Use Tax

In 1935, California enacted a sales and use law. This law has been sitting idle for 57 years. The state has now decided to enforce it. This law requires you to pay a state tax on goods that have already been taxed by the federal government.

On a recent foreign vacation I purchased a few items. When I arrived at Los Angeles International Airport, I went through customs and paid duty on these goods. Five months later I received a bill from the State Franchise Board informing me that I now have to pay a use tax. This is extremely unfair! If I go through customs in another state, would I have to pay a state tax? The answer, probably not. Government officials cannot take it upon themselves to enforce laws only when they see fit. I suppose we will someday be required to pay sales tax and then a use tax on all goods used in California.

When will our state legislators solve the state’s economic problems by reducing spending, not increasing our tax burden?

DIANE GREEK

Orange