(RALEIGH) -- Republicans in the state House are hoping to eliminate the possibility of local tax increases on land sales.   Currently, counties have the ability to seek voter approval for up to one-quarter percent of property values on real estate sales.

Incoming House Majority Leader Rep. Paul Stam plans to introduce legislation to repeal the so-called transfer tax. He said the idea is unfair because people must pay the tax, even if there’s no profit on home sales. "For example, an income tax, you pay a percentage on the profit.  The land transfer tax comes into play even if you're selling at a loss or even if you're just trading with somebody, you each pay the land transfer tax," said Stam.

The initiative has been widely rejected at the polls when the issue has been put on the ballot.  North Carolina Association of County Commissioners communications director Todd McGee said it should still be an option.  "The fact that is hasn't been successful so far doesn't mean that it should be repealed.  We believe that counties would like to have as many option as possible when it comes to various revenue structures and that would be a viable one for the future," said McGee.