California State Golf Tax Defeated
The initial battle over the tax on golf in California has been won as the proposed tax was not part of the final budget deal.
While this is good victory, it is important that golfers remain vigilant on this and other issues facing the game. More battles in the future should be anticipated.
The golf tax was a near certainty at one point during the budget discussions in the beginning of the year; and was successfully stopped with the power the golf industry and individual golfers working together to protect our great game.
Such a proposal was not included in this year’s budget agreement and for good reason: It would impose a risky and inequitable burden on a golf industry in California that has been particularly hard hit by the economic downturn. An additional tax on playing golf and golf-related activities would cause significant harm–reducing play, slashing golf and service economy jobs, and shutting down courses that are already operating on slim margins.
California’s broken budget system will not be repaired by breaking the state’s golf industry. As the Governor’s Executive Order creating the commission rightly said, “California’s long term prosperity requires that employers and entrepreneurs invest, remain and grow in the state…” A tax on golf will do just the opposite, reducing jobs at golf courses and in the hotel, restaurant and service industry.
The California Alliance for Golf (CAG), whose office is headquatered at the NCGA in Pebble Beach, was instrumental in its leadership of the opposition to the tax.
January 28 article in the Sacramento Bee regarding the tax
Below are examples of the fervent opinions and passion the proposal generated over the last month.
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO PLAY GOLF. WITH GREEN FEE’S AT SOME COURSES REACHING $65.00 AN UP, PLUS CART IT’S DIFFICULT. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO MAKE THEM MORE AFFORDABLE ALSO.
March 12th, 2009 at 4:40 pmI agree in part there should be no sales tax on greens fees but believe that there should be a sales tax on equipment rentals.
When a person or business rents an apartment or office there is no sales tax on the rent paid. The rent is for the use of real estate. Greens fees are for the temporary use of the golf course, real estate.
However if you rent a car from Hertz or a tool from an equipment rental you will pay sales tax. Cars and tools are personal property. So if you rent a golf cart, golf clubs or a bucket of balls you should have to pay sales tax just like every other person that rents personal property.
Golf courses that include cart or range balls in their greens fees will have to unbundle the charges in order to charge the sales tax, which they can add to the rental fee or make the sales tax included in the rentale fee.
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:47 pmAdding tax to this already expensive sport will generate a negative affect. More cost to all areas of golf will mean less rounds, less tournaments, less work, less revenue, less workers, less maintanence, all lead to closures and less muni courses to support the city. I just hope this doesn’t happen, I may have to close my NCGA club, due to less members. And this means less revenue for NCGA/Jr Golf/1st Tee. I vote will vote to increase other things.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:49 pmJust because these inept losers in Sacramento can’t balance their checkbook, they have to try to hit on people that can! This is disgraceful to our “so called democracy”. For starters, why doesn’t the state STOP paying all the medical bills of illegal alients (whose tab by the way is in the billions – literally!? Or at least have Mexico pay for the medical bills of their native sons and daughters.
What a shame when the “once” greatest state in the union becomes a land of socialism and Marxists who are trying their hardest to rob us of our freedoms, civil rights, and hard earned money. I was born in this state and have lived here all my life, and I’m so sickened by it, that I’m going to leave her.
February 19th, 2009 at 11:25 pmHow about just applying the sales tax to those courses that charge in excess off $150.00 per player in greens fee’s? I don’t think many “budget” concerned golfers play at these places anyway,or atleast not often. Those that do play courses such as Pebble can certainly afford it. That said , I am more against the tax being applied to auto repairs and vet services. These are things we all “must” have and it is a cheap shot to add tax to those, golf is optional, really, it is.
February 17th, 2009 at 7:39 amOne of the strengths of any association is it ability to lobby on issues that impact it’s membership. The NCGA & SCGA have created the California Alliance for Golf to do just that. ( check out their website)The fact that both associations are willing to take a stand on the “tax” issue as well as other issues,(think water usage),shows they are both proactive & willing to respond to issues that impact the membership. You may not agree 100% on any given stance, but the fact they are doing “issue management” will help the industry in the long term.
