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Utah is in middle nationally with its sales-tax burden

Utah Is Heavy On Taxes | 1:54 p.m. Oct. 16, 2009

This story is misleading. Consider the total tax burden!

A report released by the Washington D.C.-based Tax Foundation and recently republished in the DN and SLT says Utah ranks 13th out of 50 in terms of overall tax burden, a status that some decry as sad testimony for such a conservative state.

And tax on food? Even California doesn't tax for food. How about simply taxing the folks more that are using the services the most. Larger families in Utah are getting the tax breaks and the smaller families, singles, and retirees are footing the majority of the bill.

veedub | 4:45 p.m. Oct. 16, 2009

This is mostly the legacy of Mike (never met a tax I didn't like) Leavitt. And you know, once politicians enact a new tax they'll never let go of it.

Anonymous | 5:15 p.m. Oct. 16, 2009

Yes consider the overall tax burden...

Washington has no State income tax... but high sales and property taxes ... so they make up for it in other ways.

The conclusion is no matter how you slice it we are ALL OVER TAXED !

Comments continue below

HAL | 5:42 p.m. Oct. 16, 2009

Utah is NOT heavy on taxes--State and local tax burden per capita ranks Utah 35th, and as a percentage of income 22nd (9.6%). Seems we are in the middle of the pack, and below by the mid-year update published by the tax foundation.

Hal i right | 7:51 p.m. Oct. 16, 2009

Some government is needed and we must pay for it. Utah is a well run state that pays for what it needs and tries not to over tax. Be positive and don't complain.

What the Hal? | 8:21 a.m. Oct. 17, 2009

What do you mean "SOME government"? We've got enough government and taxes for 10 states right here in Utah.
You work for the tax commission, right?

Taxing Food | 9:52 a.m. Oct. 17, 2009

Is WRONG!

L. G. KIRKPATRICK | 7:44 a.m. Oct. 18, 2009

Thanks for this article. I live in Florida, and we have a 7% state and local tax here. Reading of the higher sales tax rates in other states reminds me of the old Ray Stevens song, "If 10% is good enough for Jesus, it ought to be good enough for Uncle Sam . . . !"

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