September 4, 2009
Bloomberg News Quotes Tax Foundation Staff Economist Mark Robyn on Sales Tax Holidays
"Holiday for Guns Gives Louisiana Hunters Break on Sales Taxes"
By Darrell Preston
Louisiana hunters, just in time for dove season tomorrow, can save almost 10 percent on purchases of rifles, shotguns, handguns, ammunition and just about every hunting accessory except dogs. ...
Sales-tax holidays have become a tool for states to cut consumers' costs for back-to-school clothes and supplies, energy efficient appliances and hurricane preparation, according to the Tax Foundation in Washington, which says 16 states are holding such events this year.
"It's a political gimmick," said Mark Robyn, an economist with the foundation, which opposes sales-tax holidays. "Some states want to eliminate guns while others want to promote them. The tax code isn't meant to promote the interests of some taxpayers over the interests of others."
In an Aug. 26 report, the foundation said the holidays don't spur economic growth or increase consumer purchasing and "simply shift the timing of purchases."
