PIF Information
This page provides information regarding the Public Improvement Fee that is collected at the Pueblo Crossing Retail Center. Below is an example of a placard that you will see at the cash register and an example of a typical receipt for a purchase.
"Customer Price Disclosure/Public Improvement Fee"
All customers are hereby notified that a Public Improvement Fee (PIF) in the amount of 0.5% will be added to the advertised price of all sales transactions. The PIF is used to pay for public improvements surrounding the Pueblo Crossing Retail Center. The PIF is NOT a sales tax, but is part of the price of goods and services sold and must be paid as part of the price of all taxable sales transactions. Therefore, it becomes part of the overall cost of the sale and is subject to sales tax.
For more information, contact the City of Pueblo at (719) 553-2659.
The Public Improvement Fee is 0.5% on all sales transactions. The PIF is specifically a fee and NOT a tax; therefore, it becomes a part of the overall cost of the sale/service and is subject to sales tax. The PIF is collected for the benefit of North Gateway Number 1 Public Improvement Corporation and is used to finance the public improvements surrounding the Pueblo Crossing Retail Center.
The City of Pueblo is collecting the PIF on behalf of North Gateway Number 1 Public Improvement Corporation. The PIF should not be confused with sales tax. Here is an example of a receipt that you may see at the Pueblo Crossing Retail Center:
| Sample Retailer | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gift Certificate PIF (0.5%) Tax Clothing Towels PIF (0.5%) Tax (7.4%) Milk PIF Tax TOTAL | $20.00 0.00 0.00$20.00 $18.00 12.00 0.1530.15 2.23$32.38 $ 2.75 0.00 0.00$ 2.75 $56.13 | Some items will not be subject to either PIF or sales tax. Some items will be subject to both PIF and sales tax. Food items for home consumption will not be subject to PIF or sales tax. |
- Reminder: When sales tax is collected by the retailer, it will be collected on the total sales price of the product or services and the PIF.
Disclosure
What are the disclosures to inform customers of the PIF? The following are disclosures:
- Advertising: All advertising whether print, radio, television or any other medium is to indicate that advertised prices are subject to state and local taxes and fees.
- Sales Register: Permanently place a placard (8" x 5" minimum) at each sales register to notify all customers of the PIF (the example placard can be found above).
Audits
Is the PIF subject to audit?
Yes, all businesses located in the Pueblo Crossing Retail Center are subject to a PIF audit. If your business is chosen for an audit, the auditor will notify you to schedule a date to visit your business and review records to verify that the PIF has been collected and paid. When your business is contacted for an audit, detailed instructions about the audit process will be provided.
Proactive audits can also occur at the request of your business. In a proactive audit, the auditor will review all records after your business has been open for twelve or eighteen months. The proactive audit can be helpful by identifying any problem areas concerning the collection of PIF so that they may be resolved. Your records must be retained for at least three years.
Confidentiality
All financial information provided to the City of Pueblo is kept confidential; however, the North Gateway Number 1 Public Improvement Corporation is authorized to obtain financial information from the city as described in tenant leases and real estate agreements. No financial information will be shared or discussed with any unauthorized individuals.