Budget & Taxes

SB 48 limits when Oklahoma taxpayers can deduct certain capital gains from their state income tax. It specifically restricts the deduction for "qualifying gains receiving capital treatment" to only certain tax years, affecting individuals and businesses with capital gains transactions. The bill amends Oklahoma's tax code (68 O.S. 2021, Section 2358) to update the rules governing these deductions, ensuring they align with specific tax year parameters. This change modifies how capital gains are treated for state tax purposes without altering federal tax rules.

This Oklahoma bill creates a tax credit program to encourage converting old, vacant buildings into housing. Property owners can claim up to 50% of qualified costs (like environmental cleanup, code upgrades, or system repairs) for adaptive reuse projects on structures at least 30 years old that have been vacant or underutilized (with rent below 50% of market rate). The program has a $5 million annual cap on approved credits, with unused funds carried forward to future years. Credits cannot reduce tax liability below zero but may be carried forward for up to 10 years. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Tax Commission will administer the program and prioritize projects based on local housing needs.

SB 678 creates a state fund to reimburse Oklahoma counties for lost property tax revenue when centrally assessed properties (like oil/gas facilities) decrease in value. Counties qualify if they lose at least $250,000 in annual tax collections from these properties, receiving 25% of the loss for the first two years after the valuation drop. Reimbursement funds prioritize school districts first, with remaining funds going to counties. The bill appropriates $2 million from the General Revenue Fund to start the fund, effective July 2025.

SB 554 would require Oklahoma school districts to provide stipends (one-time payments) instead of regular salary increases to teachers holding specific certifications, such as out-of-state, international, or National Board for Professional Teaching Standards credentials. The bill prohibits these stipends from being counted toward future salary calculations or raises. It amends existing teacher certification laws to clarify that compensation for these certified teachers must follow this stipend structure rather than standard salary progression. This change directly affects teachers with the specified certifications who currently qualify for salary-based increases under Oklahoma law.

SB 367 modifies Oklahoma's earned income tax credit (EITC) calculation for tax years 2022 through 2025. It sets the state credit at 5% of the federal EITC amount and requires that the maximum credit be prorated based on how much a taxpayer's Oklahoma-adjusted gross income compares to their federal adjusted gross income. This change directly affects low-to-moderate income Oklahoma residents who claim the state EITC on their tax returns. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.