SSB 6785 -
By Representative Woods
Strike everything after line 2 of the amendment and insert the following:
"Sec. 1 RCW 82.36.010 and 2001 c 270 s 1 are each amended to read
as follows:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter
unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Blended fuel" means a mixture of motor vehicle fuel and
another liquid, other than a de minimis amount of the liquid, that can
be used as a fuel to propel a motor vehicle.
(2) "Bond" means a bond duly executed with a corporate surety
qualified under chapter 48.28 RCW, which bond is payable to the state
of Washington conditioned upon faithful performance of all requirements
of this chapter, including the payment of all taxes, penalties, and
other obligations arising out of this chapter.
(3) "Bulk transfer" means a transfer of motor vehicle fuel by
pipeline or vessel.
(4) "Bulk transfer-terminal system" means the motor vehicle fuel
distribution system consisting of refineries, pipelines, vessels, and
terminals. Motor vehicle fuel in a refinery, pipeline, vessel, or
terminal is in the bulk transfer-terminal system. Motor vehicle fuel
in the fuel tank of an engine, motor vehicle, or in a railcar, trailer,
truck, or other equipment suitable for ground transportation is not in
the bulk transfer-terminal system.
(5) (("Dealer" means a person engaged in the retail sale of motor
vehicle fuel.)) "Department" means the department of licensing.
(6)
(((7))) (6) "Director" means the director of licensing.
(((8))) (7) "Evasion" or "evade" means to diminish or avoid the
computation, assessment, or payment of authorized taxes or fees
through:
(a) A knowing: False statement; misrepresentation of fact; or
other act of deception; or
(b) An intentional: Omission; failure to file a return or report;
or other act of deception.
(((9))) (8) "Export" means to obtain motor vehicle fuel in this
state for sales or distribution outside the state.
(((10))) (9) "Highway" means every way or place open to the use of
the public, as a matter of right, for the purpose of vehicular travel.
(((11))) (10) "Import" means to bring motor vehicle fuel into this
state by a means of conveyance other than the fuel supply tank of a
motor vehicle.
(11) "International fuel tax agreement licensee" means a motor
vehicle fuel user operating qualified motor vehicles in interstate
commerce and licensed by the department under the international fuel
tax agreement.
(12) "Licensee" means a person holding a motor vehicle fuel
supplier, motor vehicle fuel importer, motor vehicle fuel exporter,
motor vehicle fuel blender, motor vehicle fuel distributor, or
international fuel tax agreement license issued under this chapter.
(13) "Marine fuel dealer" means a person engaged in the retail sale
of motor vehicle fuel whose place of business and/or sale outlet is
located upon a navigable waterway.
(14) "Motor vehicle fuel blender" means a person who produces
blended motor fuel outside the bulk transfer-terminal system.
(15) "Motor vehicle fuel distributor" means a person who acquires
motor vehicle fuel from a supplier, distributor, or licensee for
subsequent sale and distribution.
(16) "Motor vehicle fuel exporter" means a person who purchases
motor vehicle fuel in this state and directly exports the fuel by a
means other than the bulk transfer-terminal system to a destination
outside of the state. If the exporter of record is acting as an agent,
the person for whom the agent is acting is the exporter. If there is
no exporter of record, the owner of the motor fuel at the time of
exportation is the exporter.
(17) "Motor vehicle fuel importer" means a person who imports motor
vehicle fuel into the state by a means other than the bulk transfer-terminal system. If the importer of record is acting as an agent, the
person for whom the agent is acting is the importer. If there is no
importer of record, the owner of the motor vehicle fuel at the time of
importation is the importer.
(18) "Motor vehicle fuel supplier" means a person who holds a
federal certificate of registry that is issued under the internal
revenue code and authorizes the person to enter into federal tax-free
transactions on motor vehicle fuel in the bulk transfer-terminal
system.
(19) "Motor vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed for
operation upon land utilizing motor vehicle fuel as the means of
propulsion.
(20) "Motor vehicle fuel" means gasoline and any other inflammable
gas or liquid, by whatsoever name the gasoline, gas, or liquid may be
known or sold, the chief use of which is as fuel for the propulsion of
motor vehicles or motorboats.
(21) "Person" means a natural person, fiduciary, association, or
corporation. The term "person" as applied to an association means and
includes the partners or members thereof, and as applied to
corporations, the officers thereof.
(22) "Position holder" means a person who holds the inventory
position in motor vehicle fuel, as reflected by the records of the
terminal operator. A person holds the inventory position in motor
vehicle fuel if the person has a contractual agreement with the
terminal for the use of storage facilities and terminating services at
a terminal with respect to motor vehicle fuel. "Position holder"
includes a terminal operator that owns motor vehicle fuel in their
terminal.
(23) "Rack" means a mechanism for delivering motor vehicle fuel
from a refinery or terminal into a truck, trailer, railcar, or other
means of nonbulk transfer.
(24) "Refiner" means a person who owns, operates, or otherwise
controls a refinery.
(25) "Removal" means a physical transfer of motor vehicle fuel
other than by evaporation, loss, or destruction.
(26) "Terminal" means a motor vehicle fuel storage and distribution
facility that has been assigned a terminal control number by the
internal revenue service, is supplied by pipeline or vessel, and from
which reportable motor vehicle fuel is removed at a rack.
