Lawmakers Considering Missouri Tax Structure

State lawmakers looking at possible reforms in Missouri’s tax structure have laid the groundwork for the next four months of work. State Representative Mike Sutherland (R-Warrenton)says Missouri’s taxes are a hodge-podge of laws and policies. Sutherland says he hopes the work of the Joint Committee on Tax Policy leads to a simpler, coordinated, fair, long-lasting system. A problem for the committee has arisen with the Department of Revenue. Officials at the department say they will cooperate as much as they can. They note state law limits how much tax information can be disclosed and might keep the department from sharing all the information committee members might request. The committee has been charged with making a comprehensive study of the state tax system. That includes evaluating the state’s various tax credits, used to spur economic development. The committee hopes to have some recommendations for the 2006 legislative session.