The South Carolina Policy Council Archive

Limited Government | Free Enterprise | Individual Liberty

Commentary

Playing with the Tax Code

BySouth Carolina Policy Council

Aug 1, 2012 #Sales Taxes, #SC Tax Code

Ever wonder why our sales tax is so high? Part of the answer can be found in this abandoned amusement park.

Earlier this week, one of our analysts was scrolling through the South Carolina tax code chapter on sales tax exemptions. The code exempts scores of things: hearing aids, coal, motor fuel, railcars, farm machinery, durable medical equipment, livestock, solid waste disposal bags, and many other items.

One of those other items is an odd one: amusement park rides. That’s right – amusement park rides. Here’s the item in a long list of exemptions:

Amusement park rides; parts, machinery and equipment used to assemble, operate and make up amusement park rides; and performance venue facilities and any related or required machinery, equipment and fixtures. A $250 million investment and creation of 250 full-time jobs and 500 part-time or seasonal jobs over a 5 year period is required.

Here is a perfect illustration of why South Carolina’s tax code is an incoherent mess.

There is absolutely no objective reason why parts and machinery involved in the construction of amusement park rides should be exempt from sales tax. The reason for the exemption isn’t that lawmakers want to encourage the amusement park industry, or because that industry suffers from some unfair hindrance and needs a special exemption.

No, the reason for the exemption is that, several years ago, representatives from the restaurant chain Hard Rock Café wanted to build a Hard Rock-themed amusement park in Myrtle Beach. They approached state lawmakers, and the lawmakers, always eager to claim responsibility for “jobs,” were easily persuaded it would be a good deal. The deal struck between lawmakers and Hard Rock stipulated that the proposed Hard Rock Park would be exempt from sales tax on purchases of amusement park rides. Of course, lawmakers wrote the exemption so that it wouldn’t apply to just any company that wanted to purchase amusement park rides: it was only for a company prepared to make “a $250 million investment” and create “250 full-time jobs and 500 part-time or seasonal jobs over a 5 year period” – that is, Hard Rock Park.

The park was built. And it went bankrupt after a few months. New owners tried to make a go at it under the name Freestyle Music Park, and that went bankrupt, too. In short, it was a bad idea and a terrible investment.

But elected officials in Columbia thought it was a brilliant idea, and they were willing to change the state’s tax code to make it happen. The result? An embarrassment to the state and particularly to the Myrtle Beach area; wasted taxpayer-funded man hours of all the public officials who worked on the deal; and several million dollars in lost revenue.

Now, the lost revenue isn’t necessarily a bad thing in itself. What is a bad thing, however, is that every time the state gives away another exemption, it becomes that much more difficult to lower the rate on everyone else. Or to put it another way: Now that we’ve exempted these scores of items – prosthetic devices, newspapers, insecticides, sweetgrass baskets, anything purchased by a major motion picture company – all the non-exempt items have to supply the state with its accustomed level of sales tax revenue.

And that means you’re going to have to pay 6 percent sales tax – the 16th highest rate in the nation – for the foreseeable future.

Unless, of course, it’s a railcar you want to buy. Or solid waste disposal bags. Or livestock. Or an amusement park ride. 

By South Carolina Policy Council

Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.

Related Post

Commentary

SCPC celebrates historic tax relief and reform

Jun 17, 2022 South Carolina Policy Council
Commentary Education Featured Legislation Analysis Research Taxes & Regulation Transparency

SCPC Voter Poll Release (May 31 – Jun 3, 2022)

Jun 9, 2022 South Carolina Policy Council
Commentary Featured Infrastructure Regulation Taxes

Let’s pump the brakes on the electric vehicle panic

Oct 29, 2021 South Carolina Policy Council
127 thoughts on “Playing with the Tax Code”

  80. Эта информационная заметка содержит увлекательные сведения, которые могут вас удивить! Мы собрали интересные факты, которые сделают вашу жизнь ярче и полнее. Узнайте нечто новое о привычных аспектах повседневности и откройте для себя удивительный мир информации.
    Подробнее – https://medalkoblog.ru/

  112. You magnify the optimistic outcomes whenever you use Anadrol
    in a stack. You can stack it with different bulking substances like Dianabol, Trenbolone, and Testosterone.
    Another off-season bulking steroid bodybuilders (Rodrigo)
    use is Equipoise. However, it comes with the same unwanted effects as most other steroids –
    only extra intense. This is why many individuals find Dianabol a extra most well-liked option than Anadrol.
    These embody vomiting, nausea, hair loss, change in skin color, oily pores and skin,
    acne, stroke, coronary heart assault, abnormal bone growth,
    and mental problems. If you use Testosterone Cypionate,
    you’ll have the ability to exceed your body’s limits.

