During a discussion at the 2015 Cal Tax Annual Members meeting, Board of Equalization Vice Chair George Runner suggested replacing California’s income tax with a sales tax on services to make life easier for taxpayers. “If you want real tax reform, we ought to look at eliminating the state’s personal...

George Runner If high taxes guaranteed results, then California should have some of the best roads in the nation. For years we’ve had one of the highest gas taxes – yet our freeways consistently receive failing grades. It makes no sense unless you admit that high taxes don’t guarantee...

BOE Member George Runner Fire Prevention Fee bills for fiscal year 2014-15 began mailing Monday to more than 700,000 rural Californians, many of whom are receiving a bill for the fourth time. “It’s extremely frustrating that a law this wrong continues to take money from the pockets of rural Californians...

[George Runner] – Board of Equalization Vice Chair and Jessica’s Law author George Runner criticized the California Supreme Court’s decision Monday to strike down mandatory residency restrictions on San Diego County sex offenders under Jessica’s Law without providing any alternative. “Today’s...

George Runner [G. Runner] – Board of Equalization Vice Chair George Runner announced Friday he is sponsoring legislation to extend common sense protections to taxpayers. Assembly Bill 867, authored by Assemblyman Donald Wagner, R-Irvine, would require the state to provide a full refund to all individuals...

BOE Member George Runner George Runner today issued the following statement after a 5-0 Board of Equalization vote to reduce the state’s gasoline excise tax rate by 6 cents (instead of the proposed 7.5 cents), from 36 cents to 30 cents effective July 1 of this year: “This gas tax cut, although less...

George Runner With prices at the pump heading back up, news of a possible cut to the state’s gas tax will surely cheer California drivers. On Tuesday, the State Board of Equalization will consider a proposal to cut the state’s gas tax by 7.5 cents a gallon. The proposal stems from a complicated...

George Runner After years of debt, deficits and budget cuts, it may come as a surprise to learn that our state government is flush with cash. But you wouldn’t know it by the talk of tax increases coming out of Sacramento. First the facts: * California is outspending other states – As the...

From BOE Member George Runner   Every day, nonprofit and faith-based organizations face challenges with tax laws in California. The laws can be complicated and, at times, confusing. These organizations face stiff penalties and interest if deadlines aren’t met and recordkeeping isn’t...

George Runner So why is it that while other states are now enjoying gas prices of less than $2 per gallon, California is still paying higher prices? Due to high taxes and costly regulations, our state’s gas prices are higher than other states. It’s been that way for years. But what’s...