Action 9

State tax targets essential equipment for people with disabilities

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A lot of times, people with disabilities need to modify their vehicles.  But you may not realize, even if they get that equipment free, the state charges them sales tax on it.  But Action 9 found state lawmakers are thinking of changing that.

John Roberts was a soldier in Iraq.  In 2005, an 18-wheeler hit his vehicle head on.  Roberts suffered severe brain injury.  "I think of it as like somebody's had a stroke," his father, Steve said.

Roberts can't walk, drink certain liquids, or talk well.  He has to type on a keypad that verbalizes words.

His family bought a van for his wheelchair.  The VA paid for special features on the vehicle, including a ramp.

Steve Roberts told Action 9 the state taxed them $782.57 on it.  "Why are we taxing a disabled veteran on his benefits?" he said.

"We believe in God and Lord Jesus and we know he's in control of things so, from that standpoint, we see his hand in things," Steve Roberts said.

Now, Union County Republican Mark Brody is co-sponsoring this bill so people wouldn't have to pay sales tax on adaptive equipment for their vehicles. The bill passed the North Carolina House. Now, it's in the North Carolina Senate.

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