The South Carolina REALTORS® Association today launched a comprehensive, statewide media campaign to raise public awareness about a bill in the South Carolina Legislature that would reform the unfair point of sale tax.

“The point of sale tax is hurting our economy and is clearly unfair,” said Nick Kremydas, chief executive officer of the South Carolina REALTORS®. “For months we’ve been talking to lawmakers and local governments, telling them that the point of sale law is flawed and is straining South Carolina families and businesses including REALTORS®. We’re taking our message directly to South Carolinians so they are informed about the current point of sale tax, and why we need to change it now.”

The current law allows local governments to dramatically increase property taxes on homes, land, and businesses when they are sold. For example, if you buy a home, you pay higher property taxes than an identical home in your neighborhood.

“Because of the unfair point of sale tax, some companies have said they will not relocate or open new businesses in South Carolina, taking their jobs to other states, and in a tough economy the last thing we need are taxes that eliminate jobs and prevent new businesses from opening,” said Kremydas. “Families across South Carolina are struggling to pay their bills and hold onto their jobs, and local governments want more. Local governments should find ways to encourage job creation and improve efficiencies instead of supporting a tax that punishes businesses looking to bring jobs to the state.”

The SC REALTORS© educational campaign will include traditional and new media advertising including an interactive Web site — http://www.ItsJustNotFair.org to spread the word about the need to change the unfair point of sale tax. A copy of the campaign’s first TV advertisement is available on a YouTube channel: http://www.YouTube.com/SCJustNotFair.

About the South Carolina REALTORS ®

The South Carolina REALTORS® Association is the premiere source for real estate trends and property information in the Palmetto State. With more than 18,000 members across the state, REALTORS® are working to improve the quality of life in South Carolina.