February 14th, 2009 at 11:19 amhow about quit spending money on every pet project and spend OUR tax money wisely. going after golfing is ridiculous. sacramento needs to tighten its fiscal belt immediately
February 13th, 2009 at 4:07 pmThis is a perfect example of gross misuse of the power of taxation. If we must raise taxes, make it equitable and tax all leisure/recreation activates/sports.
I have no problem paying taxes in the greatest nation in the world. I just want it to be fair.
February 13th, 2009 at 3:13 pmI must admit I agree with everyone here who is against this tax. I do see the point of the supporters as well when they say something must be done. I feel evrything I do in life is being taxed. What’s next, a s e x tax???? We pay our legislators to do a job. When someone doesn’t do their job, I believe they are fired. Maybe we need the Donald in Sacramento. This tax will hurt the middle class more than anyone else. It will also affect junior golf, especially the underpriviliged kids who won’t be able to afford the “new rates”. They will find their way back to streets. Chew on that one, Arnold!!!Will private country club golfers be taxed? I have nothing against CC golfers, but if this law gets passed, their dues and memberships should be taxed as well.
February 13th, 2009 at 10:39 amGovernment is so inept. State and federal. They create more problems than they solve and their only solution is to raise our taxes. The only thing they really know how to do is spend our money but there is never enough for them to spend. Obama says “we” have to make tough choices in this economy but again his only solution is to spend our money. Where are his tough choices? Anyone can spend money. The tough choices, the choices that will make a difference in the long run is to cut spending, get rid of government programs that are inefficient and if they want to stimulate the economy then the most pure, unfiltered way to get immediate stimulus would be to cut everyone’s taxes across the board. Cut income tax, cut gasoline tax, cut every tax possible and see the economy start moving immediately. Ok fixing our infrastructure would be good but for the most part if we let government do anything they will most likely screw it up. They have the record to prove it regardless of political party.
February 10th, 2009 at 8:03 amAlso we should have laws against putting any propositions on our state ballots if money isn’t there to pay for it. It is sheer stupidity to be able to vote for something that there is no money to pay for (without raising taxes).
Maybe the legislature should consider a tax on rich Governors.
February 8th, 2009 at 10:01 pmIf Arnold wants to tax golf, why not taxing body building as well?
February 8th, 2009 at 11:59 amHow about a bowling tax? Or a fitness tax on health club memberships.
February 8th, 2009 at 10:58 amWhat about a politician tax? It seems to me whenever I buy golf balls, or golf clubs, or golf anything that I already pay a sales tax, besides all the hidden taxes involved in the manufacture of those products. It has gone past the absurd into the land of kool aid.
I think that contrary to what many think about golf, most course owners don’t have properties like Pebble Beach or Aviara. Most course owners and management companies, like myself, are small businesses. This tax will put, my already struggling business, out of business. The idea that this tax will actually generate a substantial revenue is outrageous! What it will do is put thousands of people out of work adding to unemployment lines, putting more houses into foreclosure!! The state government has made it difficult enough to own a small business in California…now this!
February 5th, 2009 at 7:07 pmOne simple comment, all goods, all services should and hopefully will be taxed FAIRLY. After prop 13 there is NO FREE LUNCH. If you want services you have to PAY. END OF STORY
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:58 pmOur family has two boys extensively involved in Junior Golf. The expense is already enormous even with YOC discounts. Balls, gloves, clubs, shoes, entry fees, hotels, gasoline, airfares, annual dues, range balls, medical bills etc all related to pursuit of their interest.
Now the out of control California government wants more of our money? NO WAY!!! Cut spending. Stop giving huge retirement packages to 50 year old government employees.
Or maybe getting politicians to pay their taxes as we are finding out they aren’t doing.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:37 amMaybe a tax on political contributions would be better — see how they would like being taxed.
