A few weeks ago, we did a poll. The findings concluded that 70% of respondents are opposed to the current law. "The point of sale tax is opposed by an overwhelming majority of voters. There is little doubt about opposition to it,” said Paul Fallon, President of Fallon Research & Communications, an Ohio-based research firm that conducted the poll of 800 SC registered voters.
Forty two percent of respondents agree that improving the economy and attracting jobs should be top priority for our state leaders. "Voters see the point of sale tax as a flawed policy for a number of reasons, particularly in the context of a tough economy. Given the current voter emphasis on jobs, and the fact that this policy has hurt the local economy, it not surprising that a majority (53 percent) of respondents think this is convincing enough to eliminate the current point of sale tax,” added Fallon.
"A large majority of South Carolina's voters believe that the point of sale tax is unfair and that it is hurting our economy," said SCR CEO, Nick Kremydas. "Voters get it. They understand that the current point of sale tax is flawed. Because of the unfair point of sale tax, some companies have said they will not relocate or open new businesses in our state. In a tough economy, the last thing we need are taxes that eliminate jobs and prevent new businesses from opening in South Carolina.”
In a separate survey question, 53 percent of respondents believe the point of sale tax is unfair because it results in different tax rates for identical homes in the same neighborhood.
"Some people argue that this tax is needed and that it helps local governments. In fact, the point of sale tax is hurting the real estate market because it allows local governments to dramatically increase property taxes on homes, land and businesses when they are sold," Kremydas stated. “And clearly, a majority of voters are not comfortable with local governments spending funds collected from the tax any way they want.”
"This poll suggests that voters will have little tolerance for taxes and policies that have a direct financial consequence for them," said Paul Fallon. "The results leave no question that voters think the point of sale policy is a flawed one, especially with its potential to hurt the economy." Click here to view the key findings.
