One of the Republicans’ pillars to reducing housing costs – banning the rental tax – is now filed in the Legislature. Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, has made eliminating rental tax one of his priorities this session in order to address Arizona’s affordable housing “crisis.”
By Camryn Sanchez || Arizona Capitol Times
One of the Republicans’ pillars to reducing housing costs – banning the rental tax – is now filed in the Legislature. Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, has made eliminating rental tax one of his priorities this session in order to address Arizona’s affordable housing “crisis.”
One of the Republicans’ pillars to reducing housing costs – banning the rental tax – is now filed in the Legislature.
Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, has made eliminating rental tax one of his priorities this session in order to address Arizona’s affordable housing “crisis.”
Rep. Neal Carter, R-San Tan Valley, filed a bill in the House to achieve this and he has 20 other House Republicans signed on as co-sponsors.
Petersen argues that eliminating rental tax, food tax, occupational license fees and red tape on zoning are four concrete steps Arizona can take to fight inflation. He hopes to get more housing units built and drive prices of units back down to a reasonable rate. Petersen said he supports Carter’s bill “100 percent.”
Arizona doesn’t have a statewide rental tax, but it does allow municipalities to impose rental taxes. When a municipality changes the percentage of its rental tax, the landlord must give 30 days written notice to their tenants.
Carter’s bill would go into effect on Dec. 31, but it wouldn’t apply to health care facilities, hotels, motels or long-term care facilities.
Petersen argues that it is unfair to charge renters a tax for the place they live, but not charge a similar tax to homeowners.