance in IAS 12 and FAS 109, Viewpoint, 93:J–1 (5/18/09); tax basis, proposed changes, questions to consider, Viewpoint, 96:J–1 (5/21/09); initial recognition differences, Viewpoint, 99:J–1 (5/27/09)

– U.S. adoption of IFRS

– – Am. Enterprise Inst. says companies should decide on transition from GAAP to IFRS, 86:I–2 (5/7/09)
– – Comment letters provide few clues on ultimate SEC decision on IFRS use, 67:I–2 (4/10/09); SEC disappointed with low response, 82:G–2 (5/1/09); commenters address details of IFRS adoption, support weak, 85:J–1 (5/6/09); commenters address details of IFRS adoption, support weak, BNA Analysis & Perspective, 85:J–1 (5/6/09)
– – Congress unlikely to allow foreign body as sole U.S. accounting standard setter, FASB consultant says, 60:G–9 (4/1/09)
– – Credit crisis might have put IFRS on back burner, SEC's Erhardt says, 83:G–2 (5/4/09)
– – European Union requires report on IFRS “roadmaps,” 88:I–1 (5/11/09)
– – Income tax accounting issues, PwC articles

See Uncertain tax positions, this heading

– – IRS readiness for IFRS conversion should be key milestone, TEI urges SEC to consider postponement, 76:G–3 (4/23/09)
– – Professionals admit they need knowledge or expertise with IFRS, AICPA survey, 93:I–2 (5/18/09)
– – S&P conference, panelists seek SEC date for mandate, others urge caution, 93:G–3 (5/18/09)
– – Support waning due to financial crisis, economy, BNA Analysis & Perspective, 62:J–1 (4/3/09)

– Variable interest entities

See Securitizations and consolidations, this heading

ACCOUNTING BOARDS

– FAF moves to cut costs as sources of funding hit by financial crisis, 98:G–1 (5/26/09)
– FASB-IASB crisis advisory group

See ACCOUNTING, subheading: Financial crisis

– GASB members, Sundstrom to join, FAF trustees announce, 97:G–11 (5/22/09)
– IASB, Brazilian bank regulator de Oliveira Gomes to serve 5-year term, 82:I–1 (5/1/09)
– IASCF

– – Budget surplus expected in 2009, long-term funding of IASB uncertain, 73:I–1 (4/20/09)
– – Interpretations panel, trustees announce new IFRIC member, 3 continuing appointments, 85:I–2 (5/6/09)
– – Monitoring board, EU Comm'r McCreevy reveals plan to “consult” European Parliament on trustee selection, 61:I–3 (4/2/09); European Union approves funding for IASCF, EFRAG, and PIOB, 88:I–1 (5/11/09)
– – U.S. analysts appointed to IASCF board, 97:I–3 (5/22/09)

– PCAOB

See PUBLIC COMPANY ACCOUNTING OVERSIGHT BOARD (PCAOB)

– Security protocol, FASB to require visitor preregistration, tightens security following hostile letters, 84:G–2 (5/5/09)

ACQUISITIONS, CORPORATE

See MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

ADVANCE PRICING AGREEMENTS (APAs)

– IRS reports on APA applications, completed agreements in 2008, 60:G–6 (4/1/09); IRS Ann., 60:TaxCore (4/1/09); FY2009 1st quarter report, 60:TaxCore (4/1/09); IRS completed 20 APAs in quarter ending March 31, 85:G–6 (5/6/09); FY2009 2nd quarter report, 85:TaxCore (5/6/09)

ADVERTISING

– Cal. SBOE rules in-state employee's solicitation of print advertising sales creates nexus for Va. media firm, 81:H–1 (4/30/09)
– Direct mail, SSUTA panel recommends revised definition, 82:H–4 (5/1/09); governing board makes breakthrough in direct mail issues, 91:H–2 (5/14/09)
– Mailed ad coupons could be taxed as periodicals (Wash. Ct. App.), 86:K–1 (5/7/09); decision text, 86:TaxCore (5/7/09)
– Social networking Web site, N.Y. tax dep't issues opinion on revenue allocation, 77:H–3 (4/24/09)

AFGHANISTAN

– Supplemental war spending bill of $83.4B will be last one Obama admin. will request, White House spokesman Gibbs says, 67:A–5 (4/10/09)

AFRICA

See also specific countries
– Economic growth for sub-Saharan African countries expected to be just 1.5 percent in 2009, IMF says, 78:EE–6 (4/27/09)
– Export competitiveness of many sub-Saharan African industries significantly undermined by poor infrastructure conditions in land transport, maritime transport, and electricity sectors, ITC report, 90:A–3 (5/13/09)
– Textiles and apparel

– – Competitiveness potential assessed by ITC, 94:A–2 (5/19/09)
– – Cotton, African growers say they are still suffering from impact of subsidies from U.S. and other rich countries, 77:A–7 (4/24/09)

– U.S. Chamber of Commerce launches African Business Initiative, USTR still formulating Africa agenda, 95:A–15 (5/20/09)

AGRICULTURE

– Animal feed, FDA seeks to delay deadline restricting use of cattle, 65:A–8 (4/8/09)
– Biofuels

