| With the nation firmly entrenched in a recession, states | | | | and community members. |
| across the country are contending with budgetary | | | | How can you avoid this situation? Before signing on |
| problems. In an effort to even out their bottom lines, | | | | the dotted line, check to make sure the roofer you're |
| many of them are considering measures that will tax | | | | planning on hiring is registered in your state. Your home |
| their already cash-strapped residents even harder. | | | | state's Secretary of State Web site is a good place |
| What these honest taxpayers may not even be | | | | to start. Beginning November 1, 2010, roofing companies |
| aware of is that they themselves could be contributing | | | | in Oklahoma will be required by law to register with the |
| to the financial problem. And they're doing it in ways | | | | state, but such legislation does not exist everywhere. |
| they could never suspect - for instance by hiring an | | | | Therefore, when it comes to hiring a roofer, it |
| out-of-state roofer who may not be paying state | | | | behooves the homeowner to beware. |
| sales tax on its revenues. | | | | It's not surprising then that this article drew a lot of |
| News Channel 4 out of Oklahoma City recently | | | | heated comments from Oklahomans. In addition to |
| brought this issue to light in an article titled "Out of state | | | | expressing their ire over the tax-avoidance issue, |
| roofers evade OK taxes." In the wake of several hail | | | | many of them highlighted other problems they |
| storms and tornadoes sweeping through the region, | | | | experienced by electing to work with a disreputable |
| "Thousands of people are getting new roofs, but one | | | | roofing company. As regular everyday citizens, their |
| local roofer says some of the out-of-town companies | | | | advice bears heeding. |
| that are fixing many roofs may not be paying state | | | | - If you want to avoid being ripped off, "just use a local |
| taxes." While the law clearly states that if the money is | | | | company that you hear on the t.v. or radio all year long, |
| made in the state, Oklahoma gets to reap the taxes | | | | not someone who just knocks on your door out of |
| on it, "the reality is that money made here (in | | | | nowhere or shows up after a big storm." A roofer |
| Oklahoma) often leaves and goes unreported." And | | | | with a longstanding reputation for excellence in your |
| the situation isn't confined just to Oklahoma. | | | | area can ensure that your roof repair is done right. |
| Now, on top of having to worry about whether they | | | | - "Be careful that you are not deceived by a company |
| themselves are being scammed, homeowners who | | | | name that mimics a local company." Many fly-by-night |
| are in need of a roof repair or replacement have to | | | | roofers will deceitfully adopt a name that's very close |
| consider the impact the roofing company they're | | | | to another that is well-known and well-respected in the |
| choosing will have on their state government - and | | | | area, hoping desperate homeowners will not notice the |
| potentially down the road on the tax rate they're | | | | difference. |
| assessed. By hiring an out-of-state roofing company, | | | | "ONLY use a contractor who has a valid place of |
| they're also taking local jobs away from their neighbors | | | | business and check their credentials. |