(27) "Terminal operator" means a person who owns, operates, or
otherwise controls a terminal.
(28) "Two-party exchange" or "buy-sell agreement" means a
transaction in which taxable motor vehicle fuel is transferred from one
licensed supplier to another licensed supplier under an exchange or
buy-sell agreement whereby the supplier that is the position holder
agrees to deliver taxable motor vehicle fuel to the other supplier or
the other supplier's customer at the rack of the terminal at which the
delivering supplier is the position holder.
Sec. 2 RCW 82.36.020 and 2001 c 270 s 2 are each amended to read
as follows:
(1) There is hereby levied and imposed upon motor vehicle fuel
((users)) licensees a tax at the rate computed in the manner provided
in RCW 82.36.025 on each gallon of motor vehicle fuel.
(2) The tax imposed by subsection (1) of this section is imposed
when any of the following occurs:
(a) Motor vehicle fuel is removed in this state from a terminal if
the motor vehicle fuel is removed at the rack unless the removal is to
a licensed exporter for direct delivery to a destination outside of the
state;
(b) Motor vehicle fuel is removed in this state from a refinery if
either of the following applies:
(i) The removal is by bulk transfer and the refiner or the owner of
the motor vehicle fuel immediately before the removal is not a
licensee; or
(ii) The removal is at the refinery rack unless the removal is to
a licensed exporter for direct delivery to a destination outside of the
state;
(c) Motor vehicle fuel enters into this state ((for sale,
consumption, use, or storage)) if either of the following applies:
(i) The entry is by bulk transfer and the importer is not a
licensee; or
(ii) The entry is not by bulk transfer;
(d) Motor vehicle fuel is sold or removed in this state to an
unlicensed entity unless there was a prior taxable removal, entry, or
sale of the motor vehicle fuel;
(e) Blended motor vehicle fuel is removed or sold in this state by
the blender of the fuel. The number of gallons of blended motor
vehicle fuel subject to the tax is the difference between the total
number of gallons of blended motor vehicle fuel removed or sold and the
number of gallons of previously taxed motor vehicle fuel used to
produce the blended motor vehicle fuel;
(f) Motor vehicle fuel is sold by a licensed motor vehicle fuel
supplier to a motor vehicle fuel distributor, motor vehicle fuel
importer, ((or)) motor vehicle fuel blender, or international fuel tax
agreement licensee and the motor vehicle fuel is not removed from the
bulk transfer-terminal system.
(3) The proceeds of the motor vehicle fuel excise tax shall be
distributed as provided in RCW 46.68.090.
Sec. 3 RCW 82.36.025 and 2005 c 314 s 101 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) A motor vehicle fuel tax rate of twenty-three cents per gallon
((applies to the sale, distribution, or use of)) on motor vehicle fuel
shall be imposed on motor vehicle fuel licensees.
(2) Beginning July 1, 2003, an additional and cumulative motor
vehicle fuel tax rate of five cents per gallon ((applies to the sale,
distribution, or use of)) on motor vehicle fuel shall be imposed on
motor vehicle fuel licensees. This subsection (2) expires when the
bonds issued for transportation 2003 projects are retired.
(3) Beginning July 1, 2005, an additional and cumulative motor
vehicle fuel tax rate of three cents per gallon ((applies to the sale,
distribution, or use of)) on motor vehicle fuel shall be imposed on
motor vehicle fuel licensees.
(4) Beginning July 1, 2006, an additional and cumulative motor
vehicle fuel tax rate of three cents per gallon ((applies to the sale,
distribution, or use of)) on motor vehicle fuel shall be imposed on
motor vehicle fuel licensees.
(5) Beginning July 1, 2007, an additional and cumulative motor
vehicle fuel tax rate of two cents per gallon ((applies to the sale,
distribution, or use of)) on motor vehicle fuel shall be imposed on
motor vehicle fuel licensees.
(6) Beginning July 1, 2008, an additional and cumulative motor
vehicle fuel tax rate of one and one-half cents per gallon ((applies to
the sale, distribution, or use of)) on motor vehicle fuel shall be
imposed on motor vehicle fuel licensees.
Sec. 4 RCW 82.36.026 and 2001 c 270 s 3 are each amended to read
as follows:
(1) A licensed supplier shall ((remit)) be liable for and pay tax
to the department as provided in RCW 82.36.020. On a two-party
exchange, or buy-sell agreement between two licensed suppliers, the
receiving exchange partner or buyer ((who)) shall (([buyer shall]
remit)) be liable for and pay the tax.
(2) A licensed refiner shall ((remit)) be liable for and pay tax to
the department on motor vehicle fuel removed from a refinery as
provided in RCW 82.36.020(2)(b).
(3) ((An)) A licensed importer shall ((remit)) be liable for and
pay tax to the department on motor vehicle fuel imported into this
state as provided in RCW 82.36.020(2)(c).
(4) A licensed blender shall ((remit)) be liable for and pay tax to
the department on the removal or sale of blended motor vehicle fuel as
provided in RCW 82.36.020(2)(e).