See ALTERNATIVE FUELS

– Chemicals security credit, OMB asked to review new tax credit form, 79:G–6 (4/28/09)
– Climate change, UN Food and Agriculture Org. calls for more input from farmers in negotiations on successor to Kyoto Protocol, 63:A–9 (4/6/09)
– Cotton, African growers say they are still suffering from impact of subsidies from U.S. and other rich countries, despite U.S. claims that U.S. cotton production has dropped substantially in recent years, 77:A–7 (4/24/09)
– Country-of-origin labeling on certain meat and produce, Canada proceeding with previously suspended complaint filed with WTO challenging U.S. regulation requiring, 80:A–14 (4/29/09); Canadian government requests further WTO consultations with U.S., 87:A–6 (5/8/09)
– Cuba, U.S. trade bill

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1089

– Dairy Export Incentive Program, Sec'y Vilsack announces allocations for 2008-2009, with aim of countering reintroduction of export subsidies by EU, 98:A–13 (5/26/09)
– G-8 ministers meeting

See G-8

– Genetically modified crops

See BIOTECHNOLOGY

– Importer declaration requirements under Lacey Act for plants and plant products, CBP delays enforcement for one month, 60:A–10 (4/1/09); USDA starts pilot program for certain Lacey Act shipments, 86:A–9 (5/7/09)
– Meat and poultry

See MEAT AND POULTRY

– Pesticides

See PESTICIDES

– Prices, April, USDA report, 82:EE–7 (5/1/09); text of April data, 82:E–26 (5/1/09)
– Subsidy program deadline extended, allowing farmers more time to choose between 2 different options, Sec'y Vilsack says, 60:A–7 (4/1/09)

AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT (USDA)

– Civil rights assistant secretary, Senate approves nomination of Leonard, 63:A–4 (4/6/09)
– Deputy secretary, Senate approves nomination of Merrigan, 63:A–4 (4/6/09)
– Environment and climate senior adviser, Sec'y Vilsack appoints Environmental Defense Fund vice president Bonnie, 73:A–11 (4/20/09)
– Farm and foreign agricultural services undersecretary, Senate approves nomination of Miller, 63:A–4 (4/6/09)

AIR POLLUTION

– Airline industry endorses initiatives to cut emissions through better air traffic management, 61:A–8 (4/2/09)
– Coal processing plants, EPA calls for further reductions in particulate matter, and adds standards for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, 98:A–1 (5/26/09)
– Electric utilities

See UTILITIES

– Fiber manufacturer Investa to pay $1.7M fine and will spend $500M to correct hundreds of environmental violations under EPA audit policy (D. Del.), 69:A–13 (4/14/09)
– FY2010 budget, state and local air regulators seek 20 percent increase in federal funding for grant programs, 80:A–8 (4/29/09)
– Greenhouse gas emissions

See CLIMATE CHANGE

– Hazardous pollutants

See HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS (HAPs)

– Methane sales from landfills, DOJ seeks to enjoin promotion of scam involving income tax credits (M.D. Fla.), 62:K–2 (4/3/09); text of complaint, 62:TaxCore (4/3/09)
– Mobile sources, EPA develops vehicle emissions simulation software for state plans and inventories, 74:A–16 (4/21/09)
– New source review

– – Bush admin. decision to deny prior petitions for reconsideration, EPA to reconsider portions of 3 different rules under Clean Air Act, 79:A–18 (4/28/09)
– – Colo. ordered by EPA to provide more information about its issuance of emissions permit to cement plant near Lyons, 90:A–8 (5/13/09)
– – DuPont and Lucite Intl. agree to pay $2M and to shutter sulfuric acid manufacturing unit at W. Va. facility to resolve Clean Air Act violations (S.D.W.Va.), 74:A–12 (4/21/09)
– – Electric utilities

See UTILITIES

– – Limiting some circumstances under which requirements apply to some industrial facilities, EPA plans year-long delay of Bush admin. rule, 91:A–23 (5/14/09)

– N.J. pipe manufacturer, Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe, must pay $8M fine and be monitored for 4 years as part of sentence for multiple violations (D.N.J.), 79:A–9 (4/28/09)
– Nonroad construction equipment, EPA has failed to enforce Clean Air Act provisions that exempt state regulation, American Road Builders and Transportation Ass'n says (D.C. Cir.), 78:A–24 (4/27/09)
– Nonroad engines imported from China by Powertrain, Wood Sales, and Tool Mart without obtaining necessary certificate of conformity, DOJ and EPA allege (D.D.C.), 101:A–2 (5/29/09)
– Oil and gas facilities

See OIL AND GAS

– Ozone

– – “Exceptional event” violations, EPA sets June 18 deadline for states to report data, 94:A–18 (5/19/09)
– – Mich., 8 counties now meet national 8-hour air-quality standard, EPA says, 74:A–21 (4/21/09)

