WSR 13-04-083

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE


[ Filed February 5, 2013, 1:12 p.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 458-20-10101 (Rule 10101) Business license service handling fees.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 19.02.030 and 19.02.075.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: RCW 19.02.075 provides that the department of revenue (department) must collect a handling fee on each business license service (BLS) application and renewal application filing. The statute requires that the department set the amount of the handling fees by rule.

     Rule 10101 establishes these handling fees at $15 for the application filing, and $9 for the renewal application filing.

     RCW 19.02.075 also authorizes the department to increase the application and renewal application handling fees for the purpose of making improvements in the master license service program, including improvements in technology and customer services, expanded access, and infrastructure.

     The department is considering rule making to increase both the application and the renewal application fees for purposes of improving BLS technology and infrastructure. These fees cannot exceed the statutory maximum of $19 for each application filing, and $11 for each renewal application filing.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     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 e-mail to Marilou@dor.wa.gov or to Marilou Rickert, ITA Division, P.O. Box 47453, Olympia, WA 98504-7453. Please submit any written comments by March 5, 2013.

February 5, 2013

Alan R. Lynn

Rules Coordinator