BILL REQ. #:  Z-0098.6 



_____________________________________________ 

HOUSE BILL 1734
_____________________________________________
State of Washington59th Legislature2005 Regular Session

By Representatives McIntire and Chase; by request of Department of Revenue

Read first time 02/03/2005.   Referred to Committee on Finance.



     AN ACT Relating to improving consistency among tax incentives enacted during the 2003-2005 biennium; amending RCW 82.63.010, 82.63.020, 82.63.045, 82.60.020, 82.60.049, 82.60.060, 82.60.065, 82.60.070, 82.60.100, 82.04.4483, 82.04.4484, 82.32.535, 82.32.545, 82.32.560, and 82.32.570; adding new sections to chapter 82.32 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 82.60 RCW; creating a new section; prescribing penalties; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 82.32 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) If the department finds that the failure of a taxpayer to file an annual survey under RCW 82.04.4483, 82.04.4484, 82.32.535, 82.32.545, 82.32.570, 82.32.560, 82.60.070, 82.62.050, or 82.63.020 by the due date was the result of circumstances beyond the control of the taxpayer, the department shall extend the time for filing the survey. Such extension shall be for a period of thirty days from the date the department issues its written notification to the taxpayer that it qualifies for an extension under this section. The department may grant additional extensions as it deems proper.
     (2) In making a determination whether the failure of a taxpayer to file an annual survey by the due date was the result of circumstances beyond the control of the taxpayer, the department shall be guided by WAC 458-20-228 relating to the waiver or cancellation of penalties when the underpayment or untimely payment of any tax was due to circumstances beyond the control of the taxpayer.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 82.32 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Persons required to file surveys under RCW 82.04.4483, 82.04.4484, 82.32.535, 82.32.545, 82.32.570, 82.32.560, 82.60.070, 82.62.050, or 82.63.020 must electronically file with the department all surveys, returns, and any other forms or information the department requires in an electronic format as provided or approved by the department, unless the department grants relief under subsection (2) of this section. As used in this section, "returns" has the same meaning as "return" in RCW 82.32.050.
     (2) Upon request, the department may relieve a person of the obligations in subsection (1) of this section if the person's taxes have been reduced a cumulative total of less than one thousand dollars in a calendar year from all of the credits, exemptions, or preferential business and occupation tax rates, for which a person is required to file an annual survey under RCW 82.04.4452, 82.04.4483, 82.04.4484, 82.32.535, 82.32.545, 82.32.570, 82.32.560, 82.60.070, 82.62.050, or 82.63.020.
     (3) Persons who no longer qualify for relief under subsection (2) of this section will be notified in writing by the department and must comply with subsection (1) of this section by the date provided in the notice.
     (4) Any survey, return, or any other form or information required to be filed in an electronic format under subsection (1) of this section is not filed until received by the department in an electronic format.

Sec. 3   RCW 82.63.010 and 2004 c 2 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Advanced computing" means technologies used in the designing and developing of computing hardware and software, including innovations in designing the full spectrum of hardware from hand-held calculators to super computers, and peripheral equipment.
     (2) "Advanced materials" means materials with engineered properties created through the development of specialized processing and synthesis technology, including ceramics, high value-added metals, electronic materials, composites, polymers, and biomaterials.
     (3) "Applicant" means a person applying for a tax deferral under this chapter.
     (4) "Biotechnology" means the application of technologies, such as recombinant DNA techniques, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics and genetic engineering, cell fusion techniques, and new bioprocesses, using living organisms, or parts of organisms, to produce or modify products, to improve plants or animals, to develop microorganisms for specific uses, to identify targets for small molecule pharmaceutical development, or to transform biological systems into useful processes and products or to develop microorganisms for specific uses.
     (5) "Department" means the department of revenue.
     (6) "Electronic device technology" means technologies involving microelectronics; semiconductors; electronic equipment and instrumentation; radio frequency, microwave, and millimeter electronics; optical and optic-electrical devices; and data and digital communications and imaging devices.
     (7) "Eligible investment project" means an investment project which either initiates a new operation, or expands or diversifies a current operation by expanding, renovating, or equipping an existing facility. The lessor or owner of the qualified building is not eligible for a deferral unless:
     (a) The underlying ownership of the buildings, machinery, and equipment vests exclusively in the same person; or
     (b)(i) The lessor by written contract agrees to pass the economic benefit of the deferral to the lessee;
     (ii) The lessee that receives the economic benefit of the deferral agrees in writing with the department to complete the annual survey required under RCW 82.63.020(2); and
     (iii) The economic benefit of the deferral passed to the lessee is no less than the amount of tax deferred by the lessor and is evidenced by written documentation of any type of payment, credit, or other financial arrangement between the lessor or owner of the qualified building and the lessee.
     (8) "Environmental technology" means assessment and prevention of threats or damage to human health or the environment, environmental cleanup, and the development of alternative energy sources.
     (9) "Investment project" means an investment in qualified buildings or qualified machinery and equipment, including labor and services rendered in the planning, installation, and construction or improvement of the project.
     (10) "Person" has the meaning given in RCW 82.04.030 and includes state universities as defined in RCW 28B.10.016.
     (11) "Pilot scale manufacturing" means design, construction, and testing of preproduction prototypes and models in the fields of biotechnology, advanced computing, electronic device technology, advanced materials, and environmental technology other than for commercial sale. As used in this subsection, "commercial sale" excludes sales of prototypes or sales for market testing if the total gross receipts from such sales of the product, service, or process do not exceed one million dollars.
     (12) "Qualified buildings" means construction of new structures including parking facilities, and expansion or renovation of existing structures for the purpose of increasing floor space or production capacity, used for pilot scale manufacturing or qualified research and development, including plant offices and other facilities that are an essential or an integral part of a structure used for pilot scale manufacturing or qualified research and development. If a building is used partly for pilot scale manufacturing or qualified research and development, and partly for other purposes, the applicable tax deferral shall be determined by apportionment of the costs of construction under rules adopted by the department.
     (13) "Qualified machinery and equipment" means fixtures, equipment, and support facilities that are an integral and necessary part of a pilot scale manufacturing or qualified research and development operation. "Qualified machinery and equipment" includes: Computers; software; data processing equipment; laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and other devices used in a process of experimentation to develop a new or improved pilot model, plant process, product, formula, invention, or similar property; manufacturing components such as belts, pulleys, shafts, and moving parts; molds, tools, and dies; vats, tanks, and fermenters; operating structures; and all other equipment used to control, monitor, or operate the machinery. For purposes of this chapter, qualified machinery and equipment must be either new to the taxing jurisdiction of the state or new to the certificate holder, except that used machinery and equipment may be treated as qualified machinery and equipment if the certificate holder either brings the machinery and equipment into Washington or makes a retail purchase of the machinery and equipment in Washington or elsewhere.
     (14) "Qualified research and development" means research and development performed within this state in the fields of advanced computing, advanced materials, biotechnology, electronic device technology, and environmental technology.
     (15) "Recipient" means a person receiving a tax deferral under this chapter.
     (16) "Research and development" means activities performed to discover technological information, and technical and nonroutine activities concerned with translating technological information into new or improved products, processes, techniques, formulas, inventions, or software. The term includes exploration of a new use for an existing drug, device, or biological product if the new use requires separate licensing by the federal food and drug administration under chapter 21, C.F.R., as amended. The term does not include adaptation or duplication of existing products where the products are not substantially improved by application of the technology, nor does the term include surveys and studies, social science and humanities research, market research or testing, quality control, sale promotion and service, computer software developed for internal use, and research in areas such as improved style, taste, and seasonal design.
     (17)(a) "Initiation of construction" means the date that a building permit is issued under the building code adopted under RCW 19.27.031 for:
     (i) Construction of the qualified building, if the underlying ownership of the building vests exclusively with the person receiving the economic benefit of the deferral;
     (ii) Construction of the qualified building, if the economic benefits of the deferral are passed to a lessee as provided in subsection (7) of this section; or
     (iii) Tenant improvements for a qualified building, if the economic benefits of the deferral are passed to a lessee as provided in subsection (7) of this section.
     (b) "Initiation of construction" does not include soil testing, site clearing and grading, site preparation, or any other related activities that are initiated before the issuance of a building permit for the construction of the foundation of the building.
     (c) If the investment project ((is a phased project)) involves more than one qualified building, "initiation of construction" shall apply separately to each ((phase)) qualified building.

Sec. 4   RCW 82.63.020 and 2004 c 2 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Application for deferral of taxes under this chapter must be made before initiation of construction of, or acquisition of equipment or machinery for the investment project. The application shall be made to the department in a form and manner prescribed by the department. The application shall contain information regarding the location of the investment project, the applicant's average employment in the state for the prior year, estimated or actual new employment related to the project, estimated or actual wages of employees related to the project, estimated or actual costs, time schedules for completion and operation, and other information required by the department. The department shall rule on the application within sixty days.
     (2)(a) The legislature finds that accountability and effectiveness are important aspects of setting tax policy. In order to make policy choices regarding the best use of limited state resources the legislature needs information on how a tax incentive is used.
     (b) ((Applicants for)) Recipients of a deferral of taxes under this chapter shall ((agree to complete an)) file a complete annual survey with the department. If the economic benefits of the deferral are passed to a lessee as provided in RCW 82.63.010(7), the lessee shall ((agree to complete the)) file a complete annual survey with the department and the applicant is not required to file a complete ((the)) annual survey. The survey is due by March 31st of the year following the calendar year in which the investment project is certified by the department as having been operationally complete and the seven succeeding calendar years. The department may extend the due date for timely filing annual surveys under this section, as provided in section 1 of this act. The survey shall include the amount of tax deferred, the number of new products or research projects by general classification, and the number of trademarks, patents, and copyrights associated with activities at the investment project. The survey shall also include the following information for employment positions in Washington:
     (i) The number of total employment positions;
     (ii) Full-time, part-time, and temporary employment positions as a percent of total employment;
     (iii) The number of employment positions according to the following wage bands: Less than thirty thousand dollars; thirty thousand dollars or greater, but less than sixty thousand dollars; and sixty thousand dollars or greater. A wage band containing fewer than three individuals may be combined with another wage band; and
     (iv) The number of employment positions that have employer-provided medical, dental, and retirement benefits, by each of the wage bands.
     (c) The department may request additional information necessary to measure the results of the deferral program, to be submitted at the same time as the survey.
     (d) If a recipient of the deferral fails to file a complete annual survey required under this subsection by the date due or any extension granted under section 1 of this act, the portion of deferred taxes that need not be repaid for the previous calendar year according to the schedule in RCW 82.63.045(2) shall be immediately due and payable. If the economic benefits of the deferral are passed to a lessee as provided in RCW 82.63.010(7), the lessee is responsible for payment to the extent the lessee has received the economic benefit. The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, on the deferred taxes payable under this subsection. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under chapter 82.32 RCW, retroactively to the date of deferral, and shall accrue until the deferred taxes are repaid.
     (e) A recipient who must repay deferred taxes under RCW 82.63.045(2) because the department has found that an investment project is used for purposes other than qualified research and development or pilot scale manufacturing is no longer required to file annual surveys under this section beginning on the date an investment project is used for nonqualifying purposes.
     (f)
All information collected under this subsection, except the amount of the tax deferral taken, is deemed taxpayer information under RCW 82.32.330 ((and is not disclosable)). Information on the amount of tax deferral taken is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330 and may be disclosed to the public upon request.
     (3) The department shall use the information from this section to prepare summary descriptive statistics by category. No fewer than three taxpayers shall be included in any category. The department shall report these statistics to the legislature each year by September 1st.
     (4) The department shall use the information to study the tax deferral program authorized under this chapter. The department shall report to the legislature by December 1, 2009, and December 1, 2013. The reports shall measure the effect of the program on job creation, the number of jobs created for Washington residents, company growth, the introduction of new products, the diversification of the state's economy, growth in research and development investment, the movement of firms or the consolidation of firms' operations into the state, and such other factors as the department selects.

