Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 458-20-110 Delivery charges, explains the manner in which delivery charges are subject to the business and occupation (B&O), retail sales, and use taxes.

     WAC 458-20-115 Sales of packing materials and containers, explains the B&O, retail sales, and use taxes which apply to persons who sell packing materials and to those who use packing materials.

     WAC 458-20-116 Sales and/or use of labels, name plates, tags, premiums, and advertising material, explains Washington's B&O and retail sales tax applications to the sale of labels, name plates, tags, and advertising material.

     WAC 458-20-119 Sales of meals, explains Washington's B&O and retail sales tax application to the sales of meals, meals provided to employees, and meals provided without a specific charge.

     WAC 458-20-124 Restaurants, cocktail bars, taverns and similar businesses, explains Washington's B&O and retail sales tax applications to sales by restaurants and similar businesses.

     WAC 458-20-135 Extracting natural products, explains the application of the B&O, retail sales, and use taxes to persons extracting natural products. It also provides guidance for determining when an extracting activity ends and the manufacturing activity begins.

     WAC 458-20-136 Manufacturing, processing for hire, fabricating, explains the application of the B&O, retail sales, and use taxes to manufacturers.

     WAC 458-20-139 Trade shops--Printing plate makers, typesetters, and trade binderies, explains the B&O tax and retail sales tax applications to altering or improving tangible personal property owned by printing plate makers, typesetters or trade binderies intended for sale or altering or improving tangible personal property owned by customers.

     WAC 458-20-146 National and state banks, mutual savings banks, savings and loan associations and other financial institutions, explains the applicability of B&O and retail sales tax to gross income earned by such institutions.

     WAC 458-20-150 Optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians, explains the application of Washington's B&O, retail sales, and use taxes to the business activities of optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians.

     WAC 458-20-151 Dentists and other health care providers, dental laboratories, and dental technicians, explains the application of B&O, retail sales, and use taxes to the business activities of the same.

     WAC 458-20-163 Insurance companies, including surety companies, fraternal benefit societies, fraternal fire insurance associations, beneficiary corporations or societies, and Washington state health insurance pool, explains the applicability of B&O tax to income received by the same.

     WAC 458-20-168 Hospitals, nursing homes, boarding homes, adult family homes and similar health care facilities, explains the application of B&O, retail sales, and use taxes to persons operating hospitals as defined in RCW 70.41.020, nursing homes as defined in RCW 18.51.010, boarding homes as defined in RCW 18.20.020, adult family homes as defined in RCW 70.128.010, and similar health care facilities.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Effective January 1, 2010, reseller permits will replace resale certificates as the means to substantiate wholesale purchases, chapter 563, Laws of 2009. The department is proposing to amend these rules to recognize this change.

     The amendments to these rules are being made for the sole purpose of:

•	Adding language to state that resale certificates are no longer valid after December 31, 2009, and that reseller permits should be used instead.
•	Minor editing and correction of citations not intended to change other provisions of the sections.
•	Eliminating tax-reporting information that applies to tax periods now outside the normal limitation periods for assessments and refunds.

     The department proposes to remove tax-reporting information applying to tax periods outside the normal limitation periods for assessments and refunds from the following:

•	WAC 458-20-119(1), eliminating information referencing food and beverage service workers' permits.
•	WAC 458-20-124 (6)(a), eliminating information referencing food and beverage service workers' permits.
•	WAC 458-20-146, "Reporting procedures" subsection, eliminating this subsection as provides outdated information (e.g., registration fee amount and tax return due date) and is unnecessary.

     Copies of draft rules are available for viewing and printing on our web site at

http://dor.wa.gov/content/FindALawOrRule/RuleMaking/agenda.aspx.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: To recognize provisions of SB 6173 (chapter 563, Laws of 2009).

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 82.32.300 and 82.01.060(2).

     Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 82.04, 82.08, 82.12 and 82.32 RCW, as they apply to wholesale sales and reseller permits.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Department of revenue, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Gayle Carlson, 1025 Union Avenue S.E., Suite #544, Olympia, WA, (360) 570-6126; Implementation: Alan R. Lynn, 1025 Union Avenue S.E., Suite #544, Olympia, WA, (360) 570-6125; and Enforcement: Gilbert Brewer, 1025 Union Avenue S.E., Suite #544, Olympia, WA, (360) 570-6147.

December 22, 2009

Alan R. Lynn

Rules Coordinator

OTS-2803.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-14-026, filed 6/20/08, effective 7/21/08)

WAC 458-20-110   Delivery charges.   (1) Introduction. This section explains the manner in which delivery charges are considered for purposes of business and occupation (B&O), retail sales, and use taxes. For information about delivery charges with regard to promotional materials, see WAC 458-20-17803 (Use tax on promotional materials).

     (2) What are delivery charges? "Delivery charges" means charges by the seller for preparation and delivery to a location designated by the purchaser of tangible personal property or services including, but not limited to, transportation, shipping, postage, handling, crating, and packing. ((RCW 82.08.010 and chapter 168, Laws of 2003, adopted the national Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement definition of "delivery charges."))

     (3) Do the business and occupation (B&O) and retail sales taxes apply to delivery charges? The measure of the tax is "gross proceeds of sales" for B&O tax (RCW 82.04.070) and "selling price" for retail sales tax (RCW 82.08.010). Gross proceeds of sales and selling price include all consideration paid by the buyer, without any deduction for costs of doing business such as material, labor, and transportation costs, including delivery charges. Thus, delivery charges by the seller are a component of these tax measures.

     (a) What if delivery charges are separately itemized on the sales invoice? Amounts received by a seller from a buyer for delivery charges are included in the measure of tax regardless of whether charges for such costs are billed separately, itemized, or whether the seller is also the carrier. Limiting delivery charges to the actual cost of delivery to the seller does not affect taxability.

     (b) Does retail sales tax apply to all delivery charges by the seller? Delivery charges by the seller making a retail sale are a component of the selling price. If the sale of the tangible personal property or service is exempt from retail sales tax, such as certain "food and food ingredients," retail sales tax does not apply to the selling price, including delivery charges, associated with that sale. Similarly, if the product is sold at wholesale, retail sales tax does not apply to the delivery charges of that sale.

     If a retail sale consists of both taxable and nontaxable tangible personal property, and delivery charges are a component of the selling price, retail sales tax applies to the percentage of delivery charges allocated to the taxable tangible personal property. Retail sales tax is not due on delivery charges allocated to exempt tangible personal property.

     The seller may use either of the following percentages to determine the taxable portion of the delivery charges:

     (i) A percentage based on the total sales price of the taxable tangible personal property compared to the total sales price of all tangible personal property in the shipment; or

     (ii) A percentage based on the total weight of the taxable tangible personal property compared to the total weight of all tangible personal property in the shipment.

     (c) Are there any situations in which delivery charges by the seller may be excluded from the measure of tax? There is no specific exclusion from the measure of tax for delivery charges by the seller. Actual delivery costs, regardless of whether separately charged, may be excluded from the measure of the manufacturing and extracting B&O taxes when the products are delivered outside the state. For further discussion, refer to WAC 458-20-112 (Value of products). WAC 458-20-13501 (Timber harvest operations) provides guidance regarding this issue for persons engaged in activities associated with timber harvesting.

     (d) Delivery charges in cases of payments to third parties. Delivery charges incurred after the buyer takes delivery of the goods are not part of the selling price when the seller is not liable for payment of the delivery charges. To be excluded from the gross proceeds of sales for B&O tax and selling price for retail sales tax, the seller must document that the buyer alone is responsible to pay the carrier for the delivery charges.

     (e) Examples. The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax results of other situations must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances. In these examples, if the seller had been required to collect use tax (RCW 82.12.040) instead of retail sales tax (RCW 82.08.050), the use tax collection responsibility remains the same as for retail sales tax. This is because, in this context, the "value of article used" has the same meaning as the "purchase price" or "selling price."

     (i) Example 1. Jane Doe orders a life vest from Marine Sales and requests that the vest be mailed by the United States Postal Service to her home. Marine Sales places the correct postage on the package using its postage meter and separately itemizes a charge on the sales invoice to Jane at the exact amount of the postage cost. Marine Sales is subject to the retailing B&O tax on the gross proceeds of the sale and must collect retail sales tax on the selling price, both of which measures of tax include the charge for postage.

     (ii) Example 2. XYZ Corporation orders equipment from ABC Distributors and provides ABC with a properly completed resale certificate (WAC 458-20-102A), for purchases made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit (WAC 458-20-102), for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010. ABC ships the equipment using overnight air delivery and itemizes the actual amount of its shipping costs on the sales invoice. ABC must remit wholesaling B&O tax on the gross proceeds of sale, which includes the amount billed as shipping charges. Since the equipment is purchased for resale, ABC does not collect or report retail sales tax.

     (iii) Example 3. The facts in this example are the same as those in (ii) of this subsection except that XYZ provides ABC with a properly completed exemption certificate. Retail sales tax does not apply to the delivery charge because the selling price, of which the delivery charge is a component, is exempt from retail sales tax. However, the delivery charge is included in the gross proceeds of the sale, and thus, is subject to retailing B&O tax.

     (iv) Example 4. Jones Computer Supply, a distributor, makes retail sales of computer products primarily by mail order. It is the practice of Jones Computer Supply to add a ten-dollar handling charge for each order. No separate charge is made for actual transportation. The handling charge is part of the measure of tax for the retailing B&O and retail sales taxes.

     (v) Example 5. ABC Construction in Seattle purchased a new saw from XYZ, Inc. The sales contract specifies that ABC will contract with MNO, Inc. for shipping to Seattle and that MNO, Inc. will pick up the saw in Spokane. ABC does contract with MNO for the shipping and is shown as the consignor on the bill of lading. The transportation charge is not included in the measure of tax for purposes of the retailing B&O and retail sales taxes because ABC, the buyer, is liable for payment to MNO, for shipping the new saw.

     (4) Delivery charges and use tax. ((Beginning June 1, 2002,)) "Value of article used," which is the measure of the use tax for tangible personal property, includes the amount of any delivery charge paid or given to the seller or on behalf of the seller with respect to the purchase of such article. Beginning July 1, 2004, both the "value of the article used" and the "value of the service used" will be the "purchase price" in instances where the seller is required under RCW 82.12.040 to collect use tax from the purchaser. RCW 82.12.010. "Purchase price" has the same meaning as "selling price" as described in subsection (3) of this section. Consumers responsible for remitting use tax directly to the department should refer to WAC 458-20-178 (Use tax).

     The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax results of other situations must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances. Presume that all transactions in the following examples occur July 1, 2004, or later.

     (a) Example 1. ABC Construction ordered replacement parts for a saw from XYZ, Inc., a business located in Chicago that is not required to collect Washington taxes. XYZ contracted with MNO Freight to ship the parts from Chicago. ABC is subject to use tax on the value of the article used (presumed to be the purchase price of the parts) including the cost of the transportation, regardless of whether the transportation costs are itemized.

     (b) Example 2. The facts in this example are the same as those in (a) of this subsection except that instead of ordering a replacement part, ABC Construction sends a broken part to XYZ, Inc. in Chicago for repair. ABC is subject to use tax on the repair service. The cost of transportation is included in the value of the service used, regardless of whether the transportation costs are itemized.

     (c) Example 3. ABC Construction ordered replacement parts for a saw from XYZ, Inc., a business located in Chicago that is not required to collect Washington taxes. ABC hired MNO Freight to ship the parts from Chicago and was responsible for payment. ABC may exclude the cost of the transportation from the value on which use tax is due. The transportation costs ABC pays MNO are not a component of the value of the article used because the cost is not part of the consideration paid to XYZ for the replacement parts. ABC is subject to use tax on the value of the parts, which is presumed to be their purchase price.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300, 82.01.060(2), and chapters 82.04, 82.08 and 82.12 RCW. 08-14-026, § 458-20-110, filed 6/20/08, effective 7/21/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300 and 82.01.060(2). 05-02-039, § 458-20-110, filed 12/30/04, effective 1/30/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 91-23-037, § 458-20-110, filed 11/13/91, effective 12/14/91; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-110 (Rule 110), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2804.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 93-19-017, filed 9/2/93, effective 10/3/93)

WAC 458-20-115   Sales of packing materials and containers.   (1) Introduction. This section explains the B&O, retail sales, and use taxes which apply to persons who sell packing materials and to those who use packing materials.

     (2) Definitions. The term "packing materials" means and includes all boxes, crates, bottles, cans, bags, drums, cartons, wrapping papers, cellophane, twines, gummed tapes, wire, bands, excelsior, waste paper, and all other materials in which tangible personal property may be contained or protected within a container, for transportation or delivery to a purchaser.

     (3) Business and occupation tax.

