Sales Tax

(WICHITA, Kan.) Starting July 1st, Kansans will pay an additional one cent in sales tax.  The tax will last three years and is expected to bring in $314 million in additional revenue. With many stores advertising Memorial Day Sales this weekend, Hephner TV and Electronics in Wichita has a different message on its outdoor sign - "BUY BEFORE JULY 1- SALES TAX HIKE". "Hopefully it will give us a little surge here at the beginning," said owner Greg Hephner.  Sedgwick County residents are familiar with a penny sales tax.  It's what paid for the INTRUST Bank Arena.

It's the beginning of the new fiscal year, and it just got more expensive to shop in Kansas. That's because the state's sales tax increased by a penny on July 1. State lawmakes implimented the increase because of a four hundred million dollar deficit. They say the funds raised will equal more than three hundred million dollars. According to the state's Department of Budget, ten percent of the funds will go to the department of transportation. It's expected to earn an additional thirty five million dollars for a ten year plan for highway maintenance and contruction projects.

Drop the state sales tax in Kansas or keep the rate where it is, that's the debate going on in Topeka this week. Lawmakers return to the state house Monday and what they decide could affect what you spend at the store. Right now the state sales tax is 6.3%. On July first, the rate is scheduled to go down to 5.7%. That is a difference of 0.06%. On an $8 dinner bill, it would put about four cents back in your pocket. One Wichita business owner says those pennies could add up to help her bottom line.      Chenay Sloan owns a resale clothing store for kids.

Voters in the Reno County town of Nickerson approve extending a one-percent sales tax. The unofficial count had 72 voters passing the sales tax with only 42 voting against it. The final vote canvassing will happen at a later date. The vote will extend a sales tax that was set to expire next year for another five years. The revenue will go toward projects including city park improvements, building a community center and relieving property taxes.

by Cliff Judy (WICHITA, Kan.) It's the same type of tax that paid for Wichita's downtown arena.  Now, Kansas lawmakers are looking into whether a one-cent sales tax increase could help save the state budget. On Thursday, the state's Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee will hear from supporters of a sales tax increase.  Opponents will have a chance to speak with the committee next week. Those expected to speak on Thursday include those who stand to get money from the tax and/or continue taking massive cuts if the state's budget shortfall isn't solved soon.

Once renovations are complete at the Broadview Hotel guests will pay an extra sales tax.  The Wichita City Council approved a community improvement district Tuesday for the development.  The hotel is currently closed for repairs and will reopen as a Drury Plaza Hotel at Douglas and Waco. A community improvement district or CID will allow the hotel to charge an additional two cent sales tax for guests.  The CID is expected to generate about $20 million over a 22 year period.  The money will be used to pay for lobby and restaurant renovations, a new fitness center, indoor pool and an elevate walkway connecting the hotel to the parking garage.

Congress is considering a bill to allow states to charge sales tax on Internet purchases. That would bring online retail prices more in line with brick-and-mortar shops. Online companies are often able to undercut prices offered by traditional retailers because they do not collect sales tax in most states. Internet-based companies say charging the tax will affect their bottom line, and their ability to compete.Amazon.comis just one major Internet retailer to oppose taxing online purchases.

Drop the state sales tax in Kansas or keep the rate where it is, that's the debate going on in Topeka this week. Lawmakers return to the state house Monday and what they decide could affect what you spend at the store. Right now the state sales tax is 6.3%. On July first, the rate is scheduled to go down to 5.7%. That is a difference of 0.06%. On an $8 dinner bill, it would put about four cents back in your pocket. One Wichita business owner says those pennies could add up to help her bottom line.      Chenay Sloan owns a resale clothing store for kids.

State officials have closed Patti's Place in Augusta for failing to pay sales tax and withholding taxes. The Kansas Department of Revenue said the restaurant at 711 W. 7th, owes more than $75,000. Agents and Augusta Police department officers seized the business' assets Monday morning. The tax warrants date back to January of 2011. Warrant execution occurs when all other collection attempts, including multiple letters, telephone calls, letters of impending legal action, tax liens filed with the local District Court to secure the debt, previous bank levies and on-site till taps are executed to bring the taxpayer into compliance have been exhausted.

Reno County voters have approved a half-cent sales tax increase to pay for a new jail. At last count, the yes votes totaled 5583 with 1630 voting no. The votes are not official until a canvass next week. Click here for Election Results The increased sales tax would help pay for the construction of a new jail along with renovation of the old jail and security improvements at the Reno County Courthouse. It would also pay to relocate offices of the county clerk, treasurer, register of deeds and appraiser, which would have to move because of the security changes.

Workers at local Taco Tico restaurants say they have not been paid in more than a month. This, after the state shut down six business in the Wichita area for failing to pay sales tax. Jacob Taylor, 17, said he has worked at Taco Tico for more than a year. But he said he has not had troubles cashing his paycheck until recently. His last four paychecks have bounced. "The checks are bouncing and no one's getting paid," he said. "I've been working four weeks for free so it's frustrating.

The Reno County Sheriff posted a warning for people they arrest.  Sheriff Randy Henderson posted on the department's Facebook page that the jail is full.  He wrote if you get arrested Tuesday, you'll be sleeping on the concrete floor with a blanket.  The jail is full because of the recent snowstorms.  Reno County currently houses inmates in other counties like Chase and Butler County. But since the weather has been so bad, the transport unit couldn't get out to the other counties.

Reno County commissioners will put a half-cent sales tax increase before voters to pay for a new jail. The increased sales tax would help pay for the construction of a new jail along with renovation of the old jail and security improvements at the Reno County Courthouse. It would also pay to relocate offices of the county clerk, treasurer, register of deeds and appraiser, which would have to move because of the security changes. The costs of the projects is estimated at $28.9 million dollars.

Dodge City commissioners approve a new sales tax incentive for a new restaurant. The developers of an IHOP requested to become a Community Improvement District. The incentive allows the business to charge a one-cent higher sales tax to help pay for the development. Although the incentive won unanimous approval, some Dodge City commissioners voiced concerns about whether the franchise really needed the financial help. Dodge City's mayor said there has been a struggle to bring businesses to the area.

On the November ballot Valley Center residents will be asked to consider a 1% sales tax increase. Supporters hope it will pass so the community will have a recreation center closer than Wichita, but opponents feel, it's not the time. "Drive to Wichita and work out, that's the options they have now," said Valley Center Recreation Commission director Steve Geddes. Steve Geddes wants residents of valley center to consider a new option. The proposed new recreation center is valued at 6.7 million dollars.