Tax task force mulls 'right-size government'

Tuesday's meeting was the second so far for the task force, which is supposed to be ready to make recommendations for income, sales, property and other taxes in time for the 2006 Legislature.

On May 26, the committee is scheduled to hear a review of the tax restructuring plan proposed by former Gov. Olene Walker shortly before she left office. Walker's plan called for the elimination of income taxes on corporations and a flat income tax rate for individuals.

Other changes she said should be made included extending sales taxes to services, including health care, to broaden the tax base. Huntsman, who was elected last November, has endorsed only part of Walker's plan.

He unsuccessfully attempted to get lawmakers to agree last session to phasing out corporate income taxes. That will now be studied by a task force subcommittee on income taxes.

The three other subcommittees created by the task force will handle sales and use taxes, property taxes and redevelopment agencies along with other taxes. The task force itself is expected to meet at least twice monthly.

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