Kraus: Tax Rate on Receipts

Earlier this year, we published objectives for District 8 that focused on constituents and fiscal responsibility. When your Senate office learns of a situation that negatively affects both of those areas, we have a responsibility to act.

I recently learned of a case where a Kansas City area business was overcharging customers for sales tax. An investigation, following on the heels of similar incidents in Kansas, revealed that consumers were charged a different rate at a drive-through window than at a register inside the restaurant.

Consumers had no way of knowing what the correct tax rate should have been. With more than 1,000 taxing jurisdictions in the state, each with a different total tax rate, it is nearly impossible for consumers to know the rate at any specific location. While businesses may not knowingly overcharge, even an unintentionally high rate is not right for consumers.

Based on what I learned, I filed Senate Bill 281 this week. Senate Bill 281 simply requires any business that uses electronically printed receipts to print the total tax rate on the receipt. With this change, a consumer can, if they wish, do a quick calculation to be sure they paid the correct tax. This will also give businesses a chance to double check the tax rates in their system so that they can be sure they comply with local tax laws.

Keep in mind that any extra tax collected by a business goes to the state. While there is a process in place by which the business can get a refund from the state for taxes it paid in excess of the correct rate, there is no process for any of that money to be returned to the consumer. The best way to stop erroneous taxation and protect Missourians is to give consumers the knowledge they need when they purchase a product or service.

At the Capitol

Again this week, many constituents from District 8 visited this office, which I am always happy to see. Some of those who stopped by were: Kristy Vannoy, Melissa Lewis, Mary Stevens, Linda Tankersley, Marie Barrentine, Chris DeGhelder, Carl Wiseman, Donna Smith, Michelle Miller, Dave Coffman, Kurt Swanson, Alan Flory, Stewart Chase, Marsha Middleton, Kathy Edwards, Ben Martin, Scott Koller, Judy Lunceford, Brett Kline, Aaron Blankers, and Lee’s Summit Mayor Randy Rhoads.

Jobs for Youth

The State Parks Youth Corps for 2011 is gearing up to help young Missourians ages 17-21 gain work skills, experience Missouri’s beautiful outdoors, and put money in their pockets.

This program will employ hundreds of young Missourians to work in Missouri state parks and historic sites. They will be able to earn cash while building trails, leading tours, excavating historical sites, designing marketing campaigns, and much more.

These job slots are limited, however, and income eligibility requirements apply (posted online). If interested, apply online at www.mo.gov and click on the State Parks Youth Corps link.

Upcoming Elections

The following elections are scheduled in Eastern Jackson County. I encourage you to remember the dates for your area and get out and vote!

Date	Election
Feb. 22	Kansas City Mayor/City Council Primary Election Senate District 9 Special Election
Mar. 22	Kansas City Mayor/City Council General Election
Apr. 5	Municipal Elections for the following: Kansas City (Earnings Tax Question) Blue Springs Grain Valley Greenwood Lake Lotawana Lake Tapawingo Levasy Lone Jack Oak Grove Raytown Sibley