     (a) Sales of packing materials to persons who sell tangible personal property contained ((therein)) in or protected ((thereby)) by packing materials are sales for resale and subject to tax under the wholesaling classification. Sellers must obtain resale certificates for sales made before January 1, 2010, or reseller permits for sales made on or after January 1, 2010, from ((the)) purchasers to ((support that these sales are for resale. Refer to WAC 458-20-102)) document the wholesale nature of any sale as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). Even though resale certificates are no longer used after December 31, 2009, they must be kept on file by the seller for five years from the date of last use or December 31, 2014.

     (b) Sales of containers to persons who sell tangible personal property ((therein)) contained within the containers, but who retain title to such containers which are to be returned, are sales for consumption and subject to tax under the retailing classification. This class includes wooden or metal bottle cases, barrels, gas tanks, carboys, drums, bags and other items, when title ((thereto)) to the container remains ((in)) with the seller of the tangible personal property contained ((therein)) within the container, and even though a deposit is not made for the containers, and when such articles are customarily returned to the seller. If a charge is made against a customer for the container, with the understanding that such charge will be ((cancelled)) canceled or rebated when the container is returned, the amount charged is deemed to be made as security for the return of the container and is not part of the selling price for tax purposes. However, refer to the comments below for sales of containers for beverages and foods.

     (c) Title to containers, whether designated as returnable or nonreturnable, for beverages and food sold at retail, including beer, milk, soft drinks, mixers and the like, will be deemed to pass to the customer along with the contents. In such cases, amounts charged for the containers are part of the selling price of the food or beverage and subject to retailing tax when sold to consumers. Sales to persons who will resell the food or beverages are wholesale sales.

     (d) Persons who perform custom or commercial packing for others are generally taxable under the service B&O tax classification on the income from the packing activity.

     (i) Under RCW 82.04.190, persons taxable under the service B&O tax classification are consumers of any materials used in performing the service. Sales of packing materials to persons engaged in the business of custom or commercial packing are sales for consumption and are subject to the retail sales tax. However, there is a specific statutory exemption from the B&O tax for persons who perform packing of fresh perishable horticultural products for the grower. These persons are also exempt from retail sales tax on the purchase of any materials and supplies used in performing the packing service.

     (ii) Persons who perform custom or commercial packing for others and who also manufacture the boxes, containers, or other packaging materials used by them in the packing are subject to the manufacturing tax and use tax on the value of the packing materials which they manufacture. Refer to WAC 458-20-136 Manufacturing, processing for hire, fabricating.

     (e) Persons who operate cold storage warehouses or who perform processing for hire for others, which includes packaging the processed items, are not the consumers of the containers or other packaging materials. Sales of boxes, cartons, and packaging materials to these persons are taxable under the wholesaling tax classification. Refer to WAC 458-20-136 and 458-20-133 Frozen food lockers.

     (f) Persons who manufacture packing materials for delivery outside Washington or for their own commercial or industrial use are manufacturers and should refer to WAC 458-20-136, 458-20-134 Commercial or industrial use, and WAC 458-20-112 Value of products.

     (4) Retail sales tax.

     (a) All sales taxable under the retailing classification of the business and occupation tax as indicated above are also subject to retail sales tax except those specifically distinguished hereafter in this subsection.

     (b) Retail sales tax does not apply to sales of returnable food and beverage containers, and vendors may take a deduction from gross retail sales for the amount of such sales in reporting sales tax due, providing (i) the seller separately states the charge for the container and (ii) the separately stated charge is the amount the vendor will pay for a repurchase of the container. Return of the containers is a repurchase by the vendor, and sales tax is not due on amounts paid to the customer on such repurchases, since the vendor will resell the containers in the regular course of business. (RCW 82.08.0282.)

     (c) No deduction is allowed in computing tax under the retail sales tax classification where the retail sales tax is collected from the customer upon the charge for the container.

     (d) Sales of packing materials to cooperative marketing associations, agents, or independent contractors for the purpose of packing fresh perishable horticultural products for the growers thereof, are not subject to retail sales tax. See also WAC 458-20-214 Cooperative marketing associations and independent dealers acting as agents of others with respect to the sale of fruit and produce.

     (5) Use tax.

     (a) The use tax applies to uses of packing materials and containers to which retail sales tax would apply but, for any reason, was not paid at the time such materials and containers were acquired.

     (b) The use tax applies to the use of packing materials, such as boxes, cartons, and strapping materials, by a manufacturer in Washington where the packing materials are used to protect materials while being transported to another site of the manufacturer for further processing.

     (c) The use tax applies to the use of pallets by a manufacturer or seller where the pallets will not be sold with the product, but are for use in the manufacturing plant or warehouse.

     (6) Examples. The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax status of each situation must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances.

     (a) ABC Packing Co. does custom packing of small parts for a Washington manufacturer. The parts are sent by truck to ABC who then places the parts into plastic bags and seals the bags through a heat fusion process. ABC is the consumer of the bags and must pay either retail sales tax or use tax on the use of the bags. This is true even though the bags will remain with the parts until delivered to the ultimate user of the parts.

     (b) XY manufactures paper products in Washington. The paper is placed on large rolls. These large rolls are shipped to another of its own plants where the paper goes through a slitter for conversion into reams of paper. These large rolls involve the use of "cores" made of heavy fiber board on which the paper is rolled. "Plugs" are placed in the ends to give additional support. The rolls are also wrapped and banded with steel banding. The cores, plugs, wrapping materials, and banding are all eventually removed during the additional processing. XY is the consumer of the plugs, cores, and other packing materials and must pay retail sales or use tax on these items.

     (c) XY uses three types of pallets in its manufacturing operation. One type of pallet is used strictly for storing paper which is in the manufacturing process. A second type of pallet is returnable and the customer is charged a deposit which is refunded at the time the pallet is returned. The third type of pallet is nonreturnable and is sold with the product. XY is required to pay retail sales or use tax on the first two types of pallets. The third type of pallets may be purchased by XY without the payment of retail sales or use tax since these pallets are sold with the paper products.

     (d) Cold Storage Co. does custom fish processing for various customers. The processing involves cutting whole fish into fillets or steaks, vacuum packaging the pieces, and freezing the packages. The packing activity is considered to be part of a processing for hire activity. As a processor for hire, Cold Storage Co. is not the consumer of the packing materials.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 93-19-017, § 458-20-115, filed 9/2/93, effective 10/3/93; 88-20-014 (Order 88-6), § 458-20-115, filed 9/27/88; Order 74-2, § 458-20-115, filed 6/24/74; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-115 (Rule 115), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2805.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 93-19-018, filed 9/2/93, effective 10/3/93)

WAC 458-20-116   Sales and/or use of labels, name plates, tags, premiums, and advertising material.   (1) Introduction. This section explains Washington's B&O and retail sales tax applications to the sale of labels, name plates, tags, and advertising material. It also gives tax reporting information to persons offering premiums at reduced or no cost to customers.

     (2) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

     (a) "Labels," "name plates," and "tags" are slips, generally made of paper or cloth, which are affixed to articles or containers for identification or description.

     (b) A "premium" is an item offered free of charge or at a reduced price to prospective customers as an inducement to buy.

     (3) Sales for resale. Sales of labels, name plates, tags, premiums, and advertising material to persons for use in the following manner are sales for resale (wholesale sales) and not subject to retail sales tax:

     (a) Sales of labels, name plates, and tags to persons who will attach these items to articles or containers sold by them, or enclose these items with articles sold by them. However, the labels, name plates, or tags may not be purchased for resale if they will be put to intervening use by such persons.

     (b) Sales of premiums to persons who pass title to the premium along with other articles which are sold by them, when the passing of title to the premiums is not contingent upon the returning of coupons or other evidence of prior purchase.

     (c) Sales of premiums to persons who in turn sell the same to customers at a reduced price.

     (d) Sales of advertising material to persons who enclose the advertising material with articles sold by them, when such advertising material relates primarily to the articles with which it is enclosed. Persons who enclose advertising material with articles being sold for the purpose of promoting sales of other products are consumers and may not purchase this advertising material for resale. (See RCW 82.12.010(5).)

     (4) Retail sales tax. Sales of labels, name plates, tags, premiums, and advertising material to consumers are retail sales. The retail sales tax applies to the following:

     (a) Sales of labels, name plates, and tags to persons who attach the same to containers enclosing articles sold by them, when such persons retain title to the containers which are to be returned. Such sales are sales for consumption and subject to the retail sales tax. Since the container is not being resold, any labels, name plates, tags, or similar items attached to the container are also not being resold.

     (b) Sales of labels, name plates, and tags to persons who use them for inventory, statistical, or other business purposes. Such sales are sales for consumption and the retail sales tax applies, notwithstanding the labels, name plates, or tags remain attached to the articles or containers delivered to the customer.

     (c) Sales of premiums to persons who do not pass title thereto with other articles which are sold by them, but which are given as an inducement to perform a service, or are given upon the returning of coupons or other evidence of prior purchase. Such sales are sales for consumption and are subject to the retail sales tax.

     (d) Sales of premiums to persons who offer them as an inducement to potential customers at no charge and with no requirement that the customer purchase any other article or service as a condition to receive the premium. Such sales are sales for consumption and subject to the retail sales tax.

     (5) Business and occupation tax. The B&O tax applies to the sale of labels, name plates, tags, premiums, and advertising material as follows:

     (a) Wholesaling. Persons who sell labels, name plates, tags, premiums, and advertising material to persons who will resell these items as described in subsection (3) of this section are subject to the wholesaling B&O tax on the gross proceeds of these sales. Sellers must obtain resale certificates for sales made before January 1, 2010, or reseller permits for sales made on or after January 1, 2010, from their customers to ((support the resale nature of these transactions. (Refer to WAC 458-20-102.))) document the wholesale nature of any sale as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). Even though resale certificates are no longer used after December 31, 2009, they must be kept on file by the seller for five years from the date of last use or December 31, 2014.

     (b) Retailing. Persons who sell labels, name plates, tags, premiums, and advertising material to consumers are subject to the retailing B&O tax on such sales.

     (6) Deferred sales or use tax. If the seller fails to collect the appropriate retail sales tax, the purchaser is required to pay the deferred sales or use tax directly to the department.

     (7) Examples. The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax status of each situation must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances.

     (a) ABC Timber purchases log tags which are attached to logs as they are received in ABC's yard. These tags are used by ABC to keep track of the logs for inventory purposes. These tags remain on the logs after sale, and are also used by ABC's customers to verify receipt of the logs. ABC must remit retail sales or use tax upon the purchase of the log tags, notwithstanding they remain attached to the logs after sale to ABC's customers. The use of these tags for inventory purposes by ABC prior to actual sale is intervening use as a consumer.

     (b) MT Gas, a gasoline and service station, offers customers a free set of stemware with any gasoline purchase of ten gallons or more. Customer purchasing seven to nine gallons of gasoline may purchase the same set of stemware for a nominal amount. MT Gas may purchase the stemware without paying retail sales tax. The stemware is offered as a premium, and is considered to be resold along with the gasoline. It is immaterial that the sale of gasoline is exempt from the retail sales tax. MT Gas must report the retailing B&O tax and collect and remit retail sales tax on the price charged for the stemware sold to those customers purchasing seven to nine gallons of gasoline.

     (c) KMP Company is a camping club which purchases gift items which are used as premiums. These gift items are offered free of charge to potential customers on condition that the potential customer attend a sales presentation. No purchase of a membership or anything else is required to receive the premium. KMP must remit retail sales or use tax upon the purchase of the premiums. KMP is the consumer of premiums given away free of charge where the recipient has no requirement to purchase any service or article as a condition of receiving the premium.

     (d) BC Bank offers a choice of various premiums to customers opening new savings accounts. In some cases, a charge may be made to the customer for the premium, with the amount of the charge based on the amount of deposit the customer makes in the new savings account. BC Bank may give a resale certificate (WAC 458-20-102A) for purchases made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit (WAC 458-20-102) for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010, to its suppliers for those premiums which will be resold to its new customers. For those premiums which will be given to customers without charge, BC Bank must pay either the retail sales tax to its suppliers or use tax to the department on the cost of the premiums. (((Refer to WAC 458-20-102.))) It also must report the retailing B&O tax and collect and remit retail sales tax on any amounts charged to its customers.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 93-19-018, § 458-20-116, filed 9/2/93, effective 10/3/93; 83-07-034 (Order ET 83-17), § 458-20-116, filed 3/15/83; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-116 (Rule 116), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2806.3

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-11-107, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99)

WAC 458-20-119   Sales of meals.   (1) Introduction. This ((rule)) section explains Washington's B&O and retail sales tax applications to the sales of meals. This ((rule)) section also gives tax reporting information to persons who provide meals without a specific charge. It explains how meals furnished to employees are taxed. Persons in the business of operating restaurants should also refer to WAC 458-20-124 and persons operating hotels, motels, or similar businesses should refer to WAC 458-20-166.

