Report finds JCIDA errors in sales tax exemption oversight

 Title links to Watertown Daily Times Story

2019 AUTHORITIES BUDGET OFFICE REPORT 

• IDA Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Review Report OR-2018-01

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Unlike the other IDAs we reviewed, Jefferson County IDA’s fiscal year is from October 1 through September 30. In October 2015 Jefferson County IDA approved financial assistance for Aviagen North America, Inc. (Aviagen) to renovate an existing building. On December 18, 2015, the IDA issued Aviagen an ST-60 for $69,750 in sales tax exemptions through December 2016. For 2015-16, Aviagen reported to Jefferson County IDA that it claimed $69,750 in sales tax exemptions. Aviagen then reported to the IDA that it claimed $9,938 for 2016-17, for a total of $79,688 in sales tax exemptions. This exceeds the amount of sales tax exemptions approved by the Jefferson County IDA board by $9,938. As a result of our review, Jefferson County IDA contacted Aviagen, who indicated that the $9,938 reported for 2016-17 was in error.