Is the Oklahoma Tax Commission Endangering Lives?

Oklahoma City -- Yesterday, I typed my own name into the Google search bar. Low and behold, my Sales Tax Permit, along with my street address was posted on-line where anyone could see it. I have a major problem with this practice, in that, as a freelance artist and writer, I work out of a studio in my home. Many freelancers work out of their homes as well. I am very careful to screen potential clients before giving them my home address. If I suspect the person may not be legitimate, I offer to first meet with them in a public place. I never publish or post my street address on-line, or anywhere else, I think may not be safe. I always use my P.O. Box or e-mail address.

Today, I called the Oklahoma Tax Commission to complain about this practice and asked that my P.O. Box be used instead of my street address. I was told that if I didn't want my street address posted on-line, I should go rent an office space or work somewhere else, other than my home. Since my permit is up for renewal, next month, I asked if my P.O. Box could be posted on-line instead of my street address. I was told that in order to be issued a permit, I was required to give a street address and that it is what would be posted on-line. If I only gave a P.O. Box I would not be issued a permit. When I asked why Sales Tax Permits are posted on the internet, in the first place, I was told, "if you operate a business, your information must be out there somewhere anyway". I said, "yes, it is, but not my street address.

This practice puts in danger the lives of countless Oklahomans. Artists and writers are not the only people who often work out of their homes. Computer programmers, web-site designers, accountants, doctors, lawyers, transcribers, medical coders, and many others, find it more productive, and convenient, to work from home. Telecommuting is a very common practice among the people I know.

I obtained my sales tax permit in order to be in compliance with the law. I collect sales tax on any product I sell, according to the regulations and requirements of the Oklahoma Tax Commission. I want to continue to do so but if obeying the law puts myself, and my family, in danger then I must question the validity of the Oklahoma Tax Commission's right to post this information to the public.

If you, or someone you know and care about, lives in Oklahoma and works out of their home, I strongly urge you to contact the Oklahoma Tax Commission at (405) 521-3160 to complain about this practice. People who are in witness protection programs, parents who are trying to protect themselves, and their children, from an abusive ex spouse, and many others may also be in danger due to this practice of the Oklahoma Tax Commission.