Sec. 5   RCW 82.63.045 and 2004 c 2 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, taxes deferred under this chapter need not be repaid.
     (2)(((a))) If, on the basis of a survey under RCW 82.63.020 or other information, the department finds that an investment project is used for purposes other than qualified research and development or pilot scale manufacturing at any time during the calendar year in which the investment project is certified by the department as having been operationally completed, or at any time during any of the seven succeeding calendar years, a portion of deferred taxes shall be immediately due according to the following schedule:

Year in which use occurs% of deferred taxes due
1100%
287.5%
375%
462.5%
550%
637.5%
725%
812.5%

     (((b) If a recipient of the deferral fails to complete the annual survey required under RCW 82.63.020 by the date due, 12.5 percent of the deferred tax shall be immediately due. If the economic benefits of the deferral are passed to a lessee as provided in RCW 82.63.010(7), the lessee shall be responsible for payment to the extent the lessee has received the economic benefit.
     (c) If an investment project is used for purposes other than qualified research and development or pilot scale manufacturing at any time during the calendar year in which the investment project is certified as having been operationally complete and the recipient of the deferral fails to complete the annual survey due under RCW 82.63.020, the portion of deferred taxes immediately due is the amount on the schedule in (a) of this subsection. If the economic benefits of the deferral are passed to a lessee as provided in RCW 82.63.010(7), the lessee shall be responsible for payment to the extent the lessee has received the economic benefit.
))
     (3) The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, on the deferred taxes under subsection (2) of this section. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent taxes under chapter 82.32 RCW, ((but not penalties,)) retroactively to the date of deferral, and shall accrue until the deferred taxes are repaid. The debt for deferred taxes will not be extinguished by insolvency or other failure of the recipient. Transfer of ownership does not terminate the deferral. The deferral is transferred((, subject to the successor meeting)) if the new owner meets the eligibility requirements of this chapter, for the remaining periods of the deferral, and the new owner agrees in writing to assume liability for payment of any deferred taxes under subsection (2) of this section. The original recipient of a deferral that is transferred is not responsible for payment of any deferred tax under subsection (2) of this section for periods subsequent to the transfer.
     (4) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, deferred taxes on the following need not be repaid:
     (a) Machinery and equipment, and sales of or charges made for labor and services, which at the time of purchase would have qualified for exemption under RCW 82.08.02565; and
     (b) Machinery and equipment which at the time of first use would have qualified for exemption under RCW 82.12.02565.

Sec. 6   RCW 82.60.020 and 2004 c 25 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Applicant" means a person applying for a tax deferral under this chapter.
     (2) "Department" means the department of revenue.
     (3) "Eligible area" means a rural county as defined in RCW 82.14.370.
     (4)(a) "Eligible investment project" means an investment project in an eligible area as defined in subsection (3) of this section.
     (b) The lessor or owner of a qualified building is not eligible for a deferral unless:
     (i) The underlying ownership of the buildings, machinery, and equipment vests exclusively in the same person; or
     (ii)(A) The lessor by written contract agrees to pass the economic benefit of the deferral to the lessee;
     (B) The lessee that receives the economic benefit of the deferral agrees in writing with the department to complete the annual survey required under RCW 82.60.070; and
     (C) The economic benefit of the deferral passed to the lessee is no less than the amount of tax deferred by the lessor and is evidenced by written documentation of any type of payment, credit, or other financial arrangement between the lessor or owner of the qualified building and the lessee.
     (c) "Eligible investment project" does not include any portion of an investment project undertaken by a light and power business as defined in RCW 82.16.010(5), other than that portion of a cogeneration project that is used to generate power for consumption within the manufacturing site of which the cogeneration project is an integral part, or investment projects which have already received deferrals under this chapter.
     (5)(a) "Initiation of construction" means the date that a building permit is issued under the building code adopted under RCW 19.27.031 for:
     (i) Construction of the qualified building, if the underlying ownership of the building vests exclusively with the person receiving the economic benefit of the deferral;
     (ii) Construction of the qualified building, if the economic benefits of the deferral are passed to a lessee as provided in subsection (4) of this section; or
     (iii) Tenant improvements for a qualified building, if the economic benefits of the deferral are passed to a lessee as provided in subsection (4) of this section.
     (b) "Initiation of construction" does not include soil testing, site clearing and grading, site preparation, or any other related activities that are initiated before the issuance of a building permit for the construction of the foundation of the building.
     (c) If the investment project involves more than one qualified building, initiation of construction applies separately to each qualified building.
     (6)
"Investment project" means an investment in qualified buildings or qualified machinery and equipment, including labor and services rendered in the planning, installation, and construction of the project.
     (((6))) (7) "Manufacturing" means the same as defined in RCW 82.04.120. "Manufacturing" also includes computer programming, the production of computer software, and other computer-related services, and the activities performed by research and development laboratories and commercial testing laboratories.
     (((7))) (8) "Person" has the meaning given in RCW 82.04.030.
     (((8))) (9) "Qualified buildings" means construction of new structures including parking facilities, and expansion or renovation of existing structures for the purpose of increasing floor space or production capacity, used for manufacturing and research and development activities, including plant offices and warehouses or other facilities for the storage of raw material or finished goods if such facilities are an essential or an integral part of a factory, mill, plant, or laboratory used for manufacturing or research and development. If a building is used partly for manufacturing or research and development and partly for other purposes, the applicable tax deferral shall be determined by apportionment of the costs of construction under rules adopted by the department.
     (((9))) (10) "Qualified employment position" means a permanent full-time employee employed in the eligible investment project during the entire tax year. The term "entire tax year" means a full-time position that is filled for a period of twelve consecutive months. The term "full-time" means at least thirty-five hours a week, four hundred fifty-five hours a quarter, or one thousand eight hundred twenty hours a year.
     (((10))) (11) "Qualified machinery and equipment" means all new industrial and research fixtures, equipment, and support facilities that are an integral and necessary part of a manufacturing or research and development operation. "Qualified machinery and equipment" includes: Computers; software; data processing equipment; laboratory equipment; manufacturing components such as belts, pulleys, shafts, and moving parts; molds, tools, and dies; operating structures; and all equipment used to control or operate the machinery.
     (((11))) (12) "Recipient" means a person receiving a tax deferral under this chapter.
     (((12))) (13) "Research and development" means the development, refinement, testing, marketing, and commercialization of a product, service, or process before commercial sales have begun. As used in this subsection, "commercial sales" excludes sales of prototypes or sales for market testing if the total gross receipts from such sales of the product, service, or process do not exceed one million dollars.

Sec. 7   RCW 82.60.049 and 2004 c 25 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) For the purposes of this section:
     (a) "Eligible area" also means a designated community empowerment zone approved under RCW 43.31C.020 or a county containing a community empowerment zone.
     (b) "Eligible investment project" also means an investment project in an eligible area as defined in this section.
     (2) In addition to the provisions of RCW 82.60.040, the department shall issue a sales and use tax deferral certificate for state and local sales and use taxes due under chapters 82.08, 82.12, and 82.14 RCW, on each eligible investment project that is located in an eligible area, if the applicant establishes that at the time the project is operationally complete:
     (a) The applicant will hire at least one qualified employment position for each seven hundred fifty thousand dollars of investment for which a deferral is requested; and
     (b) The positions will be filled by persons who at the time of hire are residents of the community empowerment zone. As used in this subsection, "resident" means the person makes his or her home in the community empowerment zone. A mailing address alone is insufficient to establish that a person is a resident for the purposes of this section. The persons must be hired after the date the application is filed with the department.
     (3) All other provisions and eligibility requirements of this chapter apply to applicants eligible under this section.
     (4) The qualified employment position must be filled by the end of the calendar year following the year in which the project is certified as operationally complete. If a person does not meet the requirements for qualified employment positions by the end of the second calendar year following the year in which the project is certified as operationally complete, all deferred taxes are immediately due. The provisions of section 9(3) of this act apply to the taxes payable under this subsection.

