JEFFERSON CITY – A bill has made it through the Missouri House of Representatives that will prevent the Department of Revenue from applying an entertainers tax on churches that bring in guest performers from other states.
“We are thrilled the Legislature is responding well to Missouri Baptists’ call for relief,” said Kerry Messer, lobbyist for the Christian Life Commission of the Missouri Baptist Convention.
The law was originally designed to tax the profits from events involving big-name entertainers and sports personalities from out of state.
“Once lawmakers understood that the Department of Revenue had started applying this tax against churches, they have been supportive of relieving the churches of that liability,” Messer commented.
Rep. Doug Funderburk, R-St. Peters, has sponsored House Bill 470 (HB 470), which will exempt churches and other 501(c)3 non-profit organizations from paying the tax, which is based on a percentage of profits.
A second bill involving distribution of revenues generated by the tax was added to Funderburk’s bill, but Messer said that it would have no bearing on the original bill.
“It doesn’t change the tax rate or have any impact on the underlying bill,” he said.
With its 143-15 passage in the House April 5, it appears to be on its way for approval. However, Messer is cautious.
“We’re still dealing with the legislative process,” he pointed out.
BARBARA SHOUN/contributing writer
“May 13 is the deadline for this year’s General Assembly. If we can’t get the bill finished and on the governor’s desk by that time, we’ll start again next January.”