– Ozone-depleting substances

See CLIMATE CHANGE

– Particulate matter

– – EPA analysis of health and welfare impacts of exposure did not adequately explore pollutant's impact on climate change, agency's science advisers say, 87:A–1 (5/8/09)
– – Fine particles, counties and industries call EPA designations on nonattainment flawed (D.C. Cir.), 64:A–16 (4/7/09)
– – Nonmetallic minerals new or modified processing operations, EPA announces final rule that will tighten limits on particulate emissions, 75:A–2 (4/22/09)
– – Transportation projects, EPA proposing new tests to determine conformity with revised air quality standards, detailing when “hot spot” analyses needed, 92:A–22 (5/15/09)

– Reviewing federal air quality standards, EPA Adm'r Jackson reinstates staff paper portion of process, reversing portions of Bush admin. decision, 97:A–10 (5/22/09)
– Shipping

See SHIPS AND SHIPPING

– 6 out of 10 Americans live in areas that violate federal air quality standards, 50 percent more than year ago, American Lung Ass'n report, 80:A–10 (4/29/09)
– Sulfur dioxide, EPA extends comment period for draft risk and exposure report, 96:A–9 (5/21/09)

AIR TRANSPORTATION

– Airport and Airway Trust Fund, Rangel (D-NY) sets hearing on financial status, 82:G–8 (5/1/09); JCT background report, 84:TaxCore (5/5/09)
– Antitrust

– – Cargo price fixing, Cargolux Airlines, Nippon Cargo Airlines, and Asiana Airlines agree to plead guilty and pay $214M, 69:A–4 (4/14/09); Martinair Holland executive sentenced to prison for his participation in conspiracy to fix prices (D.D.C.), 81:A–16 (4/30/09); Asiana to pay $50M fine for fixing prices (D.D.C.), 87:A–9 (5/8/09)
– – European Union regulator launches 2 separate competition investigations into current and future cooperation agreements between U.S. and EU airlines, 74:A–4 (4/21/09)

– Auctioning takeoff and landing slots at 3 busy N.Y. City airports, DOT to end Bush era plan, 91:A–17 (5/14/09)
– British revenue agency updates guidance on air passenger duty, 93:I–3 (5/18/09)
– Crash of Colgan Air flight near Buffalo, N.Y., Senate Commerce Comm. asks DOT IG to examine whether inadequate pilot training and fatigue played role, 95:A–35 (5/20/09)
– Cuba, U.S. flights

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1089

– Economic outlook, industry will suffer temporary slowdown in 2009, but remains on path to extended growth, FAA says in forecast, 60:A–22 (4/1/09)
– Emissions, industry endorses initiatives to cut through air traffic management, 61:A–8 (4/2/09)
– Fuel tax hike

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 915

– Greenhouse gas emissions, airlines seek regulation in UN-sponsored talks, 65:A–6 (4/8/09)
– Hanger not included in aircraft equipment storage exemption (Tex. App.), 74:K–2 (4/21/09); decision text, 74:TaxCore (4/21/09)
– Ill., deal to privatize Chicago's Midway Airport collapses over recession-linked problems, 75:A–9 (4/22/09)
– Pinnacle Airlines agrees to pay $3M to settle income tax issues, SEC filing, 63:G–5 (4/6/09)
– Taxes, 6-month extension

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1512*

ALABAMA

– “Add-back” tax statute does not violate Commerce Clause (U.S., rev den), 79:K–1 (4/28/09)
– Limited liability companies, LLC members doing business in Ala. not personally liable for nonincome taxes owed, ALJ rules, 91:H–4 (5/14/09)
– Storms and flooding, IRS offers tax relief, 89:G–13 (5/12/09); news release, 89:TaxCore (5/12/09)

ALASKA

– Ethics case against Stevens (R-Alaska) dismissed, Atty. Gen. Holder cites misconduct by federal prosecutors, 61:A–2 (4/2/09); motion granted to dismiss, investigation ordered into conduct of DOJ attorneys (D.D.C.), 65:A–1 (4/8/09)
– Oil spills, Alaska and federal officials file separate civil complaints against BP Exploration in connection with 2 events on Prudhoe Bay in 2006 (D. Alaska) (Alaska Super. Ct.), 61:A–12 (4/2/09)
– Valdez tax on large vessels docking, Supreme Ct. justices focus on Constitution's tonnage clause (U.S., oral arg), 61:K–3 (4/2/09)

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

– Electronic tax payments, TTB outlines EFT procedure, 73:G–4 (4/20/09)
– Health care reform, tax increase among funding options Senate Finance Chrm. Baucus (D-Mont) presents, 94:GG–1 (5/19/09)
– Ind. statute requires consumers who want direct shipments of wine from any winery, whether in or out of state, to visit that winery (U.S., rev den), 94:A–4 (5/19/09)
– India's import taxes, EU broadens WTO complaint against Indian state taxes, 88:I–2 (5/11/09)
– TTB forms

See TAX FORMS

ALIENS

See also EXPATRIATES
– Comprehensive immigration overhaul in 2009, Obama remains committed to starting, aide says, 67:A–16 (4/10/09); major overhaul, including path to legalization for undocumented workers, would enhance economic recovery efforts and yield other benefits, speakers say, 69:A–18 (4/14/09); AFL-CIO and Change to Win labor federations unveil joint plan to push for comprehensive bill, 70:A–19 (4/15/09); no clear consensus exists about how to handle future flow of guestworkers or possible pathway to citizenship for illegal workers, speakers tell Senate Judiciary panel, 82:A–34 (5/1/09); DHS Sec'y Napolitano says priorities include enforcing immigration laws in “tough, smart and effective manner,” and improving E-Verify system, 86:A–23 (5/7/09)
– E-Verify program

