WSR 97-19-032

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

[Filed September 9, 1997, 1:46 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Valuation procedure for stumpage valuation tables.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 82.32.330 and 84.33.096.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The law (RCW 84.33.091) requires revision of the stumpage value tables twice a year. Although our valuation procedures have always been shared with any taxpayer upon request, the procedures have never been adopted by rule. These standard valuation procedures for the stumpage value tables will help to maintain consistency in the procedures used, open these procedures to public scrutiny, and aid taxpayers in understanding the valuation process.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Although the United States Forest Service and Washington State Department of Natural Resources both regulate forest practices, they are not involved in valuation for purposes of taxation. The nontax processes and definitions are coordinated with these agencies to avoid conflict, but there should be no need to involve them in the valuation procedures provided in this rule.

Process for Developing New Rule: Modified negotiated rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Written comments should be submitted by the public meeting date to ensure full consideration, but will be accepted if they are received two weeks before the date of adoption. Written comments may be submitted by mail, FAX, or at the public meeting. Oral comments will be accepted at the public meeting or later public hearing. Written comments or suggestions for procedures may be directed to Ed Ratcliffe, Legislation and Policy, P.O. Box 47467, Olympia, WA 98504-7467, phone (360) 586-3505, FAX (360) 664-0693.

Location and Date of Public Meeting: Department of Revenue Conference Room, Target Place Building No. 4, 2735 Harrison Avenue N.W., Olympia, WA, on October 29, 1997, at 10 a.m.

September 9, 1997

James M. Thomas