State of Idaho Archives: on Tax Reform
Brad Little:
Lift tax burden for everyone
Taxes need to be fair, simple, competitive and predictable. As Governor, I will look for ways to lower the tax burden on Idahoans so that economic prosperity can continue in every community across Idaho.
We need the lightest possible hand of government in the day to day lives of our citizens and businesses.
Source: 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial website BradLittleForIdaho.com
Sep 1, 2017
Brad Little:
Inform taxpayers to increase state income tax withholdings
Last year, we delivered one of the largest tax cuts in state history. As a result, state income and business tax rates are the lowest since 1934. Idahoans are enjoying bigger paychecks.Even though sales tax and corporate tax revenues have been
robust, our personal income tax receipts are falling short. The federal tax code changed recently, but few Idahoans know they need to update their tax withholdings. I am ordering the Tax Commission to do all they can to better inform taxpayers of what
they need to do to avoid a surprise income tax bill.
My team is following this issue closely, confident revenues will eventually match the rapid pace of economic growth. Though we are confident, in true Idaho fashion, we will not spend money until
it's in the bank.
My budget recommendation will balance our books and fulfill important promises. Additionally, any new tax exemption should be tied to a proportional reduction in state spending or real income generation.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Idaho legislature
Jan 7, 2019
Brad Little:
Budget proposes $35 million in grocery tax relief
One of the staples of conservative governing is to put money back into taxpayers' pockets. I have long supported tax relief for Idahoans on the most basic of needs--groceries.
My budget leverages $35 million from the dedicated Tax Relief Fund to provide Idaho families with grocery tax relief without competing against our General Fund priorities.
Source: 2020 Idaho State of the State address
Jan 6, 2020
Brad Little:
Proposes the single largest tax cuts in Idaho history
My plan is called "Building Idaho's Future." I am proposing more than $450 million in tax relief. This would be among the single largest tax cuts in Idaho history! To get there, I'm proposing $295 million in one-time tax relief and
$160 million in permanent tax cuts to boost Idahoans' prosperity while keeping our tax rates competitive and our business climate vibrant. Curbing government spending and returning taxpayer dollars should be the perpetual mission of public servants.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
Brad Little:
Already cut $1 billion in taxes, relief for Bidenflation
Together, we have given back nearly $1 billion to Idahoans through income tax relief, property tax relief, and relief from unemployment taxes on Idaho businesses. And today, I am proposing we double down on our efforts. I propose we return more than
$1 billion in income tax relief to Idaho taxpayers over the next five years! With Bidenflation exploding, let's immediately pass $600 million in income tax relief that we can get back into the wallets of all Idahoans this spring!
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 10, 2022
Brad Little:
Enacted $2.5B in tax relief to help offset Bidenflation
Since I took office close to four years ago, Idahoans have benefited from $1 billion in tax relief, and the Idaho Legislature and I worked together this year to pass an additional $1.5 billion in tax relief measures going forward as part of my 'Leading
Idaho' plan. And, with another year of budget surplus before us, Idahoans can expect we will turn back even more of their hard-earned money to help offset the burden of Bidenflation.
Source: KMVT on 2022 Idaho Gubernatorial race
Jul 13, 2022
Butch Otter:
Reduce tax burden; lower rates for individuals & businesses
I encourage you to seriously consider legislation being introduced by Representative Marv Hagedorn. His bill would equalize and then gradually reduce our marginal State income tax rates for individuals and businesses over ten years, starting in 2013.
But whether it's that bill or an alternative, we need a long-term plan for reducing the tax burden on our citizens. That will go a long way toward providing a competitive advantage for Idahoans, stimulating economic growth and expanding our tax base.
Source: Idaho 2011 State of the State and Budget Address
Jan 10, 2011
Butch Otter:
Lower the marginal tax rate for highest income
Legislative Summary:- Prior to proposed bill: Individuals' tax and tax on estates and trusts: on income over $7,500 but less than $20,000, the tax rate is 7.4%; on income over $20,000, the tax rate is 7.8%
-
Under proposed bill: the tax bracket is removed for income over $20,000, the tax rate is 7.4%
- Prior to proposed bill: tax on corporate income is 7.6%
- Under proposed bill: tax on corporate income is 7.4%
OnTheIssues Interpretation:
By removing the top tax bracket on individual income, this bill reduces the income tax from 7.8% to 7.4% for the highest income earners. Under this bill, that 7.4% personal tax rate will match the 7.4% corporate tax rate.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-7-0 on March 29; passed House 49-20-1 on March 1; signed by Gov. Otter on April 5.
Source: Idaho legislative voting records: H.563
Apr 5, 2012
Dirk Kempthorne:
Return $140M of surplus to taxpayers
We have created a positive atmosphere that has generated a surplus. My budget package recognizes where this money came from in the first place. And that’s the hard-working Idahoans who pay taxes. Therefore, I will recommend tax relief in the amount
of $140 million. A portion of that is permanent. A portion of that is one-time. And just as we did this year, if the surplus continues, we can continue to provide significant tax relief next year. In that $140 million, the categories of tax relief
will be individual income tax, corporate tax, investment tax credit enhancements and broadband connectivity geared toward our rural areas. There will be an increase for senior citizens in the grocery tax credit, and I am recommending
that for young families that the childcare tax deduction become a tax credit, and an increase in the allowance on elderly dependent care. We will have for the first time research and development tax credits. It is a well-rounded, inclusive program.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
Ed Humphreys:
Abolish Idaho income tax
Taxpayers may be surprised to learn that for the average Idahoan earning $50,000 a year, Idaho's state income tax is higher than 39 other states.
Ed has a plan to abolish the state income tax without disruption to essential services.
A Taxpayer's Bill of Rights forces the government to put every proposed state tax increase to the voters for their approval. Ed believes a Taxpayer's Bill of Rights will rein in the growing size
and cost of government and put more power back into the hands of the people by reducing the number of elections in a year and eliminating the tax increases passed in sneaky low voter-turnout elections.
Source: 2021 ID Gubernatorial campaign website EdForIdaho.com
Oct 4, 2021
Janice McGeachin:
I have consistently fought against raising your tax burden
I have consistently fought against raising your tax burden, because we don't have a tax problem in Idaho--we have a spending problem. As a member of JFAC, I sponsored a spending limitation on local government and worked to keep spending in line
with the growth of the economy. [JFAC: Members of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee meet as the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.]
Source: 2021 ID Senate campaign website JaniceForIdaho.com
Aug 25, 2021
Janice McGeachin:
Lower the marginal tax rate for highest income
Legislative Summary: - Prior to proposed bill: Individuals' tax and tax on estates and trusts: on income over $7,500 but less than $20,000, the tax rate is 7.4%; on income over $20,000, the tax rate is 7.8%
- Under proposed bill:
the tax bracket is removed for income over $20,000, the tax rate is 7.4%
- Prior to proposed bill: tax on corporate income is 7.6%
- Under proposed bill: tax on corporate income is 7.4%
OnTheIssues Interpretation:By removing the
top tax bracket on individual income, this bill reduces the income tax from 7.8% to 7.4% for the highest income earners. Under this bill, that 7.4% personal tax rate will match the 7.4% corporate tax rate.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 28-7-0 on March 29; Rep. McGeachin voted YEA; passed House 49-20-1 on March 1; signed by Gov. Otter on April 5.
Source: Idaho Legislative voting records on H563
Mar 1, 2012
Jerry Brady:
Remove tax breaks for media
Brady, a newspaper publisher & media company president, said he would eliminate laws that exempt sales tax from being paid on broadcast & publishing equipment. The sales tax breaks "have no utility except to make life easier for my company," said Brady,
who owns the Post Register newspaper and KIFI-TV in Idaho Falls. "Why should I be singled out to receive those special favors that no one else is receiving?" The purchases would generate about $1.9 million for the state if the exemptions were removed.
Source: Idaho Statesman "Brady Favors Ending Media Exemption"
Oct 8, 2002
Jim Risch:
Earned nickname "taxpayers friend" by fighting tax increases
As governor I called a special session of the legislature to put a stop to skyrocketing property tax increases. After years of effectively fighting tax increases in the state senate I have earned a name I am proud of "the taxpayers friend."
Source: 2008 Senate campaign website, www.Risch4Idaho.com, "Issues"
May 2, 2008
Jim Risch:
I'll drop out if I got $53,000 in undisclosed tax relief
Jim Risch said he would drop out of the race if an accusation over property taxes made by challenger Larry LaRocco turned out to be true. The issue is whether Risch got $53,000 in tax relief last year.LaRocco said, "When he was governor he passed
a property tax relief bill where he personally benefited at least $53,000, but he never disclosed it to the people of Idaho," said LaRocco.
"Well, if I got $53,000 out of that bill, I'll drop out of this race and if you're wrong you should do the
same," said Risch.
NewsChannel 7 took a look; we found 13 pieces of property that would fall under the 2006 tax relief umbrella. According to LaRocco's property valuation, Risch totaled $53,295 in tax breaks. But some of Risch's property falls under
Idaho's agricultural exemption which means it's used for farming or grazing--and that makes the property value much lower. Using the same math with the lower agriculture value numbers, Risch actually got a relief of little more than $5,000.
Source: 2008 Idaho Senate Debate reported on KTVB Idaho News
Oct 22, 2008
Jim Risch:
No tax increases, but no cuts to entitlements nor veterans
Q: Should the federal government raise taxes in order to balance the budget? Which spending cuts do you favor? JIM RISCH: No tax increases. I do not favor any cut to the current recipients of social security, Medicare, veterans' benefits, or those who
are soon to become recipients. Those promised benefits have been earned and paid for by the recipients and are a legal and moral obligation to them.
Because the government is spending 25% more money than they are taking in, and borrowing that money, all other spending needs to be reviewed.
NELS MITCHELL: Members of the Senate spend too much time grabbing for headlines. When Ted Cruz, aided by
Jim Risch, shut down the government for 16 days more than $24 billion of taxpayer dollars was wasted. That type of callous waste and indifference is dangerous to the country. We have a tax system that plays favorites and is inefficient.
