State and local officials, realtors, and school groups launched Americans Against Double Taxation, a campaign to preserve the state and local tax deduction (SALT) as part of tax reform, during a media conference call at noon today. The same coalition successfully preserved SALT in the tax reform package signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, and has now come together once again to ensure that Americans can continue claiming this vital deduction.

One of the six original federal tax deductions, SALT has been a staple of the federal tax code for more than 100 years and is claimed by 43 million Americans every year. Since 1913, SALT has supported vital investments in infrastructure, public safety, homeownership and education and provided states and local governments with the financial flexibility to meet the needs of their constituents. SALT also prevents double taxation of Americans by allowing taxpayers to claim a deduction for the state and local taxes they have already paid from their incomes.

“ICMA has joined this coalition to get the word out that the deduction for state and local taxes has existed since the federal tax code was adopted in 1913,” said ICMA Executive Director Marc A. Ott.  “The deduction is claimed by taxpayers at all income levels and is important for supporting public services that benefit all residents.”

During the media call, speakers from the National Association of Counties, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, and the National Association of Realtors gave brief remarks and answered questions regarding the impact SALT has on their constituencies and why Congress must preserve SALT in its tax reform proposal.
 

Related Resources:
Report: The Impact of Eliminating the State and Local Tax Deduction (report prepared by the Government Finance Officers Association) 
Letter announcing launch of Americans Against Double Taxation Coalition
Article discussing the complete proposed tax plan published 9/27/17