Slew of new Nevada taxes and fees to take effect July 1

By Cy Ryan

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 | 4:15 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Gov. Brian Sandoval’s record $1.1 billion tax increase takes effect July 1, but there are many other fees and taxes that will hit Nevadans on that date or later.

They range from levies on taxi rides to divorce actions. And local governments are authorized to ask voters to approve tax increases for a variety of reasons.

• There’s a 3 percent tax on taxicab and ride-hailing car fares. The tax was imposed to help fully fund a $37 million request by UNLV to start a medical school.

• Customers who transact business with the state Department of Motor Vehicles will be assessed $1 to help pay for a massive new computer system.

• In a joint divorce action, there will be an additional fee to re-open terms. The person who files a request to amend a divorce decree will be charged $129. The individual who responds to the new case will have to pay $59. The money goes to the court system.

• Boxing promoters will now pay the state 8 percent of the gross gate receipts, up from 6 percent.

• The live entertainment tax now ranges from 5 to 10 percent on admissions, depending on the size of the venue. Effective Oct. 1, the rate is 9 percent for all admissions and includes such outdoor events as Burning Man in Northern Nevada.

• In the governor’s approved tax plan, there is an immediate tax increase of $1 per pack of cigarettes starting July 1.

• Counties will be permitted to create a district to impose a sales and use tax to pay off bonds to help finance water projects that cost more than $50 million. The tax must be cleared by the Interim Finance Committee of the Legislature.

• Counties and cities with master and recreational plans may impose a residential construction tax for new or expanded parks. The tax would apply to construction of homes, apartment complexes and the development of mobile home spaces. The tax would be 1 percent of the valuation on the building permit or $1,000 per residential unit, whichever is less.

• Rural counties will be able to ask voters in 2016 if they want to approve an increase in the gasoline tax.

• Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske is already reminding businesses that starting July 1 the Sandoval tax package will increase the state business license fee for corporations from $200 to $500. All fee for other businesses will remain at $200.