Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Fire Tax Protest by Howard Jarvis Tax Payers Association

Today the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association launched a new website to inform more than 800,000 homeowners across California how to qualify for a refund on the new fire tax.

The Fire Tax Protest site will serve as a one-stop resource for taxpayers who wish to protest the new fire tax, learn more information about their rights, or join a class action lawsuit to overturn what HJTA believes to be an unlawful tax.



“The fire tax is in direct violation of Prop. 13, and it represents an additional burden on rural homeowners who are already suffering in this economy,” said Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. “This new tax was conjured up by the Democrats and approved by Jerry Brown, and it represents the worst of Sacramento – taking more money from hardworking people for a program they were already paying for, to cover the politicians’ budget gap. Today we are offering a new tool for homeowners to protest this new tax.”

The taxpayer group is preparing to challenge the tax constitutionally in court on the grounds it should have been subject to the two-thirds vote requirement in the Legislature.

Although taxpayers must pay the bill, the site shows how to protest the fee in order to be eligible for a refund.  There they can sign up for free e-mail bulletins that will keep them informed of the progress of the taxpayers’ suit against the state of California. “It is our goal to help taxpayers get relief,” added Coupal.  “We are committed to fighting these illegal taxes to ensure taxpayers have their day in court.”

For more information, visit the HJTA website and click on Fire Tax Protest.