The
Calaveras County Taxpayers Association urges taxpayers to take action
on the "Fire Tax"by using the protest procedure developed by the Howard
Jarvis Taxpayers Association which is also suing the state to overturn
this tax. Action suggested is challenging the tax and requesting a
refund.
The Fire Tax Protest site (FireTaxProtest.org)
is 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 ... 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
(HJTA) are offering a new tool for homeowners to protest this new tax.”
The
Jarvis group, supported by the Calaveras County Taxpayer Association,
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 HJTA site shows how to protest the fee
in order to be eligible for a refund. There they can sign up for free
email 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.”
David Wolfe, HJTA Legislative
Director, will be speaking at the Calaveras County Taxpayers
Association BBQ on September 19, 2012, at Moaning Caver Resort. More
information on the event is at the CCTA website: CalaverasTaxpayers.org.
The
mailing of these tax bills comes at a bad time for Calaveras County
Property owners because of the need to support our existing fire
services through legitimate funding.
Albert J. Segalla, President
Calaveras County Taxpayers Association