    Figuring Out how Turinabol affects you and
    watching your coronary heart and hormones is sensible.
    Some athletes could seem to get an edge from performance-enhancing medicine.
    Athletes take human growth hormone, also called somatotropin, to construct more
    muscle and do better at their sports activities.

    We have discovered trenbolone to possess distinctive muscle-building and
    fat-burning results, making it a powerful bulking or slicing steroid.
    Its impressive fat-burning capabilities may be attributed to its
    robust androgenic nature, with androgen receptors proven to stimulate lipolysis in adipose tissue (3).
    This happens as a end result of an increase in beta-adrenoceptors and adenylate cyclase
    exercise. In our experience, Turinabol is a milder steroid in terms of unwanted effects, presenting much less
    toxicity to the liver and coronary heart than Winstrol.
    Female athletes wanting to avoid masculinization will
    be safer taking Turinabol than most different AAS, as ladies frequently took Turinabol in the course of the 60s and 80s.
    At All Times seek the assistance of a licensed healthcare provider earlier than contemplating any hormone-related
    intervention, cycle planning, or post-cycle therapy. Misuse of
    these substances carries severe health risks, including hormonal imbalance, organ stress,
    infertility, and cardiovascular issues.
    Unlike most steroids, which need train solely, this one will want lots of food gas to get this
    steroid up and operating. However for athletes with the best diet, this will certainly build incredible muscle mass.
    The examine tested the therapies as they are
    normally given within the clinic. For oral
    steroid therapy, patients obtained 60 milligrams of prednisone
    for 14 days, followed by a tapering-off period of 5 days.
    The other group was given 40 milligrams of methylprednisolone injected immediately through the eardrum 4 instances
    over the course of 2 weeks. The examine adopted the restoration of these sufferers for 6 months, measuring the
    success of the therapies based mostly on hearing checks at the first and second weeks, and months 2 and
    6.
    This is particularly necessary for runners, as enhancing these components can help us run quicker and longer.
    As A Result Of this type of muscle mass will assist you to run quicker and longer, which is what runners want so as
    to achieve success. This is especially useful for runners who need
    to enhance their strength and endurance with out carrying excess physique weight,
    which might sluggish them down on the track.
    Weight loss achieved with the help of the steroid is long-lasting.
    When you employ Anavar according to the really helpful dosage for
    men and women, the risk for serious unwanted effects turns into
    decrease. It is the key to unlocking your true physical potential – but on the danger of great unwanted effects.
    But beware as a end result of you may experience extreme unwanted effects from utilizing Trenbolone regularly.
    It delivers pure muscle and uncooked power while eliminating unwanted fat.
    It leaves you with a tough, ripped, and toned physique,
    ready to face the physical challenges forward.

    Your provider will verify that the needle is in the best place by making sure it meets
    the right amount of tension. If your irritation is
    severe, or if it’s been around a very lengthy time (chronic), the shot may take longer to work.

    In folks with circumstances like tendonitis, bursitis, and arthritis, ache is attributable
    to inflammation. Until your physician or pharmacist provides you
    completely different directions, it’s best to take prednisolone as a single dose as soon as a day, with breakfast.
    For instance, if your dose is 40mg every day, your physician might let you know to take 8 tablets
    (8 x 5mg) all at the identical time. Dianabol
    is stronger than testosterone and anavar, it is strongly recommended to begin with a low-dose cycle.
    The steroid is also known to spice up estrogen, as it can aromatize.

    The unwanted effects of corticosteroids may be minimized
    by taking the bottom effective dose for the shortest period of time wanted to
    attain the therapeutic goals. By No Means alter the prescribed dosage with out first talking
    along with your healthcare supplier. Designing a
    steroid cycle is paramount for maximizing bodybuilding efforts while minimizing the danger of side
    effects. Cycle size is usually determined by the specific steroids used and the person’s bodybuilding goals.
    Nevertheless, the inherent risks underscore the importance
    of adhering to recommended doses and cycle lengths to promote optimistic
    outcomes and reduce potential harm. As the conversation around using oral steroids in each medical and non-medical contexts continues, the emphasis all the time circles again to responsible use beneath medical supervision. The key variations
    between oral and injectable types, corresponding to administration methods and
    bodily results, also play a vital function in decision-making for
    potential customers.
    Steroids effectively scale back bronchial asthma
    signs in most people, however they don’t work for everybody.

