Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: WAC 458-16A-110, 458-16A-115, 458-16A-120, and 458-16A-130 are being amended to conform to SSHB [2SHB] 3104 (chapter 6, Laws of 2008), SSB 5256 (chapter 182, Laws of 2008), SB 6338 (chapter 62, Laws of 2006), HB 1019 (chapter 248, Laws of 2005), and SB 5034 (chapter 27, Laws of 2004). SSHB [2SHB] 3104 extended the rights and liabilities of spouses under RCW 84.36.381 and 84.36.383 to domestic partners. SSB 5256 changed the calculation for excluding veterans benefits from the income calculation for the senior citizen, disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption. SB 6338 changed the definition of "residence" for purposes of the senior citizen, disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption. HB 1019 extended the former senior citizen and disabled person exemption to veterans of the armed forces of the United States with one hundred percent service connected disability. SB 5034 raised income and valuation limits for qualifying for the senior citizen and disabled person exemption; increased the circumstances under which claimants may qualify for the exemption without residing in their residences; added a definition for "disability"; and added additional deductions for the purpose of calculating "disposable income."

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 458-16A-110 Senior citizen, disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption -- Gross income, 458-16A-115 Senior citizen, disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption -- Adjusted gross income, 458-16A-120 Senior citizen, disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption -- Determining combined disposable income, and 458-16A-130 Senior citizen, disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption -- Qualifications for exemption.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 84.36.383, 84.36.389, and 84.36.865.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 08-11-126 on May 21, 2008.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 4, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 4, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: July 31, 2008.

Janis P. Bianchi

Assistant Director

Interpretations and

Technical Advice Division

OTS-1602.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 03-09-002, filed 4/2/03, effective 5/3/03)

WAC 458-16A-110   Senior citizen ((and)), disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption -- Gross income.   (1) Introduction. This rule explains the definition of gross income used for federal income tax. In order to meet the income requirements for the senior citizen ((and)), disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption program, the claimant must provide supporting documents verifying combined disposable income. The gross income for federal income tax purposes of the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, and any cotenants represents a part of the claimant's combined disposable income.

     (a) Income tax return. In most cases, the claimant presents copies of federal income tax returns to demonstrate both gross income and adjusted gross income amount(s) for the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, and any cotenants. The assessor then determines the disposable income for each person based upon that person's income tax return and the other information supplied by the claimant.

     (b) No income tax return. When the claimant does not present federal income tax returns, the assessor must determine what constitutes gross income for the nonfiler and obtain copies of income documents to determine that person's gross income. This rule provides the assessor with some guidance in determining the gross income for a nonfiler.

     (c) Verifying the gross income amount. In some cases, the assessor may choose to verify income amount(s). The rule provides the assessor some guidance in verifying all or part of the gross income for the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, or any of the cotenants.

     (2) Gross income determined. Internal Revenue Code section 61 defines "gross income," generally, as all income from whatever source derived. WAC 458-16A-135 lists the documentation used to determine the income of the claimant.

     (3) Exclusions from the federal definition of gross income. A claimant may provide documentation or information about amounts received during the year that are excluded from gross income. These amounts should not be taken into account when determining gross income. The federal definition of gross income, generally, does not include:

     (a) Gifts, inheritance amounts, or life insurance proceeds;

     (b) Up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars (five hundred thousand dollars for a married couple) gain from the sale of a principal residence that meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code section 121, see also WAC 458-16A-100 (definition of disposable income);

     (c) Amounts received for illness or injury when received from workmen's compensation, a legal settlement, a legal judgment, a Medicare+Choice MSA, a federal employer under the federal Employees Compensation Act, accident insurance, or health insurance. If the amount received is from an employer directly for illness or injury or from employer-provided accident or health insurance, the amount is excluded only if it is paid to reimburse medical expenses, for the loss of limb, or for permanent disfigurement to the employee, the employee's spouse, or the employee's dependents;

     (d) Contributions or payments made by an employer to accident and health plans, the employer's qualified transportation plan, a cafeteria plan, a dependent care assistance program, educational assistance programs, or for certain fringe benefits for employees described by Internal Revenue Code section 132. If the claimant earns wages as an employee, he or she should receive a W-2 form from the employer reporting those wages. This W-2 form should have already excluded the described contributions or payments provided for the employee's benefit in the above list. If a question arises about whether or not an employer adjusted the employee's gross income for these exclusions, the claimant should contact their employer and have the employer provide the county with a correct or corrected copy of the W-2 form to verify the correct wages paid to the employee;

     (e) Income from discharge of indebtedness under certain limited circumstances, such as insolvency. These circumstances are outlined in Internal Revenue Code section 108;

     (f) Improvements by a lessee left upon the lessor's property at the termination of a lease;

