Oklahoma Tax Commission

PROJECT PURPOSE

$21M to fund 21 solutions for the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) to transform antiquated services and move into the 21st century. The ARPA funding is vital for 21 solutions to modernize the taxpayer experience and establish cost-effective programs with lasting benefits for Oklahoma revenue services. Current systems disproportionately impact rural or low-income Oklahoma communities where internet is sparse or unreliable. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the need for development of solutions that must reach beyond the recovery of the economy. Transformation 21 is a comprehensive plan that utilizes informational and technological improvements spanning across the state. Technology targeting partnerships in remote areas will increase access to resources. By decentralizing services, taxpayers can more easily navigate processes and remain compliant to avoid frustrating penalties. Interagency collaboration will synergize data collection for the smooth operation of related services, reducing wasteful repetition. Increased training plans will both support the success of small businesses and strengthen customer service. This is a solution driven opportunity to invest in systems with enduring benefits and minimal ongoing maintenance absorbed through apportioned dollars. It is designed to yield decades of lucrative outcomes for the primary revenue gathering arm of the state and foster a more positive taxpayer experience.

EVIDENCE

The recent creation of taskforces to increase revenue have proven successful in recovering funds via collection efforts and savings through fraud prevention. Combined with savings made by consolidating real estate for rotating telework schedules, reduced travel-related expenses with strategically prioritized field visits, and an agency wide move toward paperless correspondence and filings, the state has saved millions in taxpayer dollars. Our innovation teams identified further opportunities which require the implementation of physical and informational systems and the redirection of existing processes. These efforts will prove to be cost effective quickly and with long-term implications for the betterment of the state.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Many obstacles for taxpayer access to services existed before the pandemic and have since been exacerbated. For individuals and businesses located in rural areas of the state, traveling to a state tax hub or utilizing online services may be hindered by physical or financial barriers and network limitations. The significant impact of COVID-19 resulted in the immediate halt or slowdown at every level of Oklahoma?s economy. Mass shutdowns and health fears meant communication with the OTC, tax preparers, tag agencies, and other expected assistance became unpredictable disrupting complex systems and preventing many from accessing relied upon resources. At the same time, taxpaying individuals and businesses were suddenly forced to navigate serious financial turmoil. These proposed programs would build on previous solutions to ease recovery which includes proactively amending thousands of returns for taxpayers to reflect the American Rescue Plan Act nontaxable unemployment benefits program.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Current data that supports the need would be extracted from the OneLink system and used to develop a baseline and to forecast outcomes. For all new projects, KPIs would be established and utilized to track outcomes. Specialized reports and agency dashboards would be developed and maintained in Smartsheet for accessibility and real time updates.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma