MS Tax Overhaul Appears Headed To Doom In Senate

A bill to overhaul Mississippi’s tax structure faces a critical deadline Tuesday in the state Senate, but it appears unlikely to survive despite a push from Republican Gov. Tate Reeves.

The Senate president pro tempore, Republican Dean Kirby of Pearl, said in response to reporters’ questions Monday: “I cannot find any votes the way it’s currently written. … I haven’t found any support.”

House Bill 1439 would phase out Mississippi’s income tax and cut the 7% state grocery tax in half. It also would increase the sales tax on most items from 7% to 9.5% and would increase taxes on other items, including tobacco, alcohol, farm implements and manufacturing equipment.