Ventura County is a bargain—we have a sales tax of under 8%. Shop in L.A. County and you could pay a sales tax of 11%. On big purchases that is real money. Of course, L.A. is losing businesses and families. The County also has a massive deficit—this is part of the reason why.
“If you live in LA County, you could pay more at the check out. Starting April 1, the sales tax rate in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County — and in cities without their own special tax measures — increased from 9.5% to 9.75%.
But that’s just the baseline. Many cities across the county — including Long Beach, Glendale and West Hollywood — will now see a 10.5% tax. Others, like Lancaster and Palmdale, have pushed rates even higher, up to 11.25%, after approving their own additional tax hikes.
The increase comes as voters approved Measure A in November 2024, which replaced the existing Measure H quarter-cent tax with a half-cent tax hike. The increase is aimed at funding countywide homeless services.”
Yet, the money is to go to homelessness—and the county, nor the city or State can account for the money spent. Corruption? That is why the new U.S. Attorney is investigating—want to start a pool on how much money was stolen—and how many go to jail?
LA County shoppers stunned by ‘Measure A’ sales tax hike as some now pay over 11%
Danielle Antosz, Yahoo News, 4/14/25 https://www.yahoo.com/news/la-county-shoppers-stunned-measure-151700170.html
‘I was like, whoa’: LA County shoppers stunned by sales tax hike as some now pay over 11% — here’s how to protect your budget and avoid getting overcharged
If you live in LA County, you could pay more at the check out. Starting April 1, the sales tax rate in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County — and in cities without their own special tax measures — increased from 9.5% to 9.75%.
But that’s just the baseline. Many cities across the county — including Long Beach, Glendale and West Hollywood — will now see a 10.5% tax. Others, like Lancaster and Palmdale, have pushed rates even higher, up to 11.25%, after approving their own additional tax hikes.
The increase comes as voters approved Measure A in November 2024, which replaced the existing Measure H quarter-cent tax with a half-cent tax hike. The increase is aimed at funding countywide homeless services.
How will this tax impact shoppers?
Measure A is expected to generate more than $1 billion annually for LA County. It officially took effect on April 1, 2025 and will remain in place until it is repealed by voters. The tax revenue will be split between two initiatives:
- 60% will go toward homeless services, including programs for mental health, substance use disorders and permanent housing placement.
- 40% is earmarked for building affordable housing through the newly formed Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency and the Los Angeles County Development Authority.
Some cities, including Santa Monica and Pico Rivera, which were previously excluded from Measure H, are now subject to the new rules. The change might feel minor — just a few extra cents on smaller buys — but on bigger-ticket items, those cents can really add up.
CBS News reporter Jeff Nguyen visited Westlake Village, a city divided by county lines — and also bottom lines. One side, in Ventura County, pays just 7.25% in tax while the LA County side of the city now pays 9.75% tax. He spoke to one shopper who says she’ll go to the side of town that has lower taxes.
“So if I have a choice, I’m going to the one where it’s less,” Laura told CBS.
Another shopper was frustrated by the changes during a time when she’s trying to spend less.
“As soon as I saw the bill today, I was like, whoa! I’m pregnant so I’m trying to save money during this time,” shopper Brittney Mukhar told CBS.
Adding to the frustration, not everyone is convinced the additional funds will be well spent. LA County leaders have faced criticism after a recent audit found the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) could not track how nearly $2.5 billion in funding was spent.
Isn’t California special. Tax yourself to death. Note, it was the voters who approved the tax increase. If the goal was to tax the poor people out of the state, it did not work. It will simply tax middle income taxpayers out of the state.
This says it all!