Springfield Lawmaker Wants To Lessen Tax Burden On Gym Members
Information from edited news release . . .
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Eric Burlison wants to undo a decision made by the Missouri Department of Revenue to apply an entertainment tax to fitness and yoga classes. He filed a bill this week that would exempt such activities from an entertainment tax meant for tickets for sporting events and amusement parks. Burlison said the change is necessary to prevent excessive taxation on events that clearly cannot be classified as entertainment.
“Our revenue department has expanded the application of this tax too broadly so that they are now trying to tax Missourians for trying to stay physically fit,” said Burlison, R-Springfield. “The intent of the law is to apply the tax to entertainment events, and the bill I have filed is intended to make that intent crystal clear in our statutes.”
The Missouri Department of Revenue made its decision following a 2008 state Supreme Court decision that ruled that fees paid for personal training services at gyms were taxable. Shortly after the ruling the department began collecting a 4 percent sales tax on personal training class fees.
“It’s just common sense to me that the state should not tax Missourians for trying to stay active and healthy,” said Burlison. “I look forward to working with my colleagues this session to do what is right for all Missourians by eliminating this unnecessary tax.”
The legislative session began Wednesday, Jan. 9.
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