     ((Retail sellers who are required by law to have a food and beverage service worker's permit under RCW 69.06.010 are subject to the retailing B&O tax and must collect and remit retail sales tax on sales of prepared food products, unless a specific exemption applies. For additional information regarding sales by persons required to have a food and beverage worker's permit, refer to WAC 458-20-244 (Food products).))

     (2) Business and occupation tax. The sales of meals and the providing of meals as a part of services rendered are subject to tax as follows:

     (a) Retailing. The retailing B&O tax applies as follows.

     (i) Restaurants, cafeterias and other eating places. Sales of meals to consumers by restaurants, cafeterias, clubs, and other eating places are subject to the retailing tax. (See WAC 458-20-124((-)) restaurants, etc.)

     (ii) Caterers. Sales of meals and prepared food by caterers are subject to the retailing tax when sold to consumers. "Caterer" means a person who provides, prepares and serves meals for immediate consumption at a location selected by the customer. The tax liability is the same whether the meals are prepared at the customer's site or the caterer's site. The retailing tax also applies when caterers prepare and serve meals using ingredients provided by the customer. Persons providing a food service for others should refer to the subsection below entitled "Food service contractors."

     (iii) Hotels, motels, bed and breakfast facilities, resort lodges and other establishments offering meals and transient lodging. Sales of meals by hotels, motels, and other persons who provide transient lodging are subject to the retailing tax.

     (iv) Boarding houses, American plan hotels, and other establishments offering meals and nontransient lodging. Sales of meals by boarding houses and other such places are subject to retailing tax.

     (A) Except for guest ranches and summer camps, when a lump sum is charged to nontransients for providing both lodging and meals, the fair selling price of the meals is subject to the retailing tax. Unless accounts are kept showing the fair selling price, the tax will be computed upon double the cost of the meals served. This cost includes the price paid for food and drinks served, the cost of preparing and serving meals, and all other incidental costs, including an appropriate portion of overhead expenses.

     (B) It will be presumed that guest ranches and summer camps are not making sales of meals when a lump sum is charged for the furnishing of lodging, and meals are included.

     (v) Railroad, Pullman car, ship, airplane, or other transportation company diners. Sales of meals by a railroad, Pullman car, ship, airplane, or other transportation company served at fixed locations in this state, or served upon the carrier itself while within this state, are subject to the retailing tax.

     Where no specific charge is made for meals separate and apart from the transportation charge, the entire amount charged is deemed a charge for transportation and the retailing tax does not apply to any part of the charge.

     (vi) Hospitals, nursing homes, and other similar institutions. The serving of meals by hospitals, nursing homes, sanitariums, and similar institutions to patients as a part of the service rendered in the course of business by such institutions is not a sale at retail. However, many hospitals and similar institutions have cafeterias or restaurants through which meals are sold for cash or credit to doctors, visitors, nurses, and other employees. Some of these institutions have agreements where the employees are paid a fixed wage in payment for services rendered and are provided meals at no charge. Under those circumstances, all sales of meals to such persons are subject to the retailing tax, including the value of meals provided at no charge to employees. Refer to the subsection below entitled "Meals furnished to employees."

     (vii) School, college, or university dining rooms. Public schools, high schools, colleges, universities, or private schools operating lunch rooms, cafeterias, dining rooms, or snack bars for the exclusive purpose of providing students and faculty with meals or prepared foods are not considered to be engaged in the business of making retail sales of meals. However, if guests are permitted to dine with students or faculty in such areas, the sales of meals to the guests are retail sales.

     (A) Unless the eating area is situated so that it is available only to students and faculty, the lunch room, cafeteria, dining room, or snack bar must have a posted sign stating that the area is only open to students and faculty. In the absence of such a sign, there will be a presumption that the facility is not exclusively for the use of students and faculty. The actual policy in practice in these areas must be consistent with the posted policy.

     (B) If the cafeteria, lunch room, dining room, or snack bar is generally open to the public, all sales of meals, including meals sold to students, are considered retail sales.

     (C) For some educational institutions, the meals provided to students is considered to be part of the charge for tuition and may not be subject to the B&O tax. Public schools, high schools, colleges, universities, and private schools should refer to WAC 458-20-167 to determine whether the retailing B&O tax applies to the sales of meals described above. (See also WAC 458-20-189 for a discussion of B&O tax for schools operated by the state.)

     (viii) Fraternities and sororities. Fraternities, sororities, and other groups of individuals who reside in one place and jointly share the expenses of the household including expense of meals are not considered to be making sales when meals are furnished to members.

     (b) Wholesaling-other. Persons making sales of prepared meals to persons who will be reselling the meals are subject to the wholesaling-other tax classification. Sellers must obtain resale certificates for sales made before January 1, 2010, or reseller permits for sales made on or after January 1, 2010, from their customers to ((support the resale nature of any transaction. (See WAC 458-20-102.))) document the wholesale nature of any sale as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). Even though resale certificates are no longer used after December 31, 2009, they must be kept on file by the seller for five years from the date of last use or December 31, 2014.

     (c) Service and other business activities. Private schools, which do not meet the definition of "educational institutions," operating lunch rooms, cafeterias, or dining rooms for the exclusive purpose of providing meals to students and faculty are subject to the service and other business activities B&O tax on the charges to students and faculty for meals. (See WAC 458-20-167 for definitions of the terms "private school" and "educational institution.") Persons managing a food service operation for a private school should refer to the subsection below entitled "Food service contractors."

     (3) Retail sales tax. The sales of meals, upon which the retailing tax applies under the provisions above, are generally subject to tax under the retail sales tax classification. However, a retail sales tax exemption is available for the following sales of meals:

     (a) Prepared meals sold under a state-administered nutrition program for the aged as provided for in the Older Americans Act (Public Law 95-478 Title III) and RCW 74.38.040(6).

     (b) Prepared meals sold to or for senior citizens, disabled persons, or low-income persons by a not-for-profit organization organized under chapter 24.03 or 24.12 RCW. However, this exemption does not apply to purchases of prepared meals by not-for-profit organizations, such as hospitals, which provide the meals to patients as a part of the services they render.

     (c) Prepared meals sold to the federal government. (See WAC 458-20-190.) However, meals sold to federal employees are taxable, even if the federal employee will be reimbursed for the cost of the meals by the federal government.

     (4) Deferred sales or use tax. If the seller fails to collect the appropriate retail sales tax, the purchaser is required to pay the deferred sales or use tax directly to the department.

     (a) Purchases of dishes, kitchen utensils, linens, and items which do not become an ingredient of the meal, are subject to retail sales tax.

     (b) Retail sales tax or use tax applies to purchases of equipment, repairs, appliances, and construction.

     (c) The retail sales or use tax does not apply to purchases of food or beverage products which are ingredients of meals being sold at retail or wholesale.

     (d) Purchases of food products and prepared meals by persons who are not in the business of selling meals at retail or wholesale are subject to the retail sales tax. However, certain food products are statutorily exempt of retail sales or use tax. (See WAC 458-20-244 Food and food ingredients.)

     (e) Private schools, educational institutions, nursing homes, and similar institutions who are not making sales of meals at retail or wholesale are required to pay retail sales tax on all purchases of paper plates, paper cups, paper napkins, toothpicks, or any other articles which are furnished to customers, the first actual use of which renders such articles unfit for further use. However, purchases of such items by restaurants and similar businesses which are making retail or wholesale sales of meals are not subject to the retail sales or use tax.

     (f) Transportation companies not segregating their charges for meals, and transporting persons for hire in interstate commerce, generally will be liable to their sellers for retail sales tax upon the purchase of the food supplies or prepared meals to the extent that the meals will be served to passengers in Washington. Certain food items are statutorily exempt of retail sales or use tax. (See WAC 458-20-244 Food and food ingredients.)

     (5) Food service contractors. The term "food service contractor" means a person who operates a food service at a kitchen, cafeteria, dining room, or similar facility owned by an institution or business. Food service contractors may manage the food service operation on behalf of the institution or business, or may actually make sales of meals or prepared foods.

     (a) Sales of meals. Food service contractors who sell meals or prepared foods to consumers are subject to the retailing B&O and retail sales taxes upon their gross proceeds of sales. For example, the operation of a cafeteria which provides meals to employees of a manufacturing or financial business is generally a retail activity. The food service contractor is considered to be making retail sales of meals, whether payment for the meal is made by the employees or the business, unless the business itself is reselling the meals to the employees.

     In all cases where the meals are prepared at offsite facilities not owned by the institution or business, the food service contractor is considered to be making sales of meals and the retailing B&O and retail sales taxes apply to the gross proceeds of sale, or gross income for sales to consumers.

     (b) Food service management. ((Effective July 1, 1998,)) The gross proceeds derived from the management of a food service operation are subject to the service and other business activities B&O tax. (((Chapter 7, Laws of 1997.) For the period of July 1, 1993, through June 30, 1998, these proceeds were subject to the selected business services classification of the B&O tax.)) These tax reporting provisions apply whether the staff actually preparing the meals or prepared foods are employed by the institution or business hiring the food service contractor, or by the food service contractor itself. If the food service contractor merely manages the food service operation on behalf of an institution or business, that institution or business is considered to be selling meals or providing the meals as a part of the services the institution or business renders to its customers. These institutions and businesses should refer to the subsections (2) and (3) above to determine their B&O and retail sales tax liabilities.

     Food service management includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:

     (i) Food service contractors operating a cafeteria or similar facility which provides meals and prepared food for employees and/or guests of a business, but only where the business owning the facility is the one actually selling the meals to its employees.

     (ii) Food service contractors managing and/or operating a cafeteria, lunch room, or similar facility for the exclusive use of students or faculty at an educational institution or private school. The educational institution or private school provides these meals to the students and faculty as a part of its educational services. The food service contractor is managing a food service operation on behalf of the institution, and is not making retail sales of meals to the students, faculty, or institution. Sales of meals or prepared foods to guests in such areas are, however, subject to the retailing B&O and retail sales taxes. (Refer also to the subsection above entitled "School, college, or university dining rooms.")

     (iii) Food service contractors managing and/or operating the dietary facilities of a hospital, nursing home, or similar institution, for the purpose of providing meals or prepared foods to patients or residents thereof. These meals are provided to the patients or residents by the hospital, nursing home, or similar institution as a part of the services rendered by the institution. The food service contractor is managing a food service operation on behalf of the institution, and is not considered to be making retail sales of meals to the patients, residents, or institution. Meals sold to doctors, nurses, visitors, and other employees through a cafeteria or similar facility are, however, subject to the retailing B&O and retail sales taxes. (Refer also to the subsection above entitled "Hospitals, nursing homes, and other similar institutions.")

     (c) The following examples explain the application of the B&O and retail sales taxes to typical situations involving food service contractors managing a food service operation. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax results of other situations must be determined after a review of all facts and circumstances.

     (i) GC Inc. is a food service contractor managing and operating an on-site cafeteria for B College. This cafeteria is operated for the exclusive use of students and faculty. Guests of students or faculty members, however, are allowed to use the facilities. All moneys collected in the cafeteria are retained by B College. College B pays GC's direct costs for managing and operating the cafeteria, including the costs of the unprepared food products, employee salaries, and overhead expenses. GC also receives a management fee.

     GC Inc. is managing a food service operation. The measure of tax is the gross proceeds received from B College. GC Inc. may not claim a deduction on account of cost of materials, salaries, or any other expense. ((For periods prior to July 1, 1998, the gross proceeds are subject to the selected business services B&O tax. On and after July 1, 1998, these)) GC Inc.'s proceeds are subject to the service and other activities B&O tax classification. B College is considered to be making retail sales of meals to the guests and must collect and remit retail sales taxes on the gross proceeds of these sales. B College should refer to WAC 458-20-167 to determine whether the retailing B&O tax applies.

     (ii) DF Food Service contracts with Hospital A to manage and operate Hospital A's dietary and cafeteria facilities. DF is to receive a per meal fee for meals provided to Hospital A's patients. DF Food Service retains all proceeds for sales of meals to physicians, nurses, and visitors in the cafeteria.

     The gross proceeds received from Hospital A in regards to the meals provided to the patients is derived from the management of a food service operation. ((For periods prior to July 1, 1998, these proceeds are subject to the selected business services B&O tax. On and after July 1, 1998,)) These proceeds are subject to the service and other activities B&O tax classification. DF, however, is making retail sales of meals to physicians, nurses, and visitors in the cafeteria. DF Food Service must pay retailing B&O, and collect and remit retail sales tax, on the gross proceeds derived from the cafeteria sales.

     (6) Meals furnished to employees. Sales of meals to employees are sales at retail and subject to the retailing B&O and retail sales taxes. This is true whether individual meals are sold, whether a flat charge is made, or whether meals are furnished as a part of the compensation for services rendered.

     (a) Where a specific and reasonable charge is made to the employee, the measure of the tax is the selling price.

     (b) Where no specific charge is made, the measure of the tax will be the average cost per meal served to each employee, based upon the actual cost of the food.