January 30th, 2009 at 3:16 pmWhoa – sounds like golfers think we are the only ones being taxed – it’s time to face up to the fact our country and state are in the worst financial mess that most of us can remember. Do I want to pay another tax – no way. However these are tough times which calls for us all stepping up to the plate. It’s not just golf being taxed – it’s all sporting events and amusement parts too (effective 2/1/09) Alcohol (another one of my favs) is also having increased tax, just to name a few. Personally I’m retired on a fixed income and while I don’t like it, I accept the fact services cost more, we are spending more and taking in less revenue – this has to be turned around. I love the game and am thankful I am able to play.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:14 pmI’m all for kicking in a few bucks to help the State/Country. But NOT when the State made it’s own bed. Giving more money to a State that cannot make hundreds of billions of $$ work is insanity.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:49 pmStop all politicians stipends and tax their benefits first, then come back and talk to me.
Is the NCGA sending these messages on to the Governor? If not, this is just a place to complain…I agree it is entirely unreasonable to tax golf and not all other recreational activities. I agree we need to cut entitlements elsewhere in the CA budget and live within our means as a state. I just want to make sure the Gov. gets the opportunity to read all of the very well written comments. Forgive me if they are and I missed this fact somewhere else on the website.
January 29th, 2009 at 4:33 pmMark, Agreed. If golf is taxed then all sport participation should be taxed. Bowling, tennis, NASCAR, Go-karting, you name it. And frankly a small increase in sales tax is probably a much more reasonable solution. The point I was trying to make is that as I read comments either here, or in response to articles and columns in the news, it seems like everyone wants ” the other guy” taxed, with the other guy often falling across political lines. The “don’t tax me or cut my services” approach is not going to work.
January 28th, 2009 at 7:49 pmTitleist, Callaway, and several other equipment manufacturers are located here in California. They need to step in and fight against this tax. Pass the tax, were moving out of the state.
January 28th, 2009 at 9:08 amThis doesn’t surprise me at all. These clowns spend money like there is no tomorrow. In the business world companies are cutting spending and headcounts by around thrity per cent. Why doesn’t the government do the same. The politicians should take pay cuts and layoff staff also. They have never done this no matter how bad the economy has been. Take away their company cars, free meals, cut their pay and reduce their staff before they add anymore taxes. Needless to say I am completely against this or any other taxes. We already pay enough.
January 27th, 2009 at 4:48 pmCalifornia residents already pay state income tax, high sales tax, confiscatory property taxes and a wide array of special fees. Economy of scale should allow the state to operate on less money per capita than other less populous states rather than more.
Some people seem eager to send even more money to the same politicians who have done a miserable job with the huge budget they are presently unable to make do. What makes anyone think that they will do a better job with the next dollar than they did with the last one?
The point here is not whether one particular tax payer is capable of paying more or not; it is that government’s appetite is insatiable. There always be endless sob stories to convince people that this is an emergency and this is often seasoned with the nonsensical fairy tale that the increases will be temporary.
Lastly, I cannot conceive of any more important purpose for the NCGA to join in than that of addressing the very vitality and affordability of the game itself.
January 27th, 2009 at 12:44 amTaxing Golf = Costing more to play
Costing more to play = Less rounds played
Less goods and services purchased
Less lodging, eating, shopping in
neighboring communities
Less $ spent = Less taxes generated for the state.
Let’s weigh ‘the income from the golf tax against the total
January 26th, 2009 at 5:40 pmtaxable revenue lost’ to see if this really is a reasonable, productive tax solution or a total wash. Looks like more casualties than benefit.
As a longstanding NCGA member, I object to my membership fees being used to wage such a blatantly political battle. The state is in a terrible bind and here we are taking the NIMBY approach to taxation. The NCGA would do better to spend money elsewhere and acknowledge that all of us are going to suffer somehow from the tremendously difficult times ahead. All this whining places golf and golfers in a bad light.