    Plus, some steroid prescriptions can cause severe unwanted side effects.

    It’s true that using sure steroids in small amounts underneath medical
    supervision won’t hurt you. Nonetheless, using large amounts of anabolic steroids for
    a long time period can do you real hurt. For people who are pregnant or might turn into pregnant,
    it is very important discuss to your healthcare provider about the potential risks taking prednisone may pose.

    This stack is a mix of four legal, secure, and effective bodybuilding dietary supplements
    that are designed to help you gain muscle mass fast.

    This steroid stack would help runners and other athletes build muscle mass even faster
    than utilizing only one supplement alone. Generally, the safest steroid cycle is a testosterone-only cycle.
    Other comparatively safer options embrace cycles with
    only one type of anabolic steroid that’s supposed for human use.

  113. Testosterone is an aggressive hormone and as with males, when ladies take testosterone
    they turn into more aggressive and susceptible to strong feelings such as exaggerated anger that can lead
    to violence. Some women would possibly develop neurological complications similar
    to hand and body shaking as seen in folks with Parkinson’s illness.
    Women also face most of the similar health issues and dangers that males do when they use
    steroids. Beyond these dangers are much more issues that
    impression fertility and fetal health. Topical corticosteroids can result in thin skin, pores and skin lesions and zits.

    Selective androgen receptor modulators, or SARMs, are getting a lot of buzz
    among girls wanting more muscle or a greater body shape.
    The finest SARM for women might assist with lean muscle progress and will have fewer side
    effects than old-school steroids, but security questions stay.
    In truth, while potential unwanted effects of Primobolan do exist they are usually delicate and often very easy to avoid.

    Anavar-only cycles are sometimes really helpful
    for ladies, as stacking can enhance the chance of masculinization. The larger the dosage and the longer the cycle,
    the upper the chance of side effects. Thus, many steroids
    will cause much less fats on the floor (externally), but
    on the expense of a bloated midsection (even when lean).
    This protruding belly look is indicative of high visceral fats.

    However the list of Prednisone unwanted aspect effects is lengthy, and it is essential to listen to them earlier than and whereas
    taking the drug. Utilizing an extreme amount of of this medication or using it for a long time could increase your danger of getting
    adrenal gland problems. The amount of medicine that you take is decided by the strength of the
    drugs. Also, the variety of doses you are taking every day, the time allowed
    between doses, and the length of time you are taking the medicine
    depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

    Acceptable studies carried out to date haven’t demonstrated
    geriatric-specific problems that would restrict the usefulness of prednisone within the elderly.

    It helps the physique use saved fat for energy,
    which may result in a reduction in body fats, especially when mixed
    with a correct food regimen and train regimen. This is
    why Anavar is commonly used throughout slicing cycles, the place the
    objective is to lose fats whereas preserving muscle mass.
    While it has respectable medical uses, oxandrolone can also be commonly abused for its muscle-building results.
    Although Anavar bodybuilding properties may be impressive, improper use can lead
    to critical health risks. Your supplier will work with you to discover a sweet spot between managing your condition and minimizing unwanted facet effects.

    The major cardiovascular unwanted effects of Masteron revolve around lipids.

    Drostanolone can significantly enhance LDL cholesterol
    (bad cholesterol) and considerably cut back HDL ldl cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
    The total impact on ldl cholesterol should, however, be significantly lower than most oral steroids, but significantly stronger than testosterone.
    If you have excessive cholesterol you ought to not supplement with this
    steroid.
    New pupil accommodation buildings have been opened
    at Chinchilla Hospital, enhancing the agricultural placement experience for
    Griffith University medical college students…. The research emphasised the necessity for drug checking companies specifically designed for
    girls who used AAS. In jurisdictions (outside of Australia) the place use of AAS was
    authorized, roughly 60 per cent of ladies utilizing sought steerage or
    prescriptions from licensed medical practitioners.
    “The lack of accountability in the underground market places the health of any user at severe danger, with data and health help troublesome to entry. Whereas these substances are illegal in Australia, altering ideals in body aesthetics and growing popularity of sports activities similar to powerlifting are pushing extra girls to extreme measures. If women determine to make use of SARMs, they should begin with the lowest dose attainable.
    If you aren’t predisposed to male sample baldness there is not a danger of hair loss. If you’re predisposed, Primo is well-known for rushing up the method dramatically in lots of men. It is also important to notice that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like Finasteride that are usually used to combat androgenic side effects will have little impact right here. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are used to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which is introduced on by testosterone’s reduction to DHT via interplay with the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Such effects might embody body hair development, a deepening of the vocal chords and clitoral enlargement. While potential, such effects are strongly tied to individual sensitivity. Most women ought to be succesful of keep away from virilization if they complement responsibly.
    Male-pattern hair loss, also called male androgenic alopecia, usually impacts the top and front of the scalp. It Is important to discuss advantages and downsides with your doctor, and search medical assist instantly when you experience concerning symptoms like vision modifications. In fact, up to 90% of sufferers will experience side effects whereas taking best steroids without side effects.

