PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 458-40-610 Timber excise tax -- Definitions and 458-40-680 Timber excise tax -- Volume harvested -- Approved scaling and grading methods -- Sample scaling -- Conversions.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 84.33.096, 82.32.300, and 82.01.060(2).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The taxation of timber harvested for firewood is currently not defined for reporting based on the standard stumpage value tables. Firewood consists mostly of utility grade timber and the reporting on sawlog values does not appear to be appropriate. The department is considering rule changes to define firewood as scaled utility log grade, converted at a rate of three tons per cord.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Although the United States Forest Service and Washington State Department of Natural Resources both regulate forest practices, neither is involved in valuation for taxation purposes. The nontax processes and definitions are coordinated with these agencies to avoid conflict, but there should be no need to involve them in the valuation revisions provided in this rule.
Process for Developing New Rule: Parties interested in this rule making may contact the individual listed below. The public may also participate by providing written comments throughout this rule making or giving oral testimony at the public meeting or public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Written comments may be submitted by mail, fax, or at the public meeting. Oral comments will be accepted at the public meeting. A preliminary draft of the proposed changes will be available upon request shortly before the public meeting. Written comments on and/or requests for copies of the rule may be directed to Gilbert Brewer, Interpretations and Technical Advice Unit, P.O. Box 47453, Olympia, WA 98504-47453 [98504-7453], phone (360) 570-6133, fax (360) 586-5543.
Public Meeting Location: Capital Plaza Building, 4th Floor, L&P Large Conference Room, 1025 Union Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA, on October 20, 2005, at 10:00 a.m.
September 6, 2005
Alan R. Lynn
Rules Coordinator