Davis Signs Bill on Quarterly Tax Payments

Gov. Gray Davis signed a bill Monday aimed at simplifying sales tax payments for small business owners.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), was created to standardize sales tax payments for all four quarters of the calendar year. Previously, tax payment schedules were complicated and varied from quarter to quarter, representatives from Jackson’s office said.

The old system “resulted in confusion and frustration, particularly among small business owners,” Jackson said in a statement.

The new legislation “is a simple change in the law that will help business owners who are just trying to pay their taxes on time to avoid fines,” Jackson said. “I am very pleased the governor signed this measure, which will be of particular help to small businesses.”