     (c) It is often impracticable to collect the retail sales tax from employees on such sales. The employer may, in lieu of collecting such tax from employees, pay the tax directly to the department of revenue.

     (d) Where meals furnished to employees are not recorded as sales, the tax due shall be presumed to apply according to the following formula for determining meal count:

     (i) Those employees working shifts up to five hours, one meal; and

     (ii) Employees working shifts of more than five hours, two meals.

     (7) Sales of meals, beverages, and food at prices including sales tax. Persons who advertise and/or sell meals, alcoholic or other beverages, or any kind of food products upon which retail sales tax is due should refer to WAC 458-20-244 (Food ((products)) and food ingredients), WAC 458-20-124 (restaurants, etc.), and WAC 458-20-107 (Advertised prices including sales tax). The taxability of persons operating class H licensed restaurants is specifically addressed in WAC 458-20-124.

     (8) Gratuities. Tips or gratuities representing donations or gifts by customers under circumstances which are clearly voluntary are not part of the selling price subject to tax. However, mandatory additions to the price by the seller, whether labeled service charges, tips, gratuities, or otherwise must be included in the selling price and are subject to both the retailing classification of the B&O tax and the retail sales tax.

     (9) Examples. The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax results of other situations must be determined after a review of all facts and circumstances.

     (a) ABC Hospital operates a cafeteria and sells meals to physicians and to persons who are visiting patients in the hospital. Meals are also provided to its employees at no charge. However, there is no accounting for the number of meals consumed by the employees. Payroll records do record the number of hours worked. On average, employees working shifts of up to five hours consume one meal while those working shifts of more than five hours consume two meals.

     ABC Hospital is subject to retailing and retail sales taxes on the gross proceeds derived from the sales of meals to physicians and visitors. The retailing and retail sales taxes also apply to the value of meals consumed by ABC's employees. The value subject to tax is determined by the average cost of meals consumed by the employees, based upon the actual cost of the food items, multiplied by the number of meals as determined through a review of the payroll records. While the presumption is that employees working shifts of up to five hours consume one meal with those working shifts of five to eight hours consuming two, this presumption may be rebutted under particular circumstances.

     (b) X operates a boarding house and provides lodging and meals to ten nontransient residents. Each resident is charged a lump sum to cover both lodging and meals with no accounting for a fair selling price for the meals. X is making retail sales of meals to its residents. Retailing and retail sales taxes are due on the value of the meals served. This value must be computed as double the cost of the meal, including the cost of the food and drink ingredients, costs of meal preparation, and other costs associated with the meal preparation such as overhead expenses.

     (c) Y Motor Inn contracts with Z Company to provide catering services for a function to be held at the motor inn. During discussions concerning the services to be provided, Z Company is informed that a 15% gratuity is generally recommended. Z Company negotiates the gratuity percentage to 10% and signs a catering contract stating that the agreed gratuity will be added. The gratuity charged to Z Company is subject to both the retailing B&O and retail sales taxes. This is not a voluntary gratuity since it is required to be paid as a condition of the contract. Gratuities are not part of the selling price only when they are strictly voluntary.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 99-11-107, § 458-20-119, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99; 93-23-019, § 458-20-119, filed 11/8/93, effective 12/9/93; 86-03-016 (Order ET 86-1), § 458-20-119, filed 1/7/86; 82-16-061 (Order ET 82-7), § 458-20-119, filed 7/30/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.01.060(2) and 82.32.300. 78-07-045 (Order ET 78-4), § 458-20-119, filed 6/27/78; Order ET 74-1, § 458-20-119, filed 5/7/74; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-119 (Rule 119), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2807.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 93-23-018, filed 11/8/93, effective 12/9/93)

WAC 458-20-124   Restaurants, cocktail bars, taverns and similar businesses.   (1) Introduction. This section explains Washington's B&O and retail sales tax applications to sales by restaurants and similar businesses. It discusses the sales of meals, beverages and foods at prices inclusive of the retail sales tax. This section also explains how discounted and promotional meals are taxed. Persons operating restaurants and similar businesses should also refer to WAC 458-20-119 and 458-20-244. Persons who merely manage the operations of a restaurant or similar business should refer to WAC 458-20-119 to determine their tax liability. The term "restaurants, cocktail bars, taverns, and similar businesses" means every place where prepared foods and beverages are sold and served to individuals, generally for consumption on the premises where sold.

     (2) Business and occupation tax. The tax liability of restaurants, cocktail bars, taverns and similar businesses is as follows:

     (a) Retailing. Sales to consumers of meals and prepared foods by restaurants, cocktail bars, taverns and similar businesses are subject to the retailing tax classification. Meals provided to employees are presumed to be in exchange for services received from the employee and are retail sales and also subject to the retailing tax. (See WAC 458-20-119, Sales of meals.)

     (b) Wholesaling. Persons making sales of prepared meals to persons who will be reselling the meals are subject to the wholesaling-other tax classification. Sellers must obtain resale certificates for sales made before January 1, 2010, or reseller permits for sales made on or after January 1, 2010, from their customers to ((support the resale nature of any transaction. (See WAC 458-20-102.))) document the wholesale nature of any sale as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). Even though resale certificates are no longer used after December 31, 2009, they must be kept on file by the seller for five years from the date of last use or December 31, 2014.

     (c) Service. Compensation received from owners of coin-operated machines for allowing the placement of those machines at the restaurant, cocktail bar, tavern, or similar business is subject to the service and other business activities tax. Persons operating games of chance should refer to WAC 458-20-131.

     (3) Retail sales tax. Sales to consumers of meals and prepared foods by restaurants, cocktail bars, taverns and similar businesses are generally subject to retail sales tax. This includes the meals sold or furnished to the employees of the business. A retail sales tax exemption is available for the following sales of meals:

     (a) Prepared meals sold under a state-administered nutrition program for the aged as provided for in the Older Americans Act (Public Law 95-478 Title III) and RCW 74.38.040(6);

     (b) Prepared meals sold to or for senior citizens, disabled persons, or low-income persons by a not-for-profit organization organized under chapter 24.03 or 24.12 RCW;

     (c) Prepared meals sold to the federal government. (See WAC 458-20-190.) However, meals sold to federal employees are taxable, even if the federal employee will be reimbursed for the cost of the meals by the federal government.

     (4) Deferred sales or use tax. If the seller fails to collect the appropriate retail sales tax, the purchaser is required to pay the deferred sales or use tax directly to the department.

     (a) Purchases of dishes, kitchen utensils, linens, and items which do not become an ingredient of the meal, are subject to retail sales tax.

     (b) Retail sales tax or use tax applies to purchases of equipment, repairs, appliances, and construction.

     (c) The retail sales or use tax does not apply to purchases of food or beverage products which are ingredients of the meals being sold.

     (d) Purchases of paper plates, paper cups, paper napkins, toothpicks, or any other articles which are furnished to customers, the first actual use of which renders such articles unfit for further use, are not subject to retail sales tax when purchased by restaurants and similar businesses making actual sales of meals.

     (5) Combination businesses. Persons operating a combination of two kinds of food sales businesses, of which one is the sale of food for immediate consumption (i.e., a bakery selling food products ready for consumption and in bulk quantities), are required to keep their accounting records and sales receipts segregated between taxable and tax exempt sales. Persons operating a combination business should refer to WAC 458-20-244.

     (6) Discounted meals, promotional meals, and meals given away. Persons who sell meals on a "two for one" or similar basis are not giving away a free meal, but rather are selling two meals at a discounted price. Both the retailing B&O and retail sales taxes should be calculated on the reduced price actually received by the seller.

     (a) Persons who provide meals free of charge to persons other than employees are consumers of those meals. ((However, certain food products are statutorily exempt of retail sales or use tax unless sold by a retail vendor where the food product must be handled by a person required to have a food handler's permit. For tax reporting periods beginning with December 1, 1993,)) Persons operating restaurants or similar businesses((, where a food handler's permit is required, will)) are not ((be)) required to report use tax on food ((products)) and food ingredients given away, even if the food ((products)) or food ingredients are part of prepared meals. For example, a restaurant providing meals to the homeless or hot dogs free of charge to a little league team will not incur a retail sales or use tax liability with respect to these items given away. A sale has not occurred, and the food ((products)) and food ingredients exemption applies. Should the restaurant provide the little league team with ((carbonated beverages)) soft drinks free of charge, the restaurant will incur a deferred retail sales or use tax liability with respect to those ((carbonated beverages. Carbonated beverages are not considered food products for the purposes of the food products exemption.)) soft drinks. Soft drinks are excluded from the exemption for food and food ingredients. (See ((also)) WAC 458-20-244 ((for a list of exempt food products)) Food and food ingredients.)

     (b) Meals provided to employees are presumed to be in exchange for services received from the employee and are not considered to be given away. These meals are retail sales. (See WAC 458-20-119 on employee meals.)

     (7) Sales of meals, beverages and food at prices including sales tax. Persons may advertise and/or sell meals, beverages, or any kind of food product at prices including sales tax. Any person electing to advertise and/or make sales in this manner must clearly indicate this pricing method on the menus and other price information.

     If sales slips, sales invoices, or dinner checks are given to the customer, the sales tax must be separately stated on all such sales slips, sales invoices, or dinner checks. If not separately stated on the sales slips, sales invoices, or dinner checks, it will be presumed that retail sales tax was not collected. In such cases the measure of tax will be gross receipts. (Refer also to WAC 458-20-107.)

     (8) Class H restaurants. Restaurants operating under the authority of a class H liquor license generally have both dining and cocktail lounge areas. Customers purchasing beverages or food in lounge areas are generally not given sales invoices, sales slips, or dinner checks, nor are they generally provided with menus.

     (a) Many class H restaurants elect to sell beverages or food at prices inclusive of the sales tax in the cocktail lounge area. If this pricing method is used, notification that retail sales tax is included in the price of the beverages or foods must be posted in the lounge area in a manner and location so that customers can see the notice without entering employee work areas. It will be presumed that no retail sales tax has been collected or is included in the gross receipts when a notice is not posted and the customer does not receive a sales slip or sales invoice separately stating the retail sales tax.

     (b) The election to include retail sales tax in the selling price in one area of a location does not preclude the restaurant operator from selling beverages or food at a price exclusive of sales tax in another. For example, an operator of a class H restaurant may elect to include the retail sales tax in the price charged for beverages in the lounge area, while the price charged in the dining area is exclusive of the sales tax.

     (c) Class H restaurants are not required to post actual drink prices in the cocktail lounge areas. However, if actual prices are posted, the advertising requirements expressed in WAC 458-20-107 must be met.

     (9)     Gratuities. Tips or gratuities representing donations or gifts by customers under circumstances which are clearly voluntary are not part of the selling price subject to tax. However, mandatory additions to the price by the seller, whether labeled service charges, tips, gratuities or otherwise must be included in the selling price and are subject to both the retailing B&O and retail sales taxes. (Refer also to WAC 458-20-119.)

     (10) Vending machines and amusement devices. Persons owning and operating vending machines and amusement devices should refer to WAC 458-20-187 (Coin operated vending machines, amusement devices and service machines).

     (11) Examples. The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax status of each situation must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances.

     (a) ABC Coffee Shop has its own bakery and also a counter and tables where it sells pastries and coffee for immediate consumption. ABC also sells donuts and other bakery items for consumption off the premises. No beverages are sold in unsealed containers except for consumption on the premises. ABC accounts separately for its sales of products which are not intended for immediate consumption through a coding maintained by the cash register. ABC is operating a combination business. It is required to collect retail sales tax on items sold for consumption on the premises, but is not required to collect retail sales tax on baked goods intended for consumption off the premises.

     (b) XYZ Restaurant operates both a cocktail bar and a dining area. XYZ has elected to sell drinks and appetizers in the bar at prices including the retail sales tax while selling drinks and meals served in the dining area at prices exclusive of the sales tax. There is a sign posted in the bar area advising customers that all prices include retail sales tax. Customers in the dining area are given sales invoices which separately state the retail sales tax. As an example, a typical well drink purchased in the bar for $2.50 inclusive of the sales tax, is sold for $2.50 plus sales tax in the dining area. The pricing requirements have been satisfied and the drink and food totals are correctly reflected on the customers' dinner checks. XYZ may factor the retail sales tax out of the cocktail bar gross receipts when determining its retailing and retail sales tax liability.

     (c) RBS Restaurant operates both a cocktail bar and a dining area. RBS has elected to sell drinks at prices inclusive of retail sales tax for all areas where drinks are served. It has a sign posted to inform customers in the bar area of this fact and a statement is also on the dinner menu indicating that any charges for drinks includes retail sales tax. Dinner checks are given to customers served in the dining area which state the price of the meal exclusive of sales tax, sales tax on the meal, and the drink price including retail sales tax. Because the business has met the sign posting requirement in the bar area and has indicated on the menu that sales tax is included in the price of the drinks, RBS may factor the sales tax out of the gross receipts received from its drink sales when determining its taxable retail sales.

