This includes the administration of tax programs, collection of revenues on behalf of state and local governments, and the provision of tax policy analysis and interpretation in order to advocate sound tax policy. The Seized Contraband Account was established to account for the court-ordered deposit of the proceeds from sales of seized contraband tobacco products. To date, the courts have ordered the Department to deposit the money into interest bearing accounts pending disposition. The Tax Administration Services program is responsible for the fair, efficient, and uniform administration of state tax laws. The program's responsibilities include taxpayer registration, tax return processing, taxpayer billings and refunds, and the proper allocation and distribution of state and local taxes.
Voluntary compliance is encouraged through taxpayer information and assistance.
Taxpayer education is also promoted through telephone assistance, seminars, workshops, and the publication of specific and general tax information. This program also ensures uniform administration of the property tax laws at the state and local level. The program also administers the provisions of the State Uniform Unclaimed Property Act by receiving the transfer of abandoned property and returning the property to the rightful owners whenever possible. The Tax Analysis, Interpretation, and Technology Support program is responsible for the provision of information and tax policy guidance to the public, employees, and all levels of government. The program is responsible for preparing fiscal notes, analyzing and drafting legislation, revising rules, forecasting non-General Fund revenues, analyzing proposed changes to tax statutes, and analyzing tax law changes on small business.