When we consider the types of taxes that best support our community while respecting individual choice and ownership, transactional taxes like sales tax stand out as the most fiscally responsible and conservative option. Unlike property taxes, which function as perpetual mortgages on your home, sales taxes are participatory, fair and allow residents to retain full control over their property.
Property taxes are more than just annual payments — they’re ongoing liens on your home. These taxes persist long after your mortgage is paid, essentially transforming homeownership into a form of indefinite rental from the government. The risk is real: unpaid property taxes can lead to foreclosure, stripping residents of their homes and wealth. Especially in times of inflation and rising property values, property taxes can become an unbearable burden for those on fixed incomes, young families, and retirees. With sales taxes, we can reduce these financial pressures on property owners and help them maintain secure, long-term ownership of their homes.
Sales taxes are the most conservative form of taxation because they are participatory, not mandated. This means that individuals pay based on what they choose to buy and consume. There’s no compulsion to pay unless you decide to make a purchase, and the tax burden is spread across both residents and visitors. This approach ensures that everyone who benefits from our community’s resources and infrastructure helps to maintain them, sharing the load fairly and reducing the pressure on individual property owners.
Relying on property tax alone can lead to situations where government funding depends on continuous increases in property tax rates or valuations. As demand for public services grows, municipalities must look for funding that doesn’t unduly burden homeowners or discourage investment in our community. Sales tax provides a more flexible, responsive approach, adjusting with the community’s economic activity rather than imposing a flat tax that rises regardless of personal income or circumstances.
Contrary to the belief that sales tax hinders local businesses, a moderate sales tax actually strengthens the local economy. By reducing the need for high property taxes, we create a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and job creation. Lower property taxes mean businesses have more resources to grow and invest in the community, and by extension, they contribute even more in sales tax revenue as they thrive.
When choosing how best to fund our community, sales tax offers a balanced and conservative approach. It protects property ownership, provides citizens with choice, and equitably distributes the tax load. By promoting sales tax over property tax, we empower residents to maintain full ownership of their homes without fear of punitive taxation, while still supporting the growth and sustainability of our community’s infrastructure.
This approach emphasizes the fairness, conservative principles, and homeowner protections that make sales tax a more appealing option.
Jim Torgeson is a member of Gilbert Town Council.
