USA | Business coalition has submitted a landmark signature total to repeal the USD 742 million gross receipts tax in Los Angeles.
A broad coalition of business and hospitality leaders have submitted over 79,300 signatures to the Los Angeles City Clerk to qualify a repeal of the city’s Business Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) for the November 2026 ballot.
The submission follows a month-long, grassroots effort that successfully secured nearly double the required signatures needed for validation, signalling significant support for the city’s small business community that has suffered under years of one-sided policies that ignore the real cost of doing business in Los Angeles. The measure, titled the "Repeal Of Los Angeles City Business Gross Receipts Tax," would eliminate the tax Los Angeles businesses pay on overall revenues.
For decades, the GRT has disproportionately hit small and minority‑owned businesses and contributed to higher costs for everyday goods. Repealing it will deliver immediate relief to residents, protect jobs at companies struggling under LA’s high operating costs, and restore a fairer, more competitive business climate. Los Angeles is one of only three cities in California with a gross receipts tax and it has driven employers out of LA to neighbouring, more tax-competitive markets.
This measure has overwhelming support from voters. This year, it will be the only measure before voters that will lower taxes, tackle inflation, and put more money in the pockets of everyday Angelenos.
“Repealing the gross receipts tax is about supporting our main streets and the mom-and-pop businesses that help our neighbourhoods thrive," said Nella McOsker, President and CEO of the Central City Association.
“These businesses are facing the same affordability crisis as families across our city, and by eliminating the GRT we're removing one more reason to relocate or shut down. This repeal gives local entrepreneurs a real chance to stay in Los Angeles, create jobs, reinvest in our communities, and keep our commercial corridors buzzing,” said McOsker.
“Los Angeles is facing an affordability crisis, and repealing the archaic gross receipts tax tackles it head-on. It will be the only measure on the ballot that lowers taxes, said Stuart Waldman, President of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association. This repeal is necessary for our city to halt the exodus of business and recruit new employers, and secure our economic future.”
"Today marks a turning point for a business community that refused to be passive. After years of being targeted by policy decisions that threaten our industry’s viability, we stood up, organised, and acted,” said Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
“At a time when the city is proposing multiple tax increases, this will be the only measure on the ballot that lowers taxes and puts money back into the pockets of residents."
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