Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit: Ongoing Investigation Of All The Bills Paid Before Their Child’s Tuition

Other bills were paid first using the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit instead of tuition, a recent investigation revealed.

Others have criticized the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program as it lacked transparency. (Photo: News From The States)

Issues About The Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit

An investigation about how money from the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit has been spent. Emails from residents under the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit revealed that some of the money was used to pay off taxes.

Even student loans and other debts are paid through the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit before going toward their child’s tuition. The Oklahoma Tax Commission confirmed the rules for the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, stating that payments would be reduced if the recipient owed delinquent taxes or other debts.

Senator Julia Kirt criticized the lack of transparency in the tax credit program. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat has authored a bill to address issues with the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, specifically focusing on back taxes.

According to a published article by SmartNews, the bill related to the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit has not been heard on the Senate floor yet. The governor’s office did not respond to requests for comment about the issues regarding the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit.

The Concern Regarding The Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit

In a published article by KOCO, lawmakers are concerned about the Parental Choice Tax Credit in Oklahoma after it was revealed that the state can use the money to pay off delinquent taxes or other debts instead of giving it to schools.

State Sen. Carri Hicks and other Democratic lawmakers were against the bill because of this possibility.

A fix is being considered, with Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat introducing a bill to amend the program so that it cannot be used for debt payments.

This bill is expected to be heard on the House floor soon.

READ ALSO: State Rep. Holly Cheeseman’s Suggestion: Addressing Rising Costs Through Tax Brackets And Maintaining Of The EITC