[nightbird47]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsBellaMia

If Amazon were opening any kind of center in Oklahoma, we'd be hearing about it non-stop.


I remember when AOL opened a large CS center here. They got unbelievable perks for doing so. They signed a contract with the state and when the contract was ready to expire, they shut down and moved to India.


The upside for the state was employees, much more income to spend, more state income tax paid, etc. It really was a win-win for both AOL and the state. And lots of people made very good money working there.

I know without a center in the state, they can collect sales tax on any transactions within Oklahoma, if the state requests it. I've had a few charged. If Amazon was opening one, I'm sure the politicians would be very happy and vocal about it. All the news has time for is a short quip right now since I don't really think they know what they're doing.

Given that you can see if tax is applied before check out, some of us may go back and find someone from another state to buy from.

[Rabrrita]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsBellaMia

If Amazon were opening any kind of center in Oklahoma, we'd be hearing about it non-stop.

Amazon controls their own information and politicians have learned not to cross that line until they are told its alright. Amazon has purchased land, built buildings, outfitted those buildings and only when they decide to let the public know, did they tell the politicians to take whatever credit for it they want. Unless tax money is involved in a public process, Amazon doesn't always let the public know what they are doing.

[Johnhw2]

Originally Posted by nightbird47

I don't remember any others specifically mentioned. But they are looking hard for more income. A couple of small towns have offically spoken out about it. The sales tax is the only income they have. But then, just the same, food is a basic need and especially in an area where incomes are low, the tax builds up the cost to where some simply may not be able to afford enough. That is wrong.

Most states have a gas tax. It's usually saved for repair of streets and alternate transportation so it does provide some payback. Most areas, it can be used for other than streets, though. If you pay a gas tax for road repair, then they need to use it to fix the roads.

I Texas, the property tax has a city component. Is that not the case in Oklahoma? No wonder the property tax bill is so small. The city portion in Texas is about the same size as the county its the school tax that is the dominant property tax component.

[nightbird47]

Originally Posted by Johnhw2

I Texas, the property tax has a city component. Is that not the case in Oklahoma? No wonder the property tax bill is so small. The city portion in Texas is about the same size as the county its the school tax that is the dominant property tax component.

The thing is here that the towns who are worried are small. The taxes are low because its based on the value of housing, and the housing cost is low. Largely, the income of residents is also lower. It works out for people since you can afford your home and your taxes, but costs of everything else out there is greater. The spread of income is fairly low, and if you raise taxes a lot, it may well result in people selling and leaving houses which sell for less. Anyway around it, the result is less budget and the same needs.

[Threestep2]

Originally Posted by nightbird47

The thing is here that the towns who are worried are small. The taxes are low because its based on the value of housing, and the housing cost is low. Largely, the income of residents is also lower. It works out for people since you can afford your home and your taxes, but costs of everything else out there is greater. The spread of income is fairly low, and if you raise taxes a lot, it may well result in people selling and leaving houses which sell for less. Anyway around it, the result is less budget and the same needs.

You summed it up nicely. Housing is our only item which went down since we moved from DFW and downsized drastically. Groceries are a bit higher, fresh vegetables/fruits are deffinately higher, we had the discussion about alcohol. Taking tax off food may make a positive difference for some. Adding tax to necessities may also make a difference for some. Should the average citizen carry an additional tax burden while corporations do not?

[MyNameIsBellaMia]

Originally Posted by nightbird47

I know without a center in the state, they can collect sales tax on any transactions within Oklahoma, if the state requests it. I've had a few charged. If Amazon was opening one, I'm sure the politicians would be very happy and vocal about it. All the news has time for is a short quip right now since I don't really think they know what they're doing.

Given that you can see if tax is applied before check out, some of us may go back and find someone from another state to buy from.

You don't seem to understand the issue.

Originally Posted by debbie at bouontiful

What new taxes is considered? I did read about gas tax.

From what I've seen, everything. Doctor's appointments, another $1.75 per pack of cigarettes, more gas tax. I wouldn't be surprised to see them charge tax on rent.

[nightbird47]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsBellaMia

You don't seem to understand the issue.


From what I've seen, everything. Doctor's appointments, another $1.75 per pack of cigarettes, more gas tax. I wouldn't be surprised to see them charge tax on rent.

I was just refering to my experience. The things I bought from people selling from Oklahoma had tax because seller was in the same state. I get that the idea is that they want a much bigger cut. I still would like to see an explanation of what it taxed.

I personally see NO problem with taxing cigarettes as most stated explicitly tax them as they cost the state much more in medical care.

Currently, I see no taxes except on one purchase. I'll have to go back and check where it came from.

[Threestep2]

Sales tax went up 1% last fall. It may not seem much to some folks but it can add up in a hurry. Yesterday bond issues were voted on. See page 1 and 2 of The Oklahoman or google the results by county. Real estate taxes "may go up" .

[MyNameIsBellaMia]

Now they're announcing a huge center is being built at 15th & Council in OKC, that MAY be an Amazon Distribution Center.

[nightbird47]

I suspect if it is its not being built there because the state government want sales tax charged, but the volume of sales is sufficent it justifies it. That is usually what makes a state one which they charge sales tax.