Jefferson County Tax Ruled Unconstitutional

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Jefferson County’s Occupational Tax is unconstitutional. That’s according to a unanimous ruling issued by the Alabama Supreme Court, which upholds a lower court’s ruling. Legislators enacted the tax in 2009, during a special session. The Supreme Court’s decision says legislators made changes to the bill that weren’t advertised. Legislators are required by law to advertise their bills. The loss of occupational tax revenue could cause financial trouble for county government. WBHM’s Bradley George spoke with Jefferson County Commission President David Carrington.

Journalist Kyle Whitmire of The Second Front says state legislators will be reluctant to pass a new Occupational Tax.

 

 

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