RILA opposed to national sales tax; would stunt consumer spending

Arlington, Va. -- With the presidential campaign in full swing and discussion of a new national sales tax as a component to tax reform being discussed, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) reiterated the strong opposition of the retail community to any sort of national sales tax or Value Added Tax (VAT).



“While the retail industry supports comprehensive tax reform and generally commends efforts to simplify and flatten the tax code, a national sales tax would neither improve federal tax policy nor jumpstart economic growth,” said. Katherine Lugar, executive VP for public affairs, RILA. “With two-thirds of our economy dependent on consumer spending, anything that stifles consumer activity would have severe economic consequences. A national sales tax or VAT would severely stunt consumer spending and ultimately dampen our country’s already fledgling economic recovery.”