Much to the surprise of everyone following this issue in Harrisburg, Senate Bill 76 was voted out of the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, September 16. Senate Bill 76 would, among other things, impose a sales tax on most legal services. This is the furthest this type of legislation has ever progressed in the Senate. The committee voted 6-5 to send the bill from committee to the full Senate but not before adopting what was described as a “technical” amendment. It now permits the taxation of legal services provided on a contingency fee basis, a subject that had been excluded from taxation in the original version of the bill.
If you do not want to be taxed on this, please take a moment to reach out to your state senator to ask them to vote AGAINST this proposed tax. You can use the links below to find the email address for your senator. When writing your message, please consider including the points:
- For many, hiring a lawyer is a necessity and not a luxury item, as effective legal representation requires counsel.
- Access to justice is a basic constitutional right and justice should not be treated as a commodity.
- Legal representation is needed most by those with lower and moderate incomes.
Of course, feel free to include your own concerns or examples that are pertinent to the issue of a tax on legal services. Even a very short message expressing opposition is important and effective!
Please take a moment and send an email to your state Senator.
Click here to find your senator.
Click here to find your senator’s email or mailing address.