     (g) Recovery of an amount deducted in a prior tax year that did not reduce federal income taxes paid in that prior year. For example, a person that itemized deductions may get a refund of property taxes or a stolen uninsured item will be returned. This refund or recovery is included in income unless the deduction did not result in a reduction of tax. It may not result in a reduction of tax because the person had to pay alternative minimum tax or taking away that deduction drops that person below the standard deduction amount. When the deduction did not reduce taxes, the recovery amount that did not reduce taxes is excluded. The assessor may request the claimant excluding such a recovery to present prior returns and worksheets such as the worksheets provided in Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income, to demonstrate how the exclusion was calculated;

     (h) Qualified scholarships and fellowship grants provided for certain educational expenses (e.g., tuition and books). Internal Revenue Code section 117 provides a complete description of qualified scholarship and fellowship grant amounts excluded from gross income;

     (i) Meals or lodging furnished to an employee for the convenience of the employer;

     (j) Excluded military pay and benefits. These exclusions are defined in WAC 458-16A-100. A discussion of how to determine and calculate these benefits is found in WAC 458-16A-120;

     (k) Amounts received under insurance contracts for certain living expenses: As a general rule, when an individual's principal residence is damaged or destroyed by fire, storm, or other casualty, or who is denied access to his principal residence by governmental authorities because of the occurrence or the threat of such a casualty, gross income does not include amounts received by such individual under an insurance contract which are paid to compensate or reimburse such individual for living expenses incurred for himself and members of his household resulting from the loss of use or occupancy of such residence;

     (l) Certain cost-sharing payments made for conservation purposes on land owned by the claimant: Payments received from federal or state funds primarily to conserve soil, protect or restore the environment, improve forests, or provide a habitat for wildlife are excluded from gross income. In addition, the claimant may exclude energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities from gross income. If the claimant indicates that he or she has received payments from the government or had improvements made to his or her residence or land by the government for conservation purposes, the assessor may ask for verification of the amount excluded (if any) from gross income and the information received by the claimant supporting this exclusion. See Internal Revenue Code sections 126 and 136;

     (m) Child support payments;

     (n) Qualified foster care payments made from the government or a qualified nonprofit to a foster parent or guardian. See Internal Revenue Code section 131;

     (o) Income from United States savings bonds used to pay higher education tuition and fees. See Internal Revenue Code section 135;

     (p) Distributions from a qualified state tuition program or a Coverdell Education Savings Account used to pay for higher education expenses. Distributions from a Coverdell Education Savings Account used to pay for elementary or secondary education expenses. See Internal Revenue Code sections 529 and 530.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 84.36.383, 84.36.389, and 84.36.865. 03-09-002, § 458-16A-110, filed 4/2/03, effective 5/3/03.]

OTS-1603.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 03-09-002, filed 4/2/03, effective 5/3/03)

WAC 458-16A-115   Senior citizen ((and)), disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption -- Adjusted gross income.   (1) Introduction. This rule explains how an assessor determines the adjusted gross income for the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, and any cotenants. In order to meet the income requirements for the senior citizen ((and)), disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption program, the claimant must provide supporting documents verifying combined disposable income. The adjusted gross income for federal income tax purposes of the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, and any cotenants represents a part of the claimant's combined disposable income.

     (a) Income tax return. In most cases, the claimant presents copies of federal income tax returns to demonstrate adjusted gross income amount(s) for the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, and any cotenants. The assessor then determines the disposable income for each person based upon that person's income tax return and other information supplied by the claimant.

     (b) No income tax return. When the claimant does not present federal income tax return(s), the assessor must determine what constitutes the gross income and the adjusted gross income of the nonfiler and obtain copies of income documents to determine that person's income amounts. This rule provides the assessor with some guidance in determining the adjusted gross income for a nonfiler.

     (c) Verifying the adjusted gross income amount. In some cases, the assessor may choose to verify income amount(s). The rule provides the assessor some guidance in verifying all or part of the adjusted gross income for the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, or any of the cotenants.

     (2) Adjusted gross income. Internal Revenue Code section 62 defines "adjusted gross income" as gross income minus the following deductions:

     (a) Trade and business deductions. Business owners may deduct from gross income trade or business expenses. If the claimant submits a copy of a Form 1040 federal income tax return, these deductions will be taken on the Schedule C, the Schedule C-EZ, or, for a farm, the Schedule F. If the business owned is a partnership, limited partnership, S Corporation, or Limited Liability Company (LLC), the deduction is taken on the return submitted by the partnership, limited partnership, S Corporation, or LLC (Tax Return Forms 1065 and 1120S) and passed through to the individual on a Schedule K-1. A claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant that does not file a federal income tax return, but claims to have trade or business deductions should provide documentation of income and expenses from the business to allow the assessor to determine the amount of trade or business expenses to be deducted.

