Let's Talk About The Facts
- What is a local option sales tax? A choice provided by the state of Tennessee to allow voters a choice in financing local government needs.
- Have any other cities in Shelby County exercised this option? Back in 2012, the citizens of every other city in Shelby County (Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, and Lakeland) voted for the ½ cent sales tax.
- Have you ever declined to eat or shop in Germantown or Bartlett because of their ½ cent sales tax? I doubt most even notice it. Nevertheless, the citizens of these cities reap the benefits every time you spend within their city limits.
- How many tourists visit Memphis each month? According to a recent article in the Daily Memphian, nearly 1 million people visit Memphis each month; not to mention the thousands of out of town workers who come to this city every day. All these people, who benefit from our services, will now play a major part in keeping our community safe.
- Is there a cap on the local option sales tax? Yes, it is capped at $8 for every $1,600 and above purchase. Example: If you bought a new car and paid $10,000 you would only be paying an additional $8.
- How much extra would I pay on a $100 purchase? .50 cents
- If a family of four added up all their grocery bills from an entire year, how much extra will they have paid due to the local option sales tax? Approximately $40; that’s just under $4 per month. A small price to pay for a safer Memphis.
- How much extra in total would a single person have paid at the end of the year if he had bought a $5 Starbucks latte every day of that year? The total amount extra would be $10.95 for the entire year. That’s the cost of two extra lattes for a safer Memphis.
- How much extra in total would a single person have paid at the end of the year if in that year they bought two new cars? $16
- Will SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly and commonly known as the Food Stamp Program) recipients have to pay the local ½ penny increase? No, SNAP recipients are exempt from the increase.
- Will Gasoline costs be impacted? No, gasoline prices will not be affected by the tax increase.
- Will Prescription medications be impacted? No, prescription medications will not be affected by the tax increase.