Sec. 8   RCW 82.60.060 and 2000 c 106 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The recipient shall begin paying the deferred taxes in the third year after the date certified by the department as the date on which the construction project has been operationally completed. The first payment will be due on December 31st of the third calendar year after such certified date, with subsequent annual payments due on December 31st of the following four years with amounts of payment scheduled as follows:

Repayment Year% of Deferred Tax Repaid
110%
215%
320%
425%
530%

     (2) The department may authorize an accelerated repayment schedule upon request of the recipient.
     (3) If, on the basis of a survey under RCW 82.60.070 or other information, the department finds that an investment project is not eligible for tax deferral under this chapter, the amount of deferred taxes outstanding for the project is immediately due and payable.
     (4)
Interest shall not be charged on any taxes deferred under this chapter for the period of deferral, although all other penalties and interest applicable to delinquent excise taxes may be assessed and imposed for delinquent payments under this chapter. The debt for deferred taxes will not be extinguished by insolvency or other failure of the recipient. Transfer of ownership does not terminate the deferral. The deferral is transferred, subject to the successor meeting the eligibility requirements of this chapter, for the remaining periods of the deferral.
     (5) This section applies to investment projects that are not eligible as of June 30, 2005, for tax deferrals granted under this chapter before July 1, 2005.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 9   A new section is added to chapter 82.60 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, taxes deferred under this chapter need not be repaid.
     (2) If, on the basis of a survey under RCW 82.60.070 or other information, the department finds that an investment project is not eligible for tax deferral under this chapter, a portion of deferred taxes shall be immediately due and payable according to the following schedule:

Year In Which
Ineligibility Occurs
% of Deferred Taxes Due
1100%
287.5%
375%
462.5%
550%
637.5%
725%
812.5%

(3) The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, on amounts due under subsection (2) of this section. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent taxes under chapter 82.32 RCW, retroactively to the date of deferral, and shall accrue until the deferred taxes due are repaid. The debt for deferred taxes is not extinguished by insolvency or other failure of the recipient. Transfer of ownership does not terminate the deferral. The deferral is transferred, subject to the new owner meeting the eligibility requirements of this chapter, for the remaining periods of the deferral, and the new owner agrees in writing to assume liability for payment of any deferred taxes under subsection (2) of this section. The original recipient of a deferral that is transferred is not responsible for payment of any deferred tax under subsection (2) of this section for periods subsequent to the transfer.
     (4) This section applies to all investment projects eligible for tax deferral under this chapter July 1, 2005, and thereafter.
     (5) This section does not apply to, or authorize refunds for, investment projects that are not eligible as of June 30, 2005, for tax deferrals granted under this chapter before July 1, 2005.

Sec. 10   RCW 82.60.065 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 3 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     Except as provided in RCW 82.60.060, section 9 of this act, and 82.60.070:
     (1) Taxes deferred under this chapter on the sale or use of labor that is directly used in the construction of an investment project for which a deferral has been granted under this chapter after June 11, 1986, and prior to July 1, 1994, need not be repaid.
     (2) Taxes deferred under this chapter on an investment project for which a deferral has been granted under this chapter after June 30, 1994, need not be repaid.
     (3) Taxes deferred under this chapter need not be repaid on machinery and equipment for lumber and wood products industries, and sales of or charges made for labor and services, of the type which qualifies for exemption under RCW 82.08.02565 or 82.12.02565 to the extent the taxes have not been repaid before July 1, 1995.

Sec. 11   RCW 82.60.070 and 2004 c 25 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) The legislature finds that accountability and effectiveness are important aspects of setting tax policy. In order to make policy choices regarding the best use of limited state resources the legislature needs information on how a tax incentive is used.
     (b) Each recipient of a deferral granted under this chapter after June 30, 1994, shall file a complete ((an)) annual survey with the department. If the economic benefits of the deferral are passed to a lessee as provided in RCW 82.60.020(4), the lessee shall ((agree to complete the)) file a complete annual survey and the applicant is not required to file a complete ((the)) annual survey. The survey is due by March 31st of the year following the calendar year in which the investment project is certified by the department as having been operationally complete and the seven succeeding calendar years. The department may extend the due date for timely filing annual surveys under this section, as provided in section 1 of this act. The survey shall include the amount of tax deferred, the number of new products or research projects by general classification, and the number of trademarks, patents, and copyrights associated with activities at the investment project. The survey shall also include the following information for employment positions in Washington:
     (i) The number of total employment positions;
     (ii) Full-time, part-time, and temporary employment positions as a percent of total employment;
     (iii) The number of employment positions according to the following wage bands: Less than thirty thousand dollars; thirty thousand dollars or greater, but less than sixty thousand dollars; and sixty thousand dollars or greater. A wage band containing fewer than three individuals may be combined with another wage band; and
     (iv) The number of employment positions that have employer-provided medical, dental, and retirement benefits, by each of the wage bands.
     (c) The department may request additional information necessary to measure the results of the deferral program, to be submitted at the same time as the survey.
     (d) All information collected under this subsection, except the amount of the tax deferral taken, is deemed taxpayer information under RCW 82.32.330 ((and is not disclosable)). Information on the amount of tax deferral taken is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330 and may be disclosed to the public upon request.
     (e) The department shall use the information from this section to prepare summary descriptive statistics by category. No fewer than three taxpayers shall be included in any category. The department shall report these statistics to the legislature each year by September 1st.
     (f) The department shall also use the information to study the tax deferral program authorized under this chapter. The department shall report to the legislature by December 1, 2009. The report shall measure the effect of the program on job creation, the number of jobs created for residents of eligible areas, company growth, the introduction of new products, the diversification of the state's economy, growth in research and development investment, the movement of firms or the consolidation of firms' operations into the state, and such other factors as the department selects.
     (2)(((a) If, on the basis of a survey under this section or other information, the department finds that an investment project is not eligible for tax deferral under this chapter, the amount of deferred taxes outstanding for the project shall be immediately due.
     (b)
)) If a recipient of the deferral fails to file a complete ((the)) annual survey required under subsection (1) of this section by the date due, ((twelve and one-half percent of the deferred tax)) the portion of deferred taxes that need not be repaid for the previous calendar year according to the schedule in section 9(2) of this act shall be immediately due and payable. If the economic benefits of the deferral are passed to a lessee as provided in RCW 82.60.020(4), the lessee shall be responsible for payment to the extent the lessee has received the economic benefit. The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, on the deferred taxes payable under this subsection. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under chapter 82.32 RCW, retroactively to the date of deferral, and shall accrue until the deferred taxes are repaid.
     (3) ((Notwithstanding any other subsection of this section, deferred taxes need not be repaid on machinery and equipment for lumber and wood products industries, and sales of or charges made for labor and services, of the type which qualifies for exemption under RCW 82.08.02565 or 82.12.02565 to the extent the taxes have not been repaid before July 1, 1995.
     (4) Notwithstanding any other subsection of this section, deferred taxes on the following need not be repaid:
     (a) Machinery and equipment, and sales of or charges made for labor and services, which at the time of purchase would have qualified for exemption under RCW 82.08.02565; and
     (b) Machinery and equipment which at the time of first use would have qualified for exemption under RCW 82.12.02565.
)) A recipient who must repay deferred taxes under RCW 82.60.060(1) or section 9(2) of this act because the department has found that an investment project is not eligible for tax deferral under this chapter is no longer required to file annual surveys under this section beginning on the date the investment project is not eligible for tax deferral under this chapter.

