Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The tax attack on credit cards of some parliamentarians

The Treasury, which decided to tackle the credit cards available to some parliamentarians, conducted sound adjustments, can climb up to 30,000 euros. Most group leaders of the Assemblies of countries are therefore in dispute with tax authorities, several newspapers reported on Saturday.
The tax question that all these expenses - meals, documentation, phone, etc.. - Are actually business expenses. Dozens of MPs are so concerned, according to the newspapers. For example, it claims nearly 20,000 euros to the former group leader at PS Walloon Parliament, Mauritius Bayenet, which has undergone several adjustments for using the credit card group. The Dinantais calls his good faith, as all elected officials involved: "When I had to meet the 34 deputies PS, I went to the restaurant and I paid with the card group." To avoid further trouble, Mr. Bayenet gave his card to the group in 2007. From the tax side, it is estimated that the group leaders are too greedy and that the lump-sum payments that they already receive to cover their costs should be sufficient. Elected officials have appealed to their lawyers to succeed, but the matter could be settled in parliament or by the Minister of Finance

The Fed tightens rules on credit cards

The Fed noted that the economy is recovering and reduced its purchases of mortgages
Projects Fed Bonus divide observers
"The dollar is the main funding currency for carry trades to the yen
The Federal Reserve yesterday proposed new rules on credit cards, putting into practice the hardening voted last May by the Congress. The new law prohibits banks from raising their rates within one year after the granting of a debit card. It also limits their ability to equip children under 21 years and charge fees.

Credit cards: Canadians more indebted than 60%

Canadians increasingly difficult to repay their debts on their credit cards, according to rating agency.
According to an agency report, the amount of consumer debt the country has jumped 60% in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year. The rate of failure - accounts that are delinquent for more than 30 days - it rose 23% during the same period.
Direct consequence of this increase in debt, lenders canceled 4.8% of the debts listed in their books, what constitutes a record. Last year they did the same thing with 3.07% of these debts.
This figure could rise during the coming months. The agency said the rising unemployment rate will take up the radiation levels of bad debts. In August, the unemployment rate was 8.7% and could climb to 9.6% in the second quarter of 2010.
However, the number of defaults has fallen by 2.9% over the first quarter of the year.

Barclays: buys credit cards Citi Portugal.

Barclays confirms rumors Press last week. The British bank announced this afternoon the acquisition of credit card from American Citibank Portugal, for an undisclosed amount. The record should be completed before the end of the year.

Barclays said that the portfolio Portuguese Citi has 400,000 credit cards and accounts associated with gross assets of around 644 million euros. The British bank will also include employees of Citi.
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Fraud credit card: Caution!

More and more people use credit cards like Visa or Mastercard to pay for their purchases or pay at the restaurant. The risk of fraud is present, however. How to minimize risk? Do not ever call or write your PIN. Beware of "phishing", which is to contact you, supposedly in the name of your bank, by mail or telephone to get the code. On vacation, keep your cards in your pocket, do not leave the hotel or in the car. Call your code out of sight and protect the keypad of your hand, keep a safe distance with people behind you. When in doubt, change your code. Report any irregularities to your bank account or summary of your credit card.