Additional Fees on Your Utility Bill Rob You Blind
The problem with this practice is that it undermines the important difference between a fee and a tax. Fees are payments in exchange for a quantitative public service while taxes cover the remaining immeasurable services that...
Reducing Compliance Burdens of the Tangible Personal Property Tax
The Utah Legislature made some substantial improvements to reduce the compliance burdens of the tangible personal property tax on small businesses.
Judge Rules Pleasant Grove Imposed an Illegal Tax
In late 2018, Libertas Institute organized a lawsuit against Pleasant Grove over its adoption of a transportation utility fee that was really a tax. Yesterday, Judge Jared Eldridge of the 4th District Court ruled against Pleasant...
SJR 9: A Supermajority Vote to Raise Taxes
This bill amends Utah's Constitution to require a 2/3 vote by Utah legislators if they wish to raise taxes.
SB 81: More Cash Rebates and Tax Credits for the Film Industry
This bill increases the cash rebates and tax incentives that can be given to film companies.
HB 176: Cash for Clunkers for Cleaner Air
This bill creates a "Cash for Clunkers" program in Utah, giving out taxpayer-funded checks of up to $5,500 to purchase a new vehicle.
Where has Utah’s Tax Reform Landed?
UPDATE: This article now reflects the final Senate Bill 2001, that was passed in special session on December 12, 2019. The following is a commentary on the tax reform proposal passed out by the Tax Restructuring and Equalization...
What is Going On with State Taxes?
We will leave discussions about your withholdings to your tax accountant, but we can try to help you understand what has been going on with state taxes in Utah.
SB 154: Nearly Tripling the Tax on Phones
The state currently charges a "fee" on all phones that is used to fund 911 systems. Senate Bill 154 being run by Senator Wayne Harper increases this "fee" from 9 cents to 25 cents, nearly tripling the tax.
SB 179: Improving the Truth in Taxation Process
This bill alters the Truth in Taxation process for property tax increases to ensure there is transparency and accountability.