(5) Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the licensee for payment
of the tax under this chapter from including as a part of the selling
price an amount equal to the tax.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5 A new section is added to chapter 82.36 RCW
to read as follows:
International fuel tax agreement licensees, or persons operating
motor vehicles under other reciprocity agreements entered into with the
state of Washington, are liable for and must pay the tax under RCW
82.36.020 to the department on motor vehicle fuel used to operate motor
vehicles on the highways of this state. This provision does not apply
if the tax under RCW 82.36.020 has previously been imposed and paid by
the international fuel tax agreement licensee or if the use of such
fuel is exempt from the tax under this chapter.
Sec. 6 RCW 82.36.031 and 1998 c 176 s 11 are each amended to read
as follows:
For the purpose of determining the amount of liability for the tax
imposed under this chapter, and to periodically update license
information, each licensee, other than a motor vehicle fuel distributor
and an international fuel tax agreement licensee, shall file monthly
tax reports with the department, on a form prescribed by the
department.
A report shall be filed with the department. An international fuel
tax agreement licensee shall file tax reports quarterly even though no
motor vehicle fuel tax is due for the reporting period. Each tax
report shall contain a declaration by the person making the same, to
the effect that the statements contained therein are true and made
under penalties of perjury, which declaration has the same force and
effect as a verification of the report and is in lieu of the
verification. The report shall show information as the department may
require for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter.
Tax reports shall be filed on or before the twenty-fifth day of the
next succeeding calendar month following the period to which the
reports relate. If the final filing date falls on a Saturday, Sunday,
or legal holiday the next secular or business day shall be the final
filing date.
The department, if it deems it necessary in order to ensure payment
of the tax imposed under this chapter, or to facilitate the
administration of this chapter, may require the filing of reports and
tax remittances at shorter intervals than one month.
Sec. 7 RCW 82.36.060 and 2001 c 270 s 5 are each amended to read
as follows:
(1) An application for a license issued under this chapter shall be
made to the department on forms to be furnished by the department and
shall contain such information as the department deems necessary.
(2) Every application for a license must contain the following
information to the extent it applies to the applicant:
(a) Proof as the department may require concerning the applicant's
identity, including but not limited to his or her fingerprints or those
of the officers of a corporation making the application;
(b) The applicant's form and place of organization including proof
that the individual, partnership, or corporation is licensed to do
business in this state;
(c) The qualification and business history of the applicant and any
partner, officer, or director;
(d) The applicant's financial condition or history including a bank
reference and whether the applicant or any partner, officer, or
director has ever been adjudged bankrupt or has an unsatisfied judgment
in a federal or state court;
(e) Whether the applicant has been adjudged guilty of a crime that
directly relates to the business for which the license is sought and
the time elapsed since the conviction is less than ten years, or has
suffered a judgment within the preceding five years in a civil action
involving fraud, misrepresentation, or conversion and in the case of a
corporation or partnership, all directors, officers, or partners.
(3) An applicant for a license as a motor vehicle fuel importer
must list on the application each state, province, or country from
which the applicant intends to import motor vehicle fuel and, if
required by the state, province, or country listed, must be licensed or
registered for motor vehicle fuel tax purposes in that state, province,
or country.
(4) An applicant for a license as a motor vehicle fuel exporter
must list on the application each state, province, or country to which
the exporter intends to export motor vehicle fuel received in this
state by means of a transfer outside of the bulk transfer-terminal
system and, if required by the state, province, or country listed, must
be licensed or registered for motor vehicle fuel tax purposes in that
state, province, or country.
(5) An applicant for a license as a motor vehicle fuel supplier
must have a federal certificate of registry that is issued under the
internal revenue code and authorizes the applicant to enter into
federal tax-free transactions on motor vehicle fuel in the terminal
transfer system.
(6) After receipt of an application for a license, the director may
conduct an investigation to determine whether the facts set forth are
true. The director shall require a fingerprint record check of the
applicant through the Washington state patrol criminal identification
system and the federal bureau of investigation before issuance of a
license. The results of the background investigation including
criminal history information may be released to authorized department
personnel as the director deems necessary. The department shall charge
a license holder or license applicant a fee of fifty dollars for each
background investigation conducted.
An applicant who makes a false statement of a material fact on the
application may be prosecuted for false swearing as defined by RCW
9A.72.040.
(7) Except as provided by subsection (8) of this section, before
granting any license issued under this chapter, the department shall
require applicant to file with the department, in such form as shall be
prescribed by the department, a corporate surety bond duly executed by
the applicant as principal, payable to the state and conditioned for
faithful performance of all the requirements of this chapter, including
the payment of all taxes, penalties, and other obligations arising out
of this chapter. The total amount of the bond or bonds shall be fixed
by the department and may be increased or reduced by the department at
any time subject to the limitations herein provided. In fixing the
total amount of the bond or bonds, the department shall require a bond
or bonds equivalent in total amount to twice the estimated monthly
excise tax determined in such manner as the department may deem proper.
If at any time the estimated excise tax to become due during the
succeeding month amounts to more than fifty percent of the established
bond, the department shall require additional bonds or securities to
maintain the marginal ratio herein specified or shall demand excise tax
payments to be made weekly or semimonthly to meet the requirements
hereof.
The total amount of the bond or bonds required of any licensee
shall never be less than five thousand dollars nor more than one
hundred thousand dollars.
