Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska House of Representatives today unanimously passed a bill to help local governments make sure they’re receiving the proper amount of their legally-collected tax revenues.

House Bill 193, sponsored by House Majority Leader Lance Pruitt, will allow a municipality to inspect tax returns or reports filed with the State, provided the local government preserves the confidentiality of the information. The bill would also allow the state to enter into joint audits with local governments. Another change would give local governments the chance to have the State collect their tobacco tax revenues, provided they use a cigarette tax stamp.

“We’re offering a way to provide greater cooperation, information-sharing, and promoting government efficiency,” Pruitt, R-Anchorage, said. “Tax evasion by businesses and individuals will be less likely to occur under HB 193, and result in a better process and more competitive environment. Alaskans spend tens of millions of dollars per year on tobacco products, and the legally-collected taxes levied should be better accounted for local governments.”

HB 193 now moves to the Alaska Senate for consideration.