Source: Idaho Statesman Voter Guide on 2014 Idaho Senate race
Jun 25, 2014
Larry LaRocco:
Risch got undisclosed personal $53,000 from his tax relief
Jim Risch said he would drop out of the race if an accusation over property taxes made by challenger Larry LaRocco turned out to be true. The issue is whether Risch got $53,000 in tax relief last year.LaRocco said, "When he was governor he passed
a property tax relief bill where he personally benefited at least $53,000, but he never disclosed it to the people of Idaho," said LaRocco.
"Well, if I got $53,000 out of that bill, I'll drop out of this race and if you're wrong you should do the
same," said Risch.
NewsChannel 7 took a look; we found 13 pieces of property that would fall under the 2006 tax relief umbrella. According to LaRocco's property valuation, Risch totaled $53,295 in tax breaks. But some of Risch's property falls under
Idaho's agricultural exemption which means it's used for farming or grazing--and that makes the property value much lower. Using the same math with the lower agriculture value numbers, Risch actually got a relief of little more than $5,000.
Source: 2008 Idaho Senate Debate reported on KTVB Idaho News
Oct 22, 2008
Michael Crapo:
We cannot tax our way to prosperity; simplify tax code
I have been a leader in working to abolish the current federal tax code and replace it with something more simple and fair to working families. I have an A rating from the National Taxpayers Union. Our tax code is far too long, complex and
anti-competitive to serve as the long-term foundation for economic growth. We cannot tax our way to prosperity and need to redesign our tax code with an emphasis on broadening the base, reducing complexity and eliminating anti-competitive provisions.
Source: 2021 Idaho Senate campaign website CrapoForSenate.com
Jun 16, 2021
Nancy Harris:
Tax the wealthy; ensure they pay their fair share
- Raise the minimum wage and index it to inflation
- Tax the wealthiest Americans and ensure that they pay their fair share
-
Support disadvantaged communities
- Stop profiting from poverty
- Enact paid family leave
Source: 2020 Idaho Senate website NancyHarrisForSenate.com
Feb 5, 2020
Paulette Jordan:
Trump tax cut only benefitted rich, increased deficit
It's hypocritical that our current leaders in Washington D.C. promote being fiscally conservative, but then sleep on the job while our national debt explodes. They voted for tax cuts that only benefit the rich and make things more expensive for the
rest of us. Risch voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and claimed it would somehow "reduce the debt and the deficit." He was wrong. The proof is everywhere: the national debt, federal deficit and government spending have continued to skyrocket.
Source: 2020 Idaho Senate campaign website PauletteForSenate.com
Jun 29, 2020
Ron DeSantis:
I am proposing a $1 billion gas tax holiday
Inflation is an invisible tax. It represents a pay cut for individuals and families alike. And one of the ways families have felt the pinch has been in significantly higher gas prices. To help alleviate this burden for
Florida families, I am proposing a $1 billion gas tax holiday to help reduce prices at the pump. If Washington, D.C., won't change course, then we have a responsibility to step up on behalf of Floridians.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2022
Russ Fulcher:
Lower the marginal tax rate for highest income
Legislative Summary:- Prior to proposed bill: Individuals' tax and tax on estates and trusts: on income over $7,500 but less than $20,000, the tax rate is 7.4%; on income over $20,000, the tax rate is 7.8%
-
Under proposed bill: the tax bracket is removed for income over $20,000, the tax rate is 7.4%
- Prior to proposed bill: tax on corporate income is 7.6%
- Under proposed bill: tax on corporate income is 7.4%
OnTheIssues Interpretation:
By removing the top tax bracket on individual income, this bill reduces the income tax from 7.8% to 7.4% for the highest income earners. Under this bill, that 7.4% personal tax rate will match the 7.4% corporate tax rate.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-7-0 on March 29; Sen. Russ Fulcher voted YEA; passed House 49-20-1 on March 1; signed by Gov. Otter on April 5.
Source: Idaho legislative voting records: H.563
Mar 29, 2012
Tommy Ahlquist:
Lower taxes will lead to job growth
Idaho's taxes are higher than our neighboring states. If we want to be more competitive, we must reform the tax code and take action to get government out of the way of small businesses to encourage growth and create new, good-paying jobs.
Tommy will make government more efficient so we can lower our taxes. He will take a fresh look at every process, every department, every regulation and every dollar spent because, after all, it's your money.
Source: 2018 Idaho Gubernatorial website TommyForIdaho.com
Aug 8, 2017
Brad Little:
We created a fair, predictable, and lower flat income tax
In just three years, we have given back more than ever before in Idaho history--a whopping $2.7 billion to Idaho citizens and businesses. Our commitment to cutting taxes doesn't just start and end with one-time relief. We also cut back Idahoans' ongoing
tax burden by more than $650 million. We took the income tax from six brackets down to one and created a fair, predictable, and lower flat income tax once and for all.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 9, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023