Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Do you think the 7 percent is killing small businesses? Should Rhode Island remove the tax to encourage commerce?
Should Rhode Island eliminate its sales tax to keep small businesses competitive? At least one lawmaker says the answer to that question is yes. Saying it is “about time we had a dialogue on this,” Rep. Jan P. Malik (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren) has introduced legislation to eliminate the Rhode Island sales tax. The bill, 2013-H 5365, calls for the end of the sales tax effective Oct. 1 of this year. The bill provides that, as of that date, all regulations relating to the collection of sales tax and enforcement of collections will sunset and, further, that as of October 1, the local meals and beverage tax will also be eliminated. “Our sales tax is killing small businesses, especially those in border communities,” said Representative …
Monday, October 1, 2012
Rhode Island adds sales tax to clothing over $250, transportation services, pet care.
- BUSINESS
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Monday, October 1, 2012
Rhode Island tacks on more sales taxes starting today. The Rhode Island Division of Taxation is urging retailers and consumers to take note of the following changes to Rhode Island’s sales tax that take effect today, Oct. 1. “We’ve been working closely with retailers, accountants, business groups, and others to get the word out about these changes,” said Rhode Island Tax Administrator David M. Sullivan. “We’ve received a lot of cooperation, and we anticipate that the changes will be implemented smoothly.” The tax changes were included in a budget bill approved and enacted in June 2012. Their effective date was postponed until Oct. 1 to allow time for implementation, according to the taxation division. As a result of the changes, some …
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Citing a study, Senate President Theresa Paiva-Weed says travel and tourism represents five percent of Rhode Island’s gross domestic product and 9.2 percent of total employment.
- GOVERNMENT
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Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The following is a press release from the State Senate: The Rhode Island Senate Tuesday passed legislation to restore the sales tax exemption on scenic tour and transportation services. The bipartisan legislation, 2012-S-2049, is sponsored by Newport County’s delegation to the Senate: President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed and Senators Louis P. DiPalma, Christopher Scott Ottiano, David E. Bates and Walter S. Felag, Jr. The legislation was promised by the Newport delegation – President Paiva Weed and Senator DiPalma – in August following meetings during which members of the tourism industry expressed their concerns that the new tax placed them at a competitive disadvantage. The senators noted that the provision impacts one of the …
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Rep. John G. Edwards will introduce legislation tomorrow to reduce and broaden the state sales tax.
- GOVERNMENT
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Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Saying the time has come to make Rhode Island more competitive with neighboring states, Rep. John G. Edwards will introduce legislation Thursday to reduce and broaden the state sales tax. This is the third year in a row that Rep. Edwards has attempted to restructure Rhode Island’s sales tax. The bill calls for the reduction of the state sales tax from 7 percent to 3 percent, while broadening the tax to cover items exempt in Rhode Island, but taxed by neighboring states. Food, clothing and prescription medicines would be an exception. For example, collectible coins and florist supplies, which are presently taxed by Massachusetts and not Rhode Island, would be taxed under the proposal. “Our high tax rate continues to hurt Rhode Island …
Jim L
7:29 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
I believe the GA is planning to use the excess funds generated by new tolls to just pay their way out of outstanding debts instead of really addressing the problems more ›