SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 3066

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Ways & Means, February 22, 2010

Title: An act relating to creating uniformity among annual tax reporting survey provisions.

Brief Description: Creating uniformity among annual tax reporting survey provisions.

Sponsors: House Committee on Finance (originally sponsored by Representatives Parker, Springer, Eddy, Condotta and Wallace).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/10, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/22/10 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Tom, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Fairley, Hobbs, Honeyford, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McDermott, Murray, Oemig, Parlette, Pflug, Pridemore, Regala, Rockefeller and Schoesler.

Staff: Dianne Criswell (786-7433)

Background: Accountability Reports and Surveys. Businesses claiming certain tax incentives must provide data on annual accountability reports or surveys filed with the Department of Revenue (DOR). Accountability reports and surveys require information about employment and economic activities related to the tax incentives. Tax incentives that are industry-specific generally require the recipient to file an annual report, whereas tax incentives that apply more broadly generally require the recipient to file an annual survey. While there are many similarities between the surveys and reports, there are also inconsistencies, including differences in the information reported, penalties for failure to file, due dates, filing extensions, filing requirements, and the entities which report back to the Legislature on the specific tax incentive program.

Summary of Bill: Providing Uniformity in Tax Incentive Accountability Provisions. The following changes are made to merge accountability reports and surveys:

The merged reporting provisions apply beginning with annual surveys and annual reports due in 2011 and thereafter.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.

Persons Testifying: No one.