Letter to the Editor

Continue Conversation on Sales Tax

Rep. Jan Malik (D-67, Barrington-Warren) has introduced legislation to eliminate the RI sales tax with a goal of, at least, starting a 'serious conversation'. It seems to be working.

When I introduced legislation to eliminate the Rhode Island sales tax, I indicated that I had one goal in mind – to start a serious conversation. Our sales tax is killing small businesses, especially those in border communities. How can Rhode Island continue to compete at 7 percent, with Massachusetts already lower than us and considering reducing its sales tax even farther? How can Rhode Island restaurants compete at 8 percent? They can’t. We need to find a way to fix this, and a serious discussion of our sales tax is a discussion we need to have now, before more small stores close their doors. Apparently, I have accomplished the goal of getting a discussion started. In a recent article in GoLocalProv, a number of organizations and …

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Malik, Bates Want to Cut Sales Tax

Barrington legislators Jan Malik and David Bates have introduced bills to eliminate or cut the sales tax.

Two of Barrington’s state legislators have introduced bills to do away with or lower Rhode Island’s sales tax. Rep. Jan Malik of Barrington and Warren and Sen. David Bates of Barrington, Bristol and Riverside are sponsors of legislation introduced in the House and Senate that would eliminate the 7 percent sales tax. Neither expects quick passage – the bill bills will be go down to defeat – but they introduced the legislation to get the conversation on taxes started. Malik, who owns a liquor store in Warren not far from the Massachusetts border, believes he and other Rhode Island business owners are at a competitive disadvantage with states with lower sales taxes – such as Massachusetts, 6.25 versus 7 percent in RI.  Liquor stores in …

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Sen Dave Bates

10:45 am on Friday, February 22, 2013

I would not raise either tax as an offset. I haven't looked at the website for awhile but I believe they think that additonal jobs and businesses would eventualy offset the loss. As I said I don't think a total elimination of the tax is possible but it sure has people talking including some of our collegues at the legislature   more ›

More Sales Taxes Taking Effect

Rhode Island adds sales tax to clothing over $250, transportation services, pet care.

Rhode Island tacks on more sales taxes starting today. The Rhode Island Division of Taxation sent out the following information last week and urged retailers and consumers to take note of the following changes to Rhode Island’s sales tax that take effect today, Oct. 1 “We’ve been working closely with retailers, accountants, business groups, and others to get the word out about these changes,” said Rhode Island Tax Administrator David M. Sullivan. “We’ve received a lot of cooperation, and we anticipate that the changes will be implemented smoothly.” The tax changes were included in a budget bill approved and enacted in June 2012. Their effective date was postponed until Oct. 1 to allow time for implementation, according to the taxation …

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