Mississippi Senate Bill SB2402

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Business and financial institutions; disallow 2% charge for ad valorem tax when paying with a debit card.

Impact

The passage of SB2402 is expected to impact the way local governments and state agencies handle electronic transactions related to ad valorem taxes. By eliminating the processing fees for debit card payments, the bill encourages more residents to utilize electronic payment methods, thus streamlining the tax collection process. Furthermore, it aligns with modern banking practices and the increasing trend of digital transactions in financial operations. This amendment could potentially increase compliance rates among taxpayers who prefer the convenience of electronic payments without incurring extra fees.

Summary

Senate Bill 2402 aims to amend the Mississippi Code to disallow any processing fee on debit card payments made towards ad valorem taxes. The bill alters existing statutes to ensure that when residents use a debit card for such payments, they will not incur additional costs beyond the actual tax amount owed. This change is significant as it seeks to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers, who often face additional charges when using electronic payment methods for tax obligations.

Contention

While supporters of SB2402, including many taxpayer advocacy groups, view the elimination of the processing fee as a positive step towards making tax payments more accessible, there may be concerns about the financial implications for local governments. Some officials argue that processing fees help cover the costs associated with electronic payment systems. As such, there may be discussions regarding how to balance taxpayer relief with the operational costs for municipalities and counties responsible for collecting these taxes. The bill's enactment may initiate conversations about funding mechanisms for these fees, as it adjusts current practices in handling tax revenues.