JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, has been named by President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, to serve on the Senate Interim Committee on Tax Administration Practices. The select committee will operate during the interim between legislative sessions to conduct hearings and gather information relevant to its charge. 

“I look forward to being a part of this legislative review,” said Sen. Dixon. “It is very timely, in light of the department’s deeply troubling recent pattern of activity. State tax policy shouldn’t resemble shifting sand, causing Missouri entrepreneurs and innovators to constantly look over their shoulders and negatively impacting economic growth. Taxpayers expect a government that works for them, not against them. We have a duty to act, so job creators and individual taxpayers don’t end up paying the price.”  

During the recently concluded legislative session, Sen. Dixon introduced Senate Bill 584 to clarify the application of state sales tax on places of “amusement, entertainment or recreation,” and reverse the Department of Revenue’s (DOR) overly broad interpretation of the law. The General Assembly approved SB 584 before the close of session, and it awaits the governor’s signature to become law. Through the legislative process, the bill was amended to cut red tape for taxpayers, including small businesses; provide clearer definitions to prevent or reverse bureaucratic misinterpretation of state tax laws; and increase transparency and accountability in tax collection. 

Senator Dixon is one of seven members who will serve on the interim committee, which will investigate the process and policy used by DOR to interpret and enforce tax laws, and uncover potential conflicts or inconsistencies in the administration of state tax law. The committee will present a report detailing its findings and any recommendations for legislative action by Dec. 31, 2014. 

DOR has come under scrutiny during recent years for other policies relating to the handling of personal information of Missouri citizens, prompting not only legislative hearings, but also budgetary action by the General Assembly. 

For more information on Sen. Dixon’s committee memberships and legislative actions, visit his website at www.senate.mo.gov/dixon.