The California Taxpayers Association on February 24 celebrated its 96th year of advocating for sound tax policy and government efficiency.
CalTax was established in 1926 as a nonpartisan, non-profit tax research and advocacy association. Today, the association is the state’s largest and oldest organization representing taxpayers.
The association’s history traces back to 1921, when dramatic increases in government spending and large state tax increases fueled a desire to create the California Tax Improvement Association as an institutional voice for taxpayers. In late 1925, members of that group decided to create a successor organization to pursue the goals of reducing taxes and increasing economy in public expenditures.
At a meeting on February 24, 1926, in the Pacific Mutual Building in Los Angeles, the California Taxpayers Association was born. The association’s incorporation papers were certified by California Secretary of State Frank Jordan on March 8, 1926.
Since its inception, CalTax has informed the public and contributed to sound policymaking by conducting extensive research on education spending, local government costs, government management procedures, property taxation, parcel taxes, and many other issues. CalTax continues to be a key nonpartisan participant in the policymaking process, meeting with governors and providing expert policy input to the Legislature, state tax agencies, county assessors and local governments.