Sec. 12   RCW 82.60.100 and 1987 c 49 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     Applications((, reports, and any other information)) received by the department under this chapter shall not be confidential ((and shall be subject to disclosure)) under RCW 82.32.330.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 13   A new section is added to chapter 82.60 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, deferred taxes need not be repaid on machinery and equipment for lumber and wood products industries, and sales of or charges made for labor and services, of the type which qualifies for exemption under RCW 82.08.02565 or 82.12.02565 to the extent the taxes have not been repaid before July 1, 1995.
     (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, deferred taxes on the following need not be repaid:
     (a) Machinery and equipment, and sales of or charges made for labor and services, which at the time of purchase would have qualified for exemption under RCW 82.08.02565; and
     (b) Machinery and equipment, which at the time of first use would have qualified for exemption under RCW 82.12.02565.

Sec. 14   RCW 82.04.4483 and 2004 c 25 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to the limits and provisions of this section, a credit is authorized against the tax otherwise due under this chapter for persons engaged in a rural county in the business of manufacturing computer software or programming, as those terms are defined in this section.
     (2) A person who partially or totally relocates a business from one rural county to another rural county is eligible for any new qualifying employment positions created as a result of the relocation but is not eligible to receive credit for the jobs moved from one county to the other.
     (3)(a) To qualify for the credit, the qualifying activity of the person must be conducted in a rural county and the new qualified employment position must be located in the rural county.
     (b) If an activity is conducted both from a rural county and outside of a rural county, the credit is available if at least ninety percent of the qualifying activity is conducted within a rural county. If the qualifying activity is a service taxable activity, the place where the work is performed is the place at which the activity is conducted.
     (4)(a) The credit under this section shall equal one thousand dollars for each new qualified employment position created after January 1, 2004, in an eligible area. A credit is earned for the calendar year the person is hired to fill the position. Additionally a credit is earned for each year the position is maintained over the subsequent consecutive years, up to four years. The county must meet the definition of a rural county at the time the position is filled. If the county does not have a rural county status the following year or years, the position is still eligible for the remaining years if all other conditions are met.
     (b) Participants who claimed credit under RCW 82.04.4456 for qualified employment positions created before December 31, 2003, are eligible to earn credit for each year the position is maintained over the subsequent consecutive years, for up to four years, which four years include any years claimed under RCW 82.04.4456. Those persons who did not receive a credit under RCW 82.04.4456 before December 31, 2003, are not eligible to earn credit for qualified employment positions created before December 31, 2003.
     (c) Credit is authorized for new employees hired for new qualified employment positions created on or after January 1, 2004. New qualified employment positions filled by existing employees are eligible for the credit under this section only if the position vacated by the existing employee is filled by a new hire. A business that is a sole proprietorship without any employees is equivalent to one employee position and this type of business is eligible to receive credit for one position.
     (d) If a position is filled before July 1st, the position is eligible for the full yearly credit for that calendar year. If it is filled after June 30th, the position is eligible for half of the credit for that calendar year.
     (5) No application is necessary for the tax credit. The person must keep records necessary for the department to verify eligibility under this section. This information includes information relating to description of qualifying activity conducted in the rural county and outside the rural county by the person as well as detailed records on positions and employees.
     (6) Except as provided in subsection (9) of this section, if at any time the department finds that a person is not eligible for tax credit under this section, the amount of taxes for which a credit has been claimed shall be immediately due and payable. The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, on the taxes ((for)) against which the ((person is not eligible)) credit was claimed. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under chapter 82.32 RCW, ((shall be assessed)) retroactively to the date the tax credit was ((taken)) claimed, and shall accrue until the taxes ((for)) against which a credit ((has been used)) was claimed are repaid.
     (7) The credit under this section may be ((used)) claimed against any tax due under this chapter, but in no case may a credit earned during one calendar year be carried over to be credited against taxes incurred in a subsequent calendar year. A person is not eligible to receive a credit under this section if the person is receiving credit for the same position under chapter 82.62 RCW or RCW 82.04.44525 or is taking a credit under this chapter for information technology help desk services conducted from a rural county. No refunds may be granted for credits under this section.
     (8) Transfer of ownership does not affect credit eligibility. However, the successive credits are available to the ((successor)) new owner for remaining periods in the five years only if the eligibility conditions of this section are met.
     (9)(a) A person ((taking)) claiming tax credits under this section shall ((make an)) file a complete annual ((report to)) survey with the department. The survey is due by March 31st following any year in which a credit is claimed. The department may extend the due date for timely filing annual surveys under this section, as provided in section 1 of this act.
     (b) The ((report)) survey shall ((be in a letter form and shall)) include the following information about the person: ((Number of positions for which credit is being claimed, type of position for which credit is being claimed,))
     (i) Type of activity in which the person is engaged in the county((,));
     (ii) H
ow long the person has been located in the county((, and));
     (iii) T
axpayer name; and
     (iv) Taxpayer registration number. ((The report must be filed by January 30th of each year for which credit was claimed during the previous year. Failure to file a report will not result in the loss of eligibility under this section. However, the department, through its research division, shall contact taxpayers who have not filed the report and obtain the data from the taxpayer or assist the taxpayer in the filing of the report, so that the data and information necessary to measure the program's effectiveness is maintained.))
     (c) The survey shall also include the following information for employment positions in Washington:
     (i) The number of total employment positions;
     (ii) Full-time, part-time, and temporary employment positions as a percent of total employment;
     (iii) The number of employment positions according to the following wage bands: Less than thirty thousand dollars; thirty thousand dollars or greater, but less than sixty thousand dollars; and sixty thousand dollars or greater. A wage band containing fewer than three individuals may be combined with another wage band; and
     (iv) The number of employment positions that have employer-provided medical, dental, and retirement benefits, by each of the wage bands.
     (d) The department may request additional information necessary to determine eligibility for the tax credit under this section, to be submitted at the same time as the survey.
     (e) All information collected under this subsection, except for the total amount of the tax credit claimed under this section, is deemed taxpayer information under RCW 82.32.330. The amount of tax credit claimed is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330, except that persons claiming a total of less than ten thousand dollars of credit during the period covered by the survey may request the department to treat the tax credit amount as confidential under RCW 82.32.330.
     (f) If a person fails to file a complete annual survey required under this subsection (9) with the department by the due date or any extension under section 1 of this act, the department shall declare the amount of taxes against which the credit was claimed under this section during the previous calendar year to be immediately due and payable. The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, on the taxes against which the credit was claimed. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under chapter 82.32 RCW, retroactively to the date of deferral, and shall accrue until the taxes against which the credit was claimed are repaid.
     (g) The department shall use the information from this subsection (9) to prepare summary descriptive statistics by category. No fewer than three taxpayers may be included in any category. The department shall report these statistics to the legislature each year by September 1st.

