Drizzt
February 13, 2003, 06:56 PM
House passes tax break for non-profit shooting ranges
Associated Press
PIERRE, S.D. - Nonprofit shooting ranges should no longer have to pay the state tourism tax, the South Dakota House recommended Wednesday.
HB1182 says gross receipts from shooting ranges owned by nonprofit organizations are exempt from the state's 1 percent tourism tax. The tax is imposed on businesses that cater to visitors, and revenue is used to promote tourism.
Rep. Larry Rhoden, R-Union Center, said the ranges provide a community service and should be exempt from the tax.
Rep. Hal Wick, R-Sioux Falls, said doing so would take money from state coffers during a budget crunch.
Rep. Mel Olson, D-Mitchell, said the loss of money would be minuscule. Tourists travel to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore or to go camping, not to shoot guns at a range.
"We're talking about $1,500," he said.
The House voted 59-9 to pass the bill, which next goes to the Senate.
http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/5167056.htm
Associated Press
PIERRE, S.D. - Nonprofit shooting ranges should no longer have to pay the state tourism tax, the South Dakota House recommended Wednesday.
HB1182 says gross receipts from shooting ranges owned by nonprofit organizations are exempt from the state's 1 percent tourism tax. The tax is imposed on businesses that cater to visitors, and revenue is used to promote tourism.
Rep. Larry Rhoden, R-Union Center, said the ranges provide a community service and should be exempt from the tax.
Rep. Hal Wick, R-Sioux Falls, said doing so would take money from state coffers during a budget crunch.
Rep. Mel Olson, D-Mitchell, said the loss of money would be minuscule. Tourists travel to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore or to go camping, not to shoot guns at a range.
"We're talking about $1,500," he said.
The House voted 59-9 to pass the bill, which next goes to the Senate.
http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/5167056.htm