– – Contractor rule postponed by federal government until June 30, 72:A–23 (4/17/09)
– – FY2010 budget, Obama admin. requests $55.1B for DHS, including $112M for E-Verify program, 87:B–9 (5/8/09)
– – Mandatory national employee verification process to eventually replace E-Verify

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2028

– Employment-based immigration levels, Migration Policy Institute suggests creating commission to assess labor market conditions, 91:A–35 (5/14/09)
– H-1B visa program

– – Cap not yet met for FY2010, with fewer applicants than previous years, DHS Citizenship and Immigration Services says, 66:A–29 (4/9/09); number of H-1B guestworkers admitted to U.S. during FY2008 declined by 11 percent, DHS figures show, 69:A–18 (4/14/09)
– – Fraud and abuse prevention

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 887

– H-2A farm guestworkers program

– – Entries jumped to 173,103 in FY2008, up 85,787 from prior year, DHS statistics show, 69:A–18 (4/14/09)
– – Final rule suspended for 9 months so DOL can re-evaluate, 101:A–26 (5/29/09)
– – Recruitment rules, DOL to extend employer transition period for compliance, 71:A–24 (4/16/09)

– H-2B visas, payroll taxes urged for businesses using, Economic Policy Inst., 72:G–5 (4/17/09)
– Hiring illegal immigrants, DHS issues new enforcement guidelines changing focus to more on criminal prosecution of businesses and less on workplace raids to pick up undocumented workers, 82:A–32 (5/1/09)
– Identity theft, to convict person of aggravated ID theft, federal prosecutors must show that defendant knew that means of identification belonged to another person (U.S., rvs and rem), 84:A–23 (5/5/09)
– Payroll taxes urged for businesses using H-2B visas, Economic Policy Inst., 72:G–5 (4/17/09)
– Statistics on foreign persons' U.S. income available, 75:G–8 (4/22/09)
– Taxpayer ID numbers, more controls needed to ensure proper use, TIGTA also recommends legislation to clarify eligibility for refundable child credits, 72:G–1 (4/17/09)
– Visa application, tax returns not reliable basis for determining employer's ability to hire (7th Cir.), 75:K–1 (4/22/09); decision text, 75:TaxCore (4/22/09)
– Worksite enforcement efforts to be focused on unscrupulous employers rather than on immigrant workers, DHS assistant secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) nominee Morton tells Senate panel, 76:A–39 (4/23/09)

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

– Biofuels

– – Biodiesel certified under ASTM D6751, IRS extends time for claims through Sept., 63:G–2 (4/6/09); Notice 2009-34, 63:TaxCore (4/6/09)
– – Ethanol

See Ethanol, this heading

– – Obama says he supports advanced biofuels, but that corn ethanol must remain viable, 101:A–17 (5/29/09)
– – Proposed standard, groups ask Obama admin. to release without delay with analysis of emissions resulting from land-use changes from biofuels production, 60:A–21 (4/1/09); Carper (D-Del) urges speed on rule to reduce industry uncertainty, 61:A–30 (4/2/09); Dems warn land-use changes resulting from biofuels production must be considered, 65:A–15 (4/8/09)
– – Renewable fuels, which biofuels qualify under Energy Independence and Security Act, OMB approves EPA proposed rule, 82:A–19 (5/1/09); EPA to announce proposed rule, 84:A–19 (5/5/09); EPA proposes rule to determine which biofuels qualify under renewable fuels standard, 85:AA–1 (5/6/09); House Agriculture Comm. Chrm. Peterson (D-Minn) opposes proposal, vows to withhold support for climate change bill, 86:A–28 (5/7/09)
– – UN report says large-scale commercial production of biofuels will have major impact on forests, 66:A–23 (4/9/09)

– “Black liquor,” Baucus (D-Mont) pledges to end tax credit for paper companies, 77:G–4 (4/24/09); administration's budget request proposes repeal of loophole, 89:GG–1 (5/12/09); U.S. trading partners urge Congress to close tax loophole, 97:G–6 (5/22/09); letter to congressional tax leaders from EU, Brazil, Canada, and Chile, 97:TaxCore (5/22/09)
– Coke, coke gas credit

See OIL AND GAS

– Credit extension, Dorgan (D-ND) and Voinovich (D-Ohio) unveil bill, 61:G–10 (4/2/09); further action, see LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 774
– Ethanol