     (10) As used in this section:
     (a) "Computer software" has the meaning as defined in RCW 82.04.215 after June 30, 2004, and includes "software" as defined in RCW 82.04.215 before July 1, 2004.
     (b) "Manufacturing" means the same as "to manufacture" under RCW 82.04.120. Manufacturing includes the activities of both manufacturers and processors for hire.
     (c) "Programming" means the activities that involve the creation or modification of computer software, as that term is defined in this chapter, and that are taxable as a service under RCW 82.04.290(2) or as a retail sale under RCW 82.04.050.
     (d) "Qualifying activity" means manufacturing of computer software or programming.
     (e) "Qualified employment position" means a permanent full-time position doing programming of computer software or manufacturing of computer software. This excludes administrative, professional, service, executive, and other similar positions. If an employee is either voluntarily or involuntarily separated from employment, the employment position is considered filled on a full-time basis if the employer is either training or actively recruiting a replacement employee. Full-time means a position for at least thirty-five hours a week.
     (f) "Rural county" means the same as in RCW 82.14.370.
     (11) No credit may be taken or accrued under this section on or after January 1, 2011.
     (12) This section expires January 1, 2011.

Sec. 15   RCW 82.04.4484 and 2004 c 25 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to the limits and provisions of this section, a credit is authorized against the tax otherwise due under this chapter for persons engaged in a rural county in the business of providing information technology help desk services to third parties.
     (2) To qualify for the credit, the help desk services must be conducted from a rural county.
     (3) The amount of the tax credit for persons engaged in the activity of providing information technology help desk services in rural counties shall be equal to one hundred percent of the amount of tax due under this chapter that is attributable to providing the services from the rural county. In order to qualify for the credit under this subsection, the county must meet the definition of rural county at the time the person begins to conduct qualifying business in the county.
     (4) No application is necessary for the tax credit. The person must keep records necessary for the department to verify eligibility under this section. These records include information relating to description of activity engaged in a rural county by the person.
     (5) Except as provided in subsection (8) of this section, if at any time the department finds that a person is not eligible for tax credit under this section, the amount of taxes for which a credit ((has been used)) was claimed is immediately due and payable. The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, on the ((credited)) taxes for which ((the person is not eligible)) credit was claimed. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under chapter 82.32 RCW, ((shall be assessed)) retroactively to the date the tax credit was ((taken)) claimed, and shall accrue until the taxes for which a credit ((has been used)) was claimed are repaid.
     (6) The credit under this section may be ((used)) claimed against any tax due under this chapter, but in no case may a credit earned during one calendar year be carried over to be credited against taxes incurred in a subsequent calendar year. No refunds may be granted for credits under this section.
     (7) Transfer of ownership does not affect credit eligibility. However, the credit is available to the ((successor)) new owner only if the eligibility conditions of this section are met.
     (8)(a) A person ((taking)) claiming tax credits under this section shall ((make an)) file a complete annual ((report to)) survey with the department. The survey is due by March 31st following any year in which a credit is claimed. The department may extend the due date for timely filing annual surveys under this section, as provided in section 1 of this act.
     (b) The ((report shall be in a letter form and)) survey shall include the following information about the person:
     (i) Type of activity in which the person is engaged in the county((,));
     (ii) Total
number of employees in the rural county((,));
     (iii) H
ow long the person has been located in the county((, and));
     (iv) T
axpayer name; and
     (v) Taxpayer registration number. ((The report must be filed by January 30th of each year for which credit was claimed during the previous year. Failure to file a report will not result in the loss of eligibility under this section. However, the department, through its research division, shall contact taxpayers who have not filed the report and obtain the data from the taxpayer or assist the taxpayer in the filing of the report, so that the data and information necessary to measure the program's effectiveness is maintained.))
     (c) The survey shall also include the following information for employment positions in Washington:
     (i) The number of total employment positions;
     (ii) Full-time, part-time, and temporary employment positions as a percent of total employment;
     (iii) The number of employment positions according to the following wage bands: Less than thirty thousand dollars; thirty thousand dollars or greater, but less than sixty thousand dollars; and sixty thousand dollars or greater. A wage band containing fewer than three individuals may be combined with another wage band; and
     (iv) The number of employment positions that have employer-provided medical, dental, and retirement benefits, by each of the wage bands.
     (d) The department may request additional information necessary to determine eligibility for the tax credit under this section, to be submitted at the same time as the survey.
     (e) All information collected under this subsection, except for the amount of the tax credit claimed, is deemed taxpayer information under RCW 82.32.330. The amount of tax credit claimed is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330, except that persons claiming less than ten thousand dollars of credit during the period covered by the survey may request the department to treat the tax credit amount as confidential under RCW 82.32.330.
     (f) If a person fails to file a complete annual survey required under this subsection (8) with the department by the due date or any extension under section 1 of this act, the department shall declare the amount of taxes against which a credit was claimed under this section during the previous calendar year to be immediately due and payable. The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, on the taxes against which the credit was claimed. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under chapter 82.32 RCW, retroactively to the date of deferral, and shall accrue until the taxes against which the credit was claimed are repaid.
     (g) The department shall use the information from this subsection (8) to prepare summary descriptive statistics by category. No fewer than three taxpayers may be included in any category. The department shall report these statistics to the legislature each year by September 1st.

