Friday, March 31, 2017

CA - SB 640 by Hertzberg: $123 BILLION Tax Increase—NOT a Typo

OFF THE WIRE
Read the bill, research it and understand just how much this is going to affect not only the cost of living, but the quality of life here in CA. Services that are currently non-taxable will be subject to $123 Billion of new taxes EVERY year. To put it in perspective, that's approx. $3700 of additional tax burden on top of what we already pay each year for every man, woman and child in the state. Don't think for a moment that all this new tax revenue will go to infrastructure. CA politicians have been redirecting our hard earned dollars to pet projects, welfare, state employee pensions and other programs that we have no say in for years while our infrastructure continued to erode year after year, regardless of who has been in office or which political party was in the majority.
To quote Stephen Frank, author of the article...
"If I wanted one bill to kill off what is left of California, I would support SB 640."
So, for those who are not currently able to move out of CA for one reason or another, what are you willing and able to do about this?
SILENCE IS CONSENT
TAXATION IS THEFT

By Stephen Frank
SB 640 by Hertzberg would force you to pay a sales tax on your divorce proceedings, shoe repair, tax preparation by a CPA.  In total, Hertzberg—claiming to be a moderate Democrat, wants to raise $123 Billion in NEW taxes every year.  Imagine if he was a liberal, this bill more than doubles the tax burden on Californians and upon passage throws the State into a Depression, bypassing a recession.  See bill here. 
“The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) released an estimate today indicating that California’s state and local governments may receive approximately $122.6 billion in new revenue if tax was collected on services that are currently non-taxable. Of that amount, $60.9 billion could go to the state, with $61.7 billion for city, county, and other local government entities. The estimate assumes a statewide average sales tax rate of 8.42 percent.
Currently, sales tax generally only applies to the retail sale of tangible personal property, such as a bicycle. Most services are not taxed, except for required services related to the retail sale of tangible personal property, such as assembly charges associated with the retail sale of a bicycle.”
For people in Los Angeles where the tax is almost 10%, only the poor and illegal aliens will remain—most of the middle class and rich will leave as quickly as possible.  If I wanted one bill to kill off what is left of California, I would support SB 640.  Note the media has given this NO publicity.

BOE Estimates Tax on Services May Generate $122.6 Billion for California

California Board of Equalization,  4/14/15

Sacramento –The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) released an estimate today indicating that California’s state and local governments may receive approximately $122.6 billion in new revenue if tax was collected on services that are currently non-taxable. Of that amount, $60.9 billion could go to the state, with $61.7 billion for city, county, and other local government entities. The estimate assumes a statewide average sales tax rate of 8.42 percent.
Currently, sales tax generally only applies to the retail sale of tangible personal property, such as a bicycle. Most services are not taxed, except for required services related to the retail sale of tangible personal property, such as assembly charges associated with the retail sale of a bicycle.
The BOE’s Research and Statistics Section produced this estimate at the request of the California State Senate Governance and Finance Committee. The BOE’s Chief Economist and research staff studied 15 categories of service industries, including health care, agriculture, construction, real estate, finance, transportation and warehousing, and various professional services, such as attorneys, accountants, hairstylists, car washes, and auto and shoe repair. Researchers identified the components within each industry that are currently subject to sales tax, and excluded most of them from this estimate. This estimate took about four months to complete.
“Eliminating income tax is impractical, and inconsistent with our economic structure.  However, it is wise to strike a taxation balance with the goal of stimulating job creation, capitalizing on innovation, and helping Californians compete with the rest of the world—without destroying our environment,” said Chairman Jerome E. Horton, State Board of Equalization, Third District.  “Without this balance, the adverse effects may push people and businesses out of California.”
“That last thing overtaxed Californians need is another tax—in fact, these numbers are dangerous in the wrong hands,” said Vice Chair George Runner. “A broader reliance on sales tax would only make sense if it allowed us to eliminate California’s onerous income tax. My hope is this report will stimulate much-needed conversation on how we can make taxes simpler for all Californians and attract more jobs and investment to our state.”
“Tax reform should be an incentive, not a covert word for job killer,” said Board Member Diane L. Harkey. “The best tax reform is job growth which would create more taxpayers, more revenue to the state, and a boost for California’s job seekers and creators.”
The revenue estimate, a fact sheet, and a spreadsheet with additional data, are available online. Visit OPEN BOE to find other publicly available BOE data.
The five-member California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects $60.5 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes. For more information on other taxes and fees, visit the California Tax Service Center.

Note: This news release may discuss complex tax laws and concepts. It may not address every situation, and is not considered written advice under Revenue and Taxation Code section 6596. Changes in law or regulations may have occurred since the time this news release was written. If there is a conflict between the text of this news release and the law, decisions will be based upon the law and not this news release. For specific help, please contact the BOE at 1-800-400-7115.