Sales tax to fund 911 system ends Sept. 30
Taxpayers can keep more of their money as a temporary sales tax to fund an updated 911 system ends Sept. 30.
The temporary 0.5% 911 sales tax sunsets at midnight on Sept. 30. Therefore, on Oct. 1 the countywide two-year 0.5% sales-tax increase to support improvements to the county 911 communications system will no longer be in effect.
This temporary 0.5% sales-tax increase was vital in promoting the general health and safety of those in Tuscarawas County. Funds generated by the sales tax were used to upgrade the 911 system and were not used on any wages or benefits.
Requesting the 0.5% sales-tax increase for a two-year period was not an issue the Tuscarawas County commissioners took lightly. As a board the commissioners are grateful to the voters of Tuscarawas County for providing the means to move forward in updating the county 911 system.
County vendors must take appropriate steps to have cash registers reprogrammed for the Oct. 1 change as there will be no automatic notification sent from the Ohio Department of Taxation.
Vendors who need a new sales-tax chart may call the county auditor’s office at 330-365-3220. Vendors also may request email notification of sales-tax changes at www.tax.ohio.gov.
A rate chart also is available from the Ohio Department of Taxation’s website at www.tax.ohio.gov/static/sales_and_use/rate_schedules/675_rate_card.pdf.
The sales-tax increase was for a two-year period and will no longer be in effect starting Oct. 1.
“As a board we want to thank the voters of Tuscarawas County for entrusting the commissioners with their approval of the temporary 0.5% sales tax,” said Chris Abbuhl, president of the Tuscarawas County Board of Commissioners.
As promised to the voters, the temporary 0.5% sales tax will expire at the end of the two-year period on Sept. 30, thus reducing the rate from the current 7.25% to 6.75% (5.75% State of Ohio and 1% Tuscarawas County), beginning Oct. 1.
“We again thank the voters for the opportunity in providing the necessary means to replace and continue safety upgrades to the 911 system for the next several years,” Abbuhl said. “As we move forward, residents are assured that the most up-to-date safety equipment is in place for their protection.”