– – Cal. adoption of low-carbon fuel standard will make it difficult to sell grain-based ethanol in state, Renewable Fuels Ass'n president says, 83:A–11 (5/4/09)
– – Content of motor fuels, EPA seeks comment on petition by producers to increase, 72:A–13 (4/17/09); EPA says gasoline containing 10 percent ethanol should remain available to serve older vehicles, 89:A–23 (5/12/09)
– – Greenhouse gas emissions, ethanol industry criticizes EPA before House Agriculture Comm. for analysis showing that use of corn ethanol yields small, if any, reduction, 97:A–13 (5/22/09)
– – Md. adopts new rules for cellulosic ethanol technology tax credit, 72:H–2 (4/17/09)
– – Obama says he supports advanced biofuels, but that corn ethanol must remain viable, 101:A–17 (5/29/09)
– – Repealing requirement for EPA to analyze carbon dioxide emissions arising indirectly from ethanol production

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2409, S 1148

– Natural gas vehicles

See MOTOR VEHICLES

– Pipeline construction loan guarantee program

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 828

– Synthetic fuels production facility in Ohio, Army Corps denies allegations that it ignored significant environmental impacts when it issued wetlands fill permit (N.D. Ohio), 60:A–29 (4/1/09)
– Va. producers' credit, tax commissioner clarifies eligibility for production of biodiesel, green diesel fuel, 66:H–1 (4/9/09)

ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX (AMT)

– Corporations, instructions to Form 4626 changed to reflect ARRA, 69:G–2 (4/14/09)
– Indexing AMT

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 722

– Relief, budget resolutions

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HConRes 85, SConRes 13

– 2008, 2009 tax years, IRS outlines changes online, 85:G–2 (5/6/09); report corrected, 87:G–6 (5/8/09); IRS notice, 87:TaxCore (5/8/09)

AMERICAN INDIANS

See NATIVE AMERICANS

AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA)

– Banking sector

– – Executive pay limits

See EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

– – Tax provisions in ARRA specific to financial institutions, Viewpoint, 64:J–1 (4/7/09)

– Broadband infrastructure

See INTERNET

– Brownfields redevelopment, Natl. Institute of Environmental Health Sciences offering funding to train workers to clean up sites, 71:A–25 (4/16/09)
– Build America Bond program

See BONDS, TAXABLE

– Business elections and credits, IRS offers guidance online, 83:G–1 (5/4/09)
– Buy America provisions

– – Broadband infrastructure, provisions could prove problematic, BNA Special Report, 97:C–1 (5/22/09)
– – Canadian Ambassador to U.S. Wilson says provisions run contrary to pledges of avoiding protectionism, 90:A–14 (5/13/09); Canadian Minister of Industry Clement to raise concerns in meetings with U.S. lawmakers and admin. officials, 96:A–16 (5/21/09)
– – Interim rules implementing published by DOD, GSA, and NASA, 60:A–23 (4/1/09); OMB to issue interim final guidance, 65:A–6 (4/8/09); OMB issues guidance, 76:A–5 (4/23/09)
– – Water projects, EPA waives provision to allow for refinancing of debt, 64:A–16 (4/7/09)

– Cal. governor appoints inspector general to oversee state's spending of estimated $50B, 67:EE–10 (4/10/09)
– Cancellation of debt income

See DEBT

– Cash assistance, tax credits, government launches recovery Web site to show where ARRA funds go, 94:G–1 (5/19/09)
– Civil works projects, Army Corps to release list of several thousand that will be funded from $4.6B allotment, 79:A–21 (4/28/09); majority of funding going to new projects, Army Corps official says, 81:A–23 (4/30/09)
– COBRA coverage

See HEALTH INSURANCE

– Community Development Financial Institution fund, payments expected to begin flowing by early June, Treasury says, 94:EE–9 (5/19/09)
– Customs and Border Protection Bureau to use $720M to modernize land port of entry facilities, 68:A–15 (4/13/09)
– Energy credits

See RENEWABLE ENERGY

– Energy projects

See ENERGY

– Environmental projects, EPA Adm'r Jackson outlines progress and challenges in distributing funds, 81:A–24 (4/30/09)
– Environmental reviews for stimulus projects, White House Council on Environmental Quality issues guidelines on how federal agencies can speed up, 84:A–19 (5/5/09)
– Federal agencies making progress in announcing programs and obligating funds, OMB official says, 62:EE–5 (4/3/09)
– Financial Management Service, initial payments flowing, Treasury says, 94:EE–9 (5/19/09)
– Flood control rehabilitation projects in 11 states, USDA to distribute $45M, Sec'y Vilsack says, 64:A–15 (4/7/09)
– Fraud and misuse of funds

– – DOJ Antitrust Division announces initiative “to help government agencies insulate procurement, grant, and program funding processes from collusion and fraud,” 90:A–9 (5/13/09)
– – EPA OIG to work with states and local governments to prevent, 75:A–8 (4/22/09)

– Green Building Council suggests ways state and local governments can use funds, 94:A–6 (5/19/09)
– Hazardous waste site cleanup

– – Leaking underground storage tanks (LUST), EPA to distribute $197M for cleanup, 66:A–24 (4/9/09); states and territories must submit quarterly performance reports under EPA plan, 97:A–11 (5/22/09)
– – Natl. Institute of Environmental Health Sciences offering stimulus funding to train workers, 71:A–25 (4/16/09)

