[A full list of services to be taxed under HB 979 is at the end of this post. I can think of a lot of Chatham Dems who would be affected. Why do I think enforcement would be difficult? And where’s the money to pay the bureaucrats needed to collect the taxes coming from?–karen]
Republican Tax Plan Undermines Education, Breaks Cities and Counties, and Increases Taxes on Working Families and the Elderly.“Democrats are not against tax reform. We have our own property tax cut plan but we cannot and will not support tax reform that undermines education, breaks cities and counties, and increases taxes on working families and the elderly in Georgia,” said House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter (D-Dublin). “The Republican Tax Plan puts 175 new taxes on Georgians – from grits to putting you in the grave. The Republican tax plan is not just a new tax on food but a laundry list of 175 new taxes that would include haircuts, auto parts, ATM fees, home improvements – all would be taxed under the Republican Tax Plan.”According to House Democratic Caucus Chairman Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus), “Right now, Georgia is entering tough economic times. Families are starting to feel the pain of the Republican recession. Republicans in Georgia have been poor stewards of your money, and the only answer they offer is to create 175 new taxes. And what are those taxes? If you go to the barber shop of the beauty shop, you will be taxed. If you go to a lawyer to have a will done, you will be taxed. If you take your car to the shop, you will be taxed. If you have a death in your family, the funeral services, the digging of their grave will be taxed. When you go to get your taxes done, you guessed it, you will be taxed.”"On behalf of my Democratic colleagues in the Senate, we’re pleased to stand here in solidarity with our friends in the House Democratic Caucus,” said Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown (D-Macon). “We Democrats outlawed taxing groceries nearly a decade ago, and we are not about to allow the Republicans to tax groceries now. The kitchen table should never be taxed.”
New Services Taxed Under Republican Tax Plan
The following services would be subject to state sales and use taxation effective on January 1, 2010.
Accounting Services-offices of certified public accountants- tax preparation services-other accounting services-real estate credit-all other non-depository credit intermediation-mortgage and non-mortgage loan brokers-financial transactions processing, reserve, and clearing-house activities-other activities related to credit intermediation-trust, fiduciary, and custody activitiesAutomotive Services-general automotive repair-automotive exhaust system repair-automotive transmission repair-other automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance-automotive body, paint, and interior repair and maintenance-automotive glass replacement shops-automotive oil change and lubrication shops-car washes-all other automotive repair and maintenance-general rental centersBeauty-barber shops-beauty salons-nail salonsComputer-wired telecommunications carriers-wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite)-satellite telecommunications-telecommunications resellers-all other telecommunications-data processing, hosting, and related services-libraries and archives- internet publishing and broadcasting and web search portals-custom consumer programming services-computer systems design services-other computer related servicesContracting Services-Residential modelers; poured concrete foundation and structure contractorsstructural steel and precast concrete contractors-framed contractors-masonry contractors-glass and glazing contractors-roofing contractors-sliding contractors-other foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors-electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors-plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors-other building equipment contractors-drywall and insulation contractors-painting and wall covering contractors-flooring contractors-tile and terrazzo contractors-finish carpentry contractors-other building finishing contractors- site preparation contractors- all other specialty trade contractors- used household and office goods movingDelivery-couriers and express delivery services
Entertainment-theater companies-dinner theaters-dance companies- musical groups and artists-other performing arts companies-sports teams and clubs-racetracks; other spectators sports-independent artists, writers, and performers-museums-historical sites-zoos-botanical gardens-nature parks and other similar institutions-amusement and theme parks-amusement arcades-bowling centers-all other amusement and recreation industries-RV (recreational vehicle) parks and campgrounds-recreation and vacation camps (except campgrounds)-caterers-mobile food services-photography studios-portrait-motion picture theaters-drive-in motion picture theaters-sound recording studios; other sound recording industriesInstallation and Repair Services-security systems services-locksmithsHome Repairs/Renovations-solid waste collection-hazardous waste collection-hazardous waste treatment and disposal-solid waste landfill-other non-hazardous waste treatment and disposal-remediation services-consumer electronics repair and maintenance-consumer and office machine repair and maintenance-communication equipment repair and maintenanceHome Services-architectural services-landscape architectural services-engineering services-drafting services-interior design services-graphic design services-other specialized design services-cable and other subscription programming-carpet and upholstery cleaning services; other services to buildings and dwellings-appliance repair and maintenance-reupholstery and furniture repair-other personal and household goods and maintenance-septic tank and related services-exterminating and pest control services-janitorial servicesLandscape Services-building inspection services-geophysical serving and mapping services-surveying and mapping services-testing laboratories-home and garden equipment repair and maintenance-landscaping servicesLaundry/Garments-coin operated laundries and dry-cleaners-dry-cleaning and laundry servicesLegal Services-offices of lawyers-title abstract and settlement offers-all other legal servicesMemberships-diet and weight reducing centers-golf courses and country clubs-marinas- fitness and recreational sports centersPersonal Services-personal care services-photo finishing laboratories (except one-hour)-one-hour photofinishing-translation and interpretation services-consumer electronics and appliance rental-formal wear and costume rental-video tape and disc rental-recreational goods rental-all other consumer goods rental-footwear and leather goods repair-telephone answering services-private mail centers-other business service centers (including copy shops)-travel agencies-tour operators-convention and visitors bureaus-other travel arrangements and reservation services-scenic and sightseeing for land/water/other-investigation services-all other professional, scientific, and technical services-document preparation servicesPets-pet care (except veterinary)-veterinary servicesReal Estate-offices of real estate agents and brokers;-offices of real estate appraisers;-other activities related to real estate- lessors of nonresidential buildings (except warehouses)Storage-local messengers and local delivery-general warehousing and storage-refrigerated warehousing and storage-other warehousing and storage-packing and crating-lessors of mini-warehouses and self-storage unitsNon Mandatory Tips for Service-taxi service-limousine serviceTransportation-passenger car rental-passenger car leasing-truck, utility trailer, and RV (residential vehicle) rental and leasing;-parking lots and garages-motor vehicle towingBanking Services-commercial banking-savings institutions-credit unions-credit card issuing-sales financing-consumer lending
Tags: 179 taxes · Georgia Democrats · HB 979 · Republican legislature · sales tax · services2 Comments
2 responses so far ↓
This is absolutely rrediculous! This is to make up for the roll back in property taxes that the Republicans want for their wealthy constituents.
I believe that generally property taxes don’t hurt the middle and lower class folks so much as we get so many exceptions, especially with Stephens-Day. Those who are griping the loudest are those with investment property or those with second homes. I feel their pain but this kind of change would inflict a lot more pain on those of us who are living on the property and in many cases just barely able to pay these high property taxes despite any exclusions.
Thanks for hearing me out.
Jan Elders
It would also destroy the tourism industry–which is nearly all services of one sort or another and which brings nearly $20 billion a year into the state.