(SC) Senate shoots down tax-free gun sales

[jpak]

http://www.thestate.com/2011/06/16/1861668/senate-shoots-down-tax-free-gun.html

The state Senate has shot down a proposal to continue sales tax-free gun sales over Thanksgiving weekend.

The proposal – dubbed the "Second Amendment Weekend" – has been included in the budget the past three years at the urging of state Rep. Mike Pitts, R-edit: moranLaurens.

State economists estimate the state loses about $250,000 in sales tax by exempting rifles, shotguns and some handguns from sales taxes during the three-day period. Accessories, ammunition, and antique and collectible guns were not exempted.

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"Is there really any great benefit ... that we want to give tax breaks to buy guns?" asked state Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Richland, arguing against the proposal. "There aren't a lot of hurdles for people to buy guns."

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[gejohnston]

1. I might have to agree with this one but

for different reasons. Florida has a sales tax free days for school supplies that saves me pennies but costs me in the long run when the state has to raise car registration fees to make up the difference.

[krispos42]

2. Good. There's no need for an exemption.

In fact, I'm against the sales tax in general. I'd rather replace most of them with an income tax, but the fact is that it should be uniform. Unless the people of South Carolina are required to own a gun for militia duty, buying a gun is just a business transaction.


And if they are required to buy one, it should be both sales tax-exempt and a tax deduction.

[ileus]

3. As much as I like the idea of tax free guns, this also robs from the DNR.

[Logical]

4. No need for tax free gun sales. I agree with this one. n-t

[lawodevolution]

5. So can we start a poll tax also. How about a 5th amendment fee?

[ManiacJoe]

6. If they want to go sales-tax free, guns safes are a good buy.