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Should Sin Be Taxed?
The Ultimate Sin Tax
Nevada Considers Taxing Hookers
PAHRUMP, Nev. {AP}
The manager of one of Nevada's finest brothels proudly walks the 297 acres that surround The Resort at Sheri's Ranch, pointing to the $7 million expansion that opened last year. She glows when talking about the sports bar, the themed bungalows, the Jacuzzi rooms.
'Business is good,' say Laraine Harper.
So good that several influential Nevada lawmakers think the industry should do more than fulfill sexual fantasies. With the state facing a deficit of up to $704 million, some legislators want to tax the fees of Nevada prostitutes in what could be the ultimate sin tax.
'Everybody should pay.' said Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, a Reno Democrat. 'It should be taxed just like any other entertainment.'
Brothels and hookers in Nevada, the only state with legal prostitution, are subject to federal income tax on their over all earnings, and have to pay various county taxes and fees. But Nevada has no state income tax.
Some say a state tax on sex acts would further legitimize an industry that many people prefer to keep at arm's length. A state tax could also hurt the small rural counties that depend on revenue from local brothel taxes. And some fear it could drive legal prostitutes underground.
The brothel owners are not particularly enthusiastic, either.
'What are the girls going to do?' asked Geoff Arnold, president of the Navada Brothel Association. {This part CrAcKs me up} 'Have a calculator in the room? The girls aren't the best at math.'
They may have to learn.
Gov. Kenny Guinn has proposed a 7.3 percent tax on entertainment and admissions that is expected to generate $82.5 million in its first year.
Nevada Considers Taxing Hookers
PAHRUMP, Nev. {AP}
The manager of one of Nevada's finest brothels proudly walks the 297 acres that surround The Resort at Sheri's Ranch, pointing to the $7 million expansion that opened last year. She glows when talking about the sports bar, the themed bungalows, the Jacuzzi rooms.
'Business is good,' say Laraine Harper.
So good that several influential Nevada lawmakers think the industry should do more than fulfill sexual fantasies. With the state facing a deficit of up to $704 million, some legislators want to tax the fees of Nevada prostitutes in what could be the ultimate sin tax.
'Everybody should pay.' said Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, a Reno Democrat. 'It should be taxed just like any other entertainment.'
Brothels and hookers in Nevada, the only state with legal prostitution, are subject to federal income tax on their over all earnings, and have to pay various county taxes and fees. But Nevada has no state income tax.
Some say a state tax on sex acts would further legitimize an industry that many people prefer to keep at arm's length. A state tax could also hurt the small rural counties that depend on revenue from local brothel taxes. And some fear it could drive legal prostitutes underground.
The brothel owners are not particularly enthusiastic, either.
'What are the girls going to do?' asked Geoff Arnold, president of the Navada Brothel Association. {This part CrAcKs me up} 'Have a calculator in the room? The girls aren't the best at math.'
They may have to learn.
Gov. Kenny Guinn has proposed a 7.3 percent tax on entertainment and admissions that is expected to generate $82.5 million in its first year.
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