     (b) Unreimbursed expenses paid or incurred by an elementary or secondary school teacher for educational materials and equipment, an employee who is a qualified performing artist, or a state or local government official paid on a fee basis. From 2002 until 2010, an elementary or secondary school teacher may deduct from gross income up to two hundred fifty dollars of unreimbursed amounts that the teacher pays for educational materials and equipment used in the teacher's classroom. A teacher may take this deduction on a Form 1040 or a 1040A. A qualified performing artist, defined by Internal Revenue Code section 62(b), or a state or local government official paid on a fee basis may deduct from gross income any unreimbursed trade or business expenses incurred for that employer as an employee. If the claimant submits a copy of a Form 1040 federal income tax return, the deduction will be taken on the dotted line before the final line for determining adjusted gross income with a designation of "QPA" or "FBO." A claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant that does not file a tax return, but claims to have unreimbursed expenses for this deduction, should provide documentation to demonstrate his or her status as an elementary or secondary school teacher, a qualified performing artist, or a government employee paid on a fee basis and documentation of the unreimbursed educational materials and equipment or trade or business amounts spent as an employee for his or her employer.

     (c) Losses from sale or exchange of property. A property owner may deduct from gross income losses from the sale or exchange of property for federal income tax purposes. If the claimant submits a copy of a Form 1040 federal income tax return, the deduction is generally determined on a Schedule D. For purposes of this program, losses cannot be deducted from income. Any losses taken must be added onto adjusted gross income. An assessor may refuse documentation of losses from a claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant that does not file a tax return as these losses do not result in any change to the claimant's final combined disposable income.

     (d) Deductions attributable to rents and royalties. A property owner may deduct from gross income expenses attributable to property held for the production of rents and royalties. If the claimant submits a copy of a Form 1040 federal income tax return, the deductions are determined on a Schedule E. A claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant that does not file a tax return, but claims to have expenses from rental property or licensed property, should provide documentation of these expenses.

     (e) Certain deductions of life tenants and income beneficiaries of property. A life tenant or income beneficiary of a trust or estate may deduct from gross income for federal income tax purposes depreciation or depletion expenses related to the business or rental property in which he or she has a life estate or when the property is owned by a trust or estate, if he or she has a beneficial interest in the property. If the claimant submits a copy of a Form 1040 federal income tax return, these deductions are shown on Schedule E. A claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant with a beneficial interest in business property owned by a trust or estate would show the depreciation or depletion deduction on the Schedule K-1 from that trust or estate. An assessor may refuse documentation of depreciation or depletion on property from a claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant that does not file a tax return as these expenses do not result in any change to the claimant's final combined disposable income.

     (f) Pension, profit-sharing, annuity, and annuity plans of self-employed individuals. A self-employed person may deduct from gross income contributions to a SEP, SIMPLE, or other qualified plan. These deductions are claimed on the Form 1040 federal income tax return. A self-employed claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant that does not file a tax return, but claims this deduction, should provide documentation of the contributions made to a qualified plan by his or her business.

     (g) Self-employed health insurance deduction. As part of his or her trade and business expenses, a self-employed person may deduct from gross income part (and after 2002, all) of the business's payments for his or her health insurance. This deduction is claimed on the Form 1040 federal income tax return. A self-employed claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant that does not file a tax return, but claims this deduction, should provide documentation of the payments made for his or her health insurance by his or her business. The assessor may request the claimant to submit a copy of the deduction worksheet provided in the instructions for Form 1040 to calculate this deduction whether or not the self-employed person filed a tax return.

     (h) One-half of self-employment tax. As part of his or her trade or business expenses, a self-employed person may deduct from gross income one-half of the self-employment tax paid to the federal government determined on a Schedule SE. This deduction is claimed on the Form 1040 federal income tax return. A self-employed person that has not filed a return, may not claim this deduction as the self-employment tax is reported and paid with that return.

     (i) Retirement savings. A person may deduct from gross income qualifying contributions (up to three thousand five hundred dollars) made to an individual retirement account (IRA). This deduction may be claimed on either the Form 1040 or Form 1040A federal income tax return. A claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant that does not file a tax return, but claims to have made qualifying contributions to an IRA, should provide documentation of these contributions. The assessor may request the claimant to submit a copy of the IRA deduction worksheet provided in the instructions for Form 1040 and Form 1040A to calculate this deduction whether or not the person filed a tax return.

     (j) Penalties on early withdrawal of savings. A person may deduct from gross income for purposes of federal income tax penalties paid because of an early withdrawal of savings. This deduction is claimed on the Form 1040 federal income tax return. The IRS classifies these penalties as losses. For purposes of this program, losses may not be deducted from income. Any deduction taken on this line must be added to adjusted gross income. An assessor may refuse documentation about these penalties from a claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant that does not file a tax return as these losses do not result in any change to the claimant's final combined disposable income.

     (k) Alimony. A person may deduct from gross income alimony paid in cash to a previous spouse. This deduction is claimed on the Form 1040 federal income tax return. A person that does not file a tax return, but made alimony payments, should provide copies of documentation showing alimony payments were made in cash to a prior spouse. The documents should include a copy of the divorce or separation instrument providing for the alimony payments and the amount of the alimony payments made during the year.

