PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 458-40-610 Timber excise tax--Definitions.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 84.33.096, 82.32.300, and 82.01.060(2).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: WAC 458-40-610 (Rule 610) provides definitions of terms used in chapter 458-40 WAC when describing the policies and procedures for the taxation of timber harvested from public and private forest lands. The department is considering a rewrite of the small harvester harvesting and marketing costs definition (subsection (9)) to clarify that costs associated with conversions are not deductible as harvesting and marketing costs.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Although the United States Forest Service and Washington state department of natural resources both regulate forest practices, neither is involved in valuation for taxation purposes. The nontax processes and definitions are coordinated with these agencies to avoid conflict, but there should be no need to involve them in the valuation revisions provided in this rule.
Process for Developing New Rule: Parties interested in this rule making may contact the individual listed below. The public may also participate by providing written comments throughout this rule making or giving oral testimony at the public meeting or public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Written comments may be submitted by mail, fax, or at the public meeting. Oral comments will be accepted at the public meetings. Written comments on and/or requests for copies of the rule may be directed to Mark E. Bohe, Interpretations and Technical Advice Unit, P.O. Box 47453, Olympia, WA 98504-7453, phone (360) 570-6133, fax (360) 586-5543, e-mail MarkBohe@dor.wa.gov.
Public Meeting Location: Capital Plaza Building, 4th Floor, L&P Large Conference Room, 1025 Union Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA, on April 27, 2006, at 10:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Sandy Davis no later than ten days before the hearing date at TTY 1-800-451-7985 or (360) 570-6175.
March 22, 2006
Alan R. Lynn
Rules Coordinator