Oklahoma Senate Bill SB207

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Income tax incentives; limiting certain credit and exemption to certain tax years. Effective date.

Impact

The key provisions of SB207 include a seven-year exemption from state income tax on royalties earned from such products for inventors, as long as they continue to reside within the state. Additionally, instate manufacturers who develop products may be eligible for a tax credit linked to physical property purchased for manufacturing purposes, with a limit on exclusions to $500,000. The provision ensures that more local products can enter the market, potentially increasing job creation and investment in local manufacturing sectors.

Summary

Senate Bill 207 seeks to amend state income tax laws by providing targeted incentives for inventors and manufacturers of products that are developed and manufactured within Oklahoma. The bill stipulates that to qualify for these incentives, products must be either patented or have a patent pending and must be registered with the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) prior to November 1, 2023. This initiative aims to foster innovation and bolster the local economy by encouraging the development of new products within the state.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB207 raise concerns about the potential limitations it imposes, as it specifically restricts certain credits and exemptions to designated tax years, which critics argue may inadvertently disadvantage smaller inventors or manufacturers who may not meet all specified criteria. While the intention is to stimulate local innovation, there is debate over whether the bill’s stringent prerequisites could hamper participation from less established entities, thereby undermining its overall objective to enhance manufacturing in Oklahoma. Furthermore, some lawmakers and advocacy groups might express apprehension that the emphasis on patents could exclude many viable products that do not yet have patent protection.