Westside : Tax Officials Fight Over Business Fees
A turf war is being waged between tax collectors in Culver City and Los Angeles over a sweeping effort by L.A. tax officials to raise business license revenues by charging fees to companies outside Los Angeles’ borders who conduct business in the city.
Los Angeles officials have mailed notices to more than 7,000 businesses nationwide that conduct business in Los Angeles for at least seven days a year. Businesses that owe money include auto repair shops that tow cars from Los Angeles to Culver City, said Jeffrey Turrow, director of the revenue enforcement unit.
Although Culver City businesses are not the only ones hit with the new levies, Culver City tax officials are the only ones who are complaining, Turrow said. Culver City officials have sent letters to Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and other city officials.
“They sent letters to businesses that have no reason to have a license in L.A.,” said Alida Ostler, Culver City’s revenue supervisor.
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