Repeal the Grantors Tax

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority was recently given the authority by the state to impose new taxes for transportation costs in Northern Virginia.  One of the most unbelievable tax increases proposed and authorized (but not yet in effect) is the Grantors Tax. 

This is a fee that every home seller pays at settlement to the State of Virginia.  Currently the tax is $1 per $1000 of the sales price of a house.  For instance, if you sell your house for $450,000 you pay the state of Virginia $450. 

The authorized increase will change the tax from $1 per $1000 to $5 per $1000, an increase of 5 times the current rate.  So now the $450 Grantors Tax will become $2250. 

Why this tax is so completely ridiculous is two-fold.  First of all, it fines the people who are leaving the area and actually lessening the amount of traffic in the area.  That is backwards.

Second, it makes people who currently live here and are considering moving up, think twice about doing so.  This actually hurts the local economy.   The move up buyer was a vital group of buyers during the bull market run of a couple years ago.

I have an idea that might do the same thing as this ridiculous tax.  How about hiring less workers to stand around on the side of the road at every highway construction zone?  Every time I drive by at least half, if not all of these workers are standing around doing absolutely nothing. 

Here is a petition to sign asking that this tax be repealed if you are opposed to the increase in the Grantors Tax.