JEFFERSON CITY — Today (8-22), Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, announced the Senate Interim Committee on Tax Administration Practices will hold a hearing in Springfield to hear from taxpayers, small business owners, and other individuals about their experiences with the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). The committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, in the Bill Foster North Room at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q Hammons Parkway. Those interested in testifying are encouraged to contact the offices of Sen. Dixon or the committee chairman, Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit.   

“The work of this committee occurs at a critical time,” stated Sen. Dixon.  “Prompted by troubling situations involving the Revenue Department right here in Springfield, I’ve pushed legislation this year to provide greater clarity in our tax law and increase transparency and accountability in tax collection, placing the burden on government, where it should be. These committee hearings are part of a broader discussion I am convinced policymakers must have to initiate a comprehensive review and revision of our antiquated tax code. We have a duty to act, before individual taxpayers and job creators pay the price for inaction.” 

The seven-member committee was formed to investigate the process and policy used by DOR to interpret, enact and enforce tax statutes and uncover potential conflicts or inconsistencies in the administration of tax law. In addition to its enforcement of tax laws, DOR has also come under scrutiny during recent years for policies relating to the handling of personal information of Missouri citizens, prompting not only legislative hearings, but also budgetary action by the General Assembly. 

The committee’s final meeting will coincide with the Legislature’s annual veto session in September, and the committee will present a report detailing its findings and any recommendations for legislative action by the end of the year.

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