As an advocacy group, they are often characterized as purely "anti-tax," primarily because of their work until the mid-1980s, Stephenson said. However, they are no longer strictly against taxes, but they have started to work, as much as possible, with school districts, local governments and state officials to raise taxes only when absolutely necessary.

Information is an important tool, and the group produces a bimonthly newsletter that includes opinion pieces from government officials and group members, updates on tax laws and articles about how tax dollars are used. They also release periodic reports about the state of Utah's taxes, such as the recent report on the property tax rates in the state when compared to other states. Overall, residential rates are quite low, while commerical and industrial property rates are much higher, the report showed.

The group tries to influence lawmakers through charts, reports and essays, Stephenson said, as opposed to the wining and dining employed by many lobbyists. They also work on a local level, fighting boutique taxes that fund recreation centers, open space or cable networks and tax increases for government buildings or programs they view as unneccessary. Often, they are successful simply because of their involvement, Stpehenson said.

They also have their tilting-at-windmill issues, some of which have very little chance of passing because of their price tag or political implications. For instance, Jerman has proposed to the task force that the tax exemption for primary residences be removed and the property taxes on businesses be lowered accordingly. The proposals have received only scattered, hesitant support from task force members, however.

Still, the group has made an impact on many proposals, from changes in the Truth in Taxation notices (which they would like to keep) to a change in how Utah-based companies pay their corporate income taxes. Even if they do not get all of their desired changes, Stephenson said, it still will have been a highly successful summer for them.

"There is a lot of good work being done," Stephenson said. "I'm confident that there will be significant changes proposed next year."

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E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com