Sales Tax and Lodging Waiver for Osage Veterans
Osage Nation Tax Commission releases notice to retailers
By ON Communications
PAWHUSKA, Okla. (June 23, 2015) — An informational publication was released today by the Osage Tax Commission to assist Osage businesses with processing the sales and lodging tax waiver for qualifying disabled Osage Veterans. The waiver is the result of legislation passed during the Hun-Kah Session in March.
Osage Nation Congressional Act 15-21 was sponsored by Osage Congressman James Norris and co-sponsored by Congress Members Angela Pratt, Ron Shaw, and John Maker in order to provide additional support from the Osage Nation for Osage veterans.
Norris said he sponsored the legislation after it was brought to his attention that Osage Nation businesses did not yet provide a sales tax waiver for 100 percent disabled Osage veterans. “The state of Oklahoma provides a sales tax waiver for 100 percent disabled veterans and it makes sense that the Osage Nation can do the same for our 100 percent disabled veterans.” Norris said he currently has the Oklahoma issued Veterans Exemption Card.
“I’m very happy and proud that there was full support by [Osage] Congress to pass this legislation for our disabled veterans,” Norris said.
Pursuant to ONCA 15-21, the 100 percent Disabled Osage Veteran Card exempts qualifying veterans from Osage sales and lodging taxes from Osage businesses.The waiver does not include tobacco products.
Secretary of the Osage Nation Greg Carpenter is responsible for managing the Nation’s business entity licensing, collecting license fees and maintaining a searchable database of licensed entities.
Carpenter said, “The application process is simple.Come to the Tax Commission complete a form and we will provide you a card immediately.We do require your membership card, a photo ID, a valid DD-214 showing honorable discharge and a letter from the VA evidencing 100 percent disability.”
Card Benefits
According to the ON Tax Commission publication no excise tax of five percent upon the gross proceeds or gross receipts may be imposed on the eligible bearer of the exemption card. Tobacco sales are excluded from this tax waiver but it does include lodging at the Osage Casinos.
Application Process
To apply for the Osage veteran tax waiver complete the 15-21-1 form. A form can be requested by calling the Osage Tax Commission office at 918-287-5393. Osage veterans are required to provide a copy of their Osage Nation membership card; a valid photo ID; a letter or notice from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs showing that the applicant is 100 percent disabled; and a copy of the DD Form 214 specifically showing that the applicant was honorably discharged. The tax commission office is located at 220 W Main, Pawhuska, Okla.
For Media Inquiries: Osage Nation Communications 918-287-5599