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Opinion
Count
on further debate on property tax reform
July
31, 2006
There
is no free lunch! At least that’s what someone said a long
time ago and nobody’s ever proved him wrong. Whoever said it,
of course, knew of what he spoke. Nothing, lunch or anything
else, comes without a cost. The same person may not always
pay, to be sure, but somebody is going to pay. That, as they
say, you can take to the bank.
It was logical, then, that
when the South Carolina Legislature started talking about
property tax reform to give homeowners a break on their taxes,
no matter what decision was finally made somebody was going to
pay.
There has been a push for changes in the property tax
system for some time. Unfortunately, when lawmakers take up an
issue there’s no telling what will happen.
OF
COURSE, THERE WAS A level of “reform” approved by
state lawmakers in their last session. As might be expected,
it immediately drew fire from a variety of directions. Many
homeowners were pleased. However, others were not. It should
have been clear to all that with such a divide among the
people of the Palmetto State the Legislature hadn’t seen the
last of the property tax debate.
Now, many business owners
say the “reform” was too much. They argue that it shifted too
much of the burden of paying for schools onto them. That cost
has been paid by property taxes.
SO, HOME
OWNERS BE PREPARED and forewarned. Now many in the
business community and some others want to change back. They
plan to push for a reversal when the Legislature gets back to
work.
Needless to say, some school districts, if not all,
are not happy with the changes. It appears, then, that the
property tax situation is far from settled, regardless of what
has been done.
So, taxpayers, don’t count on that property
tax break you thought you had. When a tax is concerned - any
tax - the lay of the land can change quickly ..... and
does.
Once again, though, be prepared. Nothing comes free.
Somebody is going to pay.
Who will it be next time?
Editorial expression in this feature represents
our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.
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