Georgia Tax Bill HB 386 Flawed

The Georgia Legislature is "ramming" this tax bill through this week even though few have read it. It is BAD for Georgians and INCREASES our taxes (despite what they tell you.) Here is an AJC article http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-government/fast-moving-tax-overhaul-1390651.html

The following is a letter sent by Tea Party Leaders and members. This vote may be today March 20, 2012.

If you wish to join us, copy and paste the letter below (Please include your name and phone number in the closing.)

Dear Honorable Legislator:

Please kill the HB 386 Tax Bill. It is wrong to try to force a tax bill through this session which few have had time to read or analyze. This bill represents a tax INCREASE. The following are items that we feel are wrong with this bill.

(1) The new proposed HB 386 Tax Bill creates a $53 million shortfall, causing deficits in our county and local governments. We, the taxpayers, will then be on the hook for more tax increases at the local level.

(2) In considering the alternative to the “birthday tax” for car tags, people who are abusing the personal car sales would not slip through the cracks if you would allow no more than three (3) vehicles per year per household. More than three (3) vehicles should be considered a dealership and treated accordingly. There should not be an additional tax on used cars. Taxes were paid originally when the car was new. Consumers should not be taxed again. A fee is a tax!

(3) Putting a cap on retirement investments is not enough. Retirees should not be paying any taxes on their hard-earned retirement savings. They have already been taxed.

(4) Applying an internet sales tax for out-of-state sales is a tax increase. This is picking market winners and losers. The free markets should decide the success of companies. The consumers should be allowed to choose what they buy and where they buy it. Take “use” out of the sales tax when someone buys something out-of-state. This stipulation is breaking Federal law. The State cannot force people to pay sales taxes for out-of-state purchases if a company does not have a physical presence in the State.

(5) Also picking “winners and losers” in manufacturing, airlines, and construction equipment with special “payback” to telecoms for collecting sales taxes is just plain wrong. This goes against the free markets.

In summary, Georgians are suffering during this very difficult economy. We cannot afford more taxes. If you want to attract businesses, please do so without hurting Georgians. You might consider tax incentives for companies who are hiring. Give them some tax breaks for that! Please kill this bill.

Comment:
We need a “clean” bill with tax breaks for all manufacturing operations, but we don’t need the rest of the changes this Bill would produce.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA tea Party Leader