Being bored on the plane the other day I started reading “People” magazine.  It was shocking to read about all the people breaking up.  Katy Perry and Russell Brand after just 8 short months!  I didn’t see that coming.  Even Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have broken up!  Turns out there are lots of high profile celebs breaking up, and for many it’s not their first time! 

When I arrived home I found out that Thomson Reuters is breaking up with its ONESOURCE Property Tax unit.  It’s the second breakup for that unit in just under 5 years (you might recall that they used to have a relationship with Deloitte Tax).  So, Katy Perry, Ashton Kutcher and the ONESOURCE Property Tax are back on the market once again looking for that lasting relationship.

It’s got to be hard to be back on the market.  After all, don’t we all wish for relationships that are stable and long-term?  So, Katy, Ashton, ONESOURCE PT, here are some helpful websites you might consider checking out before your next relationship:

·         Chemistry.com where you can “find chemistry now”

·         Relationshipsaver.org to learn how to “save your relationship even if your partner is unwilling”

·         CatchHimandKeepHim.com to find all the “hidden reasons of how to have him begging you for forever in a committed relationship”

In fact, you might want to consider expanding your web research to some of the many dating sites (1 in 5 relationships begin online).  Good luck to you.  They say third time’s a charm, but then again there’s Elizabeth Taylor.

In a recent article by U.S. News & World Report, property tax was labeled as the most hated tax in America.  Not that I would expect anyone to love property taxes, or any other tax for that matter, but "most hated"???  More hated than income taxes, sales taxes, hospitality taxes?  What's more, the Tea Party is speaking out against property taxes in several states, pushing for them to be abolished.

So what's not to love about property taxes?  Is it the fact that total property tax collections have risen every year since the Great Depression?  Or, the fact that property taxes have almost doubled in the last 10 years, from $250 billion to almost $470 billion?  Or maybe because for many taxpayers, property taxes haven't dropped even though values have plummeted?  Is it the perception of being punished for improving your property?  Perhaps a general frustration caused by the perception that while property taxes have increased, overall services haven't?

 Why do you think property taxes are the "most hated" tax in America?

Why can property tax management be so difficult?  According to CFO magazine, “Property tax is one of the biggest tax expenses – and the hardest to manage”.  So what gives?  Check out the latest PropTax Minute for insights on this question.      http://bit.ly/sL5pPP   

Why can property tax management be so difficult?  According to CFO magazine, “Property tax is one of the biggest tax expenses – and the hardest to manage”.  So what gives?  Check out the latest PropTax Minute for insights on this question.

When we think of a core competency we generally think of a fundamental knowledge, ability, or expertise in a specific area.  They are particular strengths relative to other organizations.  Simply stated, your company's core competencies are the things that you do better than your competitors.  They are things that your company should continue doing.  Are property taxes a core competency for your company?  This topic is explored in the latest edition of the “PropTax Minute”....   http://www.youtube.com/user/proptaxmin?blend=16&ob=5#p/u/6/4Ftee3XeFqo