Auditor Laments Revenue Department Roadblock To Tax Credit Information

State Auditor Claire McCaskill is expressing concern about state tax credits – saying it’s difficult to tell whether there’s any value to them. McCaskill insists she’s not calling for the elimination of tax credits – she simply wants to know whether taxpayers are getting bang for the buck for this Department of Economic Development program. She tells the Legislative Committee on Tax Policy her task is hindered by the refusal of the State Revenue Department to share tax information with her office. McCaskill doesn’t understand the roadblock. The Revenue Department cites taxpayer privacy as the reason for not wanting to share. McCaskill promises privacy will be respected – she just wants to know whether the tax credits are working. She’s asking lawmakers to enact legislation requiring the sharing of this information.