| Volume 73 Number 12 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
In most cases, buying an extended warranty is a bad deal. Most stores try hard to sell you an extended warranty for almost anything. Why? To make a profit! Before buying an extended warranty do some research. Most products do not break down during the extended warranty period, and most repairs cost less than the warranty. Click here for more.
Amazon to Begin Charging Taxes in Texas
Since Amazon.com first open its online doors, consumers in Texas have been able to purchase goods from the site tax-free. Last year, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs sent Amazon officials a $269 million tax bill. In response, Amazon closed its Texas distribution center, eliminating a number of jobs along the way. Almost a year later, Texas and Amazon officials have come together on an agreement for Amazon to bring at least 2,500 jobs and $200 million in capital investment to the state. Additionally, Amazon must start collecting sales tax on July 1, 2012. No state can force an out-of-state merchant to collect taxes without a "nexus" in the state. How much of a presence is enough? Click here for more.
Nutella Consumer Class Action Settlement
As part of a class action settlement, consumers who purchased Nutella brand chocolate-hazelnut spread between January 2008 and February 2012 can get a cut of a $3 million payout. The settlement stems from a lawsuit over advertisements that suggested the product was healthy. The mother who represented the class was shocked to find that a serving of Nutella has the nutritional equivalent of a candy bar, containing 21 grams of sugar, 200 calories, and 11 grams of fat. Find out how to get your cut of the settlement. Click here for more.
Your Money
Planning to buy a new car? Use this calculator to determine if a rebate or a lower interest rate is the better deal for you! Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Debtor in bankruptcy cannot discharge award for loss of consortium. The Seventh Circuit held that a Chapter 7 debtor could not obtain a bankruptcy discharge of a $300,000 award for loss of consortium stemming from the attempted murder of his ex-wife. Click here for more.