11/13/2007 - Mississippi tax structure survey under way

Focus to be on the tax burden borne by Mississippi manufacturers MMA’s tax survey is currently under way. Throughout the month of November, manufacturers from across the state will be surveyed about the business tax climate in Mississippi and related issues impacting the manufacturing community. Results of the telephone survey are expected by the end of 2007 and will be provided to Mississippi policymakers as they make plans to change the tax structure in the coming legislative term. All responses to the survey will remain confidential. MMA has commissioned a study to evaluate the over-all tax burden placed on Mississippi manufacturers and to compare taxes and tax incentives both nationally and on a regional basis. MMA has contracted with Fluor Global Location Strategies, which worked closely with MDA to bring Nissan and other large manufacturers to Mississippi. Results of the study will be combined with a survey of MMA members to determine what tax issues MMA will focus on in our legislative agenda. “The key factor of this project is that the recommended changes to the tax system will include direct input from manufacturers,” said Jay C. Moon, CEcD, FM, MMA president and CEO. “I encourage every manufacturer contacted for the survey to take the time to give us your opinion and share your experiences. We want and need your input in order to make this project of the greatest value to manufacturers.” Gov. Haley Barbour has indicated that he would like to overhaul the state tax structure during his second term in office. “In looking at the system as a whole, the goal will be significant tax reduction,” Barbour said. “But we may see some things in there that need to be adjusted up, which would allow us to reduce other taxes even more.” Dr. Mimmo Parisi, assistant professor of sociology and coordinator of the Unit for Community and Environmental Studies with the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University, will compile the data retrieved from this 15-minute survey. It is crucial that Parisi communicate with the proper tax experts in each company. If your company is asked to participate in this survey, please direct the caller to the proper contact within your company. This feedback is very important in order to produce a meaningful and accurate portrait of the Mississippi tax structure and a useful tool that policymakers can rely on. If you have any questions regarding this survey, contact Mark Leggett, MMA Director of Government Affairs at (601) 948-1222 or mark@mma-web.org.

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