Alaska Seeks Oil Taxes Consultant

After being criticized for rushing a bill into the special session this year that some considered ill-conceived, the Parnell administration is now seeking a consultant to advise it on oil taxes.

The Department of Revenue is soliciting proposals for a consultant to provide expert economic analysis. The consultant will be asked, among other things, to identify issues with the current oil and gas tax structure that might limit industry investment in the state and make recommendations for improving the existing system.

The budget for the work is estimated between $400,000 and $700,000.

Gov. Sean Parnell failed to get his tax-cut plans passed the Legislature during regular and special sessions this year and last. The proposal quickly put together before this year’s special session was criticized by lawmakers in both parties.