GRT Myths Busted
Here’s the truth about the SEAL SD Liberty GRT plan—replacing property taxes to save you $1.6 billion, built on transparency and local control. We’ve busted the top myths for you below, so you can see why GRT means tax freedom!
Top Myths and Facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Dark money’s behind this—it’s a scam! | Grassroots effort, saves $1.6B—$3,000-$5,000 in Rapid City. Open books! |
| I don’t trust DOGE-SD—it’s a power grab! | Citizen-led, saves Custer $1.15M-$2.2M. Local control, not state power! |
| Property taxes are morally wrong! | GRT fixes it—saves $200M for farmers, $3,000-$5,000 for families! |
| Property taxes are unconstitutional! | GRT swaps them, saves $1.6B, protects your rights with DOGE-SD audits! |
| I like my high property taxes—they fund us! | GRT keeps $960M for schools, saves you $1.6B for more community impact! |
| GRT piles taxes like Washington State! | One-time 2.5% GRT, exempts 39,150 businesses—$10M-$15M sales boost! |
| Businesses will get crushed by GRT! | 45% exempt, Rapid City gains $10M-$15M in sales—no price hikes! |
| School funding will suffer with GRT! | Locks in $960M, $84M for Rapid City—schools thrive, no cuts! |
| Rural counties like Fall River lose out! | Fall River gets $3-$5M GRT, $1-$2M aid—local control for all! |
| GRT can’t happen—legislators will block it! | Your 35,017 signatures in 2026 decide—$1.8B for schools, $1.6B saved! |
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Total Savings: $1.6 billion state-wide
- Rapid City Households: $3,000-$5,000 yearly
- Farmers: $200M-$225M saved
- Schools: $960M secured, $84M for Rapid City
- Businesses Exempt: 39,150 under $100,000
- Rebates: Up to $325 per voter
Real-World Example: What’s Taxed, What’s Not?
Here’s a Sam’s Club receipt from Rapid City to show how GRT applies:
- Bananas ($1.88): Exempt (grocery)
- Whole Milk ($3.84): Exempt (grocery)
- Detergent ($14.98): Taxed at 2.5%
- Deli Wings ($26.78): Taxed (prepared food)
- Pre-packaged Yogurt ($14.38): Taxed (prepared food)
- Subtotal: $126.89
- Taxable Amount: $69.62
- GRT at 2.5%: $1.74 (vs. $4.38 current sales tax)
Under GRT, you’d pay less tax on this receipt, saving even more with $1.6 billion state-wide—$3,000-$5,000 yearly in Rapid City!
Grocery & Medical Exemptions
- Groceries Exempt: Bread, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables—no 2.5% GRT. Convenience items like hot food, soft drinks, toiletries, cigarettes are taxed.
- Medical Exemptions: Prescription drugs, prosthetics, durable equipment (prescribed)—no GRT. Over-the-counter items, elective services may be taxed.
- No Double Taxation: The GRT aligns with South Dakota’s sales tax plan—items like dog food are taxed now and under GRT, but essentials like milk stay exempt, so you’re not double-taxed on the same items.
Learn More
- Visit sealSD.com/taxes for full details.
- Download our PDF: GRT Myths Busted PDF
Join us April 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM at First Assembly of God in Rapid City to see how GRT works for you!