Electric Car Dealer Sues Over Tax Commission's Ruling

By Photojournalist David Young, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An electric car dealer is headed to court to save rebates for his rechargeable cars.

Recently numerous Oklahomans have bolted to electric car dealerships because state and federal tax credits have made them virtually free. However, last week the State Tax Commission specified the state tax credits making some electric car models ineligible, such as vehicles that resemble golf carts.

But now owners and dealers are crying foul. Roger Gaddis is suing to get his Ada Electric Cars to qualify for the tax credit.

"This is as much for our customers as it is for ourselves," said Roger Gaddis, Ada Electric Cars. "We could have just given up and rolled over but the Tax Commission's ruling on these cars are completely out of line."

Now Gaddis' attorneys have taken up the case to find out what caused the emergency order.

"Basically what we have here is the Tax Commission basically trying to perform a legislature function that they are not authorized to do, and even this order they have purposed has not been authorized," said Craig Riffel, Gaddis' attorney.

However for Gaddis and his attorneys it may go above principle and come down to common sense.

"It has a lot of merit. People are being hurt, not only Ada Electric Cars but taxpayers are being hurt by the Tax Commission's actions and there doesn't seem to be anyone in the Tax Commission who cares to this point," Riffel said.

The governor has 45 days to sign or strike down the Tax Commission's ruling. Gov. Brad Henry is currently studying the issue.

More on News9.com:
Electric Car Dealers, Customers Upset Over Ruling on Oklahoma Tax Credit | Electric Cars Giving Electric Charge to Economy | Oklahoma Company to Sell, Assemble New Electric Cars