January 26th, 2009 at 4:53 pmI have not read everything on what the state is doing to balance the budget but this idea may create more problems in the long run. I am sorry but I do not have an answer to the budget problem in CA. Golf is not an inelastic good. There are other leisure time activities that can be subsituted for golf. If there is a tax imposed on golf it will decrease the overall social benefit by creating inefficency (or aka dead weight loss) in the system. This means golf courses and those playing the golf courses will get less of a benefit. The tax will shift people to play less golf so more golf courses will go out of business. This will leave large amounts of land to sit vacant because the economy is in a recession. The recession has caused most businesses from expanding. So, golf courses beomce vacant lots that will drive down the prices of neighboring buildings which hurts the money that the government would get from the transaction of a sale. If the tax generates more revenue then what would be lost from the amount of people playing plus those golf courses that go out of business then the government should go ahead with the tax. This is all theoretical and should not be taken as fact.
January 26th, 2009 at 4:44 pmThe Governator never mentioned of cutting his wage, in fact, as a public service, just take the minimum wage since he’s already rich. Also, do bodybuilders pay tax everytime they use the gym? It’s the same as playing golf, we pay to use the facility and we do the labor? So what’s the difference? Bottomline, the Governor needs to CUT SPENDING! Where the hell did all the money go? Lottery proceeds, who’s sucking it all up? Do we need all those state buildings in Sacramento? They occupy a good portion of the Sacramento financial district! Golf is already expensive enough, much more taxing it! Stop spending Arnie!!!
January 26th, 2009 at 3:53 pmFine John. No problem. But how about a more even-handed application of generating more state revenue? Golf is just one sport. And golfers buy a wide variety of everyday goods, just like everyone else. How about something less specific on a given industry, and across all the citizens – like simply increasing the sales tax on everything by a small amount, rather than raising the cost of a single item (golf) by a much more substantial and impactful amount.
That’s the argument – I don’t think anyone’s saying that they’re unwilling to help fix the problem. Speaking for myself, I know I just don’t like being singled out as a small minority of folks to focus on extracting more state revenues from.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:48 pmI look at it this way. Yes the legislators have done us no service through the years. Yes there is far too much waste. Yes, there is far too much abuse of programs designed to help. Yes programs need to be cut, but not any that I need or use. Yes there needs to be more revenue, but not at the expense of any activities I pursue. Yes taxes need to be lowered,but mine get lowered first.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:19 pmYes folks, it is a perfect storm. Housing tanks, the economy tanks, Wall Street tanks, the State tanks. Can we all just accept the fact that we will all have to pay a price.
I think when we recalled the governor several years ago was a bad idea. Now the new governor despertly try to add tax on golf in order to solve California financial crisis. By adding tax on golf, how can that slove the california financial crisis? This is even a worse idea for Californians. I have not seen that we are better than bofore the recalled. I beleieve he is only an actor.
January 24th, 2009 at 1:29 amIt’s not a fair tax but we will adapt, Remember The 911 surcharge? Pebble last year? When fuel went over $4.00? and $25 so your clubs can fly with you? I will still support the golfing industry no matter what happens. If you think this is bad the proposed tax on a bottle of wine is supposed to go up 600%… Glad I don’t drink.
January 24th, 2009 at 12:58 amLet’s not make this a political party issue, because it’s just as easy to draw the stereotype that the Democrats only like taxes when they don’t have to pay them.
As to this topic in general, I find it criminal that one of the most affluent regions (California) in the entire world can’t figure out a way to pay it’s bills. Ultimately, I think a selective tax on golf will ultimately hurt the courses the most. The sport is expensive, much more so here in California and, even more in particular, here in the Bay Area in which there is a relative dearth of courses relative to the population. Adding 10% to the cost to play will definitely affect the number of rounds annually played, which will force courses to react through lower pricing.
I run one of the NCGA associate clubs and we hold over 20 tournaments a year at the local courses. I go through negotiations with almost every course to get preferred rates at this point, simply because golf pricing has gotten out of hand and our membership of approx 150 simply won’t pony up for what the upscale courses in the area typically charge. Adding a 10% in a tax would definitely have an impact on where and how often we played.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:21 pmI was always told that 90% of golfers were Republicans, and the responses I see here just prove this is true. And we all know that Republicans don’t like ANY tax! So, it does not surprise me that 90% of these responses are anti-tax. What DOES surprise me is that the NCGA, and Mr. Seward in particular, has decided to become a political action committee! Is this what we pay our dues for? Doesn’t Mr. Seward have more valuable things to do with his time than dabble in politics? We are all citizens of this great state, and like it or not, we elected the rascals who came up with this idea. If you don’t like the tax, write to your legislator, or even our illustrious governator, and let them know. But please, let’s not turn the NCGA into a political entity. And Mr. Seward, please get back to communicating and marketing about the game of golf – if you want to be a politician, then run for office!
