Georgia tax collectors are trying to get 3 companies to give back tax breaks they got for moving goods through Georgia ports, even though state lawmakers say, they're misinterpreting the law.
Lawmakers say, the incentives were designed to reward companies who increase their traffic through the Georgia Ports, a major driver of economic growth in the state. The General Assembly passed the law containing the tax break in 1998 and the state Revenue Department has granted it to about 50 companies.
Four of those companies were granted tax breaks for increasing their imports. State Revenue officials say, the law only applies to exports and now they want to recoup about $1.6 million in already granted tax breaks
Revenue officials say, they made a mistake in giving the tax breaks in the first place.
But the lawmakers who crafted the tax break say, Revenue officials are misinterpreting the law. Governor Sonny Perdue and other lawmakers say, the tax collectors' move sends the wrong message to business.
The matter is now in litigation.
Lawmakers say, the incentives were designed to reward companies who increase their traffic through the Georgia Ports, a major driver of economic growth in the state. The General Assembly passed the law containing the tax break in 1998 and the state Revenue Department has granted it to about 50 companies.
Four of those companies were granted tax breaks for increasing their imports. State Revenue officials say, the law only applies to exports and now they want to recoup about $1.6 million in already granted tax breaks
Revenue officials say, they made a mistake in giving the tax breaks in the first place.
But the lawmakers who crafted the tax break say, Revenue officials are misinterpreting the law. Governor Sonny Perdue and other lawmakers say, the tax collectors' move sends the wrong message to business.
The matter is now in litigation.