  114. This is why extremely intensive workouts are excellent for
    maximising the results of anabolic steroids. Method your regimen with
    respect for the method and your health. This will make sure that the advantages of your hard work are long-lasting and protected.
    Always ask medical and health consultants earlier than beginning a new coaching program.

    This stack was one of the outstanding steroid cycles from the Golden Era, believed to have been utilized by Arnold Schwarzenegger and different basic bodybuilders from the Nineteen Seventies.

    This steroid cycle is a extra standard protocol amongst intermediate steroid customers.
    Edema is a common aspect impact because of testosterone rising aromatization.
    Throughout this process, estrogen levels rise, inflicting water retention in customers.
    This hormonal shift often decreases muscle definition while rising the risk of bloating and gynecomastia.

    All anabolic steroids, including Anadrol, are several sorts of exogenous testosterone.
    Thus, completely different steroids will build muscle and burn fat to different
    degrees. Too a lot muscle harm hurts muscle growth if you’re a natural lifter.

    On the other hand, superset coaching consists of alternating
    two sets of workout routines with little to no relaxation. This is
    because overtraining can reduce your muscular tissues’ capacity to exert effort.

    Moreover, you want to never work out for longer than two hours
    throughout steroid use. Doing so could trigger your physique to produce an excessive amount of cortisol, which may negatively have
    an result on your cardiovascular health, amongst other
    issues, according to the Nationwide Library of Drugs [2].
    The amount of time you must train whereas on PEDs is decided by the
    drug you choose, dosage amount, and duration of your
    cycle. From my private journey and witnessing countless others, I can attest that newbies should
    tread rigorously.
    The larger doses generally utilized in aggressive athletics and energy sports are linked to an elevated threat of unwanted effects and
    can’t be deemed secure (1). TRT is usually protected for males with low testosterone levels when administered by
    a medical professional. Knowledge to discover out the safety
    of TRT for women is insufficient (32). They have been shown to increase
    muscle mass, which results in elevated velocity and power output (5).
    The most powerful oral steroid stacks for Mass we’ve seen by way
    of building muscle and gaining colossal power is oral trenbolone, otherwise generally known as methyltrienolone.
    In contrast, different anabolic steroids usually
    decrease subcutaneous fats but enhance visceral fats
    (VF), usually leading to a bloated appearance (despite being lean).
    Winstrol is ready to improve fats burning whereas concurrently including lean muscle tissue due to its profound capability to
    decrease SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) levels.

    If, for no matter reason, you need to go together with injectable Winstrol over oral (perhaps to keep
    away from liver toxicity), 20mg each 4 days is
    a perfect dose. Whichever form of Winstrol you are taking, the beneficial
    cycle size is four weeks, with six weeks being the utmost.
    Anavar just isn’t without facet effect dangers – no steroid is risk-free.
    At doses wherever above the feminine really helpful range of 5-10mg/day, virilization is undoubtedly a risk.
    Some girls may be sensitive enough at those low doses to experience unwanted effects, but as long as you reduce the dose
    or stop using Anavar, they need to go away alone.

    However other individuals will quickly start to discover your
    vocal change if it progresses with continued steroid use.
    Steroids which have more powerful androgenic properties would
    be the steroids that can cause virilization sooner and more severely than steroids that have a decrease androgenic rating.

    Some steroids are utterly off-limits to females because of this;
    they are too androgenically powerful to be of any constructive benefit to ladies.
    This means the male physique stops producing testosterone on its own38.

    Conversely, longer, less intense workouts
    won’t provide the identical diploma of stimulation, leading to lesser testosterone manufacturing.
    While you could experience a faster restoration, it’s nonetheless critical to permit your body ample
    rest time. Discovering a stability between coaching
    depth and frequency that optimizes testosterone
    production without pushing the body into overtraining is
    vital. Quantity is all in regards to the units and reps.
    Depth is the weight you carry.