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:54 pmHeard of Guns and Butter? Believe it or not they are mutually exclusive. So, try getting rid of one if you want to save the other.
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:22 pmI know that people might look at Golf as being a rich man’s sport. But come on now. It’s not any more. It’s a sport for middle class that we can barley afford. If you want to get money out of the rich go after their pay check, Or their luxary cars, Or their fancy resorts. Leave us hard working “Just want to get out and play” middle class alone.
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:57 amI’m retired and living on a fixed income. This tax will be a burden on me and many of my friends therefore limiting the amount of golf we’ll be able to enjoy in our supposed Golden Years. A BIG NO to this additional tax. Why can’t these politicians learn to live within their means like the rest of us?
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:46 pmThe politicians keep wanting to increase taxes, instead of doing what we have to do…live within our means. Local wants more, State wants more. Federal wants more. Is there no end? If this goes through then tennis, basketball, soccer, swimming, etc would logically come next, right? How about taxing home owners for every foot a tgree grows on their property.
No! No! No! Don’t let this slip buy. A golf tax is ludicrous. Let’s stop it in it’s tracks.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:16 pmTo those of you looking for more information on how to contact govenment officials, we have added a link — http://www.forecalifornia.com/cag/index.cfm/get-involved/ — that will allow you to directly contact your state legislator. Thank you.
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:02 pmGrey Davis got the AX for screwing up the states finances. Maybe its Arnolds turn!
January 22nd, 2009 at 6:54 amI worked full time in Calif.as a Grocery clerk and Bread driver 35 year before retiring with a modest teamster pention. I paid a ton of taxes along the way. I did my part, managed and saved, it was not easy. I moved to a active adults community so I could finnaly afford take up golf and now you tell me I may have to pony up again to bail out the state. Well I might just have to quit golf and take up a new hobby, working to throw out all these Sacramento politicians!
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:55 amTaxes and Fees in California are as popular as any bond on a ballot. All in favor of a tax or fee, the state accepts cash, checks or money orders. While I read about a debate on algebra being taught in our schools by the 8th grade, I myself would be happy having elected officals just being able to add and subtract. With a generation starting to play who would just as soon play wii golf on the big screen indoors and at home. Any loss of any player for any reason is just unacceptable. A tax or fee would do more harm than good.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:27 pmyou seriously have to be kidding me right now. do we pay enough taxes already in california? our governor is going to try and bleed everyone dry. the amount it costs just to keep courses watered and groomed with gas prducts they already get enough tax dollars. i can only see it now; the occasional golfer or the learner will not be able to afford to play and many courses will have to raise rates due to declining business or they will turn bad due to cut backs. maybe i’m jumping the gun, but look at everything else and the results in which have been given thus far. look somewhere else besides a nice sport that is supposed to be relaxing, enjoying, yet very difficult to master. raise the luxury tax again on high gas vehicles.. that worked well look at the auto industry.. dont do it to golf. yea, thats right if you drive a large SUV or many luxury cars they charge you an extra tax if you didnt know.. he needs to go back to acting because he surely isnt making wise decisions lately.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:16 pmAmazing. All I read here are comments suggesting that this is someone else’s problem and that we can’t be bothered. Pathetic. California is in trouble, and why shouldn’t golfers be leaders in helping? So what if it’s not fair. Someone needs to take a stand and do what’s right. If we lead by example, perhaps others will follow. Golf is a game of character, let’s show some now. I encourage all NCGA members to support this tax, support California, and support other sales taxes as required to help OUR State.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:02 pmWTF!!!, tax on golf. you have got to be kidding me. golf is already expensive, and if taxes are issued on the SPORT, then there will be less golfers because its already hard enough to afford to play the game. Arnold is ridiculous, we should tax the “Hummers” LMAO
January 21st, 2009 at 3:00 pmArnie (Schwartzenegger) – say it ain’t so! Please tell me that this is just another one of your publicity grabbing stunts, and that you are not seriously contemplating a tax on golf! You of all people should know that we can not simply tax our way out of this mess – and ruining California’s reputation as a premier destination resort for golfers from all over the world is a giant step in the wrong direction.
