Volume 47 | January 2022 Newsletter
The Utah Taxpayer - January 2022
Utah Taxpayers Association Celebrates its 100 Year Anniversary
100 years ago, “The Utah Taxpayer” began publication, dedicating itself as “Devoted To The Interests of Utah Taxpayers”. “There is an insistent demand throughout the state for a reduction in taxes”, wrote the Utah Taxpayer in its inaugural edition. “The imperative need for definite information as to what the real tax situation is and how to bring about a reform has led to the decision to issue regularly a publication to deal exclusively with taxation.”


Calls for Tax Cuts Increase, Other Legislative Priorities for 2022 Are Unveiled
We’re just a few weeks away from the 2022 Legislative Session, and your Taxpayers Association has been very hard at work for months. We’ve been working with legislators, our members, and the public to identify tax issues that need solving.

It’s impossible to guess what will happen over those 45 days, but the Association knows its legislative priorities will make positive changes to Utah and its taxpayers. Here are some of the policy changes we’ve been working on.



Op-Ed: Eliminating Utah’s sales tax on food is a bad idea
Originally printed in the Salt Lake Tribune on December 10, 2021.

Whenever the debate surrounding the sales tax on food reignites, hyperbole and emotion sometimes get in the way of facts and data. We would like to explain a few facts that seem to always be missing from the conversation.


Utah's Tax and Fee Burden Continues to Climb
Utah’s state and local government tax and burden ranked higher than the nation’s during Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, according to the Utah Taxpayers Association’s annual calculations in the How Utah Compares report.

Governor's Recommended Budget Calls for $160 Million Tax Cut, But Only Applies to Some Utahns
The $25 billion, 176-page document is only a recommendation to the Legislature. The Legislature is given the full authority to set Utah’s budget during the upcoming 2022 General Session, which starts in a few weeks.

Governor Cox’s proposed budget does have some positive tax policy implications, but the Taxpayers Association believes the governor could have gone further in promoting stronger tax policy for Utah.

SAVE THE DATE:
Wednesday, January 12 is the 2022 Legislative Outlook Conference
The 2022 Legislative Outlook Conference will preview tax issues that are likely to arise during the 2022 Legislative Session.

The event begins at 9 a.m. Click here for a detailed agenda. The event is at the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.

You can choose to attend in person or online.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact autumn@utahtaxpayers.org to learn more.
Association Accomplishments in December
  • Presented newly elected House members with reports and ideals for sound tax policy
  • Advocated in favor of meaningful tax cuts with House, Senate leadership
  • Discussed tax cuts with members of the governor's office
  • Published the How Utah Compares report
  • Met with legislators promoting sound tax policy and Association legislative priorities
  • Finalized planning for the 2022 Legislative Outlook Conference

In The News
Op-ed: Eliminating Utah's Sales Tax on Food is a Bad Idea