Document Type

Dissertation

First Faculty Advisor

Lynch, Michael F.

Keywords

Tax; Sales; Rhode Island; competitiveness

Publisher

Bryant University

Abstract

The present study explores the current state of taxation in Rhode Island in relation to its sales tax. An analysis of the literature will examine how the current sales tax system compares with other alternatives and if it hurts the state's economic competitiveness as shown in tax burden studies. Using Rhode Island tax data from the Annual State Audit and Consumer Expenditure Survey, this study will analyze the current sales tax system in the state and determine whether an alternative model would lead to a higher-quality revenue stream. Data from the State of Rhode Island General Audit Report and the Department of Taxation will be used to compute these figures. The top alternative will then be analyzed to determine its affect on Rhode Island’s tax ranking in the annual Tax Foundation survey.

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