Oklahoma Watch: Transferring tax breaks raises concerns state's residents

BY WARREN VIETH, OKLAHOMA WATCH

A survey by SoonerPoll.com on behalf of Oklahoma Watch revealed most Oklahoma voters had a lack of familiarity with the 480 credits, deductions, exemptions and other incentives contained in the Oklahoma tax code.

Oklahoma voters say they don't know a lot about tax breaks, but they don't like the sound of transferable credits that can be sold by one taxpayer to another.

Oklahoma Watch is a nonprofit, investigative and in-depth reporting team that collaborates with news organizations and higher education to produce journalism that makes a difference in the lives of Oklahomans.

A survey by SoonerPoll.com on behalf of Oklahoma Watch revealed most had a lack of familiarity with the 480 credits, deductions, exemptions and other incentives contained in the Oklahoma tax code.

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"I'm 78 years old, and I've been in business dang near all my life," said Barbara Kerr, of Okmulgee, who has operated a beauty shop, a bar, a grocery store, and a service station. I didn't get any special breaks that I know of.

Despite their unfamiliarity, slightly more than half (51 percent) of those polled endorsed the view that some people, corporations, interest groups and associations should receive tax breaks, compared with 36 percent who opposed all state tax incentives.

But sentiments turned strongly negative when voters were asked about their views toward transferable tax credits. Three in four respondents opposed tax breaks altogether or said the state should stop letting recipients sell their credits to other people.

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