Georgia state lawmakers want to collect a tax on Girl Scout cookies
Georgia lawmakers are considering a bill that would d rewrite the state tax code and eliminate the exemption-status of some types of non-profit organizations. In simple terms, the proposed legislation would open up the possibility that Girl Scout cookies may come with a tax.
Tenequa Wildy has two daughters who’ve been selling Girl Scout cookies for years. The girls have sold more than 1,000 boxes between them.
Wildy said she was disappointed to hear the details of House Bill 385. The bill is a revenue generating measure that would eliminate the sales tax exemption of various services and non-profit organizations. If the measure is approved, Girl Scouts of America may have to impose a sales tax on cookies, their biggest fundraiser by far.
Wildy says her oldest daughter is worried.
Tracy Crump is the Chief Operating Officer for Girl Scouts of greater Atlanta. Crump said that while she understands why Georgia lawmakers are trying to boost revenue for the cash strapped state, a cookie tax will mean less money for camping programs, training programs and other opportunities Girl Scouts enjoy. The tax, she says, will complicate an otherwise simple fundraising effort.