Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said his department does not plan to appeal a judge’s ruling in a sales tax case.
Last week, District Judge Allan Zaunbrecher ruled that a Mount Hermon farm’s sheep and Black Angus cattle sales were exempt from sales tax.
In a June hearing, Seal, who as sheriff is also parish tax collector, contended that sales tax isn’t exempt and that approximately $40,000 in back sales taxes and penalties was owed.
But the judge ruled that there is a difference between farm products and livestock products, and because farm owner Jason Smith is selling processed Black Angus and sheep meat at his Mount Hermon farm, it is a farm product and thus exempt from sales taxes.
Seal said the lawsuit seeking back taxes and penalties was filed on behalf of Washington Parish citizens. He said there was nothing personal, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s office will not appeal Judge Zaunbrecher’s ruling.
