MS HB473

Allows counties and municipalities to charge processing fees for electronic payments (credit cards, debit cards, and other electronic payment methods) for taxes, fees, accounts receivable, and retail merchandise sales.

Permits counties and municipalities to charge a flat rate based on the percentage of the transaction, provided the rate is reasonably related to overall average per-transaction processing fees and internal costs, not to exceed 4% per transaction.

Requires counties and municipalities to post notice of electronic payment rates in a location where consumers can easily see them before making a payment.

Allows counties and municipalities to bear the full cost of processing electronic payments for retail merchandise sales without charging fees to users.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.