Hoover Mayoral Candidate Calls for Action on Online Sales Tax

Hoover's Police Chief and mayoral hopeful, Nick Derzis, is urging city leaders to jump on board a lawsuit challenging Alabama's online sales tax distribution. He says the current system, the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) program, is shortchanging Hoover residents.

"Unacceptable" Tax Distribution

Derzis argues that the SSUT, which collects an 8% tax on most online purchases, unfairly distributes revenue based on population, not point of purchase. He stated that Hoover residents, who have some of the highest incomes in the state, generate millions in online sales tax revenue. “But instead of those dollars staying in Hoover to fund our roads, our parks, our schools, and our first responders, they’re being sent across the state to other cities. That’s unacceptable, and it’s time we do something about it.”

Joining the Fight

Mountain Brook recently joined Tuscaloosa in challenging the tax. Derzis believes Hoover should join them. He asserts that cities like Hoover are missing out on millions of dollars they'd otherwise receive.

Derzis's Pledge

Derzis criticized the current city administration and promised to champion Hoover's financial interests as mayor. “Our tax dollars should stay here and work for the people who paid them. Hoover has the busiest retail corridor in Alabama... When our residents shop online, those tax dollars should stay at home. This is not just unfair. It is bad policy,” he proclaimed. He also mentioned that the SSUT generated over $850 million statewide in 2024.