Do the words “Gray Davis” ring any bells?
January 21st, 2009 at 12:46 pmI suggest that for every day there is not a budget that the legislators and Governor forfeit their pay and perks until there is one. I know the Governor only takes $1 per year in salary, but his perks are in the millions. We can also put them under the same retirement system as the majority of Californians….Social Security. Remember, they are not spending THEIR money, but ours. Creating more taxes is just a way for them to not have to make the tough choices where services are to be cut.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:40 amWhen golfers or anyone spends money for things like golf, movies, sporting events etc., it creates additional revenues through existing tax structures for the states and counties by creating jobs for the workers and it increases taxes by use and sales tax. Golfers already pay additional taxes by playing golf and they will most likely already be cutting back due to the economy.
Under this proposal, the middle class will most likely cut back more and buy even fewer related products. Many of the fixed income that had hoped to retire and play golf will lose that dream. In addition, the less privileged that can not afford to golf now will be less likely to have the opportunity to pick up the game of golf. In the end, “only” the rich will be able play golf!
The golf association has worked hard to make the game affordable and available to all who want to enjoy the game. Who wins with an increased tax that singles out the game of golf?
This is not just about a golf tax and it is a mistake to make it just about taxing golfers. The government does not just want to tax golf! The issue should be about not taxing things that will discourage people from spending discretionary money.
This proposal will only make it worse and in the end will create a greater shortfall in taxes. To tax any nonessential more than they already do will cause a decrease in the use and further kill or stifle the economy.
The green will dry up and I don’t just mean the 18 we play on!
January 21st, 2009 at 9:28 amAnother Tax! California should first stop waisting money and reform the school budget. Again schools are throwing away brand new materials they have not used, only so they can get a 10% automatic increase over the previous year. In addition, government workers retire at full pay and do not contribute towards their retirement. Make them contribute – Heaven knows they don’t work as it is! Especially Sacramento! Cut back on Sacramentos budget and freebees. Such as “fact finding trips” around the world and limos. Always remember that government workers despise taxpayers! That is why they like taxing us to death.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:34 amAs a member of SIRS,MANY OF WE RETIREE’S SOLE INCOME IS SOCIAL SECURITY. OUR GROUP ENJOY PLAYING WEEKLY. MANY WOULD OPT TO DISCONTINUE PLAYING SHOULD AN UN-WARRANTED TAX BE APPLIED TO OUR GREEN FEES. NCGA SHOULD DRAFT A PROTEST THAT COULD BE MAILED TO ALL MEMBER GROUPS.
January 20th, 2009 at 8:10 pmI find it amazing that any individual would want to be taxed as Mr. Johnson’s post indicates. Why should golfers bear the burden of a poorly governed state’s financial problems? Any revenue increase should be from ALL Californians, not just a few. The state should begin by reducing spending as much as possible before going after the taxpayer but who believes that will happen?
January 20th, 2009 at 7:49 pmI also believe that taxing Golf would have serious ramifications to the State’s already poorly managed income. As mentioned above, health care cost to the state for people that were Golfing that would now become sedentary because they couldn’t afford it, equipment sales declines, less gas tax income generated because less people would be driving to the courses or the ranges, etc.. people would either just stop playing or move out of the state. Either way, the state loses income.
They need to “Correct the Spending Issue” in the first place and for a temporary measure to get “back-on-track” raise the current local tax by a 1/2 percent or so.
Where’s that sign up sheet to get this thrown out?