     (9) As used in this section:
     (a) "Information technology help desk services" means the following services performed using electronic and telephonic communication:
     (i) Software and hardware maintenance;
     (ii) Software and hardware diagnostics and troubleshooting;
     (iii) Software and hardware installation;
     (iv) Software and hardware repair;
     (v) Software and hardware information and training; and
     (vi) Software and hardware upgrade.
     (b) "Rural county" means the same as in RCW 82.14.370.
     (10) This section expires January 1, 2011.

Sec. 16   RCW 82.32.535 and 2003 c 149 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that accountability and effectiveness are important aspects of setting tax policy. In order to make policy choices regarding the best use of limited state resources the legislature needs information on how a tax incentive is used.
     (2)(a) A person who reports taxes under RCW 82.04.240(2) or who claims an exemption or credit under RCW 82.04.426, 82.08.965, 82.12.965, 82.08.970, 82.12.970, 82.04.448, or 84.36.645, shall ((make an annual)) report information to the department by filing a complete annual survey detailing employment, wages, and employer-provided health and retirement benefits per job at the manufacturing site. The ((report)) survey shall not include names of employees. The ((report)) survey shall also detail employment by the total number of full-time, part-time, and temporary positions. The first ((report)) survey filed under this subsection shall include employment, wage, and benefit information for the twelve-month period immediately before first use of a preferential tax rate under RCW 82.04.240(2), or claim of a tax exemption or credit under RCW 82.04.426, 82.08.965, 82.12.965, 82.08.970, 82.12.970, 82.04.448, or 84.36.645. The ((report)) survey is due by March 31st following any year in which a preferential tax rate under RCW 82.04.240(2) is used, or tax exemption or credit under RCW 82.04.426, 82.08.965, 82.12.965, 82.08.970, 82.12.970, 82.04.448, or 84.36.645 is ((taken)) claimed. The department may extend the due date for timely filing annual surveys under this section, as provided in section 1 of this act. This information is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330 ((and may be disclosed to the public upon request)).
     (b) If a person fails to ((submit an)) file with the department a complete annual ((report)) survey under (a) of this subsection by the due date or any extension under section 1 of this act, the department shall declare the amount of taxes exempted or credited for ((that)) the previous calendar year to be immediately due and payable. Excise taxes payable under this subsection are subject to interest, but not penalties, at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes, as provided under this chapter. The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, on the taxes against which the credit was claimed. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under this chapter, retroactively to the date of exemption or credit, and shall accrue until the taxes for which the exemption or credit was claimed are repaid. This information is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330 ((and may be disclosed to the public upon request)).
     (3) By November 1st of the year occurring five years after the effective date of ((this act)) chapter 149, Laws of 2003, and November 1st of the year occurring eleven years after the effective date of ((this act)) chapter 149, Laws of 2003, the fiscal committees of the house of representatives and the senate, in consultation with the department, shall report to the legislature on the effectiveness of chapter 149, Laws of 2003 in regard to keeping Washington competitive. The report shall measure the effect of chapter 149, Laws of 2003 on job retention, net jobs created for Washington residents, company growth, diversification of the state's economy, cluster dynamics, and other factors as the committees select. The reports shall include a discussion of principles to apply in evaluating whether the legislature should reenact any or all of the tax preferences in chapter 149, Laws of 2003.

Sec. 17   RCW 82.32.545 and 2003 2nd sp.s. c 1 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that accountability and effectiveness are important aspects of setting tax policy. In order to make policy choices regarding the best use of limited state resources the legislature needs information on how a tax incentive is used.
     (2)(a) A person who reports taxes under RCW 82.04.260(13) or who claims an exemption or credit under RCW 82.04.4461, 82.08.980, 82.12.980, 82.29A.137, 84.36.655, and 82.04.4463 shall ((make an annual)) report information to the department by filing a complete annual survey detailing employment, wages, and employer-provided health and retirement benefits per job at the manufacturing site. The ((report)) survey shall not include names of employees. The ((report)) survey shall also detail employment by the total number of full-time, part-time, and temporary positions. The first ((report)) survey filed under this subsection shall include employment, wage, and benefit information for the twelve-month period immediately before first use of a preferential tax rate under RCW 82.04.260(13), or claim of a tax exemption or credit under RCW 82.04.4461, 82.08.980, 82.12.980, 82.29A.137, 84.36.655, and 82.04.4463. The ((report)) survey is due by March 31st following any year in which a preferential tax rate under RCW 82.04.260(13) is used, or tax exemption or credit under RCW 82.04.4461, 82.08.980, 82.12.980, 82.29A.137, 84.36.655, and 82.04.4463 is ((taken)) claimed. The department may extend the due date for timely filing annual surveys under this section, as provided in section 1 of this act. This information is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330 ((and may be disclosed to the public upon request)).
     (b) If a person fails to ((submit an)) file a complete annual ((report)) survey with the department under (a) of this subsection by the due date of the ((report)) survey or any extension under section 1 of this act, the department shall declare the amount of taxes exempted or credited, or reduced in the case of the preferential business and occupation tax rate, for ((that)) the previous calendar year to be immediately due and payable. Excise taxes payable under this subsection are subject to interest, but not penalties, at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes, as provided under this chapter. The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, retroactively to the date the exemption, credit, or preferential tax rate under RCW 82.04.260(13) was used. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under this chapter, and shall accrue until the taxes for which the exemption, credit, or preferential tax rate was used are repaid. This information is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330 ((and may be disclosed to the public upon request)).
     (3) By November 1, 2010, and by November 1, 2023, the fiscal committees of the house of representatives and the senate, in consultation with the department, shall report to the legislature on the effectiveness of chapter 1, Laws of 2003 2nd sp. sess. in regard to keeping Washington competitive. The report shall measure the effect of chapter 1, Laws of 2003 2nd sp. sess. on job retention, net jobs created for Washington residents, company growth, diversification of the state's economy, cluster dynamics, and other factors as the committees select. The reports shall include a discussion of principles to apply in evaluating whether the legislature should reenact any or all of the tax preferences in chapter 1, Laws of 2003 2nd sp. sess.

