Business Tax Reform
San Francisco's business tax structure is facing new challenges and is in need of reform. Mayor Breed and Board President Peskin have asked the Treasurer, Controller, and Chief Economist to review the City's current business tax structure and develop recommendations for needed reforms.
The Process
Analysis of New Tax System Risks
An initial report issued in July 2023 by Treasurer José Cisneros, Controller Ben Rosenfield, and the City’s Chief Economist Ted Egan analyzed the key vulnerabilities of San Francisco’s business tax system in the context of our post-pandemic recovery.
Researching Options
At the request of Mayor Breed, President Peskin, and Supervisor Mandelman, the Treasurer, Controller, and Chief Economist conducted a process in summer and fall 2023 with the business community and other stakeholders to develop specific reform recommendations. Stakeholder feedback and other materials can be found under the Helpful Resources section below.
Finalizing Recommendations
The project concluded with a public report back to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors in February 2024, to frame the development of a measure for the consideration of the voters in November 2024.
Helpful Resources
Feedback on Our Final Recommendations
Gross Receipts Tax Overview
Gross Receipts Tax Overview
An overview of the existing Gross Receipts Tax and how it is applied to hypothetical businesses.
Other Project Updates & Materials
Other Project Updates & Materials
- Business Tax Project Overview: Gross Receipts Roundtable Meeting #1
- Business Tax Project Overview: Gross Receipts Roundtable Meeting #2
- Business Tax Project Overview: Gross Receipts Roundtable Meeting #3 (revised 12/20/23)
Updates and other materials will be posted here as they become available.
Questions?
Questions?
If you have questions or would like to submit additional feedback, email laurel.arvanitidis@sfgov.org, ted.egan@sfgov.org and amanda.fried@sfgov.org.
About
San Francisco's business tax structure is facing new challenges and is in need of reform. Mayor Breed and Board President Peskin asked the Treasurer, Controller, and Chief Economist to review the City's current business tax structure and develop recommendations for needed reforms.