     (d) Z Tavern sells all foods and drinks at a price inclusive of the retail sales tax. However, there is no mention of this pricing structure on its menus or reader boards. The gross receipts from Z Tavern's food and drink sales are subject to the retailing and retail sales taxes. Z Tavern has failed to meet the conditions for selling foods and drinks at prices including tax. Z Tavern may not assume that the gross receipts include any sales tax and may not factor the retail sales tax out of the gross receipts.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 93-23-018, § 458-20-124, filed 11/8/93, effective 12/9/93; 83-07-034 (Order ET 83-17), § 458-20-124, filed 3/15/83; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-124 (Rule 124), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2808.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-01-126, filed 12/18/03, effective 1/18/04)

WAC 458-20-135   Extracting natural products.   (1) Introduction. This ((rule)) section explains the application of the business and occupation (B&O), retail sales, and use taxes to persons extracting natural products. Persons extracting natural products often use the same extracted products in a manufacturing process. The ((rule)) section provides guidance for determining when an extracting activity ends and the manufacturing activity begins. In addition to all other taxes, commercial fishermen may be subject to the enhanced food fish excise tax levied by chapter 82.27 RCW (Tax on enhanced food fish).

     Persons engaging in activities associated with timber harvest operations should refer to WAC 458-20-13501 (Timber harvest operations). Persons engaged in a manufacturing activity should also refer to WAC 458-20-136 (Manufacturing, processing for hire, fabricating) and 458-20-13601 (Manufacturers and processors for hire--Sales and use tax exemptions for machinery and equipment).

     (2) Who is an "extractor"? RCW 82.04.100 defines the term "extractor" to mean every person who, from the person's own land or from the land of another under a right or license granted by lease or contract, either directly or by contracting with others for the necessary labor or mechanical services, for sale or for commercial or industrial use mines, quarries, takes or produces coal, oil, natural gas, ore, stone, sand, gravel, clay, mineral, or other natural resource product. The term includes a person who fells, cuts, or takes timber, Christmas trees other than plantation Christmas trees, or other natural products. It also includes any person who takes fish, shellfish, or other sea or inland water foods or products.

     (a) Persons excluded from the definition of "extractor." The term "extractor" does not include:

     (i) Persons performing under contract the necessary labor or mechanical services for others (these persons are extractors for hire, see subsection (4) ((below)) of this section); or

     (ii) Persons who are farmers as defined in RCW 82.04.213. Refer to WAC 458-20-209 and 458-20-210 for tax-reporting information for farmers and persons selling property to or performing horticultural services for farmers.

     (b) When an extractor is also a manufacturer. An extractor may subsequently take an extracted product and use it as a raw material in a manufacturing process. The following examples explain when an extracting process ends and a manufacturing process begins for various situations. These examples should be used only as a general guide. A determination of when extracting ends and manufacturing begins for other situations can be made only after a review of all of the facts and circumstances.

     (i) Mining and quarrying. Mining and quarrying operations are extracting activities, and generally include the screening, sorting, and piling of rock, sand, stone, gravel, or ore. For example, an operation that extracts rock, then screens, sorts, and with no further processing places the rock into piles for sale, is an extracting operation.

     (A) The crushing and/or blending of rock, sand, stone, gravel, or ore are manufacturing activities. These are manufacturing activities whether or not the materials were previously screened or sorted.

     (B) Screening, sorting, piling, or washing of the material, when the activity takes place in conjunction with crushing or blending at the site where the materials are taken or produced, is considered a part of the manufacturing operation if it takes place after the first screen. If there is no separate first screen, only those activities subsequent to the materials being deposited into the screen are considered a part of the manufacturing operation.

     (ii) Commercial fishing. Commercial fishing operations, including the taking of any fish in Washington waters (within the statutory limits of the state of Washington) and the taking of shellfish or other sea or inland water foods or products, are extracting activities. These activities often include the removal of meat from the shell and the icing of fish or sea products.

     (A) A person growing, raising, or producing a product of aquaculture as defined in RCW 15.85.020 on the person's own land or on land in which the person has a present right of possession is considered a farmer. RCW 82.04.213.

     (B) Cleaning (removal of the head, fins, or viscera), filleting, and/or steaking fish are manufacturing activities. The cooking of fish or seafood is also a manufacturing activity. Refer to RCW 82.04.260 and WAC 458-20-136 for information regarding the special BO tax rate/classification that applies to the manufacturing of seafood products that remain in a raw, raw frozen, or raw salted state.

     (C) The removal of meat from the shell or the icing of fish or sea products, when the activity is performed in conjunction with and at the site where manufacturing takes place (e.g., cooking the fish or seafood), is considered a part of the manufacturing operation.

     (3) Tax-reporting responsibilities for income received by extractors. Extractors are subject to the extracting B&O tax upon the value of the extracted products. (See WAC 458-20-112 regarding "value of products.") Extractors who sell the products at retail or wholesale in this state are subject to either the retailing or wholesaling B&O tax, as the case may be. In such cases, the extractor must report under both the "production" (extracting) and "selling" (wholesaling or retailing) classifications of the B&O tax, and claim a tax credit under the multiple activities tax credit (MATC). See also WAC 458-20-19301 (Multiple activities tax credits) for a more detailed explanation of the MATC reporting requirements.

     For example, Corporation quarries rock without further processing. Corporation sells and delivers the rock to Landscaper, who is located in Washington. Landscaper provides Corporation with a resale certificate (WAC 458-20-102A) for purchases made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit (WAC 458-20-102) for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010. Corporation should report under both the extracting and wholesaling BO tax classifications, and claim a MATC per WAC 458-20-19301. Had Corporation delivered the quarried rock to an out-of-state location, Corporation would have incurred only an extracting BO tax liability.

     (a) When extractors use their products in a manufacturing process. Persons who extract products, use these extracted products in a manufacturing process, and then sell the products all within Washington are subject to both "production" taxes (extracting and manufacturing) and the "selling" tax (wholesaling or retailing), and may claim the appropriate credits under the MATC. (See also WAC 458-20-136 on manufacturing.)

     For example, Company quarries rock (an extracting activity), crushes and blends the rock (a manufacturing activity), and sells the resulting product at retail. The taxable value of the extracted rock is $50,000 (the amount subject to the extracting B&O tax). The taxable value of the crushed and blended rock is $140,000 (the amount subject to the manufacturing B&O tax). The crushed and blended rock is sold for $140,000 (the amount subject to the retailing B&O tax). Assume the tax rates for the extracting and manufacturing B&O taxes are .00484, and the tax rate for the retailing B&O tax is .00471. Company should compute its tax liability as follows:

     (i) Reporting BO tax on the combined excise tax return:

     (A) Extracting BO tax liability of $242 ($50,000 x .00484);

     (B) Manufacturing BO tax liability of $678 ($140,000 x .00484); and

     (C) Retailing BO tax liability of $659 ($140,000 x .00471).

     (ii) Completing the multiple activities tax credit (Part II of Schedule C):

Activity which results in a tax credit	Taxable Amount	Business and Occupation Tax Reported
		Extracting	Manufacturing	Wholesaling	Retailing	Total Credit
Washington extracted products manufactured in Washington	50,000	242	242			242
Washington extracted products sold in Washington
Washington manufactured products sold in Washington	140,000		678		659	659
			Multiple Activities Tax Credit Subtotal of taxes paid to Washington state			901
					Credit ID 800	901

     Schedule C helps taxpayers calculate and claim the multiple activities tax credit provided by RCW 82.04.440. In the Schedule C example above, materials that a person extracts and then uses in a manufacturing process in Washington are entered at their value when extracting ceases and manufacturing begins ($50,000 shown on the "Washington extracted products manufactured in Washington" line of the Schedule C). The taxable amount reported on the "Washington manufactured products sold in Washington" line of the Schedule C is the value of products at the point that manufacturing ceases ($140,000), not simply the value added by the manufacturing activity. For more information and examples that are helpful in determining the value of products, refer to WAC 458-20-112 (Value of products).

     (b) When extractors sell their products at retail or wholesale. An extractor making retail sales must collect and remit retail sales tax on all sales to consumers, unless the sale is exempt by law (e.g., see WAC 458-20-244 regarding sales of certain food products). Extractors making wholesale sales must obtain resale certificates for sales made before January 1, 2010, or reseller permits for sales made on or after January 1, 2010, from their customers to document the wholesale nature of any transaction((. (Refer to WAC 458-20-102 on resale certificates.))) as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). Even though resale certificates are no longer used after December 31, 2009, they must be kept on file by the seller for five years from the date of last use or December 31, 2014.

     (4) Tax-reporting responsibilities for income received by extractors for hire. Persons performing extracting activities for extractors are subject to the extracting for hire B&O tax upon their gross income from those services.

     For example, a person removing ore, waste, or overburden at a mining pit for the operator of the mining operation is an extractor for hire. Likewise, a person drilling to locate or provide access to a satisfactory grade of ore at the mining pit for the operator is also an extractor for hire. The gross income derived from these activities is subject to the extracting for hire B&O tax classification.

     (5) Mining or mineral rights. Royalties or charges in the nature of royalties for granting another the privilege or right to remove minerals, rock, sand, or other natural resource product are subject to the service and other activities B&O tax. The special B&O tax rate provided by RCW 82.04.2907 does not apply because this statute specifically excludes compensation received for any natural resource. Refer also to RCW 82.45.035 and WAC 458-61-520 (Mineral rights and mining claims) for more information regarding the sale of mineral rights and the real estate excise tax.

     Income derived from the sale or rental of real property, whether designated as royalties or another term, is exempt of the B&O tax.

     (6) Tax liability with respect to purchases of equipment or supplies and property extracted and/or manufactured for commercial or industrial use. The retail sales tax applies to all purchases of equipment, component parts of equipment, and supplies by persons engaging in extracting or extracting for hire activities unless a specific exemption applies. If the seller fails to collect the appropriate retail sales tax, the buyer is required to remit the retail sales tax (commonly referred to as "deferred retail sales tax") or use tax directly to the department.

     (a) Exemption available for certain manufacturing equipment. RCW 82.08.02565 and 82.12.02565 provide retail sales and use tax exemptions for certain machinery and equipment used by manufacturers and processors for hire. While this exemption does not extend to extractors or extractors for hire, persons engaged in both extracting and manufacturing activities should refer to WAC 458-20-13601 for an explanation of how these exemptions may apply to them.

     (b) Property manufactured for commercial or industrial use. Persons manufacturing tangible personal property for commercial or industrial use are subject to both the manufacturing B&O and use taxes upon the value of the property manufactured, unless a specific exemption applies. (See also WAC 458-20-134 on commercial or industrial use.)

     If the person also extracts materials used in the manufacturing process, the extracting B&O tax is due on the value of the extracted materials and a MATC may be taken. For example, Quarry extracts rock, crushes the rock into desired size, and then uses the crushed rock in its parking lot. The use of the crushed rock by Quarry in its parking lot is a commercial or industrial use. Quarry is subject to the extracting and manufacturing B&O taxes and may claim a MATC. Quarry is also responsible for remitting use tax on the value of the crushed rock applied to the parking lot.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300 and 82.01.060(2). 04-01-126, § 458-20-135, filed 12/18/03, effective 1/18/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 00-11-096, § 458-20-135, filed 5/17/00, effective 6/17/00; 86-09-058 (Order ET 86-7), § 458-20-135, filed 4/17/86; 83-07-034 (Order ET 83-17), § 458-20-135, filed 3/15/83. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.01.060(2) and 82.32.300. 78-07-045 (Order ET 78-4), § 458-20-135, filed 6/27/78; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-135 (Rule 135), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2809.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-11-096, filed 5/17/00, effective 6/17/00)

WAC 458-20-136   Manufacturing, processing for hire, fabricating.   (1) Introduction. This ((rule)) section explains the application of the business and occupation (B&O), retail sales, and use taxes to manufacturers. It identifies the special tax classifications and rates that apply to specific manufacturing activities. The law provides a retail sales and use tax exemption for certain machinery and equipment used by manufacturers. Refer to RCW 82.08.02565, 82.12.02565, and WAC 458-20-13601 (Manufacturers and processors for hire--Sales and use tax exemption for machinery and equipment) for more information regarding this exemption. Persons engaging in both extracting and manufacturing activities should also refer to WAC 458-20-135 (Extracting natural products) and 458-20-13501 (Timber harvest operations).

     (2) Manufacturing activities. RCW 82.04.120 explains that the phrase "to manufacture" embraces all activities of a commercial or industrial nature wherein labor or skill is applied, by hand or machinery, to materials so that as a result thereof a new, different, or useful substance or articles of tangible personal property is produced for sale or commercial or industrial use. The phrase includes the production or fabrication of special-made or custom-made articles.