     (l) Reforestation costs. A landowner may deduct from gross income for purposes of federal income tax the amortized reforestation costs for qualified timber property over a period of eighty-four months. If the property is held as business property, the deduction will appear with the trade and business expenses. If the property is not held as business property and the claimant submits a copy of a Form 1040 federal income tax return, this deduction is claimed on the dotted line before the final line for determining adjusted gross income on the Form 1040 federal income tax return and identified as "RFST." An assessor may refuse documentation of the amortization of reforestation costs from a claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant that does not file a tax return as these amortized costs are depreciation expenses. These expenses would be added onto adjusted gross income for purposes of this program and do not result in any change to the claimant's final combined disposable income.

     (m) Required repayment of supplemental unemployment compensation. A person may deduct from gross income required repayments of supplemental unemployment compensation benefits. If the claimant submits a Form 1040 federal income tax return, the deduction may show on the return in one of two ways. If the repayment is made in the same year the benefits are received, the taxpayer reduces the total unemployment compensation reported on the return by the amount of repayment. If the repayment is made in a later year, the taxpayer deducts the repayment on the dotted line before the final line for determining adjusted gross income on the return and identifies it as "Sub-Pay TRA." A person that does not file a tax return, but claims to have repaid supplemental unemployment compensation, should provide documentation of these repayments.

     (n) Jury duty pay given to employer. An employee may deduct from gross income jury duty pay given to his or her employer. An employee deducts the jury pay given to the employer on the dotted line before the final line for determining adjusted gross income on the Form 1040 federal income tax return and identifies it as "Jury Pay." A person that does not file a tax return, but claims to have given jury pay received during the year to their employer, should provide documentation of the amount of jury pay given over to the employer.

     (o) Clean-fuel vehicles and certain refueling property. A person may deduct from gross income a portion of the cost for a qualified clean-fuel vehicle and certain refueling property until the end of calendar year 2004. This deduction may show on the Form 1040 federal income tax return in one of two ways. If the property is held as business property, the deduction will appear with the trade and business expenses. If a clean-fuel vehicle is not held as business property, or is claimed by an employee who used it in whole or part for business, this deduction is claimed on the dotted line before the final line for determining adjusted gross income on the return and identified as "Clean Fuel." A purchaser that does not file a tax return, but purchased clean-fuel property, should provide documentation about the qualifying clean-fuel vehicle or the refueling property, the amount paid for the clean-fuel property, and a calculation of the deduction amount allowed.

     (p) Unreimbursed moving expenses. If the claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant had to move a significant distance for a job or business, he or she may deduct from gross income the unreimbursed moving costs. This deduction is claimed on the Form 1040 federal income tax return. If the claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant does not file a tax return, the claimant should provide documentation of the distance moved, the reason for the move, and the moving expenses. The assessor may ((ask the claimant to submit)) request a copy of Form 3903, Moving Expenses, and the distance test worksheet on that form to prove the amount of ((his or her)) the person's adjusted gross income whether or not the claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant filed a federal income tax return.

     (q) Archer MSAs (medical savings accounts). A person may deduct from gross income a qualifying contribution to an Archer MSA. An MSA is an account set up exclusively for paying the qualified medical expenses of the account holder or the account holder's spouse or dependent(s) in conjunction with a high deductible health plan (HDHP). To be eligible for an MSA, the person must work as an employee for a small employer or be self-employed. The person must also have an HDHP, and have no other health insurance coverage except permitted coverage. The calculation of the deduction is performed on a Form 8853. This deduction is claimed on the Form 1040 federal income tax return. If the person does not file a tax return, but claims to have made a qualifying contribution to an Archer MSA, the claimant should provide copies of documentation as to that person's qualifications for the deduction and how the deduction was calculated. If this deduction is claimed, the assessor may ask the claimant to submit a copy of Form 8853, Archer MSAs and Long Term Care Insurance Contracts, whether or not the claimant, spouse, domestic partner, or cotenant filed a federal income tax return.

     (r) Interest on student loans. A person may deduct from gross income some or all student loan interest paid on his or her student loan(s) during the first sixty months of the loan repayment period. The deduction may not be claimed by a taxpayer claimed as a dependent, a taxpayer filing as married filing separately, or when the taxpayer has an adjusted gross income amount over fifty-five thousand dollars (seventy-five thousand dollars if married filing jointly). This deduction is claimed on either the Form 1040 or Form 1040A federal income tax return. A person that does not file a tax return, but claims to have paid student loan interest, should provide copies of documentation of that person's qualification for the deduction and how the deduction was calculated. For 2002 and after, a person may deduct some or all of this student loan interest (not over two thousand five hundred dollars) repaid for any repayment period (the sixty-month limit is gone), provided the taxpayer does not have adjusted gross income above sixty-five thousand dollars (one hundred thirty thousand dollars if married filing jointly). The two thousand five hundred dollar limit on the interest gets reduced for taxpayers with adjusted gross income over fifty thousand dollars (one hundred thousand dollars if married filing jointly). See Internal Revenue Code section 221.

