Tax ruling is bad news for Oklahoma golf cart buyers

Buyers who purchased a golf-cart type vehicle thinking they would be eligible for a state tax break may be disappointed.

On Thursday, the Oklahoma Tax Commission clarified a rule that’s been on the books since 1996 to say that golf carts or "vehicles principally designed for sporting or recreation purposes” are not eligible for a state tax credit that waives nearly 50 percent of the purchase price.

People who have purchased vehicles thinking they would get the tax credit will not be grandfathered in, said Paula Ross, spokeswoman for the Tax Commission.

"Our rule this week was to clarify existing law,” Ross said. "The rule is the way the law is written, we have to treat all taxpayers equally.”

Some dealers of the vehicles have been advertising vehicles for as low as $12 after a federal tax credit and the state tax credit. While there has been confusion about the state tax credit, the federal tax credit still applies for some vehicles.

Ross said the commission has been getting a lot of calls and is working on a list of vehicles that do qualify for the tax credit.

"Staff is reviewing the numerous calls and e-mails we’ve been getting and seeing if specific models apply,” Ross said.

Some of the vehicles on the list include the Wheego-type electric cars and the Club Car Carryall and other low-speed vehicles, Ross said.

Taxpayers can still apply for the state tax credit, but it may be denied. If the tax credit is denied, the taxpayer can protest the commission’s ruling and the case could be argued before an administrative law judge, Ross said.

A judge’s decision in the case could affect the decision in other cases, Ross said.