     (a) "To manufacture" includes, but is not limited to:

     (i) The production or fabrication of dental appliances, devices, restorations, substitutes, or other dental laboratory products by a dental laboratory or dental technician((, effective October 1, 1998 (chapter 168, Laws of 1998)));

     (ii) The cutting, delimbing, and measuring of felled, cut, or taken trees;

     (iii) The crushing and/or blending of rock, sand, stone, gravel, or ore; and

     (iv) The cleaning (removal of the head, fins, or viscera) of fish.

     (b) "To manufacture" does not include:

     (i) The conditioning of seed for use in planting;

     (ii) The cubing of hay or alfalfa;

     (iii) The growing, harvesting, or producing of agricultural products;

     (iv) The cutting, grading, or ice glazing of seafood which has been cooked, frozen, or canned outside this state;

     (v) The packing of agricultural products, including sorting, washing, rinsing, grading, waxing, treating with fungicide, packaging, chilling, or placing in controlled atmospheric storage; and

     (vi) The repairing and reconditioning of tangible personal property for others.

     (3) Manufacturers and processors for hire. RCW 82.04.110 defines "manufacturer" to mean every person who, either directly or by contracting with others for the necessary labor or mechanical services, manufactures for sale or for commercial or industrial use from his or her own materials or ingredients any articles, substances, or commodities. However, a nonresident of the state of Washington who is the owner of materials processed for it in this state by a processor for hire is not deemed to be a manufacturer in this state because of that processing. Additionally, any owner of materials from which a nuclear fuel assembly is fabricated in this state by a processor for hire is also not deemed to be a manufacturer because of such processing.

     (a) The term "processor for hire" means a person who performs labor and mechanical services upon property belonging to others so that as a result a new, different, or useful article of tangible personal property is produced for sale or commercial or industrial use. Thus, a processor for hire is any person who would be a manufacturer if that person were performing the labor and mechanical services upon his or her own materials.

     (b) If a particular activity is excluded from the definition of "to manufacture," a person performing the labor and mechanical services upon materials owned by another is not a processor for hire. For example, the cutting, grading, or ice glazing of seafood that has been cooked, frozen, or canned outside this state is excluded from the definition of "to manufacture." Because of this exclusion, a person who performs these activities on seafood belonging to others is not a "processor for hire."

     (c) A person who produces aluminum master alloys, regardless of the portion of the aluminum provided by that person's customer, is considered a "processor for hire." RCW 82.04.110. For the purpose of this specific provision, the term "aluminum master alloy" means an alloy registered with the Aluminum Association as a grain refiner or a hardener alloy using the American National Standards Institute designating system H35.3.

     (d) In some instances, a person furnishing the labor and mechanical services undertakes to produce an article, substance, or commodity from materials or ingredients furnished in part by the person and in part by the customer. Depending on the circumstances, this person will either be considered a manufacturer or a processor for hire.

     (i) If the person furnishing the labor and mechanical services furnishes materials constituting less than twenty percent of the value of all of the materials or ingredients which become a part of the produced product, that person will be presumed to be processing for hire.

     (ii) The person furnishing the labor and mechanical services will be presumed to be a manufacturer if the value of the materials or ingredients furnished by the person is equal to or greater than twenty percent of the total value of all materials or ingredients which become a part of the produced product.

     (iii) If the person furnishing the labor and mechanical services supplies, sells, or furnishes to the customer, before processing, twenty percent or more in value of the materials or ingredients from which the product is produced, the person furnishing the labor and mechanical services will be deemed to be the owner of the materials and considered a manufacturer.

     (e) There are occasions where a manufacturing facility and ingredients used in the manufacturing process are owned by one person, while another person performs the actual manufacturing activity. The person operating the facility and performing the manufacturing activity is a processor for hire. The owner of the facility and ingredients is the manufacturer.

     (4) Tax-reporting responsibilities for income received by manufacturers and processors for hire. Persons who manufacture products in this state are subject to the manufacturing B&O tax upon the value of the products, including by-products (see also WAC 458-20-112 regarding "value of products"), unless the activity qualifies for one of the special tax rates discussed in subsection (5)((, below)) of this section. See also WAC 458-20-193 (Inbound and outbound interstate sales of tangible personal property).

     For example, Corporation A stains door panels that it purchases. Corporation A also affixes hinges, guide wheels, and pivots to unstained door panels. Corporation B shears steel sheets to dimension, and slits steel coils to customer's requirements. The resulting products are sold and delivered to out-of-state customers. Corporation A and Corporation B are subject to the manufacturing B&O tax upon the value of these manufactured products. These manufacturing activities take place in Washington, even though the manufactured product is delivered out-of-state. A credit may be available if a gross receipts tax is paid on the selling activity to another state. (See also WAC 458-20-19301 on multiple activities tax credits.)

     (a) Manufacturers who sell their products at retail or wholesale in this state are also subject to either the retailing or wholesaling B&O tax, as the case may be. In such cases, the manufacturer must report under both the "production" (manufacturing) and "selling" (wholesaling or retailing) classifications of the B&O tax, and claim a multiple activities tax credit (MATC). See also WAC 458-20-19301 for a more detailed explanation of the MATC reporting requirements.

     For example, Incorporated purchases raw fish that it fillets and/or steaks. The resulting product is then sold at wholesale in its raw form to customers located in Washington. Incorporated is subject to both the manufacturing raw seafood B&O tax upon the value of the manufactured product, and the wholesaling B&O tax upon the gross proceeds of sale. Incorporated is entitled to claim a MATC.

     (b) Processors for hire are subject to the processing for hire B&O tax upon the total charge made to those services, including any charge for materials furnished by the processor. The B&O tax applies whether the resulting product is delivered to the customer within or outside this state.

     (c) The measure of tax for manufacturers and processors for hire with respect to "cost-plus" or "time and material" contracts includes the amount of profit or fee above cost received, plus the reimbursements or prepayments received on account of materials and supplies, labor costs, taxes paid, payments made to subcontractors, and all other costs and expenses incurred by the manufacturer or processor for hire.

     (d) A manufacturing B&O tax exemption is available for the cleaning of fish, if the cleaning activities are limited to the removal of the head, fins, or viscera from fresh fish without further processing other than freezing. RCW 82.04.2403. Processors for hire performing these cleaning activities remain subject to the processing for hire B&O tax.

     (e) Amounts received by hop growers or dealers for hops shipped outside the state of Washington for first use, even though the hops have been processed into extract, pellets, or powder in this state are exempt from the B&O tax. RCW 82.04.337. However, a processor for hire with respect to hops is not exempt on amounts charged for processing these products.

     (f) Manufacturers and processors for hire making retail sales must collect and remit retail sales tax on all sales to consumers, unless the sale is exempt by law (e.g., see WAC 458-20-244 regarding sales of certain food products). A manufacturer or processor for hire making wholesale sales must obtain resale certificates for sales made before January 1, 2010, or reseller permits for sales made on or after January 1, 2010, from the customers to document the wholesale nature of any ((transaction. (Refer to WAC 458-20-102 on resale certificates.))) sale as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). Even though resale certificates are no longer used after December 31, 2009, they must be kept on file by the seller for five years from the date of last use or December 31, 2014.

     (5) Manufacturing--Special tax rates/classifications. RCW 82.04.260 provides several special B&O tax rates/classifications for manufacturers engaging in certain manufacturing activities. In all such cases the principles set forth in subsection (4) of this ((rule)) section concerning multiple activities and the resulting credit provisions are also applicable.

     (((a))) Special tax classifications/rates are provided for the activities of:

     (((i))) (a) Manufacturing wheat into flour, barley into pearl barley, soybeans into soybean oil, canola into canola oil, meal, or canola by-products, or sunflower seeds into sunflower oil;

     (((ii))) (b) Splitting or processing dried peas;

     (((iii))) (c) Manufacturing seafood products, which remain in a raw, raw frozen, or raw salted state;

     (((iv))) (d) Manufacturing by canning, preserving, freezing, processing, or dehydrating fresh fruits and vegetables;

     (((v))) (e) Slaughtering, breaking, and/or processing perishable meat products and/or selling the same at wholesale and not at retail; and

     (((vi))) (f) Manufacturing nuclear fuel assemblies.

     (6) Repairing and/or refurbishing distinguished from manufacturing. The term "to manufacture" does not include the repair or refurbishing of tangible personal property. To be considered "manufacturing," the application of labor or skill to materials must result in a "new, different, or useful article." If the activity merely restores an existing article of tangible personal property to its original utility, the activity is considered a repair or refurbishing of that property. (See WAC 458-20-173 for tax-reporting information on repairs.)

     (a) In making a determination whether an activity is manufacturing as opposed to a repair or reconditioning activity, consideration is given to a variety of factors including, but not limited to:

     (i) Whether the activity merely restores or prolongs the useful life of the article;

     (ii) Whether the activity significantly enhances the article's basic qualities, properties, or functional nature; and

     (iii) Whether the activity is so extensive that a new, different, or useful article results.

     (b) The following example illustrates the distinction between a manufacturing activity resulting in a new, different, or useful article, and the mere repair or refurbishment of an existing article. This example should only be used as a general guide. The tax results of other situations must be determined after a review of all the facts and circumstances. In cases of uncertainty, persons should contact the department for a ruling.

     (i) Corporation rebuilds engine cores. When received, each core is assigned an individual identification number and disassembled. The cylinder head, connecting rods, crankshaft, valves, springs, nuts, and bolts are all removed and retained for reassembly into the same engine core. Unusable components are discarded. The block is then baked to burn off dirt and impurities, then blasted to remove any residue. The cylinder walls are rebored because of wear and tear. The retained components are cleaned, and if needed straightened and/or reground. Corporation then reassembles the cores, replacing the pistons, gaskets, timing gears, crankshaft bearings, and oil pumps with new parts. The components retained from the original engine core are incorporated only into that same core.

     (ii) Corporation is under these circumstances not engaging in a manufacturing activity. The engine cores are restored to their original condition, albeit with a slightly larger displacement because of wear and tear. The cores have retained their original functional nature as they run with approximately the same efficiency and horsepower. The rebuilding of these cores is not so extensive as to result in a new, different, or useful article. Each engine core has retained its identity because all reusable components of the original core are reassembled in the same core. Corporation has taken an existing article and extended its useful life.

     (7) Combining and/or assembly of products to achieve a special purpose as manufacturing. The physical assembly of products from various components is manufacturing because it results in a "new, different, or useful" product, even if the cost of the assembly activity is minimal when compared with the cost of the components. For example, the bolting of a motor to a pump, whether bolted directly or by using a coupling, is a manufacturing activity. Once physically joined, the resulting product is capable of performing a pumping function that the separate components cannot.

     (a) In some cases the assembly may consist solely of combining parts from various suppliers to create an entirely different product that is sold as a kit for assembly by the purchaser. In these situations, the manufacturing B&O tax applies even if the person combining the parts does not completely assemble the components, but sells them as a package. For example, a person who purchases component parts from various suppliers to create a wheelbarrow, which will be sold in a "kit" or "knock-down" condition with some assembly required by purchaser, is a manufacturer. The purchaser of the wheelbarrow kit is not a manufacturer, however, even though the purchaser must attach the handles and wheel.

     (b) The department considers various factors in determining if a person combining various items into a single package is engaged in a manufacturing activity. Any single one of the following factors is not considered conclusive evidence of a manufacturing activity, though the presence of one or more of these factors raises a presumption that a manufacturing activity is being performed:

     (i) The ingredients are purchased from various suppliers;

     (ii) The person combining the ingredients attaches his or her own label to the resulting product;

     (iii) The ingredients are purchased in bulk and broken down to smaller sizes;

     (iv) The combined product is marketed at a substantially different value from the selling price of the individual components; and

     (v) The person combining the items does not sell the individual items except within the package.

     (c) The following examples should be used only as a general guide. The specific facts and circumstances of each situation must be carefully examined to determine if the combining of ingredients is a manufacturing activity or merely a packaging or marketing activity. In cases of uncertainty, persons combining items into special purpose packages should contact the department for a ruling.

     (i) Combining prepackaged food products and gift items into a wicker basket for sale as a gift basket is not a manufacturing activity when:

     (A) The products combined in the basket retain their original packaging;

     (B) The person does not attach his or her own labels to the components or the combined basket;

     (C) The person maintains an inventory for sale of the individual components and does sell these items in this manner as well as the combined baskets.

     (ii) Combining bulk food products and gift items into a wicker basket for sale as a gift basket is a manufacturing activity when:

     (A) The bulk food products purchased by the taxpayer are broken into smaller quantities; and

     (B) The taxpayer attaches its own labels to the combined basket.

     (iii) Combining components into a kit for sale is not a manufacturing activity when:

     (A) All components are conceived, designed, and specifically manufactured by and at the person's direction to be used with each other;

     (B) The person's label is attached to or imprinted upon the components by supplier;

     (C) The person packages the components with no further assembly, connection, reconfiguration, change, or processing.