     (s) Higher education expenses. From 2002 to 2005, an individual with adjusted gross income below a set amount (generally sixty-five thousand dollars) may take a deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses paid by that person for that person, that person's spouse, or a dependent of that person. Depending on the individual's gross income, the deduction cannot exceed three thousand dollars (four thousand dollars in 2004 and 2005). The deduction is claimed on either the Form 1040 or Form 1040A federal income tax return. A person that does not file a tax return, but claims to have paid higher education expenses, should provide copies of documentation of that person's qualification for the deduction and how the deduction was calculated. This deduction may only be taken if the income was not excluded from gross income. See WAC 458-16A-110 (savings bonds, qualified state tuition programs, and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 84.36.383, 84.36.389, and 84.36.865. 03-09-002, § 458-16A-115, filed 4/2/03, effective 5/3/03.]

OTS-1604.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 03-09-002, filed 4/2/03, effective 5/3/03)

WAC 458-16A-120   Senior citizen ((and)), disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption -- Determining combined disposable income.   (1) Introduction. This rule describes how an assessor determines a claimant's combined disposable income.

     (2) Begin by calculating disposable income. The assessor must determine the disposable income of the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, and all cotenants. The assessor begins by obtaining a copy of the claimant's, the claimant's spouse's or domestic partner's, and any cotenant's federal income tax return. If the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, or a cotenant does not provide a federal income tax return, the assessor must calculate disposable income from copies of other income documents (e.g., W-2, 1099-R, 1099-INT, etc.). The assessor may want to review the definitions of gross income, WAC 458-16A-110, and adjusted gross income, WAC 458-16A-115, to help calculate the combined disposable income for a claimant. These rules provide some guidance on how to determine adjusted gross income without copies of a federal income tax return. On the federal income tax return, the adjusted gross income is found on the front pages of Form 1040, Form 1040A, and Form 1040EZ. Even when a return is provided, an assessor may request copies of supporting documents to verify the amount of the claimant's combined disposable income.

     (a) Absent spouse or domestic partner. When a spouse or domestic partner has been absent for over a year and the claimant has no knowledge of his/her spouse's or domestic partner's whereabouts or whether the spouse or domestic partner has any income or not, and the claimant has not received anything of value from the spouse or domestic partner or anyone acting ((upon the spouse's)) on behalf of the spouse or domestic partner, the ((spouse's)) disposable income of the spouse or domestic partner is deemed to be zero for purposes of this exemption. The claimant must submit with the application a dated statement signed by the applicant under the penalty of perjury. This statement must state that more than one year prior to filing this application:

     (i) The claimant's spouse or domestic partner has been absent;

     (ii) The claimant has not and does not know the whereabouts of the claimant's spouse or domestic partner;

     (iii) The claimant has not had any communication with the claimant's spouse or domestic partner;

     (iv) The claimant has not received anything of value from the claimant's spouse or domestic partner or anyone acting ((upon)) on behalf of the claimant's ((spouse's behalf)) spouse or domestic partner.

     The statement must also agree to provide this income information if the claimant is able to obtain it anytime in the next four years.

     (b) Form 1040EZ. Generally, the adjusted gross income on Form 1040EZ represents the disposable income for the person or couple filing the return. However, that person's or couple's adjusted gross income as shown on the Form 1040EZ must be increased by the following amounts that are excluded from their adjusted gross income.

     (i) Gain from a sold residence. Under certain circumstances, gain from a sold residence is added onto the seller's adjusted gross income. Since there is no federal form used for reporting the exclusion of capital gains from the sale of a principal residence, the exemption application asks if a home has been sold, whether the sale proceeds were reinvested in new principal residence, and the amount of capital gain from the sale.

     (A) If the proceeds were reinvested in a new principal residence, the excluded capital gain reinvested in the new residence is ignored. The adjusted gross income on Form 1040EZ is not adjusted for any part of the excluded capital gain reinvested in the new residence.

     (B) If the proceeds were not reinvested in a new principal residence or only a part of the proceeds were reinvested in a new principal residence, the amount of excluded capital gain that is not reinvested in a new principal residence is added onto the seller's adjusted gross income to determine the seller's disposable income. The assessor may accept the excluded capital gain amount claimed upon the application or request a copy of documents demonstrating the seller's basis in the property and the capital gain earned upon the sale.

     (ii) Interest received on state and municipal bonds. Interest received on state or local government bonds is generally not subject to federal income tax. This tax exempt interest is marked "TEI" and reported on the Form 1040EZ. The tax-exempt interest is added onto the bond owner's federal adjusted gross income to determine the bond owner's disposable income.

     (A) The assessor may ask a claimant whether the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, or any cotenant(('))s own state or local government bonds. If the return does not show the tax exempt amount from the bond, the assessor may ask to see a copy of the Form 1099-INT (Interest Income).

     (B) If the claimant does not have this form, the bond issuer should be able to tell the owner whether the interest is taxable. The issuer should also give the owner a periodic (or year-end) statement showing the tax treatment of the bond. If the income recipient invested in the bond through a trust, a fund, or other organization, that organization should give the recipient this information.