No recoveries on any bond or the execution of any new bond shall
invalidate any bond and no revocation of any license shall effect the
validity of any bond but the total recoveries under any one bond shall
not exceed the amount of the bond.
In lieu of any such bond or bonds in total amount as herein fixed,
a licensee may deposit with the state treasurer, under such terms and
conditions as the department may prescribe, a like amount of lawful
money of the United States or bonds or other obligations of the United
States, the state, or any county of the state, of an actual market
value not less than the amount so fixed by the department.
Any surety on a bond furnished by a licensee as provided herein
shall be released and discharged from any and all liability to the
state accruing on such bond after the expiration of thirty days from
the date upon which such surety has lodged with the department a
written request to be released and discharged, but this provision shall
not operate to relieve, release, or discharge the surety from any
liability already accrued or which shall accrue before the expiration
of the thirty day period. The department shall promptly, upon
receiving any such request, notify the licensee who furnished the bond;
and unless the licensee, on or before the expiration of the thirty day
period, files a new bond, or makes a deposit in accordance with the
requirements of this section, the department shall forthwith cancel the
license. Whenever a new bond is furnished by a licensee, the
department shall cancel the old bond as soon as the department and the
attorney general are satisfied that all liability under the old bond
has been fully discharged.
The department may require a licensee to give a new or additional
surety bond or to deposit additional securities of the character
specified in this section if, in its opinion, the security of the
surety bond theretofore filed by such licensee, or the market value of
the properties deposited as security by the licensee, shall become
impaired or inadequate; and upon the failure of the licensee to give
such new or additional surety bond or to deposit additional securities
within thirty days after being requested so to do by the department,
the department shall forthwith cancel his or her license.
(8) The department may waive the requirements of subsection (7) of
this section for licensed distributors if, upon determination by the
department, the licensed distributor has sufficient resources, assets,
other financial instruments, or other means, to adequately make
payments on the estimated monthly motor vehicle fuel tax payments,
penalties, and interest arising out of this chapter. The department
shall adopt rules to administer this subsection.
(9) An application for an international fuel tax agreement license
must be made to the department. The application must be filed upon a
form prescribed by the department and contain such information as the
department may require. The department shall charge a fee of ten
dollars per set of international fuel tax agreement decals issued to
each applicant or licensee. The department shall transmit the fee to
the state treasurer for deposit in the motor vehicle fund.
Sec. 8 RCW 82.36.080 and 1998 c 176 s 20 are each amended to read
as follows:
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in business in
this state as any of the following unless the person is the holder of
an uncanceled license issued by the department authorizing the person
to engage in that business:
(a) Motor vehicle fuel supplier;
(b) Motor vehicle fuel distributor;
(c) Motor vehicle fuel exporter;
(d) Motor vehicle fuel importer; ((or))
(e) Motor vehicle fuel blender; or
(f) International fuel tax agreement licensee.
(2) A person engaged in more than one activity for which a license
is required must have a separate license classification for each
activity, but a motor vehicle fuel supplier is not required to obtain
a separate license classification for any other activity for which a
license is required.
(3) If any person acts as a licensee without first securing the
license required herein the excise tax shall be immediately due and
payable on account of all motor vehicle fuel distributed or used by the
person. The director shall proceed forthwith to determine from the
best available sources, the amount of the tax, and the director shall
immediately assess the tax in the amount found due, together with a
penalty of one hundred percent of the tax, and shall make a certificate
of such assessment and penalty. In any suit or proceeding to collect
the tax or penalty, or both, such certificate shall be prima facie
evidence that the person therein named is indebted to the state in the
amount of the tax and penalty therein stated. Any tax or penalty so
assessed may be collected in the manner prescribed in this chapter with
reference to delinquency in payment of the tax or by an action at law,
which the attorney general shall commence and prosecute to final
determination at the request of the director. The foregoing remedies
of the state shall be cumulative and no action taken pursuant to this
section shall relieve any person from the penal provisions of this
chapter.
Sec. 9 RCW 82.36.160 and 1998 c 176 s 27 are each amended to read
as follows:
Every licensee shall maintain in the office of his or her principal
place of business in this state, for a period of five years, records of
motor vehicle fuel received, sold, distributed, or used by the
licensee, in such form as the director may prescribe, together with
invoices, bills of lading, and other pertinent papers as may be
required under the provisions of this chapter.
((Every dealer purchasing motor vehicle fuel taxable under this
chapter for the purpose of resale, shall maintain within this state,
for a period of two years a record of motor vehicle fuels received, the
amount of tax paid to the licensee as part of the purchase price,
together with delivery tickets, invoices, and bills of lading, and such
other records as the director shall require.))
Sec. 10 RCW 82.36.180 and 1998 c 176 s 30 are each amended to
read as follows:
The director, or duly authorized agents, may make such examinations
of the records, stocks, facilities, and equipment of any licensee,
((and service stations,)) and make such other investigations as deemed
necessary in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. If such
examinations or investigations disclose that any reports of licensees
theretofore filed with the director pursuant to the requirements of
this chapter have shown incorrectly the gallonage of motor vehicle fuel
distributed or the tax ((accruing)) liability thereon, the director may
make such changes in subsequent reports and payments of such licensees
as deemed necessary to correct the errors disclosed.
