Taxing Fido and Kitty in Georgia Not Such a Good Idea

There's a lot of buzz in the world of our beloved pets as Georgia lawmakers discuss taxing pet owners if the pets are seen by veterinarians.  Medical products such as prescriptions for veterinary products are already taxed.

Georgia House Bill 385 Section 3-3 would add a tax for not only the services veterinarians provide like examinations, but also includes taxes on the labor costs of hair cuts, shoe repair, lawn care, home repair and other professional services.  Does it really make sense to pay a tax on renting a safety deposit box or a service contract for household appliances? 


Many veterinarians believe that taxing their services will not dramatically add to the bottom line for state revenues.  Instead, it has the potential of reducing pet care.  Many families are struggling to survive, and adding the projected 7-9% on to the costs of services could have a negative impact on not only veterinarians, but also to small business owners.

In reading the bill in its current state, it is interesting to note veterinarians' services are lumped in to services like watch or auto repair.  Should the well being of animals be in this bill?

Included in this bill is the beginning of overhauling the Georgia tax codes by reducing rates for individuals, and raising sales taxes. Read more about it and think how this bill will affect your bottom line. 



Read more about the bill:

http://blogs.ajc.com/bob-barr-blog/2011/03/02/georgia-gop-pushes-massive-service-tax-increase/?cxntfid=blogs_bob_barr_blog

Read the bill:

http://www1.legis.ga.gov/legis/2011_12/fulltext/hb385.htm

Read the bill and then urge your representative to oppose HB 385.  I just don't think its the right bill in its current form.