     (iii) Excluded military pay and benefits. Military pay and benefits excluded from federal adjusted gross income, other than attendant-care and medical-aid payments, are added onto the adjusted gross income of the military personnel receiving the excluded military pay or benefits to determine that person's disposable income. Excluded military pay and benefits are discussed in more detail below in paragraph (c)(vii).

     (iv) Veterans benefits. Veterans benefits((, other than attendant-care and medical-aid payments,)) are added onto the veteran's adjusted gross income to determine the veteran's disposable income, except for:

     (A) Attendant-care payments and medical-aid payments, defined as any payments for medical care, home health care, health insurance coverage, hospital benefits, or nursing home benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA);

     (B) Disability compensation, defined as payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a veteran because of service-connected disability. (RCW 84.36.383 (5)(f)(iii).)

     (C) Dependency and indemnity compensation, defined as payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a surviving spouse, child, or parent. (RCW 84.36.383 (5)(f)(iv).)

     Veterans benefits are discussed in more detail below in paragraph (c)(viii).

     (c) Form 1040A. If a claimant provides a copy of a Form 1040A, the assessor calculates the disposable income for the person or couple filing the return by adding onto the adjusted gross income reported the items described below to the extent these items were excluded or deducted from gross income:

     (i) Gain from a sold residence. The excluded capital gain from selling a principal residence to the extent that excluded gain was not reinvested in a new principal residence is added onto the seller's adjusted gross income to determine the seller's disposable income. The amount is reported on the exemption application. Refer to paragraph (a)(i) above for a more complete discussion of excluded capital gain upon a sold residence.

     (ii) Interest received on state and municipal bonds. Interest received on state or local government bonds is generally not subject to federal income tax. The tax-exempt interest reported on Form 1040A is added back onto the bond owner's adjusted gross income to determine the bond owner's disposable income. Refer to paragraph (a)(ii) above for a more complete discussion of tax-exempt interest on state and municipal bonds.

     (iii) Pension and annuity receipts. Any nontaxable pension and annuity amounts are added onto the recipient's adjusted gross income amount to determine the recipient's disposable income. The nontaxable pension and annuity amounts are the difference in the total pension and annuity amounts reported from the taxable amounts reported. If the total amount of the pension and annuity amounts are not reported on the return, the assessor may use a copy of the ((claimant's, the claimant's spouse's, or the cotenant's)) Form 1099-R (Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc.) issued to the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, or the cotenant to determine the total amount of pension and annuity amounts received. Pension and annuity amounts do not include distributions made from a traditional individual retirement account; and

     (iv) Federal Social Security Act and railroad retirement benefits. Any nontaxable Social Security benefit or equivalent railroad retirement amount reported on Form 1040A is added onto the adjusted gross income of the person receiving these benefits to determine that person's disposable income. The nontaxable Social Security benefit or equivalent railroad retirement amount is the difference in the total Social Security benefits or equivalent railroad retirement amounts reported from the taxable amount reported. If the total amount of the Social Security benefit or equivalent railroad retirement amount is not reported on the return, the assessor may use a copy of the ((claimant's, the claimant's spouse's, or the cotenant's)) Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 issued to the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, or the cotenant to determine the Social Security benefits or ((Form RRB-1099 to determine)) the railroad retirement benefits received.

     (v) Excluded military pay and benefits. Military pay and benefits excluded from federal adjusted gross income, other than attendant-care and medical-aid payments, are added onto adjusted gross income of the military personnel receiving the excluded military pay or benefits to determine that person's disposable income. Excluded military pay and benefits are discussed below in paragraph (c)(vii).

     (vi) Veterans benefits. Veterans benefits((, other than attendant-care and medical-aid payments,)) are added back onto the veteran's adjusted gross income to determine the veteran's disposable income, except for:

     (A) Attendant-care payments and medical-aid payments, defined as any payments for medical care, home health care, health insurance coverage, hospital benefits, or nursing home benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA);

     (B) Disability compensation, defined as payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a veteran because of service-connected disability. (RCW 84.36.383 (5)(f)(iii).)

     (C) Dependency and indemnity compensation, defined as payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a surviving spouse, child, or parent. (RCW 84.36.383 (5)(f)(iv).)

     Veterans benefits are discussed below in paragraph (c)(viii).

     (d) Form 1040. If a claimant provides a copy of a Form 1040, the assessor calculates the disposable income for the person or couple filing the return by adding onto the reported adjusted gross income all the items described below to the extent these items were excluded or deducted from gross income:

     (i) Gain from a sold residence. The excluded capital gain from selling a principal residence to the extent that excluded gain was not reinvested in a new principal residence is added onto the seller's adjusted gross income to determine the seller's disposable income. The excluded capital gain amount is reported on the exemption application.

     (ii) Capital gains. If the return shows capital gains or losses, the assessor examines a copy of the following schedule or forms, if any, that were filed with the return. The assessor should examine the capital gains reported on Schedule D (Capital Gains and Losses) and on Forms 4684 (Casualty and Thefts), 4797 (Sales of Business Property), and 8829 (Business Use of Home).

