Quartzsite council weighs hiring state‑certified tax auditor to boost local sales‑tax collections

At a budget workshop, council members opened a detailed review of Quartzsite’s transaction privilege tax (TPT) structure and discussed hiring a state‑certified tax auditor to identify taxable activities the town may be missing.

One council member (S4) said the town has not reviewed its list of taxable activities in roughly three decades and suggested a certified auditor could locate uncollected revenue — for examples, commercial rental and storage units that may not be paying the town’s municipal 2.5% portion. “So for our retail, it's 9.1%,” the member said, explaining that county and state levies plus the town’s share determine the final rate paid by consumers.

Staff (S3) and other members supported the recommendation to consult certified auditors because they are familiar with the state model city code and with the Department of Revenue’s processes for securing information and audit authority. Council members discussed RFP procedures and the benefits of contacting the Arizona Department of Revenue for a list of state‑certified auditors rather than broadly advertising the contract; one member noted Parker’s use of a certified auditor produced several thousand dollars in previously uncollected revenue.

Why this matters: A focused audit could reveal recurring uncollected local tax revenue and improve compliance; any proposed enforcement or rate changes would require follow‑up actions and formal council authorization.

Next steps: Council directed staff to obtain cost estimates and return with RFP options and a recommended scope of work before any procurement decision or contract award.