CHARLESTON, W.V.—West Virginia Department of Revenue Cabinet Secretary Virgil T. Helton and State Tax Commissioner Christopher G. Morris today welcome 150 representatives from 22 States to Charleston for a Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board Meeting, September 3-5, 2008.
“West Virginians have benefited since the State joined the project in 2005,” said Cabinet Secretary Helton. “By working with the members we have been able to improve our sales tax system by making sure it is cost efficient and complimentary to other states’.”
The current Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday is an example of the relationship between West Virginia and the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board. The State looked to other members previous Energy Star Sales Tax Holidays when planning and defining the terms of the holiday for West Virginians.
“The recent sales tax decrease on food was influenced by the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement,” said Commissioner Morris, “West Virginia defined what type of food is subject to the lower tax rate based upon definitions previously determined by the board members.”
By defining terms, and limitations, the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement promotes administrative and cost efficiency, sales tax consistency and tax uniformity among the states for taxpayers, tax administrators and retail businesses.
During the three day meeting, members of the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board, Business Advisory Council, State and Local Advisory Council will work to promote a Streamlined Sales and Use Tax system for the 21st Century among the states. The meetings will occur at the State Capitol and at Embassy Suites and Hotel in Downtown Charleston.
To learn more about the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement visit the West Virginia State Tax Department’s website at: www.state.wv.us/taxdiv.