April 17, 2000 Washington, DC
States Continue Development of New Sales Tax System

Co-Chairs Charles D. Collins, Jr., North Carolina Department of Revenue
Diane L. Hardt, Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Contact:
Ellen B. Marshall
202-466-9000

The Streamlined Sales Tax Project is an effort created by the governments of the States. The purpose of the project is to develop a new, simpler sales tax system that meets the needs of the existing and new economy. Issues including simplification, uniformity, privacy, and incorporating technology into the collection process are the primary focus of the project.

"We made substantial progress at our meetings last month in Denver," stated Charles D. Collins, Jr. (North Carolina Department of Revenue) and Diane L. Hardt, (Wisconsin Department of Revenue) co-chairs of the project. "In St. Louis, we expect to build on that progress. In addition, we will be seeking a dialog with technology companies that have experience in developing and implementing software-based tax collection programs. This dialog is a critical element for the states as they address a variety of issues such as tax rates and tax bases."

The meeting will occur on April 26-27, 2000 in St. Louis, Missouri. The working groups formed by the project at their Denver meeting will continue their discussions on issues ranging from uniformity of tax bases and definitions, consumer privacy, and how to pay for the new system. Technology companies may request to attend to provide the states with information regarding the availability of technology needed to implement the new system.

A public comment period is provided at each of the project meetings at which time members of the general public may address the project on relevant issues. Individuals and companies interested in learning more about the upcoming meeting and requirements to participate can obtain information from the project website at www.streamlinedsalestax.org.