Tax boost for AZ businesses draws bipartisan support

The only bill in a Republican budget-balancing package to draw bipartisan support from members of an Arizona House committee was one opposed by small businesses.

The bill would eliminate a tax credit that businesses can claim for accounting and reporting sales tax costs.

The change would provide the state with $20 million of additional revenue, but a lobbyist for small businesses called it a burden for businesses without accounting departments.

The House Appropriations Committee’s vote on the bill March 9 was 12-1 with one Democrat voting against it.

Several Republicans voiced reservations about it even as they voted yes as part of the overall package. One said he doubts it will receive the two-thirds vote needed for passage of a revenue increase.