Advocacy Group Calls for Tax Fairness, Plans Tax Day Rally

Report reveals 60% of corporations pay zero state income taxes

An advocacy group focused on social and economic justice is calling on lawmakers to take steps to promote tax fairness following the release of a report revealing 60% of corporations in the state pay no income taxes.

The group, Tennessee For All, is planning rallies in Nashville and Memphis on April 18th - Tax Day - to highlight what they say is a tax structure that unfairly punishes working families to the benefit of corporations.

Tennessee For All specifically noted that Tennessee has the second highest sales tax in the nation and also that Tennessee is one of only a handful of states that taxes groceries.

The group says one way to address the disparity in tax burden is by eliminating the tax on groceries.

The Rev. Francisco García, Assistant Chaplain at St. Augustine's Episcopal Chapel in Nashville, said, “Groceries are one of the biggest expenses for families and it’s not fair that they are paying taxes on basic needs while corporations are not paying their fair share. Getting rid of the grocery tax forever would be a huge help to families across Tennessee.”

Tennessee For All says that instead of moving forward with a repeal of the grocery tax, lawmakers are advancing a corporate tax cut.

According to the group:

"Despite the fact that our schools are underfunded, our roads have potholes, and our communities go without vital public services, the state seems ready to cut corporate taxes. Corporations should pay their fair share and families should be given tax relief."

Photo byKelly SikkemaonUnsplash