San Francisco’s Payroll and Gross Receipts Tax: Status Report
Thursday, March 8, 9-10:30 am

Special Guests:

• Louise Renne, City Attorney

• Suan Leal, Treasurer/Tax Collector

• Ed Harrington, Controller

Currently, San Francisco collects a business tax from companies and/or persons doing business in the city.  Businesses are required to use one of two methods in calculating the taxes owed 1) 1.5 percent of their payroll; or 2) A figure from $1.23 to $3.00 per thousand dollars of gross receipts. Each entity is required to utilize the method that yields the higher tax revenue.  Businesses owing less than $2,500 in taxes are exempt, under the “small business exemption,” from payment of these taxes.

Recent lawsuits against this tax have resulted in significant potential liability for the city.  Settlement talks are ongoing.  On March 12 Supervisor Gonzalez introduced a motion at city hall to eliminate the gross receipts portion of the tax.  Lost revenue from this tax, combined with funds set aside by the Controller to cover lawsuit liabilities adds to concerns over the city’s fiscal health.  Concerns about the city’s business tax strategy abound.

Please RSVP to: publicpolicy@sfchamber.com or Affy Tavakoli at 415-352-8841.  Space is limited.

For information on Forums, Contact Jim Mathias at 415-352-8838 or jmathias@sfchamber.com

Learn more about the tax
	City info on the tax
	Chamber analysis of November 2000's Prop I which would have raised the payroll and dropped the gross receipts tax
	League of women voters' analysis

All meetings are held in the Chamber’s Boardroom 235 Montgomery Street, 12^th Floor (between Bush & Pine)

Registration and add’l. info. for all Forums is available online click here