OSCPA testifies in support of state tax bill; Society supported provisions added to the bill

In a multi-tiered victory for the Society, Substitute House Bill 157 overwhelmingly passed the Senate Ways and Means and Economic Development Committee, setting up a full Senate vote on the measure next week.

Sponsored by Rep. Jim Hughes, the bill requires the Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) to include a box on personal income tax returns that a taxpayer may check to authorize a paid tax preparer to speak to ODT about matters concerning the return.   

Last minute changes to the bill added three provisions to the already taxpayer-friendly bill. Specifically, the substitute bill:

• Added equipment purchased by electronic publishing entities to a sales tax exemption already applied to traditional publishing firms
• Conformed state tax code to recent changes in federal law
• Addressed timing issues contained in House Bill 185 relating to mandatory reviews of a title agency’s escrow accounts by a CPA. (See related story)

Matt Yuskewich, CPA, testified on behalf of the Society in support of the bill, noting that the “check-the-box” provision was a "common sense approach" that would ultimately save money for taxpayers and government.

For more information, contact Amy Mignogna.

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