  116. ¡Hola, jugadores apasionados !
    casinoonlinefueradeespanol para jugar desde casa – https://www.casinoonlinefueradeespanol.xyz/# casino por fuera
    ¡Que disfrutes de asombrosas momentos memorables !

  117. Marioprups

    The Real Person!

    Author Marioprups acts as a real person and verified as not a bot.
    Passed all tests against spam bots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

    The Real Person!

    Author Marioprups acts as a real person and verified as not a bot.
    Passed all tests against spam bots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.
    says:

    ¡Saludos, amantes de la diversión !
    casinos online extranjeros para apostadores expertos – https://www.casinosextranjero.es/# п»їcasinos online extranjeros
    ¡Que vivas increíbles recompensas sorprendentes !

  118. ¡Saludos, exploradores de tesoros !
    Acceso desde mГіvil a casinos extranjeros – https://www.casinoextranjerosenespana.es/# mejores casinos online extranjeros
    ¡Que disfrutes de triunfos épicos !

  119. ¡Hola, entusiastas de la emoción !
    Casinos extranjeros con torneos exclusivos de pГіker – https://www.casinoextranjero.es/# mejores casinos online extranjeros
    ¡Que vivas rondas emocionantes !

  120. ¡Bienvenidos, exploradores de la fortuna !
    Casino fuera de EspaГ±a para usuarios espaГ±oles – https://www.casinoporfuera.guru/# casino por fuera
    ¡Que disfrutes de maravillosas triunfos legendarios !

  121. RobertFup

    The Real Person!

    Author RobertFup acts as a real person and verified as not a bot.
    Passed all tests against spam bots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

    The Real Person!

    Author RobertFup acts as a real person and verified as not a bot.
    Passed all tests against spam bots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.
    says:

    ¡Hola, cazadores de recompensas excepcionales!
    Casino online extranjero sin KYC ni lГ­mites ocultos – https://casinosextranjerosdeespana.es/# mejores casinos online extranjeros
    ¡Que vivas increíbles recompensas extraordinarias !

  122. ¡Saludos, participantes del entretenimiento !
    casinos fuera de EspaГ±a con pagos por Skrill – п»їhttps://casinosonlinefueraespanol.xyz/ casinos fuera de espaГ±a
    ¡Que disfrutes de oportunidades únicas !

  123. ¡Bienvenidos, usuarios de sitios de azar !
    Casino fuera de EspaГ±a con licencia de CuraГ§ao – https://www.casinofueraespanol.xyz/# casinos online fuera de espaГ±a
    ¡Que vivas increíbles logros extraordinarios !

  124. Douglasstape

    The Real Person!

    Author Douglasstape acts as a real person and verified as not a bot.
    Passed all tests against spam bots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

    The Real Person!

    Author Douglasstape acts as a real person and verified as not a bot.
    Passed all tests against spam bots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.
    says:

    ¡Hola, visitantes de plataformas de apuestas !
    Mejores casinos online fuera de EspaГ±a sin restricciones – п»їhttps://casinosonlinefueradeespanol.xyz/ casinos online fuera de espaГ±a
    ¡Que disfrutes de asombrosas jackpots fascinantes!

  125. Kennethenuse

    The Real Person!

    Author Kennethenuse acts as a real person and verified as not a bot.
    Passed all tests against spam bots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

    The Real Person!

    Author Kennethenuse acts as a real person and verified as not a bot.
    Passed all tests against spam bots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.
    says:

    ¡Saludos, apostadores habilidosos !
    Casinos online extranjeros con pagos instantГЎneos – п»їhttps://casinoextranjerosdeespana.es/ casinos extranjeros
    ¡Que experimentes maravillosas premios excepcionales !

  126. Hello advocates of well-being !
    Air Purifier for Smoke Smell – Neutralize Odors – http://bestairpurifierforcigarettesmoke.guru smoke air purifier
    May you experience remarkable unmatched comfort !

  127. ¡Hola, entusiastas del triunfo !
    Casinos sin licencia con seguridad cifrada 256-bit – http://casinosinlicenciaespana.xyz/# casinosinlicenciaespana
    ¡Que vivas increíbles giros exitosos !

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Archived Posts

Featured Research

Certificate of Need repeal heads to governor’s desk 

May 5, 2023 South Carolina Policy Council
Research

Statehouse Update May 2-4

May 2, 2023 South Carolina Policy Council
Research

Certificate of Need repeal passes major legislative hurdle

April 28, 2023 South Carolina Policy Council
Featured Legislation Research

An interest rate cap would harm SC consumers, reduce options

April 28, 2023 South Carolina Policy Council