What should be done about Indiana Property Taxes?

I'm somewhat surprised by the lead in votes for doing nothing about the current property taxes situation.

I realize that property tax repeal may actually do more harm than good, but I also do not believe that doing nothing will bring about any solutions either; especially for those who have been forced to sell their homes because of the burdens placed upon them by tax increases.

Certainly a reduction in taxes along with controlled government spending would offer more hope than simply doing nothing.

I'm kinda surprised by that too. I thought repeal would've been winning.

I did vote for 'reducing spending,' though, because that's the root cause of the property tax problem. Once you fix spending, government won't need as much money, property taxes go down or go away... Just dropping them seems like a band-aid approach to me.

Anyone else want to weigh in?

-kpaul  

Property taxes need to be eliminated, and spending needs to be reduced. Until our elected officials get that full message, they will simply continue to pick more money from different pockets.

Bob Hertzog

Basically, I'm for repeal, but first I want to know what is to be put in the place of property tax.

What would you recommend at this time?

Bob Hertzog

Here's my thought.  I hasten to note however, I'm no economist.  Truth be told, I barely passed math. 

 I think we should work out some sort of sales tax as a means of paying for local government.  Sales tax would be weighted so that the more an item is defined as a luxury item, it would be taxed at a higher rate than other items.  No taxes at all of food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities.  I would entirely do away with property taxes.   If nexessary, and only if necessary, I would add a small steeply indexed income tax.  I would try to avoid a tax system where there are deductions and loopholes that lawyers and accountants can find to keep the wealthy from paying taxes they should be paying.  

The basic philosophy should be "the more you make the more you pay" and the system should be heavily weighted in that direction.  I know rich folks will hate me, but I'll live with that.  :}

Not owning any land (yet) I don't really know where I fall on this. I know the high rates are hurting some people, though.

Do you think going to a sales tax would create a larger black market?

We've talked about this before, I think, when talking about going to a flat income tax versus a national sales tax... I may be wrong, though. We've had so many great conversations here. ;)

-kpaul  

Eliminate / Repeal them; for NO OTHER reason then they are a forced Hostage situation placed on our Homes, Business, and Properties.

Randall L. Jacobsen Sr.

Proprietor

Sow N Sews Custom Sewing N Repairs

and Army Navy Surplus Of Muncie

and Chaplain, M.O.R.E. Ministries, American Legion Post19, VFW Post 651