Feb. 16, 2009 – Because Wisconsin residents are constitutionally entitled to legal representation, the State Bar of Wisconsin vigorously objects to any proposal to expand the state sales tax to include legal services. We need to be clear that this would not be a tax on lawyers. Rather, it would be a tax on consumers of legal services, including the elderly addressing their personal and financial needs, young families buying their first home, and entrepreneurs incorporating a new business.

People don’t choose to develop life-threatening illnesses, face bankruptcy, or struggle with personal tragedies. But when they respond to these and other challenges, they often rely on their lawyer to protect their interests and obtain justice.

Sales taxation of legal services amounts to a tax on justice itself that would disadvantage Wisconsin’s most vulnerable citizens. If enacted, Wisconsin families and small businesses will pay this new tax.

For more information or to see where you can make a difference and get involved, please visit www.taxingjustice.com.