Every such licensee or such other person not maintaining records in
this state so that an audit of such records may be made by the director
or a duly authorized representative shall be required to make the
necessary records available to the director upon request and at a
designated office within this state; or, in lieu thereof, the director
or a duly authorized representative shall proceed to any out-of-state
office at which the records are prepared and maintained to make such
examination.
Sec. 11 RCW 82.36.305 and 1965 ex.s. c 79 s 12 are each amended
to read as follows:
Any dealer who delivers motor vehicle fuel exclusively for marine
use into the fuel tanks connected to the engine of any marine vessel
(excluding any amphibious vehicle) owned or operated by the purchaser
of the fuel, said dealer having paid the tax on such fuel levied or
directed to be paid as provided in this chapter, ((either directly by
the collection of such tax by the vendor from the dealer or))
indirectly by the adding of the amount of the tax to the price of such
fuel, shall be entitled to and shall be refunded the amount of the tax
so paid. The refund shall be applicable only if the person to whom the
dealer sold the fuel holds a permit issued pursuant to the provisions
of RCW 82.36.270 at the time of sale. Each invoice covering such sale
shall have the statement, "Ex Washington Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax,"
clearly marked thereon.
In addition to the claim to be filed under RCW 82.36.310 the dealer
shall also file a certificate supporting such refund in such form and
detail as the director may require. The certificate shall contain a
statement signed by the purchaser of the fuel to the effect that the
fuel so purchased will be used solely for marine use. The dealer may
either file a separate certificate obtained from the purchaser for each
delivery of fuel thereto or he may file one certificate covering all
deliveries made to such purchaser during any given calendar month.
Sec. 12 RCW 82.36.370 and 1998 c 176 s 42 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) A refund shall be made in the manner provided in this chapter
or a credit given to a licensee allowing for the excise tax paid or
accrued on all motor vehicle fuel which is lost or destroyed, while
((applicant shall be the owner thereof)) the licensee was the owner,
through fire, lightning, flood, wind storm, or explosion.
(2) A refund shall be made in the manner provided in this chapter
or a credit given allowing for the excise tax paid or accrued on all
motor vehicle fuel of five hundred gallons or more which is lost or
destroyed, while applicant shall be the owner thereof, through leakage
or other casualty except evaporation, shrinkage or unknown causes:
PROVIDED, That the director shall be notified in writing as to the full
circumstances surrounding such loss or destruction and the amount of
the loss or destruction within thirty days from the day of discovery of
such loss or destruction.
(3) Recovery for such loss or destruction under either subsection
(1) or (2) must be susceptible to positive proof thereby enabling the
director to conduct such investigation and require such information as
the director may deem necessary.
In the event that the director is not satisfied that the fuel was
lost or destroyed as claimed, wherefore required information or proof
as required hereunder is not sufficient to substantiate the accuracy of
the claim, the director may deem as sufficient cause the denial of all
right relating to the refund or credit for the excise tax on motor
vehicle fuel alleged to be lost or destroyed.
Sec. 13 RCW 82.36.450 and 1995 c 320 s 2 are each amended to read
as follows:
((The department of licensing may enter into an agreement with any
federally recognized Indian tribe located on a reservation within this
state regarding the imposition, collection, and use of this state's
motor vehicle fuel tax, or the budgeting or use of moneys in lieu
thereof, upon terms substantially the same as those in the consent
decree entered by the federal district court (Eastern District of
Washington) in Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation v. DOL,
et al., District Court No. CY-92-248-JLO.)) (1) The governor may enter
into an agreement with any federally recognized Indian tribe located on
a reservation within this state regarding payment of motor vehicle fuel
taxes included in the price of fuel delivered to a retail station owned
and operated by a tribe, tribal enterprise, or tribal member licensed
by the tribe to operate a retail station located on reservation or
trust property. The agreement must be between the governor and the
tribe, and must provide that:
(a) The tribal retailer will pass on to the retail customer one
hundred percent of any state fuel tax included in the price of the
motor vehicle fuel;
(b) The tribal retailer will acquire all motor vehicle fuel only
from persons or companies who are properly licensed in Washington state
as a motor vehicle fuel distributor, supplier, or importer in
accordance with this chapter, or a tribal distributor, supplier, or
importer lawfully doing business in Indian country;
(c) The provisions of this section do not repeal existing
state/tribal fuel tax agreements or consent decrees in existence on the
effective date of this act, but the state and the tribe may agree to
substitute a compact negotiated under this section for an existing
agreement or consent decree.
(2) Any new compact agreements shall be approved by the legislature
prior to enactment.
Sec. 14 RCW 82.38.030 and 2005 c 314 s 102 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) There is hereby levied and imposed upon special fuel ((users))
licensees a tax at the rate of twenty-three cents per gallon of special
fuel, or each one hundred cubic feet of compressed natural gas,
measured at standard pressure and temperature.
(2) Beginning July 1, 2003, an additional and cumulative tax rate
of five cents per gallon of special fuel, or each one hundred cubic
feet of compressed natural gas, measured at standard pressure and
temperature shall be imposed on special fuel ((users)) licensees. This
subsection (2) expires when the bonds issued for transportation 2003
projects are retired.
