Boosting the Grocery Tax Credit - Stand Up for Oklahoma's Families

In these difficult times, an increasing number of Oklahoma families are struggling every week to make ends up meet and keep food on the table. Oklahoma's Sales Tax Relief Credit, also known as the grocery tax credit, is intended to offset the state sales tax paid on groceries. The credit of $40 per household member is available to households with income up to $50,000 for tax filers who are elderly, have a physical disability or claim a dependent, or $20,000 for other households. The amount of the credit has been left unchanged since 1990, while its income eligibility limit was last expanded in 1998.

This refundable credit can be claimed by filling out Form 538-S at the time an individual files their Oklahoma state income tax forms. Click here to download and print the form.

Bills to increase the amount of the credit and expand eligibility were introduced in the 2009 legislative session by Rep. John Trebilcock and Senator Andrew Rice. The Tulsa World recently endorsed the grocery tax credit increase.

On March 10th, HB 2204 passed in the House with new language reflecting a phase-out of the grocery tax in addition to an expansion of the credit. The bill will now go the Senate where it will likely be reviewed by the Senate Finance Committee in the next three weeks. The grocery tax issue still has a long way to go and we need your help. Please take a moment to contact your Senators and voice your support of the grocery tax credit increase. Click here to find contact information for your Legislators.

Add your voice to those calling on Oklahoma's policymakers to strengthen the grocery tax credit. Just click on the link to add your endorsement.

CLICK HERE TO ENDORSE THE GROCERY TAX CREDIT

Or you can print out a hard copy of the endorsement form below and help get others to add their support!

OK Policy's fact sheet and policy brief provide full information on the grocery tax credit and makes the argument that boosting the credit would provide targeted help for families that are struggling to deal with the rapidly rising cost of groceries and other basic essentials.

ORGANIZATIONAL ENDORSERS AS OF 02/11/2009

AARP Oklahoma

Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Areawide Aging Agency, Inc.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma

Council of Catholic Women

Family Care Home Health, Inc.

Cultural Homestead International

Fellowship of American Indians Church

Grace Lutheran Church

Higher Education Association for Reform (HEAR)