PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 458-40-540 Forest land values, 458-40-610 Timber excise tax -- Definitions, and 458-40-660 Timber excise tax -- Stumpage value tables.
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: RCW 84.33.091 requires the department of revenue to revise the stumpage value tables every six months. The department establishes stumpage value tables to apprise timber harvesters of the timber values used to calculate the timber excise tax. The department anticipates amending WAC 458-40-660 to provide valuations for the first half of 2009. RCW 84.33.140 requires that forest land values be adjusted annually by a statutory formula contained in RCW 84.33.140(3). The department anticipates amending the forest land values rule (WAC 458-40-540) to adjust the table of forest land values in Washington as required by statute. County assessors will use these published land values for property tax purposes in 2009. The department is considering an amendment to WAC 458-40-610 to classify forest derived biomass.
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 anticipated 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 Mark E. Bohe, Interpretations and Technical Advice Division, P.O. Box 47453, Olympia, WA 98504-47453 [98504-7453], e-mail markbohe@dor.wa.gov, phone (360) 570-6133, fax (360) 586-0127.
Public Meeting Location: Capital Plaza Building, 4th Floor, L&P Large Conference Room, 1025 Union Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA, on October 21, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.
September 16, 2008
Alan R. Lynn
Rules Coordinator