(3) Beginning July 1, 2005, an additional and cumulative tax rate
of three cents per gallon of special fuel, or each one hundred cubic
feet of compressed natural gas, measured at standard pressure and
temperature shall be imposed on special fuel ((users)) licensees.
(4) Beginning July 1, 2006, an additional and cumulative tax rate
of three cents per gallon of special fuel, or each one hundred cubic
feet of compressed natural gas, measured at standard pressure and
temperature shall be imposed on special fuel ((users)) licensees.
(5) Beginning July 1, 2007, an additional and cumulative tax rate
of two cents per gallon of special fuel, or each one hundred cubic feet
of compressed natural gas, measured at standard pressure and
temperature shall be imposed on special fuel ((users)) licensees.
(6) Beginning July 1, 2008, an additional and cumulative tax rate
of one and one-half cents per gallon of special fuel, or each one
hundred cubic feet of compressed natural gas, measured at standard
pressure and temperature shall be imposed on special fuel ((users))
licensees.
(7) Taxes are imposed when:
(a) Special fuel is removed in this state from a terminal if the
special fuel is removed at the rack unless the removal is to a licensed
exporter for direct delivery to a destination outside of the state, or
the removal is to a special fuel distributor for direct delivery to an
international fuel tax agreement licensee under RCW 82.38.320;
(b) Special fuel is removed in this state from a refinery if either
of the following applies:
(i) The removal is by bulk transfer and the refiner or the owner of
the special fuel immediately before the removal is not a licensee; or
(ii) The removal is at the refinery rack unless the removal is to
a licensed exporter for direct delivery to a destination outside of the
state, or the removal is to a special fuel distributor for direct
delivery to an international fuel tax agreement licensee under RCW
82.38.320;
(c) Special fuel enters into this state ((for sale, consumption,
use, or storage)), unless the fuel enters this state for direct
delivery to an international fuel tax agreement licensee under RCW
82.38.320, if either of the following applies:
(i) The entry is by bulk transfer and the importer is not a
licensee; or
(ii) The entry is not by bulk transfer;
(d) Special fuel is sold or removed in this state to an unlicensed
entity unless there was a prior taxable removal, entry, or sale of the
special fuel;
(e) Blended special fuel is removed or sold in this state by the
blender of the fuel. The number of gallons of blended special fuel
subject to tax is the difference between the total number of gallons of
blended special fuel removed or sold and the number of gallons of
previously taxed special fuel used to produce the blended special fuel;
(f) Dyed special fuel is used on a highway, as authorized by the
internal revenue code, unless the use is exempt from the special fuel
tax;
(g) Dyed special fuel is held for sale, sold, used, or is intended
to be used in violation of this chapter;
(h) Special fuel purchased by an international fuel tax agreement
licensee under RCW 82.38.320 is used on a highway; and
(i) Special fuel is sold by a licensed special fuel supplier to a
special fuel distributor, special fuel importer, or special fuel
blender and the special fuel is not removed from the bulk transfer-terminal system.
(8) The tax imposed by this chapter, if required to be collected by
the licensee, is held in trust by the licensee until paid to the
department, and a licensee who appropriates or converts the tax
collected to his or her own use or to any use other than the payment of
the tax to the extent that the money required to be collected is not
available for payment on the due date as prescribed in this chapter is
guilty of a felony, or gross misdemeanor in accordance with the theft
and anticipatory provisions of Title 9A RCW. A person, partnership,
corporation, or corporate officer who fails to collect the tax imposed
by this section, or who has collected the tax and fails to pay it to
the department in the manner prescribed by this chapter, is personally
liable to the state for the amount of the tax.
Sec. 15 RCW 82.38.032 and 1998 c 176 s 52 are each amended to
read as follows:
The tax under RCW 82.38.030, if not previously imposed and paid,
must be paid over to the department by special fuel ((users)) licensees
and persons ((licensed under the international fuel tax agreement or))
operating motor vehicles under other fuel tax reciprocity agreements
entered into with the state of Washington, on the use of special fuel
to operate motor vehicles on the highways of this state, unless the use
is exempt from the tax under this chapter.
Sec. 16 RCW 82.38.035 and 2005 c 314 s 107 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) A licensed supplier shall ((remit)) be liable for and pay tax
on special fuel to the department as provided in RCW 82.38.030(7)(a).
On a two-party exchange, or buy-sell agreement between two licensed
suppliers, the receiving exchange partner or buyer shall ((remit)) be
liable for and pay the tax.
(2) A licensed refiner shall ((remit)) be liable for and pay tax to
the department on special fuel removed from a refinery as provided in
RCW 82.38.030(7)(b).
(3) ((An)) A licensed importer shall ((remit)) be liable for and
pay tax to the department on special fuel imported into this state as
provided in RCW 82.38.030(7)(c).
(4) A licensed blender shall ((remit)) be liable for and pay tax to
the department on the removal or sale of blended special fuel as
provided in RCW 82.38.030(7)(e).
(5) A licensed dyed special fuel user shall ((remit)) be liable for
and pay tax to the department on the use of dyed special fuel as
provided in RCW 82.38.030(7)(f).
(6) Nothing in this chapter prohibits the licensee liable for
payment of the tax under this chapter from including as a part of the
selling price an amount equal to such tax.
