This proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 1041) would expand Oklahoma's homestead exemption to include surviving spouses of veterans who died in military service and received "Gold Star" status from the U.S. Department of Defense. It would allow these surviving spouses to claim a full property tax exemption on their homestead until they remarry, provided they reside in Oklahoma and previously qualified for the homestead exemption. The change applies retroactively to properties owned as of the 2014 calendar year by surviving spouses of veterans previously determined to have died in duty. This is a voter-approved constitutional amendment, not a law, and would require approval in a statewide referendum.
HB 4191 modifies Oklahoma's Small Employer Quality Jobs Act to adjust tax incentives for qualifying businesses. It establishes a "net benefit rate" (capped at 5%) calculated by subtracting state costs (like education and public services) from projected tax revenue generated by new jobs, then pays eligible small employers (under 500 employees) quarterly over seven years based on this rate. To qualify, businesses must commit to creating new jobs - ranging from 5 to 15 jobs or a percentage of current staff - within 12-36 months, depending on their city's population size. The bill requires applications through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and ties incentives directly to verified new-hire wages.
SB 2000 increases Oklahoma's homestead property tax exemption for primary residences. It raises the exemption amount from $1,000 to $5,000 for tax years beginning in 2027 and beyond, affecting homeowners who qualify as homestead owners under state law. The bill amends Section 2889 of Oklahoma Statutes to reflect this change, maintaining the current $1,000 exemption for tax years through 2026. The increase becomes effective November 1, 2026, reducing property tax bills for qualifying homeowners starting in 2027. This is a direct policy change to property tax relief for residential property owners.
HB 3209 removes a partial sales tax exemption for motor vehicle sales in Oklahoma, replacing it with a complete exemption. It directly affects motor vehicle sellers and buyers by eliminating the 1.25% sales tax portion previously required on top of the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. The bill also explicitly states that motor vehicle sales are no longer subject to local city or county sales or use taxes. This change applies immediately upon enactment and modifies existing tax code sections (68 O.S. §1355 and §1361) to reflect the full exemption.
HB 3916 modifies Oklahoma's tax exemption rules for nonprofit hospitals. It specifically removes sales tax exemptions from nonprofit hospitals that charge Medicare patients commercial insurance fees exceeding what Medicare covers. The bill amends tax code sections to prohibit such hospitals from claiming exemptions if they impose these extra charges. This directly affects nonprofit hospitals that overbill Medicare patients on commercial insurance policies. The change aims to align hospital tax treatment with Medicare billing practices.
HB 3806 creates a tax credit for Oklahoma businesses that accept credit or debit card payments. It allows eligible businesses to claim a credit equal to 100% of their credit card processing fees that exceed 2% of total transaction volume. The credit reduces state income tax liability but cannot lower it below zero, and unused portions may be carried forward for up to five years. This applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2027, and affects businesses like retailers, restaurants, and service providers processing card payments. The credit is allocated to business owners (e.g., partners, shareholders) if the business is treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes.
HB 3978 creates tax credits for Oklahoma investors who fund "rural funds" that invest in small businesses located in rural areas. It allows investors to claim up to $15 million in annual state tax credits against their liability, provided the rural fund invests at least 100% of the capital in eligible businesses within three years. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 250 employees and operate primarily (60%+ payroll) in counties under 75,000 population or towns under 7,000 residents. The bill defines specific rules for qualifying investments, including restrictions on refinancing prior investments and limits on total funding per business ($6.5 million or 20% of the fund's capital). The tax credit program applies to capital investments certified after the bill's effective date.
HB 3972 creates a state "Ad Valorem Reimbursement Fund" to reimburse Oklahoma counties for property tax revenue losses caused by specific exemptions. It directly affects counties that lose revenue due to tax exemptions for new manufacturing facilities, veterans' homes (if exemptions exceed 0.8% of population), school district exemptions, buffer strip valuation changes, or state property purchases over $300 million (limited to two tax years). Counties must file claims by April 30 each year, with the Tax Commission reviewing them by June 15; reimbursements prioritize manufacturing exemptions and state property purchases before other claims. The fund is a revolving account with no fiscal year limits, and disbursements are exempt from standard spending caps. The bill takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration.
HB 3591 amends Oklahoma's property tax exemption rules for charitable housing, correcting the misleading title that references "affordable housing." It specifically targets nonprofit housing properties claiming tax exemption under Section 2887, requiring them to maintain a 75% average occupancy rate for multi-family properties (or full occupancy for single-family homes) to retain exemption. Owners must submit annual occupancy reports to county assessors by December 15, with failure to meet the threshold resulting in loss of tax exemption for the following year. This bill directly affects nonprofit housing providers operating under IRS 501(c)(3) status that rely on property tax exemptions, altering their compliance obligations without creating new housing programs.
HB 3801 increases Oklahoma's homestead property tax exemption from $1,000 to $2,000 per year for qualifying homeowners. The bill amends Oklahoma Statutes to expand the tax break on the assessed value of primary residences, directly benefiting homeowners who qualify as "homestead owners" under state law. This change takes effect November 1, 2026, and applies to all homesteads assessed for ad valorem taxation. The legislation makes a specific, concrete change to existing tax law without altering eligibility criteria or creating new administrative processes.
