Senator Shawn Gumataotao is making the case for rolling back the Business Privilege Tax to 4%, saying the 5% rate was meant to be temporary. Speaking to the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay, he urged business owners to support Bill 11. Gumataotao says local businesses have shouldered the burden for too long and argues that recent surpluses come from federal appropriations - not improved local revenue.

“Reported surpluses are, not doubt, part of the record federal appropriations into the island," the freshman policymaker announced before the membership. "Many have argued that such federal intervention helps just one part of the island economy. The rollback, really, is much simpler than many may think. Rollback the BPT and the 1% is put right back into the businesses all over this island.”

He says lowering the tax will help businesses invest in employees and operations, while still supporting essential services. Gumataotao continued,  “This bill will be that reminder of the collaboration of the whole community to protect those priority services and our limited tax dollars, ensuring that they are being responsibly spent.”

Meanwhile, senator Chris Duenas is pushing for more tax transparency in Bill 59. Stating hidden taxes make it difficult for people to understand the true cost of goods and services, the BPT Transparency Act would require businesses to list the tax separately on receipts.

He says, "For too long, our government has been taking its cut without consumers seeing the full picture. If businesses have to pay it, and consumers ultimately bear the cost, they should see it in black and white."

Duenas pointing out that many states and territories – including Hawai’i, New Mexico, Washington State, and the CNMI – already require tax disclosure, and it’s time for Guam to catch up.

With both bills before the legislature, the discussion on the BPT continues.