January 20th, 2009 at 5:41 pmI wounder how long a sentor or state rep paid for a round of golf?WHEN ONE SHOWES UP TO PLAY GOLF PAID BY SOMEONE ELSE CHARGE HIM A LEGISLATORS SIR CHARGE. If they would return the 45 cadillics they bought,and buy ther own cars they would know how expensive things are. GOV. YOU ARE NUTS
January 20th, 2009 at 5:33 pmSandie, Peter, Bharat:
January 20th, 2009 at 4:40 pmThe California Alliance for Golf is aware of your request and is working to put something together to enable you to easily contact your legislators to register your disapproval of the tax. We will post something as soon as it becomes available. Thank you for the suggestion.
I second the comment from Peter, It would help ALL the memebrs to have an automated response or draft template of a letter to be sent to the legislators and even better for the link to just send it to ALL the legislators !!
I have a junior golfer playing tournaments and the comment would apply to all players though !! I cant afford to pay any more on top of entry fees, rounds, practices, we already contribute via gear , clothing, travel, gas and I could go on and on !
I thought the governer was all about health and fitness yet the legislators go and proposes taxes on an outdoor sport ??
January 20th, 2009 at 4:35 pmRight on, Sandie. NCGA can organize and post an automated response to go to the state’s legislators.
January 20th, 2009 at 3:36 pmWould the NCGA please set up an automated electronic response so we can all start blasting Sacramento with e-mails regarding the nonsense of this proposal? If you can draft a politically correct version and make it easy for golfers across the state to quickly respond then you will have millions of responses in a vary short time.
January 20th, 2009 at 2:38 pmThank you for making the issue known now I encourage you to take it a step further and help us all push back on this one!
I live in one of the most special golf areas of California, Pebble Beach. It is already difficult for many to afford golf here and this would make it even worse.
Problem: Taxing Golf…
January 20th, 2009 at 11:23 amThe proposed tax on the golf and businesses associated with it hurts the middle and lower income golfers more than it does the rich. The proponents of this tax claim it’s a tax that will have the least amount of negative impact, because after all, people who play golf are primarily the rich….and they can more easily sustain such a blow.
Let’s take a closer look.
Taxing golf will reduce the number of rounds played and impact the whole golf industry. This would result in some facilities forced to make cut backs or close, resulting in supporting industries, like hospitality and tourism, failing. This would cause a loss of state revenue in taxes, which would affect unemployment rates, government assistance programs, charitable giving, and a myriad of other financial services.
How much would the tax on golf cost California residents? Are you aware that Golf in CA generates more than three and a quarter million dollars for charities including those assisting children? That number would be hugely reduced. As I see it, this tax would bring about yet another negative financial spiral for CA. Let’s keep golf available & affordable to everyone…unless you want to make golf exclusively a game for the super rich. But, where would they play?
Lets tax tobacco, liquor, gas, illegal drugs, anything but golf.
January 19th, 2009 at 10:39 pmGolfers already contribute their share of big tax $ via sales tax from the expensive gear involved with golfing – clubs, balls, golf shoes etc. We have many golf corporations like Callaway and Taylormade in California that employ many CA citizens and contribute tax $ to shoulder the burden of the costliness of operating in this state – Sacramento politicians should be supportive of that fact. We are lucky they have not left for a less business “unfriendly” state like Texas. We need to focus on the real problem and that is the politicians and bureaucrats and their inept budgetary management and wasteful spending. Their emergency should not be our (golfers) emeregency.
January 19th, 2009 at 6:24 pmDitto Ken Johnson 1/18/09 @ 1:44 PM.
January 19th, 2009 at 12:30 pmExactly. There is no good reason for golf to be taxed while other forms of recreation and entertainment are not. And yes, out of control spending IS the only point that really matters. Just like other taxes and revenue sources the state has tapped in the past, the government will find new ways to spend it and in a few years we’ll be right back in this situation again, looking for new things to tax. Remember the promises that were made when the lottery started? It was supposed to be a supplement to the general fund so that education would never go wanting again. So much for that. And on top of all that, a lot of the revenue collected on a golf tax will simply be funds that are shifted from other sources. Discretionary spending is not going up right now, so if people are paying more in taxes, they will spend less elsewhere. And that means less taxes paid elsewhere, and less revenue for other businesses, who of course will then pay less tax.