Sec. 17 RCW 82.38.070 and 1998 c 176 s 58 are each amended to
read as follows:
A special fuel supplier is entitled to a credit of the tax paid
over to the department on those sales of special fuel for which the
supplier has received no consideration from or on behalf of the
purchaser licensee. The amount of the tax credit shall not exceed the
amount of tax imposed by this chapter on such sales. If a credit has
been granted under this section, any amounts collected for application
against the accounts on which such a credit is based shall be reported
on a subsequent return filed after such collection, and the amount of
credit received by the supplier based upon the collected amount shall
be returned to the department. In the event the credit has not been
paid, the amount of the credit requested by the supplier shall be
adjusted by the department to reflect the decrease in the amount on
which the claim is based.
Sec. 18 RCW 82.38.130 and 1998 c 176 s 65 are each amended to
read as follows:
The department may revoke the license of any licensee for any of
the grounds constituting cause for denial of a license set forth in RCW
82.38.120 or for other reasonable cause. Before revoking such license
the department shall notify the licensee to show cause within twenty
days of the date of the notice why the license should not be revoked:
PROVIDED, That at any time prior to and pending such hearing the
department may, in the exercise of reasonable discretion, suspend such
license.
The department shall cancel any special fuel license immediately
upon surrender thereof by the holder.
Any surety on a bond furnished by a licensee as provided in this
chapter shall be released and discharged from any and all liability to
the state accruing on such bond after the expiration of forty-five days
from the date which such surety shall have lodged with the department
a written request to be released and discharged, but this provision
shall not operate to relieve, release, or discharge the surety from any
liability already accrued or which shall accrue before the expiration
of the forty-five day period. The department shall promptly, upon
receiving any such request, notify the licensee who furnished the bond,
and unless the licensee, on or before the expiration of the forty-five
day period, files a new bond, in accordance with this section, the
department ((forthwith)) shall cancel the ((special fuel dealer's or
special fuel user's)) license.
The department may require a new or additional surety bond of the
character specified in RCW 82.38.020(3) if, in its opinion, the
security of the surety bond therefor filed by such licensee, shall
become impaired or inadequate. Upon failure of the licensee to give
such new or additional surety bond within forty-five days after being
requested to do so by the department, or after he or she shall fail or
refuse to file reports and remit or pay taxes at the intervals fixed by
the department, the department forthwith shall cancel his or her
license.
Sec. 19 RCW 82.38.140 and 1998 c 176 s 66 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) Every licensee and every person importing, manufacturing,
refining, ((dealing in,)) transporting, blending, or storing special
fuel in this state shall keep for a period of not less than five years
open to inspection at all times during the business hours of the day to
the department or its authorized representatives, a complete record of
all special fuel purchased or received and all of such products sold,
delivered, or used by them. Such records shall show:
(a) The date of each receipt;
(b) The name and address of the person from whom purchased or
received;
(c) The number of gallons received at each place of business or
place of storage in the state of Washington;
(d) The date of each sale or delivery;
(e) The number of gallons sold, delivered, or used for taxable
purposes;
(f) The number of gallons sold, delivered, or used for any purpose
not subject to the tax imposed in this chapter;
(g) The name, address, and special fuel license number of the
purchaser if the special fuel tax is not collected on the sale or
delivery;
(h) The inventories of special fuel on hand at each place of
business at the end of each month.
(2)(a) All international fuel tax agreement licensees and dyed
special fuel users authorized to use dyed special fuel on highway in
vehicles licensed for highway operation shall maintain detailed mileage
records on an individual vehicle basis.
(b) Such operating records shall show both on-highway and off-highway usage of special fuel on a daily basis for each vehicle.
(c) In the absence of operating records that show both on-highway
and off-highway usage of special fuel on a daily basis for each
vehicle, fuel consumption must be computed under RCW 82.38.060.
(3) The department may require a person other than a licensee
engaged in the business of selling, purchasing, distributing, storing,
transporting, or delivering special fuel to submit periodic reports to
the department regarding the disposition of the fuel. The reports must
be on forms prescribed by the department and must contain such
information as the department may require.
(4) Every person operating any conveyance for the purpose of
hauling, transporting, or delivering special fuel in bulk shall have
and possess during the entire time the person is hauling special fuel,
an invoice, bill of sale, or other statement showing the name, address,
and license number of the seller or consigner, the destination, name,
and address of the purchaser or consignee, license number, if
applicable, and the number of gallons. The person hauling such special
fuel shall at the request of any law enforcement officer or authorized
representative of the department, or other person authorized by law to
inquire into, or investigate those types of matters, produce for
inspection such invoice, bill of sale, or other statement and shall
permit such official to inspect and gauge the contents of the vehicle.
Sec. 20 RCW 82.38.180 and 1998 c 176 s 71 are each amended to
read as follows:
Any person who has purchased special fuel on which tax has been
paid ((a special fuel tax either directly or to the vendor from whom it
was purchased)) may file a claim with the department for a refund of
the tax ((so paid and shall be reimbursed and repaid the amount of))
for:
(1) ((Any)) Taxes previously paid on special fuel used for purposes
other than for the propulsion of motor vehicles upon the public
highways in this state.
(2) ((Any)) Taxes previously paid on special fuel exported for use
outside of this state. Special fuel carried from this state in the
fuel tank of a motor vehicle is deemed to be exported from this state.