– Health care

– – Community health centers, Sec'y Sebelius releases $81.7M to aid, 101:A–15 (5/29/09)
– – Comparative effectiveness research, federal panel hears public comments on how HHS should spend $400M, 71:A–11 (4/16/09)
– – Infections (HAIs), $50M provided for state activities to reduce, CDC says, 61:A–19 (4/2/09)
– – Information Technology Policy Comm., GAO announces appointment of 13 members to advisory body created by ARRA, 63:A–7 (4/6/09); IT funds may entice criminals, cybersecurity representatives say, 77:A–15 (4/24/09); CMS to propose rules financial incentives for adoption of electronic health records, 82:A–4 (5/1/09); states need strategic plan to take advantage of $19B financial incentives, speakers say, 82:A–7 (5/1/09); replacing paper medical records depends heavily on large Medicare and Medicaid payment incentives, 82:A–10 (5/1/09); stimulus program expands federal role in HIT implementation push, attorney says, 92:A–16 (5/15/09); timetable for HIT adoption may need adjustment, coordinator Blumenthal says, 93:A–9 (5/18/09); Office of Natl. Coordinator for HIT and CMS release implementation plans, indicate statutory mandate challenges, 94:A–19 (5/19/09)

– Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), some changes will increase enforcement and require changes to contracts, panel says, 67:A–9 (4/10/09)
– HHS OIG takes on new responsibilities in overseeing how well federal government spends $137B that Congress devoted to health care programs, 80:A–4 (4/29/09)
– High-speed rail

See RAILROADS

– Housing credit changes

See HOUSING

– Implementation, VP Biden cites progress in first quarterly report, 91:EE–4 (5/14/09); Obama marks 100 days of ARRA by releasing report on projects that have already been started, 100:EE–3 (5/28/09)
– Interior Sec'y Salazar approves $140M to fund 308 projects that fall under jurisdiction of U.S. Geological Survey, 68:A–3 (4/13/09)
– Invasive species management projects, more than $38M to be used, Agriculture Sec'y Vilsack says, 94:A–12 (5/19/09)
– Jobs created or retained as result of receipt of stimulus funds

– – Construction, Oberstar (D-Minn) says report to show creation of 100,000 new jobs, 96:A–8 (5/21/09)
– – Green jobs training, Labor Sec'y Solis announces $500M, 99:A–19 (5/27/09)
– – White House Council of Economic Advisers issues guidelines for estimating and reporting, 89:EE–9 (5/12/09)

– Lobbyists continue to express frustration over restrictions imposed by White House on lobbying for stimulus funding, despite new guidance from OMB, 71:A–2 (4/16/09)
– Making Work Pay credit

See EMPLOYMENT TAXES

– Medicaid funds

See MEDICAID

– Nanomaterials, Natl. Institute of Environmental Health Sciences offering funding for research on human health risks, 71:A–25 (4/16/09)
– NOL carrybacks, broader relief

See CORPORATE TAXES

– Nuclear waste, Energy Sec'y Chu announces $6B will be released to accelerate cleanup of former nuclear weapons development and test sites, 60:A–27 (4/1/09); DOE outlines plans to spend $1.961B at Hanford Site, 62:A–22 (4/3/09)
– Small business provisions

See SMALL BUSINESSES

– S.C. governor will accept discretionary portion of state's allotted funds, 63:A–8 (4/6/09); governor files suit against attorney general over using funds to pay debt, 97:EE–9 (5/22/09)
– State and local use of funds, OMB to issue updated guidance to clarify, 77:A–4 (4/24/09)
– Superfund cleanups, EPA announces release of $600M, 71:A–22 (4/16/09); Natl. Institute of Environmental Health Sciences offering funding for jobs researching ways to clean up sites, 71:A–25 (4/16/09)
– Tax provisions, Senate Finance Comm. posts summary, 96:G–6 (5/21/09); text, 96:TaxCore (5/21/09)
– Trade adjustment assistance program, Commerce Dep't Economic Development Admin. proposes rules to bring into compliance with ARRA, 84:A–23 (5/5/09)
– Transportation and other infrastructure projects costing less than expected, Obama says, 69:A–1 (4/14/09); report says government needs to rethink and improve how it funds and plans projects, 74:A–8 (4/21/09); DOT's competitive grant program expected to focus on ports and intermodal projects, Sec'y LaHood says, 81:A–7 (4/30/09); Cal. breaks ground on first ARRA-funded project to resurface I-80 near San Francisco, 83:A–8 (5/4/09); first contract awarded for construction of $8.7B Hudson River rail tunnel, 93:A–3 (5/18/09); competitive grant program to emphasize project's long-term benefits and job creation, advance filing says, 93:A–9 (5/18/09); states receiving more than $1B account for more than half of newly created or sustained infrastructure jobs, report finds, 98:A–17 (5/26/09); first 6 road projects awarded contracts in Ariz. produce cost savings of $3M, state DOT says, 98:A–19 (5/26/09)
– Unemployment programs

– – House panel hearing witnesses say provisions will help workers who need it most, 77:EE–17 (4/24/09); total of 389,294 workers in 13 states eligible for extended benefits if states pass laws to adopt provision, speakers say, 82:EE–1 (5/1/09)
– – Tax exclusion of benefits

See UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

– – Va. GOP-dominated House of Delegates rejects bill that would have made state eligible to receive all $187.5M in assistance funding, 69:EE–4 (4/14/09)

– Water quality projects

– – Drinking water systems to receive $2B, but most of that money not going to large metropolitan systems under regulations for state revolving funds, 74:A–22 (4/21/09)
– – EPA Adm'r Jackson outlines progress and challenges in distributing funds, 81:A–24 (4/30/09)
– – USDA to award $85M to state and local governments, 72:A–12 (4/17/09)

ANGOLA

– U.S. signs agreement to promote and diversify trade and investment, 95:A–9 (5/20/09)

ANTIDUMPING

– Chinese issues

See CHINA

– Citric acid and certain citrate salts from Canada, Commerce Dep't announces final affirmative determination in dumping investigation, 67:A–4 (4/10/09)
– Continuing Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (Byrd Amendment), EU to reduce amount of retaliatory duties applied to U.S. imports stemming from WTO dispute, 74:A–2 (4/21/09); EU reduces by half U.S. imports targeted for duties, 82:A–1 (5/1/09)
– Indian issues

See INDIA

– Low-enriched uranium from France, USEC and AREVA announce settlement of several pending appeals and admin. proceedings arising from Commerce Dep't antidumping order, 98:A–4 (5/26/09)
– Polyethylene retail carrier bags from Vietnam, Commerce Dep't initiates countervailing duty probe, 75:A–6 (4/22/09); ITC advances AD/CVD cases, 93:A–8 (5/18/09)
– Shrimp alliance in U.S. criticizes CBP's termination of enhanced bonding requirements on imports covered by antidumping or countervailing duty orders, 62:A–9 (4/3/09)
– WTO issues

See WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)

ANTITRUST

– Airlines

See AIR TRANSPORTATION

– Chemicals, BASF may proceed with $5.1B acquisition of Ciba Holdings, provided it divests to qualified buyer certain Ciba assets and intellectual property, FTC says, 62:A–10 (4/3/09)
– Competitive consequences of monopolization and aggressive conduct by dominant firms, Asst. Atty. Gen. Varney says Bush admin. report no longer represents policy of federal government, 89:A–11 (5/12/09)
– Computer industry

See COMPUTER INDUSTRY

– Credit card fees charged to banks and retailers, European Union antitrust regulator drops case after MasterCard agrees to significantly reduce, case against Visa continues, 61:A–4 (4/2/09); regulator issues competition complaint against Visa Europe, 64:A–7 (4/7/09)
– Drugs and pharmaceuticals, American Antitrust Institute urges FTC to examine potential effects of mergers of Pfizer-Wyeth and Merck-Schering-Plough on innovation, 69:A–4 (4/14/09)
– Enforcement, current economic crisis does not warrant reduction, Deputy Asst. Atty. Gen. Shapiro says, 94:EE–9 (5/19/09)
– Government contracts

See GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS AND CONTRACTORS

– Health insurance, proposed clinical integration program, which would include joint contracting by members of physician-hospital organization with health plans and self-insured employers will not trigger FTC challenge, 70:A–4 (4/15/09)
– Insurance, Conn. Atty. Gen. Blumenthal and Marsh & McLennan resolve their dispute over alleged collusion in steering business to certain insurers that caused increases in insurance rates (Conn. Super. Ct.), 86:A–7 (5/7/09)
– Newspaper industry representatives plead with congressional panel to pass legislation giving it additional exemption from antitrust laws and expedited merger reviews at DOJ, 75:A–12 (4/22/09)
– Rail common carriers application

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 233

– Real estate, Consolidated Multiple Listing Service would be required to allow low-priced and innovative brokers to compete with traditional brokers in Columbia, S.C., under terms of DOJ consent decree (D.S.C.), 84:A–14 (5/5/09)
– Retail merchandise prices for consumers, House Judiciary panel probes impact of Leegin case, 80:A–24 (4/29/09); Senate Judiciary panel considers retail prices and potential legislation, 95:A–31 (5/20/09)
– Software

See SOFTWARE

– Telecommunications, removal by nonprofit standard setting organization of wireless communications technology from SSO's list of approved standards not part of conspiracy violative of Sherman Act (U.S., rev den), 79:EE–12 (4/28/09)

APPAREL

See TEXTILES AND APPAREL

ARGENTINA

– Defaulting on external debts, including bonds, 2 class actions in shareholder litigation certified against government (S.D.N.Y.), 62:EE–7 (4/3/09)
– Exporters' refund requests, most originate in transactions that used tax havens, tax official says, 66:I–3 (4/9/09)
– Home appliances and consumer electronics, tax increase proposed, 79:I–5 (4/28/09)
– Tax evasion and capital flight, rulings ban stocks, bonds related to nations lacking tax treaties, 92:I–4 (5/15/09)

