Sales Tax News - October 26, 2018

By Brian Greer on Fri, Oct 26, 2018 @ 10:01 AM

Topics: sales tax news

Okaloosa County to Review Possible Projects for Potential Sales Tax Collections

The Okaloosa County (Florida) Commission will take a closer look into possible projects that would receive funding from the county's proposed half-cent sales tax.  They will discuss the projects in length at a special meeting on October 10.  They hope to finalize a list of projects and discuss the cost estimates for each project.  Voters will have the opportunity to pass the proposed sales tax on November 6.  If the tax is passed, it will take effect January 1, and it is expected to generate near $18 million annually.  There are currently 28 projects listed that could be funded in part with the additional sales tax collections. 

D.C. No Longer Collects Sales Tax from Feminine Hygiene Products

As of Monday, Washington D.C. no longer charges sales tax on feminine hygiene products.  The city's sales tax increased this week to six percent and will exempt these products.  Tampons, sanitary napkins, and adult diapers are now considered medical supplies and are exempt.  Neighboring Maryland has already stopped charging sales tax on these products as well.  The measure to exempt these products was passed and signed in 2016 but didn't take effect until this year, because the mayor failed to fund the provision in the budget until fiscal year 2019.

Petersburg Will Keep Senior Sales Tax Exemption

Residents in Petersburg, Alaska voted to keep a sale tax exemption for residents at the age of 65 and older.  The residents voted 3-1 against a proposed end to the tax break for seniors.  There were 777 people who voted against the measure, while 295 residents voted in favor to ending tax breaks for seniors.  Petersburg saw a 39 percent voter turnout for the issue.  This was the only issue proposed on the Petersburg ballot this year.
Brian Greer

Written by Brian Greer