     The assessor adds onto the adjusted gross income any amount of capital gains reduced by losses or deductions on the schedules or forms listed above to determine the total capital gains. The amount of capital gains that were excluded or deducted from adjusted gross income must be added onto that adjusted gross income to determine disposable income.

     (iii) Losses. Amounts deducted for loss are added onto the adjusted gross income to determine the disposable income. Most losses are reported on the return in parentheses to reflect that these loss amounts are to be deducted. The net losses are reported on Form 1040 as business losses, as capital losses, as other losses, as rental or partnership-type losses, and as farm losses. Add these amounts in parentheses onto the adjusted gross income. In addition, the assessor adds to adjusted gross income the amount reported as a penalty on early withdrawal of savings because the amount represents a loss under section 62 of the Internal Revenue Code.

     (A) The taxpayer only reports the net amount of losses on the front page of the Form 1040 federal income tax return. A loss may be used on other schedules or forms to reduce income before being transferred to the front page of the return to calculate adjusted gross income. The assessor adds onto the adjusted gross income the amount of losses used to reduce income on these other schedules and forms. If the assessor has already added capital gains reduced by losses, the assessor does not add this amount onto adjusted gross income as it has already been accounted for. The amount of losses that were used to reduce adjusted gross income must be added onto that adjusted gross income to determine disposable income. For example, the claimant reports on the front page of the 1040 a capital loss of (five thousand dollars). The assessor examines the Schedule D. On the Schedule D, the claimant reports two thousand dollars in long-term capital gains from the sale of Company X stock and seven thousand dollars in long-term capital losses from the sale of an interest in the Y limited partnership. The assessor has already reduced the claimant's adjusted gross income by five thousand dollars from the capital loss reported on the front page of the return. The assessor would add onto adjusted gross income only the additional two thousand dollars in losses from this Schedule D that was used to offset the capital gain the claimant earned from the sale of Company X stock.

     (B) The assessor should examine losses reported on Schedules C (Profit or Loss from Business), D (Capital Gains and Losses), E (Supplemental Income and Loss), F (Profit or Loss from Farming), and K-1 (Shareholder's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, etc.), and on Forms 4684 (Casualty and Thefts), 4797 (Sales of Business Property), 8582 (Passive Activity Loss Limitations), and 8829 (Business Use of Home) to determine the total amount of losses claimed.

     (iv) Depreciation. Amounts deducted for the depreciation, depletion, or amortization of an asset's costs are added onto the adjusted gross income to determine the disposable income. This includes section 179 expenses, as an expense in lieu of depreciation. Amounts deducted for depreciation, depletion, amortization, and 179 expenses may be found on Schedules C, C-EZ, E, F, K and K-1, and on Form 4835 (Farm Rental Income and Expenses). If the schedule or form results in a loss transferred to the front of the Form 1040 federal income tax return, the depreciation deduction to the extent it is represented in that loss amount should not be added onto the adjusted gross income (as this would result in it being added back twice);

     (v) Pension and annuity receipts. Any nontaxable pension and annuity amounts are added onto the recipient's adjusted gross income amount to determine the recipient's disposable income. The nontaxable pension and annuity amounts are the difference in the total pension and annuity amounts reported from the taxable amount reported. If the total amount of the pension and annuity amounts are not reported on the return, the assessor may use a copy of the ((claimant's, the claimant's spouse's, or the cotenant's)) Form 1099-R (Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc.) issued to the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, or the cotenant to determine the total amount of pension and annuity amounts received. Pension and annuity amounts do not include distributions made from a traditional individual retirement account.

     (vi) Federal Social Security Act and railroad retirement benefits. Any nontaxable Social Security benefit or equivalent railroad retirement amount reported on the Form 1040 federal income tax return is added onto the adjusted gross income of the person receiving these benefits to determine that person's disposable income. The nontaxable Social Security benefit or equivalent railroad retirement amount is the difference in the total Social Security benefits or equivalent railroad retirement amounts reported from the taxable amount reported. If the total amount of the Social Security benefit or equivalent railroad retirement amount is not reported on the return, the assessor may use a copy of the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 issued to the claimant(('s)), the claimant's spouse(('s)) or domestic partner, or the cotenant(('s Form SSA-1099)) to determine the Social Security benefits or ((Form RRB-1099 to determine)) the railroad retirement benefits received.

     (vii) Excluded military pay and benefits. Military pay and benefits excluded from federal adjusted gross income, other than pay or benefits for attendant care or medical aid, are added onto the adjusted gross income of the military personnel receiving the military pay or benefits to determine that person's disposable income. Excluded military pay and benefits are not reported on the Form 1040. Excluded military pay and benefits such as pay earned in a combat zone, basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), basic allowance for housing (BAH), and certain in-kind allowances, are reported in box 12 of the Form W-2. The claimant should disclose when excluded military pay and benefits were received and provide copies of the Form W-2 or other documents that verify the amounts received.