January 19th, 2009 at 10:28 amThe California sales tax is defined as a sales and use tax. I presume the Govenator is using the “use” part of the law to impose a tax on golfers. I will be willing to pay the tax as a golfer as long as all other forms of entertainment and sports get taxed, including Arnie’s movies, football, basketball, hockey, baseball, food & wine festivals, ice skating rinks and anything else that people have to purchase a ticket.
Anything less then that is a violation of the 6th Amendment and equal protection clause of the United States Constitution.
January 18th, 2009 at 8:25 pmI disagree with the argument that golfers should pay the tax because they can afford to do so for two reasons. First, it assumes that golfers have money falling out of their pockets when in fact this is not necessarily true. Are large percentage of the California golfers are retired, and live on a fixed income. And, second, I diagree because it is a metter of eqaulity for me. Golf is a recreational activity. The Governor is not proposing a sales tax on other recreational activites, such as boating, parks, movie theaters, etc. Singling out golf is not fair. This tax will pass unless we all join in against the fight. I suggest writing your local Legislators. We elected them to speak for us.
January 18th, 2009 at 6:13 pmAs an NCGA member for nearly 15 years, I have to say that I’m disappointed by the NCGA position on this issue. As long as some unemployed family has to pay sales tax on essentials like a $30 dollar pair of shoes, it’s only equitable that someone who can afford the greens fee at Poppy also pay sales tax. I won’t disagree with other poster’s that California government is too big or inefficient, that’s not the point. In fact, California is ungovernable these days as a result of the initiative process. Still, in a perfect world, we’d pay tax on greens fees before we paid taxes on essential goods.
January 18th, 2009 at 1:44 pmwhere is this going to end? tax on bowling? getting taxed to go to a sporting event? oops, maybe i should not give them any ideas. when was the last time these politicians paid for a round of golf?
January 18th, 2009 at 1:23 pmThe only sensible solution is to cut government spending. It has grown at a significantly higher rate than inflation and increase in population, combined. Cut spending! Voters, hold them accountable–stop reelecting representatives that are destroying our state!
Taxing golf specifically is beyond ridiculous, it is wrong. I am sure they believe they are getting the rich, but there are lots and lots of muni players out here that are NOT rich. On top of that, it is morally wrong to pick on ANY group to make them pay more, especially when the money is simply wasted.
Cut spending NOW!
January 18th, 2009 at 11:10 amChris – According to the information we have, the tax will range from about nine percent to just above 10 percent depending on the county in which you play golf.
Thanks for the comment,
January 17th, 2009 at 7:19 pmHow much of a tax is he talking about? Why can’t they just raise the sales tax a point or have a gas tax of like 5 or 10 cents a gallon. They could raise a lot of money that way and it would not be too damaging to the citizens of California.
January 17th, 2009 at 7:05 pmGolf tax?!@# This goes to prove how desperate our politicians are at this moment! They can’t think logically nor do they care how the average American lives! I say legalize prostitution, put higher tax on cigarettes, legalize marijuana and tax it makes more sense than taxing hard working Americans. Gee I wonder what would happen if we revolted like the Boston Tea Party! There is power in numbers! Remember politicians for the most part are BLOWHARDS with no guts! Not all of them but a good portion!
January 17th, 2009 at 5:43 pmI think this stinks. Golf is already expensive as it is and to impose a tax just seems wrong. Try cutting the huge salaries and retirement packages most of these politicians recieve, And maybe there wouldn’t be such a huge dephicet. Hey what about a Bailout plan. Or just keep taxing the crap out ciggaretts and alcohol. What about bigger fines on Drunk driving. Or maybe we should instill an extra tax on goverment employees that don’t pay into Social Security.
January 17th, 2009 at 2:21 pmTax on golf is just not the answer to California’s lack of money management.
Vincent