Special fuel distributed to a federally recognized Indian tribal
reservation located within the state of Washington is not considered
exported outside this state.
(3) ((Any)) Tax, penalty, or interest erroneously or illegally
collected or paid.
(4) ((Any)) Taxes previously paid on all special fuel which is lost
or destroyed, while applicant shall be the owner thereof, through fire,
lightning, flood, wind storm, or explosion.
(5) ((Any)) Taxes previously paid on all special fuel of five
hundred gallons or more which is lost or destroyed while applicant
shall be the owner thereof, through leakage or other casualty except
evaporation, shrinkage, or unknown causes.
(6) ((Any)) Taxes previously paid on special fuel that is
inadvertently mixed with dyed special fuel.
Recovery for such loss or destruction under either subsection (4),
(5), or (6) of this section must be susceptible to positive proof
thereby enabling the department to conduct such investigation and
require such information as ((they)) it may deem necessary. In the
event that the department is not satisfied that the fuel was lost,
destroyed, or contaminated as claimed because information or proof as
required hereunder is not sufficient to substantiate the accuracy of
the claim, ((they)) it may deem such as sufficient cause to deny all
right relating to the refund or credit for the excise tax paid on
special fuel alleged to be lost or destroyed.
No refund or claim for credit shall be approved by the department
unless the gallons of special fuel claimed as nontaxable satisfy the
conditions specifically set forth in this section and the nontaxable
event or use occurred during the period covered by the refund claim.
Refunds or claims for credit ((by sellers or users of special fuel))
shall not be allowed for anticipated nontaxable use or events.
Sec. 21 RCW 82.38.310 and 1995 c 320 s 3 are each amended to read
as follows:
((The department of licensing may enter into an agreement with any
federally recognized Indian tribe located on a reservation within this
state regarding the imposition, collection, and use of this state's
special fuel tax, or the budgeting or use of moneys in lieu thereof,
upon terms substantially the same as those in the consent decree
entered by the federal district court (Eastern District of Washington)
in Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation v. DOL, et al.,
District Court No. CY-92-248-JLO.)) (1) The governor may enter into an
agreement with any federally recognized Indian tribe located on a
reservation within this state regarding payment of special fuel taxes
included in the price of fuel delivered to a retail station owned and
operated by a tribe, tribal enterprise, or tribal member licensed by
the tribe to operate a retail station located on reservation or trust
property. The agreement must be between the governor and the tribe,
and must provide that:
(a) The tribal retailer will pass on to the retail customer one
hundred percent of any state fuel tax included in the price of the
special fuel;
(b) The tribal retailer will acquire all special fuel only from
persons or companies who are properly licensed in Washington state as
a special fuel distributor, supplier, or importer in accordance with
this chapter, or a tribal distributor, supplier, or importer lawfully
doing business in Indian country;
(c) The provisions of this section do not repeal existing
state/tribal fuel tax agreements or consent decrees in existence on the
effective date of this act, but the state and the tribe may agree to
substitute a compact negotiated under this section for an existing
agreement or consent decree.
(2) Any new compact agreements shall be approved by the legislature
prior to enactment.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 22 (1) The Washington state senate and house
of representatives shall form a work group to study and recommend
changes to the fuel tax collection statutes, chapters 82.36 and 82.38
RCW. The work group recommendations shall include, but not be limited
to, a review of the existing gas tax collection scheme as it compares
to other states, particularly Kansas, as well as a review of the
existing gas tax payment methodology and recommend changes, if any are
necessary.
(2) The work group shall include the following: At least two
members from each of the house of representatives and the senate,
including representatives from both political parties in both bodies,
representatives from the office of financial management, the department
of licensing, the Washington oil marketers association, and the western
states petroleum association.
(3) The work group shall report its findings to the transportation
committees of the legislature by December 1, 2006.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 23 The following acts or parts of acts are
each repealed:
(1) RCW 82.36.044 (Credit for worthless accounts receivable -- Report -- Adjustment) and 1998 c 176 s 15;
(2) RCW 82.36.373 (Refund for worthless accounts receivable -- Rules -- Apportionment after receipt) and 1998 c 176 s 43;
(3) RCW 82.36.407 (Tax liability of user -- Payment -- Exceptions) and
1998 c 176 s 48;
(4) RCW 82.38.070 (Credit for sales for which no consideration was
received -- Report -- Adjustment) and 1998 c 176 s 58, 1990 c 250 s 83, &
1971 ex.s. c 175 s 8;
(5) RCW 82.38.071 (Refund for worthless accounts receivable -- Rules -- Apportionment after receipt) and 1998 c 176 s 59; and
(6) RCW 82.38.285 (Tax liability of user -- Exceptions) and 1998 c
176 s 81.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 24 If any provision of this act or its
application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the
remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other
persons or circumstances is not affected.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 25 This act is necessary for the immediate
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the
state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect
immediately."
Correct the title.
EFFECT: Restores the fuel tax law, as it currently exists, regarding distributors, except repeals bad debt provisions for all licensees. Modifies tribal compacting language by removing requirement that tribes must spend fuel tax proceeds on essential government services; removing the annual report requirement; and requiring compact agreements to be approved by the legislature. Removes technical clean- up provisions unrelated to the purpose of bill.