     (viii) Veterans benefits. ((Veterans benefits, other than attendant-care and medical-aid payments, are added onto the veteran's adjusted gross income to determine the veteran's disposable income.)) Federal law excludes from gross income any veterans benefits payments, paid under any law, regulation, or administrative practice administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). ((Except for payments by the VA made for attendant care or medical aid)) To determine disposable income, allowances or payments made from the VA must be added ((onto)) on the veteran's adjusted gross income, except for:

     (A) Attendant-care payments and medical-aid payments, defined as any payments for medical care, home health care, health insurance coverage, hospital benefits, or nursing home benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA);

     (B) Disability compensation, defined as payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a veteran because of service-connected disability. (RCW 84.36.383 (5)(f)(iii).)

     (C) Dependency and indemnity compensation, defined as payments made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a surviving spouse, child, or parent. (RCW 84.36.383 (5)(f)(iv).)

     VA benefits are not reported on the Form 1040. The claimant should disclose when excluded veterans benefits were received and provide copies of documents that verify the amount received. Attendant-care and medical-aid payments are any payments for medical care, home health care, health insurance coverage, hospital benefits, or nursing home benefits provided by the VA((. Disability compensation or pensions paid by the VA are not attendant-care or medical-aid payments));

     (ix) Dividend receipts. Exempt-interest dividends received from a regulated investment company (mutual fund) are reported on the tax-exempt interest line of the Form 1040 and added onto the recipient's adjusted gross income to determine that recipient's disposable income.

     (A) The assessor may ask a claimant whether the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, or any cotenants have received exempt-interest dividends.

     (B) Generally, the mutual fund owner will receive a notice from the mutual fund telling him or her the amount of the exempt-interest dividends received. These exempt-interest dividends are not shown on Form 1099-DIV or Form 1099-INT. Although exempt-interest dividends are not taxable, the owner must report them on the Form 1040 tax return if he or she has to file; and

     (x) Interest received on state and municipal bonds. Interest received on state or local government bonds is generally not subject to federal income tax. This tax-exempt interest is reported on the Form 1040 and added onto the bond owner's adjusted gross income to determine the bond owner's disposable income.

     (3) Calculate the combined disposable income. When the assessor has calculated the disposable income for the claimant, the claimant's spouse or domestic partner, and any cotenants, the assessor combines the disposable income of these people together. The assessor reduces this combined income by the amount paid by the claimant or the claimant's spouse or domestic partner during that calendar year for their legally prescribed drugs, home health care((, and)); nursing home ((care)), boarding home, or adult family home expenses; and health care insurance premiums for Medicare under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to calculate the claimant's combined disposable income.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 84.36.383, 84.36.389, and 84.36.865. 03-09-002, § 458-16A-120, filed 4/2/03, effective 5/3/03.]

OTS-1605.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 03-09-002, filed 4/2/03, effective 5/3/03)

WAC 458-16A-130   Senior citizen ((and)), disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran exemption -- Qualifications for exemption.   (1) Introduction. This rule describes the qualifications a claimant must meet for the senior citizen ((or)), disabled person, and one hundred percent disabled veteran property tax exemption. In order to qualify for the exemption, the claimant:

     (a) Must meet age or disability requirements;

     (b) Must have a combined disposable income ((of thirty thousand dollars or less)) below the statutory limit amount provided in RCW 84.36.381; and

     (c) Must own the property and occupy it as his or her principal residence.

     (2) Age, retirement, and disability requirements. In order to qualify for the exemption:

     (a) The senior citizen claiming the exemption must be age sixty-one or older on December 31st of the year in which the claim is filed. No proof is required concerning a senior citizen's employment status to claim the exemption.

     (b) The disabled person claiming the exemption must be at the time of filing retired from regular gainful employment ((because of his or her physical disability (i.e., unable to work because of a physical or mental impairment). A disabled person is considered retired, although he or she was not working at a job, if he or she is unable to enter into regular gainful employment because of his or her physical disability and does not have a guardian or other person legally required to financially support and care for him or her; or)) and unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months (42 U.S.C. Sec. 423 (d)(1)(A)).

     (c) The veteran claiming the exemption must at the time of filing be a veteran of the armed forces of the United States with one hundred percent service-connected disability.

     (d) The surviving spouse or domestic partner of a claimant, who applies to continue their spouse's or domestic partner's exemption, must be age fifty-seven or older in the calendar year the claimant dies.

     (3) Income requirements. In order to qualify for the exemption, the claimant's combined disposable income, as defined in RCW 84.36.383 and WAC 458-16A-120, must be below the statutory limit amount provided in RCW 84.36.381.

     (4) Principal residence requirements. In order to qualify for the exemption, the claimant must own the property and occupy it as his or her principal residence. The claimant must occupy the principal residence at the time of filing for each year the exemption is claimed. See WAC 458-16A-100 (definitions of principal residence and residence), and WAC 458-16A-135 (supporting documents required to demonstrate the property is owned and occupied as a claimant's principal residence).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 84.36.383, 84.36.389, and 84.36.865. 03-09-002, § 458-16A-130, filed 4/2/03, effective 5/3/03.]

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