     (8) Tax liability with respect to purchases of equipment or supplies and property manufactured for commercial or industrial use. The retail sales tax applies to purchases of tangible personal property by manufacturers and processors for hire unless the property becomes an ingredient or component part of a new article produced for sale, or is a chemical used in the processing of an article for sale. If the seller fails to collect the appropriate retail sales tax, the buyer is required to remit the retail sales tax (commonly referred to as "deferred retail sales tax") or use tax directly to the department. Refer to WAC 458-20-113 for additional information about what qualifies as an ingredient or component or a chemical used in processing.

     (a) RCW 82.08.02565 and 82.12.02565 provide a retail sales and use tax exemption for certain machinery and equipment used by manufacturers and/or processors for hire. Refer to WAC 458-20-13601 for additional information regarding how these exemptions apply.

     (b) Persons manufacturing tangible personal property for commercial or industrial use are subject to both the manufacturing B&O and use taxes upon the value of the property manufactured, unless a specific exemption applies. (See also WAC 458-20-134 on commercial or industrial use.) Persons who also extract the product used as an ingredient in a manufacturing process should refer to WAC 458-20-135 for additional information regarding their tax-reporting responsibilities.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 00-11-096, § 458-20-136, filed 5/17/00, effective 6/17/00; 88-21-014 (Order 88-7), § 458-20-136, filed 10/7/88; 86-20-027 (Order 86-17), § 458-20-136, filed 9/23/86; 83-07-032 (Order ET 83-15), § 458-20-136, filed 3/15/83. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.01.060(2) and 82.32.300. 78-07-045 (Order ET 78-4), § 458-20-136, filed 6/27/78; Order ET 71-1, § 458-20-136, filed 7/22/71; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-136 (Rule 136), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2810.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order ET 70-3, filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70)

WAC 458-20-139   Trade shops -- Printing plate makers, typesetters, and trade binderies.   (((Note: This rule covers all the material previously included in WAC 458-20-139 and 458-20-146.)))

     The term "printing plate makers" includes, among others, photoengravers, electrotypers, stereotypers, and lithographic plate makers.

     Sales of plates, engravings, etc., to advertising agencies are retail sales and subject to the retail sales tax.

     Sales by supply houses to trade shops of metal or other materials becoming a component part of an article produced for sale are not subject to the retail sales tax. As evidence of this, trade shops are required to furnish their vendors resale certificates ((in the usual form)) for purchases made before January 1, 2010, or reseller permits for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010, to document the wholesale nature of any purchase as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). On the other hand, sales to trade shops of items for use such as machinery, equipment, tools, and other articles or materials, including chemicals which are used in the production of plates, mats, engravings, type, etc., are retail sales subject to the retail sales tax.

     ((Revised June 1, 1970.))

[Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-139 (Rule 139), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2811.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order ET 83-15, filed 3/15/83)

WAC 458-20-146   National and state banks, mutual savings banks, savings and loan associations and other financial institutions.  

     Services and other activities. Generally, the gross income from engaging in financial businesses is subject to the business and occupation tax under the classification service and other activities. Following are examples of the types of income taxable under this classification: Interest earned (including interest on loans made to nonresidents unless the financial institution has a business location in the state of the borrower's residence which rendered the banking service), commissions earned, dividends earned, fees and carrying charges, charges for bookkeeping or data processing, safety deposit box rentals. See WAC 458-20-14601 Financial institutions -- Income apportionment.

     The term "gross income" is defined in the law as follows:

     "Gross income of the business" means the value proceeding or accruing by reason of the transaction of the business engaged in and includes gross proceeds of sales, compensation for the rendition of services, gains realized from trading in stocks, bonds, or other evidences of indebtedness, interest, discount, rents, royalties, fees, commissions, dividends, and other emoluments however designated, all without any deduction on account of the cost of tangible property sold, the cost of materials used, labor costs, interest, discount, delivery costs, taxes, or any other expense whatsoever paid or accrued and without any deduction on account of losses.

     The law allows certain deductions from gross income to arrive at the taxable amount (the amount upon which the business and occupation tax is computed). Deductible gross income should be included in the gross amount reported on the excise tax return and should then be shown as a deduction and explained on the deduction schedules ((provided on the reverse side of the reporting form)). The deductions generally applicable to financial businesses include the following:

     (1) Dividends received by a parent from its subsidiary corporations (RCW 82.04.4281).

     (2) Interest received on investments or loans primarily secured by first mortgages or trust deeds on nontransient residential properties. (See WAC 458-20-166 for definition of "transient.") (RCW ((82.04.4291)) 82.04.4292.)

     (3) Interest received on obligations of the state of Washington, its political subdivisions, and municipal corporations organized pursuant to the laws thereof. (RCW ((82.04.4292)) 82.04.4291). A deduction may also be taken for interest received on direct obligations of the federal government, but not for interest attributable to loans or other financial obligations on which the federal government is merely a guarantor or insurer.

     (4) Gross proceeds from sales or rentals of real estate (RCW 82.04.390). These amounts may be entirely excluded from the gross income reported and need not be shown on the return as a deduction.

     Retailing. Sales of tangible personal property and certain services are defined as "retail sales" and are subject to the business and occupation tax under the classification retailing. Such sales are also subject to the retail sales tax which the seller must collect and remit to the department of revenue (department). Transactions taxable as sales at retail are not subject to tax under service and other activities.

     Following are examples of transactions subject to the retailing classification of the business and occupation tax and to the retail sales tax: Sales of meals or confections, sales of repossessed merchandise, sales of promotional material, leases of tangible personal property, sales of check registers, coin banks, personalized checks((.)) (note: When the financial institution is not the seller of these items but simply takes orders as agent for the supplier, the supplier is responsible for reporting as the retail seller. The financial institution has liability for reporting the retail sales tax on sales made as an agent only if the supplier is an out-of-state firm not registered with the department ((of revenue))), escrow fees, casual sales (occasional sales of depreciated assets such as used furniture and office equipment -- subject to retail sales tax but deductible from the business and occupation tax; see WAC 458-20-106 Casual or isolated sales -- Business reorganizations).

     Sales for resale ((certificates)). When a financial institution buys tangible personal property for resale to its customers without intervening use, the sales tax is not applicable. In this case the financial institution should give the vendor a resale certificate ((containing the number of its certificate of registration and its statement that the articles purchased are for resale in the course of its business activities. Resale certificates can be given in blanket form covering all future purchases. (See also WAC 458-20-102.))) for purchases made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010, to document the wholesale nature of any sale as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). Even though resale certificates are no longer used after December 31, 2009, they must be kept on file by the seller for five years from the date of last use or December 31, 2014.

     When tax liability arises. Tax should be reported during the reporting period in which the financial institution receives, becomes legally entitled to receive, or in accord with the system of accounting regularly employed enters the consideration as a charge against the client, purchaser or borrower. Financial institutions may prepare excise tax returns to the department ((of revenue)) reporting income in periods which correspond to accounting methods employed by each institution for its normal accounting purposes in reporting to its supervisory authority.

     ((Reporting procedures. Financial institutions subject to the business and occupation tax, retail sales tax, or use tax must secure a certificate of registration from the department of revenue and pay a registration fee of $15.00. Form 2401, application for certificate of registration, is available at all district offices of the department of revenue or may be obtained by writing directly to the Department of Revenue, Olympia, Washington, 98504.

     Reporting periods will be assigned by the department on the basis of total tax liability incurred. Most financial institutions will be required to report on a monthly basis, although some smaller institutions may qualify for quarterly reporting. Forms for reporting will be mailed shortly before the close of each reporting period and will be due and payable on or before the 15th day of the month following. No penalties will be charged if the return is postmarked on or before the last day of the month in which the due date falls.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 83-07-032 (Order ET 83-15), § 458-20-146, filed 3/15/83; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-146 (Rule 146), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2812.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-16-055, filed 7/30/08, effective 8/30/08)

WAC 458-20-150   Optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians.   (1) Introduction. This section explains the application of Washington's business and occupation (B&O), retail sales, and use taxes to the business activities of optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. It explains the tax liability resulting from the rendering of professional services and the sale of prescription lenses, frames, and other optical merchandise. It also discusses the retail sales tax exemption for the sale of prescription lenses and the B&O tax deduction for prescription drugs administered by a medical service provider. The department of revenue (department) has adopted other ((rules)) sections dealing with the taxability of various activities relating to the provision of health care. Readers may want to refer to the following ((rules)) sections for additional information.

     (a) WAC 458-20-151 (Dentists and other health care providers, dental laboratories, and dental technicians);

     (b) WAC 458-20-168 (Hospitals, nursing homes, boarding homes, adult family homes and similar health care facilities);

     (c) WAC 458-20-18801 (Prescription drugs, prosthetic and orthotic devices, ostomic items, and medically prescribed oxygen); and

     (d) WAC 458-20-233 (Tax liability of medical and hospital service bureaus and associations and similar health care organizations).

     (2) Taxability of professional services. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are subject to the service and other activities B&O tax on their gross income from providing professional services. For the purposes of this section, "professional services" include the examination of the human eye, the examination, identification, and treatment of any defects of the human vision system, and the analysis of the process of vision. It includes the use of any diagnostic instruments or devices for the measurement of the powers or range of vision, or the determination of the refractive powers of the eye or its functions. It does not include the preparation or dispensing of lenses or eyeglasses.

     (3) Purchases and sales of optical merchandise by optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. Purchases of optical merchandise by optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians for resale without intervening use as a consumer are not subject to the retail sales tax. Thus, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians are not required to pay retail sales or use tax on items which will be given to customers as part of a sale of eyeglasses or contact lenses, such as cleaning supplies, carrying cases, and the like. The department considers these items to be sold along with the eyeglasses or contact lenses. An optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician purchasing tangible personal property for resale must furnish a ((properly completed)) resale certificate for purchases made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010, to the seller to document the wholesale nature of the sale((. Resale certificates can be obtained from the department's web site at http://dor.wa.gov, or by calling the department's telephone information center at 1-800-647-7706. For additional information regarding resale certificates, refer to WAC 458-20-102 (Resale certificates).)) as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). Even though resale certificates are no longer used after December 31, 2009, they must be kept on file by the seller for five years from the date of last use or December 31, 2014.

     Sales of optical merchandise to consumers are subject to retailing B&O tax. In addition, the seller must collect retail sales tax unless the sale is specifically exempt by law. For the purposes of this section, "optical merchandise" includes prescription lenses, frames, springs, temples, cases, and other items or accessories to be worn or used with lenses. It also includes nonprescription lenses or eyeglasses.

     For purposes of this section, "prescription lens" means any lens, including contact lens, with power or prism correction for human vision, which has been prescribed in writing by a physician or optometrist. The term "prescription lens" includes all ingredients and component parts of the lens itself, including color, scratch resistant or ultraviolet coating, and fashion tints.

     (a) Are sales of prescription lenses and frames exempt from retail sales tax? As a result of legislation to implement the national Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, effective July 1, 2004, sales of prescription lenses and frames for prescription lenses are exempt from retail sales tax as prosthetic devices under RCW 82.08.0283.

     Before July 1, 2004, sales of prescription lenses were exempt from retail sales tax under RCW 82.08.0281 if the lenses were dispensed by an optician licensed under chapter 18.34 RCW or by a physician or optometrist under a prescription written by a physician or optometrist. Sales of frames for prescription lenses did not qualify for a sales tax exemption. Thus, before July 1, 2004, when prescription lenses were sold with frames, only the prescription lenses were exempt from sales tax.

     (b) Are repairs of prescription lenses and frames subject to retail sales tax? Beginning July 1, 2004, charges for the repair of prescription lenses or to prescription eyeglass frames, whether the frames are the original frames or replacement frames, are exempt from retail sales tax under RCW 82.08.0283. Before July 1, 2004, charges for the repair of prescription lenses were exempt from retail sales tax. Charges for the repair of frames, however, were subject to retail sales tax.

     (c) Segregation of income from different sources. To claim a retail sales tax exemption under RCW 82.08.0281 or 82.08.0283, persons providing or selling any combination of professional services, prescription lenses, prescription eyeglass frames, or other optical merchandise must segregate and separately account for the income derived from each source.

     (d) Examples. The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax status of each situation must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances.

     (i) Taxpayer is an optometrist who performs eye examinations and sells prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical merchandise. All sales of prescription lenses are made under written prescription. Income attributable to the eye examinations, the sale of prescription lenses, and the sale of other optical merchandise is segregated in Taxpayer's books of account.

     The income derived from the eye examinations is subject to service and other activities B&O tax. The gross proceeds of sales of the prescription lenses and other optical merchandise are subject to retailing B&O tax. The sales of prescription lenses, including contact lenses, are exempt from retail sales tax. Beginning July 1, 2004, sales of eyeglass frames with prescription lenses are exempt from retail sales tax. Taxpayer, however, must collect retail sales tax on sales of other optical merchandise, including eyeglass frames sold with prescription lenses before July 1, 2004, and remit the tax to the department.

