Local Tax Reform
Key Points
- A community’s economic vitality starts with a principled tax structure that is fair, transparent and competitive relative to other communities.
Mainstream economists, small business owners and taxpayers across the country understand that growth-oriented reforms mean increased opportunity for all. As demonstrated by the annual Rich States, Poor States: American Legislative Exchange Council-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index, sound tax and fiscal policies are critical to economic health, allowing businesses and households to flourish.
A dynamic local economy starts with local governments having a principled tax code. As noted in the ACCE Principles of Taxation, local tax codes should be fair, transparent and economically neutral. Low, competitive tax rates on a broad tax base offer a level playing field to all. In this environment, more residents will benefit from greater economic growth.
As the research overwhelmingly shows, competitive tax and fiscal policies are vital to a community’s future. With the right set of policies in place, lower-tax communities can attract much-needed human and financial capital from higher-tax communities that penalize wealth creation.
Model Policies
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A Proclamation Recognizing Tax Freedom Day Final
Whereas, Tax Freedom Day is a significant date for taxpayers and lawmakers because it represents how long Americans as a whole have to work in order to pay the nation’s tax burden, and Whereas, Americans will collectively spend more on taxes in [Insert Current Year] than they will on food, …
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An Ordinance to Repeal [Insert Ordinance] Personal Property Tax Collection Final
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. [Insert number], passed on [Insert date], established personal property tax collection in [Insert Jurisdiction], and WHEREAS, the [Insert State] [insert state statute] has given [Insert Jurisdiction] the option not collect personal property taxes, and WHEREAS, personal property taxes make it impossible for businesses and citizens to own …
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ACCE Principles of Taxation Final
The fundamental principles presented here provide guidance for a neutral and effective tax system; one that raises needed revenue for core functions of government, while minimizing the burden on citizens. Simplicity – The tax code should be easy for the average citizen to understand, and it should minimize the cost …
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A Resolution to Establish a Local Taxpayer Bill of Rights for Residents of (INSERT JURISDICTION) Final
WHEREAS, this great nation is built on the solid foundation of government being of the people, by the people and for the people, and WHEREAS, it has become too commonplace for governments at all levels, to solve financial problems by creating new taxes and/or increasing existing taxes with little or …