Contractors excise tax in South Dakota is expected to produce about $72 million dollars in fiscal year 2013. That is a lot of tax.
Governor Dennis Daugaard proposed to take 25% of those taxes and give it to big companies. That was his administration’s version of economic development. South Dakota voters didn’t think it was a very good idea to tax small businesses and give the money to BIG businesses.
A better idea would be to eliminate the tax altogether.
If the Governor believes the state could live without 25% of the tax collected from small contractors across the state, why not start by eliminating 25% of the tax in 2013. Then, reduce the remaining 75% by 25% each year so it would be eliminated by 2016?
Putting an additional $72 Million dollars in the hands of small businesses in South Dakota would produce REAL economic benefit. Consumers would benefit from increased job opportunities and businesses would benefit from increased sales because of more affordable products and services. State government would also benefit through increased sales tax revenue.
Who knows… maybe this kind of economic development could produce enough extra revenue that state government could begin reducing SALES TAX rates as well.
It’s time to focus on LOWER TAXES and LESS GOVERNMENT, which would produce prosperity for taxpayers.
Tell your state Legislator and your Governor it’s time to ELIMINATE the contractors excise tax.
***Gordon Howie is a nationally syndicated author, host of Liberty Today TV and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***
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HI Gordon, I will differ with you on this one. I have been a small licensed contractor, I’m a real estate investor and property manager as well as owning a book publishing company. The 6% sales tax is a none issue with small business. The costs are passed on. The cost is not a business expense. The extra 6% has never deterred a sale. On the other hand a few extra dollars to get a big business to locate in the community would be well worth it. Take for example here in Huron with the Turkey plant. A few thousand people with jobs were added to the community. All rental units became full. Rentable low cost homes were in high demand by investors who could now afford to make construction improvements. The value of nicer homes also went up with more demand. Several local businesses added on or moved into the area with new construction. New apartments were also built. Construction and retail are not movers of the economy but are economic indicators of how well the economy is doing. Big business is the economic tide that raises everyone’s boat.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Perhaps someday we can have an extended conversation ove coffee. Larger businesses certainly contribute to our economy, but small businesses are the backbone of our state & national economy. Thanks again for your comments on the subject.