Sec. 18   RCW 82.32.560 and 2004 c 240 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) For the purposes of this section, "electrolytic processing business tax exemption" means the exemption ((and preferential tax rate)) under RCW 82.16.0421.
     (2) The legislature finds that accountability and effectiveness are important aspects of setting tax policy. In order to make policy choices regarding the best use of limited state resources, the legislature needs information to evaluate whether the stated goals of legislation were achieved.
     (3) The goals of the electrolytic processing business tax exemption are:
     (a) To retain family wage jobs by enabling electrolytic processing businesses to maintain production of chlor-alkali and sodium chlorate at a level that will preserve at least seventy-five percent of the jobs that were on the payroll effective January 1, 2004; and
     (b) To allow the electrolytic processing industries to continue production in this state through 2011 so that the industries will be positioned to preserve and create new jobs when the anticipated reduction of energy costs occur.
     (4)(a) A person who receives the benefit of an electrolytic processing business tax exemption shall ((make an annual)) report information to the department by filing a complete annual survey detailing employment, wages, and employer-provided health and retirement benefits per job at the manufacturing site. The ((report)) survey is due by March 31st following any year in which a tax exemption is claimed ((or used)). The department may extend the due date for timely filing annual surveys under this section, as provided in section 1 of this act. The ((report)) survey shall not include names of employees. The ((report)) survey shall detail employment by the total number of full-time, part-time, and temporary positions. The ((report)) survey shall indicate the quantity of product produced at the plant during the time period covered by the ((report)) survey. The first ((report)) survey filed under this subsection shall include employment, wage, and benefit information for the twelve-month period immediately before first ((use)) claim of a tax exemption. Employment ((reports)) surveys shall include data for actual levels of employment and identification of the number of jobs affected by any employment reductions that have been publicly announced at the time of the ((report)) survey. Information in a ((report)) survey under this section is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330 and may be disclosed to the public upon request.
     (b) If a person fails to submit ((an)) a complete annual ((report)) survey under (a) of this subsection by the due date of the ((report)) survey or any extension under section 1 of this act, the department shall declare the amount of taxes exempted for ((that)) the previous calendar year to be immediately due and payable. Public utility taxes payable under this subsection are subject to interest, but not penalties, at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes, as provided under this chapter. The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, on the exemption under this subsection. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under this chapter, retroactively to the date the exemption was claimed, and shall accrue until the taxes for which the exemption was claimed are repaid. This information is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330 ((and may be disclosed to the public upon request)).
     (5) By December 1, 2007, and by December 1, 2010, the fiscal committees of the house of representatives and the senate, in consultation with the department, shall report to the legislature on the effectiveness of the tax incentive under RCW 82.16.0421. The report shall measure the effect of the incentive on job retention for Washington residents, and other factors as the committees select. The report shall also discuss expected trends or changes to electricity prices as they affect the industries that benefit from the incentives.

Sec. 19   RCW 82.32.570 and 2004 c 24 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) For the purposes of this section, "smelter tax incentive" means the preferential tax rate under RCW 82.04.2909, or an exemption or credit under RCW 82.04.4481, 82.08.805, 82.12.805, or 82.12.022(5).
     (2) The legislature finds that accountability and effectiveness are important aspects of setting tax policy. In order to make policy choices regarding the best use of limited state resources the legislature needs information to evaluate whether the stated goals of legislation were achieved.
     (3) The goals of the smelter tax incentives are to retain family-wage jobs in rural areas by:
     (a) Enabling the aluminum industry to maintain production of aluminum at a level that will preserve at least 75 percent of the jobs that were on the payroll effective January 1, 2004, as adjusted for employment reductions publicly announced before November 30, 2003; and
     (b) Allowing the aluminum industry to continue producing aluminum in this state through 2006 so that the industry will be positioned to preserve and create new jobs when the anticipated reduction of energy costs occurs.
     (4)(a) An aluminum smelter receiving the benefit of a smelter tax incentive shall ((make an annual)) report information to the department by filing a complete annual survey detailing employment, wages, and employer-provided health and retirement benefits per job at the manufacturing site. The ((report)) survey is due by March 31st following any year in which a tax incentive is claimed or used. The department may extend the due date for timely filing annual surveys under this section, as provided in section 1 of this act. The ((report)) survey shall not include names of employees. The ((report)) survey shall detail employment by the total number of full-time, part-time, and temporary positions. The ((report)) survey shall indicate the quantity of aluminum smelted at the plant during the time period covered by the ((report)) survey. The first ((report)) survey filed under this subsection shall include employment, wage, and benefit information for the twelve-month period immediately before first use or claim of a tax incentive. Employment ((reports)) surveys shall include data for actual levels of employment and identification of the number of jobs affected by any employment reductions that have been publicly announced at the time of the ((report)) survey. Information in a ((report)) survey under this section is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330 and may be disclosed to the public upon request.
     (b) If a person fails to submit ((an)) a complete annual ((report)) survey under (a) of this subsection by the due date of the ((report)) survey or any extension under section 1 of this act, the department shall declare the amount of taxes exempted or credited, or reduced in the case of the preferential ((business and occupation)) tax rate under RCW 82.04.2909, for ((that)) the previous calendar year to be immediately due and payable. Excise taxes payable under this subsection are subject to interest, but not penalties, at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes, as provided under this chapter. The department shall assess interest, but not penalties, retroactively to the date the exemption, credit, or preferential tax rate under RCW 82.04.2909 was used. The interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under this chapter, and shall accrue until the taxes for which the exemption, credit, or preferential tax rate was used are repaid. This information is not subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 82.32.330 ((and may be disclosed to the public upon request)).
     (5) By December 1, 2005, and by December 1, 2006, the fiscal committees of the house of representatives and the senate, in consultation with the department, shall report to the legislature on the effectiveness of the smelter tax incentives and, by December 1, 2010, on the effectiveness of the incentives under RCW 82.04.4482 and 82.16.0498. The reports shall measure the effect of the tax incentives on job retention for Washington residents and any other factors the committees may select.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 20   Section 1 of this act applies retroactively to annual surveys required under RCW 82.04.4483, 82.04.4484, 82.32.535, 82.32.545, 82.32.570, 82.32.560, 82.60.070, 82.62.050, and 82.63.020, and due after December 31, 2004.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 21   Section 2 of this act takes effect January 1, 2006.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 22   Sections 1 and 3 through 19 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 23   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.

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