Oklahoma Owed Hundreds Of Millions In Delinquent Taxes

By Karl Torp, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City is trying to change the way it collects past sale taxes from businesses.

Eleven-hundred businesses still owe around $17 million according to the OKC Finance Director Craig Freeman. News 9 checked with the state of Oklahoma on their worst delinquencies.

Many owe millions but have since shut their doors. However, Masterbilt fence company on SE 84^th in on the list and still operating despite owing 1.8 million in back sales taxes.

The door was locked when News 9 paid them a visit Wednesday. The Tax Commission tells us they've had to shut the business down several times. Attorneys with the Tax Commission say Masterbilt remains open because they claim to not sell fences, but only repair them.

News 9 called Masterbilt and told them we wanted them to build a fence.  The company assured us they build fences and could do the work. The tax commission tells us that's in violation of the law.

Because it can be a challenge for the state to keep track of businesses who don't pay, many cities are stepping forward with plans to assist the commission and get their money.

Freeman is proposing a plan to give the city more power in going after delinquent businesses.