Philadelphia’s business taxes, w/ Council members Green & Quinones Sanchez & City Controller Butkovitz

Hour 1

It goes without saying that the city of Philadelphia’s taxes on businesses are unpopular among its business owners. But if those taxes are going to be changed, what’s the best way? Philadelphia Councilman BILL GREEN and Councilwoman MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ have introduced legislation that would upend the city’s business tax structure. They have proposed eliminating the city’s tax on business profits and instead raise taxes on city businesses’ gross receipts, while exempting preferred kinds of businesses. If approved, their proposal would represent a change of direction for the city, which has been gradually cutting the receipts and profits tax. Among the most vocal opponents of the council members’ proposal is City Controller ALAN BUTKOVITZ, who says their bill would hurt the city’s budget, poison the city’s business climate and its relationship with its suburban neighbors. On today’s Radio Times, Marty will talk to all three to understand their arguments.

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[audio: 120710_100630.mp3]