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  • 29aug2012 Statement

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    Councilmember Andrew C. Burks, Jr. responded to allegations about his tax situation from Chris Moran. Burks stated that between 2006-2009, some of his small business customers were religious and nonprofit organizations that are tax exempt, but he did not always file the proper exemption forms. During an audit, he had to pay back some sales tax for those organizations. Burks called this a minor administrative mistake that small businesses can easily correct through standard procedures. He has been paying down the debt since last year. Burks also called for the city to more efficiently collect debt in order to maintain services without raising fees and costs on businesses and families.

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    Councilmember Andrew C. Burks, Jr. responded to allegations about his tax situation from Chris Moran. Burks stated that between 2006-2009, some of his small business customers were religious and nonprofit organizations that are tax exempt, but he did not always file the proper exemption forms. During an audit, he had to pay back some sales tax for those organizations. Burks called this a minor administrative mistake that small businesses can easily correct through standard procedures. He has been paying down the debt since last year. Burks also called for the city to more efficiently collect debt in order to maintain services without raising fees and costs on businesses and families.

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    13 views2 pages

    29aug2012 Statement

    Uploaded by

    chris_moran
    Councilmember Andrew C. Burks, Jr. responded to allegations about his tax situation from Chris Moran. Burks stated that between 2006-2009, some of his small business customers were religious and nonprofit organizations that are tax exempt, but he did not always file the proper exemption forms. During an audit, he had to pay back some sales tax for those organizations. Burks called this a minor administrative mistake that small businesses can easily correct through standard procedures. He has been paying down the debt since last year. Burks also called for the city to more efficiently collect debt in order to maintain services without raising fees and costs on businesses and families.

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    OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

    Contact: Eric J. Weinmann Tel: (832) 393-3338 Email: eric.weinmann@houstontx.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    COUNCILMEMBER BURKS RESPONDS TO TAX ALLEGATIONS


    WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012 [Houston, Texas] Today, Councilmember Andrew C. Burks, Jr., Houston City Council, At-Large Position 2, responded to Chris Morans statements concerning Councilmember Burkss tax situation. Councilmember Burks made the following response: The allegation is an unfortunate mischaracterization of my family small business and takes a minor administrative confusion out of context. As a hardworking entrepreneur, I know the struggles and sacrifices that go in to building a business. Sometimes, good faith mistakes happen. They are corrected, and you move on. Between 2006 and 2009, many of my customers included religious institutions and nonprofit organizations. These organizations are exempt from paying sales tax. Over the course of these four years, I did not file some tax exemption declaration certificates. During a standard audit by the state Comptrollers Office, it was found that I should have submitted tax exempt forms As a result; I had to pay the nonprofit organizations portion of sales tax. This is not an uncommon problem nor is it noteworthy in anyway. Any small business owner or manager knows minor good faith tax mistakes happen, and are easily correctable. I reached an agreement with state tax authorities through standard procedure. Since last year, I have been paying down this debt.

    Councilmember Burks has called for smarter, more efficient collection of city debt. Too often in the past, the City of Houston has attempted to raise fees and the cost of doing business to compensate for the lack of ability to collect on other forms of debt, including ambulance and delinquent ad valorem bills. Burks said having balanced revenue collection is vital to maintaining city services, police and fire. We need to review our strategy to the benefit of Houston families, seniors and business owners. The councilmember will continue to focus on public safety, infrastructure and economic development for the City of Houston.

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