Finally, a Level Playing Field for Oklahoma Retailers!

Bill modernizes sales tax code, treats all retailers the same

Oklahoma City (May 12, 2016) – A bill that levels the playing field for local retailers is on its way to the governor for her signature. The House accepted the Senate amendments to House Bill 2531, closing a loophole in Oklahoma’s sales tax law so that Oklahoma retailers and those online are treated the same.

“It’s unfortunate that for years, Oklahoma retailers have suffered from a tax code that hasn’t kept up with technology,” said State Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Jonathan Buxton. “We are happy that lawmakers are now leveling the playing field between Oklahoma retailers and their out-of-state competitors who currently don’t have to charge sales tax. We encourage Governor Fallin to sign this common sense legislation.”

HB 2531 fulfills one of the goals Governor Fallin set out during her State of the State address this year. Modernization of the tax code is also one of the priorities of the nearly 40 local chambers of commerce who are part of the Chamber Action Network. The State Chamber thanks Rep. Chad Caldwell (R-Enid) and Sen. John Ford (R-Bartlesville) for carrying this bill through the process and legislative leaders for allowing the bill to be heard.