ARIZONA

– Copper mining expansion on federal lands as part of land swap

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 409

– Scholarship contributions, court erred in dismissing Establishment Clause challenge to tax credit (9th Cir.), 75:K–1 (4/22/09); decision text, 75:TaxCore (4/22/09)
– Stimulus funds, first 6 road projects awarded contracts in state produce cost savings of $3M, state DOT says, 98:A–19 (5/26/09)
– Tax amnesty program announced from May through June, 68:H–2 (4/13/09)
– Wetlands, development of planned community of 60,000 west of Phoenix blocked to allow for additional study of adverse impacts (9th Cir.), 81:A–21 (4/30/09)
– Withholding rate, legislature sends governor bill to decouple from federal tax law, 63:H–1 (4/6/09); bill signed, prevents revenue loss, 69:H–1 (4/14/09)

ARKANSAS

– Energy used in manufacturing, sales tax reduction enacted, 60:H–2 (4/1/09)
– Historic rehabilitation, tax credit against corporate income, insurance taxes enacted, 70:H–2 (4/15/09)
– Mississippi River delta, legislation expands, makes changes to state's geotourism tax credit, 61:H–2 (4/2/09)
– Motion pictures and digital productions, legislation creates tax credit, 86:H–2 (5/7/09)
– Storms and flooding in Apr., IRS provides tax relief, 82:G–1 (5/1/09); news release, 82:TaxCore (5/1/09); counties in disaster area, correction, 84:G–6 (5/5/09)

ARMED SERVICES

– Differential pay from employers subject to income withholding, but not FICA and FUTA, 72:G–1 (4/17/09); IRS Rev. Rul. 2009-11, 72:TaxCore (4/17/09)
– Home buyers' credit, extension

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2562

– Income tax exclusion

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1624

ARRA

See AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA)

ASIA

See also specific countries
– APEC forum, USTR Kirk and Japanese Trade Minister Nikai agree to work closely together to strengthen regional integration and promote economic recovery, 84:A–7 (5/5/09)
– Economic outlook, IMF economist warns recovery not assured, momentum very weak, 60:EE–16 (4/1/09); growth to slow sharply to 1.3 percent in 2009, with modest recovery in 2010, IMF predicts, 85:EE–3 (5/6/09)
– Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, USTR Kirk to meet with New Zealand Trade Minister Groser to discuss, 89:A–13 (5/12/09); Kirk says TPP would be baseline for U.S. negotiations in region, 95:A–17 (5/20/09)

ATTORNEYS

– Attorney-client privilege

– – Alleged breach by attorney to receive compensation from IRS, discovery requests allowed (S.D. Tex.), 88:K–1 (5/11/09); decision text, 88:TaxCore (5/11/09)
– – Auditor requests that do not conform with ABA's policy, benefit attorneys run risk of violating attorney-client or work-product privilege when commenting, panelists say, 100:EE–8 (5/28/09)
– – Broadcom ruling on privilege serves as warning to attorneys and prosecutors, observers say (C.D. Cal.), 70:K–2 (4/15/09)
– – Textron's in-house counsel, amicus brief supports work-products rights (1st Cir.), 78:K–5 (4/27/09); U.S. Chamber, Ass'n of Corporate Counsel brief, 78:TaxCore (4/27/09)

– Employee legal service plans

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1423, S 825

– Job growth in legal services outpaced that of law offices during 2002-2007 period, Census Bureau report, 100:A–16 (5/28/09)
– N.Y., revised ethics code for lawyers adopted by state courts system raises number of issues for corporate counsel in conducting in-house investigations, attorneys say, 88:A–15 (5/11/09)
– South Korea brings legal services market in line with global standards, country will recognize foreign legal consultants, 72:A–7 (4/17/09)
– Tex. limit on attorneys' fees in tax appraisal challenges upheld (Tex. App.), 90:K–1 (5/13/09); decision text, 90:TaxCore (5/13/09)

AUDITS, IRS

See TAX AUDITS

AUSTRALIA

– Beef treated with growth-promoting hormones, Australia seeks “urgent” talks with EU to ensure that agreement with U.S. does not disadvantage Australian producers, 96:A–8 (5/21/09)
– Budget provides $16.9B for infrastructure projects to aid economy, 91:EE–5 (5/14/09); changes to several tax breaks introduced, and deduction for small businesses increased, 91:I–2 (5/14/09)
– Climate change, plans for cap-and-trade scheme uncertain as opposition alliance urges delay, 99:A–6 (5/27/09)
– Consolidated groups, draft tax bill released, 81:I–1 (4/30/09)

AUSTRIA

– European Comm'n challenges law requiring Austrian “fiscal representative,” 93:I–3 (5/18/09)

AUTOMOBILES

See MOTOR VEHICLES

AZERBAIJAN

– Special economic zones, parliament passes bill with tax exemptions, 70:I–1 (4/15/09)
– Swine flu concerns, Agriculture Ministry bans imports of all meat products from North and South America, 80:A–2 (4/29/09)
– Value-added tax, Azerbaijan adopts VAT exemption, outlines planned reduction in tax on corporate profits, 85:I–1 (5/6/09)
– WTO accession, State Customs Comm. considers plan to replace current multilayer system of custom tariffs by 3-layer system, 66:A–5 (4/9/09); Azerbaijan says multilateral talks planned for June, 93:A–3 (5/18/09)

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