Mississippi Tax Study Commission Should Consider Bold Steps

The Mississippi Tax Study Commission will soon vote on recommendations for improving the state’s tax system. The best tax system is one with low rates on a broad base, treating all taxpayers equally while minimizing economic distortions. When I testified before the Commission, I expressed the hope that it will work toward such a tax system, which would make Mississippi a more powerful economic performer.

Repealing corporate franchise and inventory taxes would attract more investment, while reducing a hefty cost borne by even unprofitable businesses. Businesses could then make decisions on economic factors, not tax liability concerns. Repeal would eliminate these distortions without the complexity of more tax credits.

Eliminating Mississippi’s sales taxes on machinery would improve the state’s business tax climate. Only 14 other states have this tax, and businesses are known to avoid states with it. Such taxes on business inputs are hidden taxes, since they are passed on to consumers in the price of goods.

The Commission should also be careful about urging increased cigarette taxes. The poor bear a disproportionate share of such “sin” taxes, and they inequitably shift the burden of paying for government to a small group of people. Hefty taxes designed to reduce an activity should also not be relied on for revenue.

I commend Governor Barbour and the Commission for taking a comprehensive look at Mississippi’s tax system. I hope that the Commission considers proposals that can provide Magnolia State residents with a simple, neutral, transparent, and stable tax system.

Previous Reports and Blog Posts on Mississippi:

• Economic Growth Requires Bold Steps: Mississippi Should Consider Tax Reform Recommendations, by Joseph Henchman, July 18, 2008
• MS Raises Hotel Tax, Exempts Legislators, by Joseph Henchman, April 15, 2008
• Tax Foundation Helps Advance Mississippi Tax Reform, by Joseph Henchman, April 4, 2008
• Mississippi Tax Study Commission Recap, by Tonya Barr, April 3, 2008
• An Opportunity to Improve Mississippi’s Tax Climate, by Joseph Henchman and Tonya Barr, April 3, 2008
• Peavey Peeved in Mississippi?, by Tonya Barr, March 21, 2008