The Governor's Citizens Finance Review Commission is finalizing recommendations to change Arizona 's tax code. The goal is to broaden Arizona 's tax base in order to be less vulnerable to an economic downturn, such as the current one, which has produced a billion-dollar deficit. A lower overall sales-tax rate is being proposed, but currently exempt dry cleaning, hair care, auto maintenance and various other services may become taxable.

Possible changes to the code include reinstating a statewide property tax, which was repealed in 1996, eliminating a homeowner's rebate and eliminating personal property taxes for business. Arizona 's personal property taxes are significantly higher then neighboring states, and proponents argue that elimination of personal property makes Arizona more competitive in attracting business.

The property-tax component of the package would shift at least $600 million from businesses, among the most heavily taxed in the country, to homeowners, who have relatively low tax rates.

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