TAX NEWS - 2010

Nebraska tanning industry group plans tax protest

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Indoor Tanning Association is planning to protest at the Capitol in Lincoln next week against a new federal tax on tanning beds.

The 10 percent tax on tanning bed use starts nationwide on Thursday, part of the federal health care overhaul.

A news release from association says the so-called "tan tax" is part of an ongoing scare campaign, "orchestrated by dermatologists and cosmetic companies, that exploits inaccurate fears of the sun" and ultraviolet light.

The World Health Organization lists tanning beds as confirmed cancer-causers, particularly for young people.

The association says the tax is unfair because fitness clubs that offer indoor tanning are exempt from the tax.

The rally is set to begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Capitol.