RALEIGH, N.C. – Several dozen legislators are back in Raleigh to discuss North Carolina’s tax structure and whether an overhaul can be approved as soon as next spring.

A joint House-Senate finance committee met for the first time Tuesday to hear from experts on the state’s sales tax and its exemptions.

Democratic leaders at the General Assembly worked unsuccessfully during this year’s session to fashion a plan to lower tax rates and increase the number of items subject to taxation. The Legislature instead raised the sales tax rate and placed a surcharge on the highest wage earners.

House finance leader Rep. Paul Luebke of Durham County said the meeting is a sign lawmakers are committed to address tax issues.