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PHILOSOPHY OF
ORGANIZATION
TFI, a 501(c)(4), is dedicated to the principle that an educated and
well-informed public ensures better governmnet. We are devoted to offering
independent, nonpartisan research that presents reliable, objective analyses of
government spending and tax policies. The Federation does not oppose all taxes,
but is ever-present to ensure that taxes are fair, equitable, not excessive, and
that governments are reasonable and efficient in the use of citizen’s tax
dollars.
The Federation strives to not only help focus attention on problems, but also
provide direction for their resolution in a positive and constructive manner. We
believe in a “proactive” role in helping to shape the state’s tax laws, one that
is best served by an even-handed approach to consensus and coalition building.
The Federation is a watchdog for the largely hidden costs of government
associated with debt obligations and pension funds, and alert to the
inconspicuous rate adjustments which result in real estate tax increases. The
Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois does not guarantee that every member will
agree with each study, recommendation or legislative initiative it undertakes.
Nevertheless, the membership can be confident that, year after year, the
Federation will have a key role in shaping state and local tax policy, and
continue to protect each type of taxpayers - whether a large corporation, a
small business or an individual.MAJOR PUBLICATIONS
• County Government Law - A Reference Guide
• Practical Guide to Illinois Property Taxes - 2004 edition
• Taxation Without Explanation: The Illinois Property Tax System
• Tax Increment Financing in Illinois
Illinois Tax Facts, an 8-page newsletter, is published approximately 4 times per
year.
TFI report from the Capitol is published weekly during the legislative session.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Property Tax
• Advocated substantial changes to the Cook County tax appeal process that give
Cook County taxpayers the same rights of appeal granted to taxpayers across the
state.
• Shepherded legislation to clarify the definition of real and personal property
through successful passage in the state Senate and filed a legal brief in
support of the appellate court decision against reclassification of property.
• Drafted modifications limiting the uses of the local government tort immunity
fund by prohibiting the accumulation of excessive reserves in self-insurance
funds and the levy or extension of additional property taxes if excessive
reserves exist.
• Supported legislation establishing tax caps in the Collar Counties and Cook,
as well as Downstate.
• Played a preeminent role in passage of the recodification of property tax
laws.
Income Tax
• In the forefront of several income tax issues of importance, working on laws
to encourage economic development and business expansion in Illinois.
• Initiated and advocated a change in the apportionment of income for the
corporate income tax from a three-factor formula to a single sales factor.
• Helped alter penalty and interest assessments against taxpayers who
inadvertently file late returns.
• Led the successful campaign for the establishment of an income tax refund
account for both corporate and individual taxpayers.
• Initiated legislation establishing a research and development tax credit for
qualified businesses and supported its extension.
Sales Tax
Currently leading the legislative effort to recodify sales and use tax laws and
simplify their application; clarified procedures relating to the administration
of the Manufacturer’s Purchase Credit, thereby streamlining the process for
taxpayers and the Department of Revenue; supported various machinery and
equipment exemptions from the Illinois sales tax for several industries,
including manufacturing, printing, food processing, farming, mineral extraction,
refining, etc.; and spearheaded the review and realignment of state sales tax
increment finance law.
Tax Administration
Guided adoption of uniform penalty and interest provisions, which replaced a
system that used six different interest rates and 30 penalties, with one using a
single interest rate and seven penalties and helped implement numerous tax law
changes through participation in the rulemaking process.
Public Utility Taxes
Supported a bill to make Illinois’ natural gas suppliers more competitive.
Supported exclusion of state taxes and other add-ons from the base upon which
municipal utlity taxes are figured, and, chaired the Electric Utility Property
Assessment Task Force, created by the General Assembly to examine the effects of
electric utility deregulation on taxing districts containing power generating
plants.
Corporate Franchise Tax
Spearheaded changes to the Business Corporation Act.
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT TFI
“I have long supported meaningful property tax reform for Illinois Taxpayers,
and believe the Federation’s efforts are critical to achieving that goal.”
Former Governor Jim Edgar
“While we’re on the subject [of political accountability], we’d like to say a
word for the Taxpayers’ Federation. The federation is a unique, nonpartisan and
highly credible voice in Illinois that will need the business community’s strong
continuing support...The federation’s strength is the high quality of its
research, and its reputation for fairness.”
Editorial in Crain’s Chicago Business |
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