Recent comments in /f/Pennsylvania

worstatit t1_jbjbbhh wrote

Obtain a sticker scraper from the auto parts store and scrape off the inspection stickers when they expire. The traffic fine for not having a sticker is the same as having an expired one, but your apartment management and tow service can't make the call as to whether it's expired if it's not there. Apparently, this is a lazy way of making sure tenants don't store inoperable or unused vehicles on the property.

3

drewbaccaAWD t1_jbjba33 wrote

Well, then I'm confused why you so strongly disagree with the above statement.

The dialects change but it's still guns and Jesus country no matter what corner of the state you go to. And yet, there's also a unique character in those red areas that still make it feel like Pennsylvania rather than Ohio or New Jersey although as I stated above I'm really not sure how to describe it but it's something different and still unifying.

3

ProleAcademy t1_jbja308 wrote

My understanding is that the uniformity clause of the PA constitution would still need to be amended or repealed. Although I think there's some discussion that you can tax income from different sources (like, for instance, dividends or capital gains income) differently from wage income. That could help but is also a big haul and perhaps easier to cheat than an across-the-board progressive rate scheme across all sources and income brackets.

1

ronreadingpa t1_jbj2k8k wrote

PA has a lot of local nuisance taxes, but is far from the highest. Take car registration. It's around $44 per year versus $500-$1500+ in some other states. Sales tax is middle of the road at 6% (Philadelphia 8% and Allegheny County 7%) with clothing (big draw for outlet shoppers, especially back before the internet), most food (bought in a supermarket, etc; not made to order or restaurants) and some essentials excluded. Income tax 3.07% flat.

Basically, for many in PA, taxes aren't that terrible with the possible exception of property taxes (varies a lot) and local taxes, in particular, Philadelphia with their earned income tax and higher sales tax. Also, property assessments there for some have greatly increased in recent years.

In short, PA taxes are a mix bag. One needs to also consider the services they get. While PA could do better, it could be far worse.

3