Would You Give Back Your Tax Return?

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Senator Cliff Branan is asking willing Oklahomans to give their tax return back to the state.

There's a good chance you're probably shaking your head thinking there's no way you would give up your tax return. But Senator Branan said there are people who would, and that's who his bill is aimed at.

Whether it's a couple hundred or a couple thousand, people's tax returns are often times considered a blessing.

But is Senator Branan's bill passes, you could opt to give your tax return back to the state instead of paying off your debt or paying for a vacation.

Many Oklahomans told NEWS 9 they work hard for their tax returns and the idea is absurd.

"There's a lot of people who don't feel that way," Sen. Branan said.

In fact, he said people in his office often encourage him to increase the state income tax, despite his attempts to try and lower it. That's why Branan said he introduced the bill.

"These people are constantly trying to promote a higher income tax. This will just provide an opportunity to put your money where your mouth is," Sen. Branan said.

And whether people would actually give up their return, Branan said he knows people who would, especially those with extra income.

If the bill passed, the money from people who choose to donate would go into the state's general fund. Right now, there are at least five other states with similar legislation. However, the bill has not made it out of committee yet and into the full legislature.