L.A. City Attorney, Panel Oppose Tax Break

The Los Angeles city attorney and the City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee have recommended against exempting home-based businesses from paying the city business tax, a motion sought by Councilman Richard Alatorre. In two separate reports issued this week, the city attorney’s office said an exemption would violate the City Charter, while the committee report said a tax break based on geographic location or zoning would be unfair. The city legalized home-based businesses in March, requiring such firms to register with the city and be taxed. But writers and artists have opposed the ordinance. Alatorre, who heads the committee, plans to discuss the matter further at a Dec. 16 committee meeting.