     (ii) Taxpayer is a retail drugstore that sells preassembled "off-the-shelf" reading glasses. These eyeglasses have lenses with power or prism correction and are sold without a prescription. In addition, Taxpayer sells magnifiers, binoculars, monoculars, and sunglasses. These items are also sold without a prescription.

     The gross proceeds of sales of these items are subject to retailing B&O tax. In addition, Taxpayer must collect retail sales tax on sales of these items and remit the tax to the department. Because these items are not sold under a prescription, nor are they prescribed, fitted, or furnished for the buyer by a person licensed under the laws of this state to prescribe, fit, or furnish prosthetic devices, they are not exempt from retail sales tax under either RCW 82.08.0281 or 82.08.0283.

     (4) Equipment and supplies used by optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. Purchases of equipment and supplies used by optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians are purchases at retail and are subject to retail sales tax unless specifically exempt by law. If the seller does not collect retail sales tax, the optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician must remit the retail sales tax (commonly referred to as "deferred sales tax") or use tax directly to the department unless specifically exempt by law. Deferred sales or use tax should be reported on the buyer's excise tax return. The excise tax return does not have a separate line for reporting deferred sales tax. Consequently, deferred sales tax liability should be reported on the use tax line of the buyer's excise tax return. For detailed information about use tax, refer to WAC 458-20-178 (Use tax).

     (a) Prescription drugs. "Prescription drugs," as defined in RCW 82.08.0281, may be purchased without payment of retail sales or use tax by optometrists and ophthalmologists if all requirements for the exemption are met. For additional information regarding prescription drugs, refer to WAC 458-20-18801.

     (b) Prescription drugs administered by the medical service provider. Effective October 1, 2007, RCW 82.04.620 allows a deduction from the service and other activities classification of the B&O tax (RCW 82.04.290(2)) for amounts received by physicians or clinics for drugs for infusion or injection by licensed physicians or their agents for human use pursuant to a prescription. This deduction only applies to amounts that:

     (i) Are separately stated on invoices or other billing statements;

     (ii) Do not exceed the then current federal rate; and

     (iii) Are covered or required under a health care service program subsidized by the federal or state government.

     For purposes of this deduction only, amounts that "are covered or required under a health care service program subsidized by the federal or state government" include any required drug copayments made directly from the patient to the physician or clinic.

     (A) "Federal rate" means the rate at or below which the federal government or its agents reimburse providers for prescription drugs administered to patients as provided for in the medicare, Part B drugs average sales price information resource as published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, or any index that succeeds it.

     (B) The deduction is available on an "all or nothing" basis against the total of amounts received for a specific drug charge. If the total amount received by the physician or clinic for a specific drug exceeds the federal reimbursement rate, none of the total amount received qualifies for the deduction (including any required copayment received directly from the patient). In other words, a physician or clinic may not simply take an "automatic" deduction equal to the federal reimbursement rate for each drug.

     (c) Samples. Optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians are required to pay use tax on any samples, with the exception of prescription drug samples that they acquire unless retail sales or use tax has been previously paid on these samples.

     (d) Examples. The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax status of each situation must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances.

     (i) Taxpayer is an ophthalmologist who performs eye examinations, laser surgery, and cataract surgery. Taxpayer purchases equipment and supplies that are used in performing these services such as surgical instruments, eye shields, cotton swabs, sterile dressings, bandages, and gauze. Taxpayer also purchased a computer, technical publications, and magazines by mail order and over the internet.

     Taxpayer is subject to retail sales tax on these purchases. If the seller does not collect sales tax, Taxpayer is liable for deferred sales tax or use tax and must remit the tax directly to the department.

     (ii) Taxpayer is an optometrist who performs eye examinations and sells prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical merchandise. Taxpayer purchases nonprescription saline and cleaning solutions for contact lenses and carrying cases for eyeglasses and contact lenses. The saline and cleaning solutions are consumed when Taxpayer performs eye examinations. The eyeglass and contact lens carrying cases are provided to customers at the time they purchase eyeglasses or contact lenses.

     The purchases of the eyeglass and contact lens carrying cases are purchases for resale and are, therefore, not subject to sales tax if Taxpayer provides the seller with a ((properly completed)) resale certificate (WAC 458-20-102A) for sales made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit (WAC 458-20-102) for sales made on or after January 1, 2010. The purchases of the saline and cleaning solutions are, however, subject to the retail sales tax. These solutions are consumed while providing professional services and cannot be considered to be purchased for resale. They also do not qualify for a sales tax exemption under RCW 82.08.0281 as prescription drugs. If retail sales tax was not paid on the saline and cleaning solutions at the time of purchase, Taxpayer must remit deferred sales tax or use tax directly to the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300 and 82.01.060(2). 08-16-055, § 458-20-150, filed 7/30/08, effective 8/30/08; 04-17-023, § 458-20-150, filed 8/9/04, effective 9/9/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 93-19-020, § 458-20-150, filed 9/2/93, effective 10/3/93; 83-07-034 (Order ET 83-17), § 458-20-150, filed 3/15/83; Order 74-2, § 458-20-150, filed 6/24/74; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-150 (Rule 150), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2813.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-17-022, filed 8/9/04, effective 9/9/04)

WAC 458-20-151   Dentists and other health care providers, dental laboratories, and dental technicians.   (1) Introduction. This rule explains the application of business and occupation (B&O), retail sales, and use taxes to the business activities of dentists and other health care providers, dental laboratories, and dental technicians. For purposes of this rule, a "health care provider" is a person who is licensed under the provisions of Title 18 RCW to provide health care services to humans in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession. The department of revenue (department) has adopted other rules dealing with the taxability of various activities relating to the provision of health care. Readers may want to refer to the following rules for additional information:

     (a) WAC 458-20-150 (Optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians);

     (b) WAC 458-20-168 (Hospitals, ((medical)) nursing homes, boarding homes, adult family homes and similar health care facilities((, and adult family homes)));

     (c) WAC 458-20-18801 (Prescription drugs, prosthetic and orthotic devices, ostomic items, and medically prescribed oxygen); and

     (d) WAC 458-20-233 (Tax liability of medical and hospital service bureaus and associations and similar health care organizations).

     (2) Tax-reporting information for dentists and other health care providers. This subsection provides specific tax-reporting information for dentists and more generalized tax-reporting information for other health care providers. Dentists who employ dental technicians to produce or fabricate dental appliances, devices, restorations, substitutes, or other dental laboratory products should refer to subsection (3)(b) and (d) of this rule for additional information. Dental appliances, devices, restorations, substitutes, or other dental laboratory products are also referred to as "dental prostheses" throughout this rule.

     (a) Taxability of dental and other health care services. Dentists and other health care providers are subject to the service and other activities B&O tax on their gross income from performing dental and other health care services. The term "gross income" includes any separate charge for drugs, medicines, and other substances administered or provided to a patient as part of the dental or other health care services delivered to the patient. "Gross income" also includes any separate charges for prosthetic devices, including dental prostheses, that are provided as part of the dental or other health care services delivered to patients.

     For purposes of this rule, "prosthetic device" means a replacement, corrective, or supportive device, including repair and replacement parts for a prosthetic device, worn on or in the body to artificially replace a missing portion of the body, prevent or correct a physical deformity or malfunction, or support a weak or deformed portion of the body.

     (b) Sales of tangible personal property apart from dental and other health care services. A dentist or other health care provider may make sales of tangible personal property such as drugs, medicines, and bandages as a convenience to a buyer apart from any health care services provided to the buyer. These are sales of tangible personal property only when the dentist or other health care provider does not supply or administer the drug, medicine, or other item in the course of delivering health care services to the buyer. The gross proceeds of these retail sales of tangible personal property are subject to the retailing B&O tax. In addition, the dentist or other health care provider must collect and remit retail sales tax, unless the sale is specifically exempt by law. See WAC 458-20-18801 for detailed information regarding retail sales tax exemptions available for sales of items commonly associated with health care services. Adequate records must be kept by the dentist or other health care provider to distinguish items of tangible personal property that are supplied or administered to patients as part of health care services from those that are sold apart from health care services delivered to the buyer.

     Purchases of tangible personal property for resale without intervening use are not subject to the retail sales tax. A dentist or other health care provider purchasing tangible personal property for resale must furnish a resale certificate ((in the usual form)) for purchases made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010, to the seller to document the wholesale nature of the sale((. Resale certificates can be obtained from the department's web site at http://dor.wa.gov, or by calling the department's telephone information center at 1-800-647-7706. For additional information regarding resale certificates, refer to WAC 458-20-102 (Resale certificates))) as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). Even though resale certificates are no longer used after December 31, 2009, they must be kept on file by the seller for five years from the date of last use or December 31, 2014.

     (c) Equipment and supplies used by dentists and other health care providers. Purchases of equipment and supplies used by dentists and other health care providers in performing dental or other health care services are purchases at retail and subject to retail sales tax unless specifically exempt by law. If the seller does not collect retail sales tax, the dentist or other health care provider must remit the retail sales tax (commonly referred to as "deferred sales tax") or use tax directly to the department unless specifically exempt by law. Deferred sales or use tax should be reported on the buyer's excise tax return. However, the excise tax return does not have a separate line for reporting deferred sales tax. Consequently, deferred sales tax liability should be reported on the use tax line of the buyer's excise tax return. For detailed information regarding the use tax, refer to WAC 458-20-178 (Use tax).

     Dental prostheses are exempt from retail sales and use taxes if the dental prosthesis meets the definition of "prosthetic device" in subsection (2)(a) of this rule. RCW 82.08.0283 and 82.12.0277. Exempt items include, but are not limited to, full and partial dentures, crowns, inlays, fillings, braces, retainers, collars, wire, screws, bands, splints, night guards, gold, silver, alloys, acrylic materials, filling material, reline material, cement, cavity liner, pins, and endo post.

     (d) Examples. The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax results of other situations must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances.

     (i) Dr. A is a physician who specializes in the treatment of allergies. Dr. A treats many patients with injections of allergy extracts (antigens). Dr. A separately itemizes the charges for the antigen, the administration of the injection, and the office call in patients' billings. Dr. A is subject to service and other activities B&O tax on the entire charge for the antigen, administration of the injection, and office call. Even though Dr. A separately itemizes the charges for antigens, these are not retail sales because Dr. A administers the antigens to the patients.

     (ii) Dr. B made mail-order purchases of a computer, books, and magazines for use in Dr. B's dental practice. Dr. B did not pay retail sales tax to the sellers on these purchases. Therefore, Dr. B must remit to the department deferred retail sales or use tax on the computer, books, and magazines.

     (3) Tax-reporting information for dental laboratories and dental technicians. This subsection provides tax-reporting information for dental laboratories and dental technicians.

     (a) Producing or fabricating dental prostheses for sale. The production or fabrication of dental appliances, devices, restorations, substitutes, or other dental laboratory products by dental laboratories and dental technicians is a manufacturing activity. RCW 82.04.120. Thus, dental laboratories and dental technicians are subject to manufacturing B&O tax on the value of the dental prostheses they manufacture. The value of products manufactured is generally the gross proceeds of sales of such manufactured products. For additional information about the manufacturing B&O tax, refer to WAC 458-20-136 (Manufacturing, processing for hire, fabricating).

     (i) Sales of dental prostheses manufactured by dental laboratories and dental technicians. Dental laboratories and dental technicians who make sales within this state of dental prostheses they have manufactured are subject to either the retailing or wholesaling B&O tax, as the case may be. In such cases, the dental laboratory or dental technician must report under the manufacturing B&O tax classification as well as the wholesaling and/or retailing B&O tax classifications. However, a multiple activities tax credit (MATC) may be claimed. For detailed information about the MATC, refer to WAC 458-20-19301 (Multiple activities tax credits). Dental laboratories or dental technicians making wholesale sales must obtain a resale certificate (WAC 458-20-102A) for sales made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit (WAC 458-20-102) for sales made on or after January 1, 2010, from the buyer to document the wholesale nature of the sale. ((For additional information regarding resale certificates, refer to WAC 458-20-102.))

     As noted above in subsection (2)(c) of this rule, sales of dental prostheses including, but not limited to, full and partial dentures, crowns, inlays, fillings, braces, and retainers are exempt from retail sales tax if the dental prosthesis meets the definition of "prosthetic device" in subsection (2)(a) of this rule. RCW 82.08.0283.

     (ii) Dental casts, models, and other articles of tangible personal property manufactured by dental laboratories and dental technicians for commercial or industrial use. Dental laboratories and dental technicians may manufacture dental casts, models, or other articles of tangible personal property that they use in producing or fabricating dental prostheses. In such cases, the dental laboratory or dental technician is manufacturing a product for commercial or industrial use and is subject to the manufacturing B&O tax on the value of the dental cast, model, or other article of tangible personal property. (See WAC 458-20-112 (Value of products) for information regarding the value of products.) As the consumer of the dental cast, model, or other article of tangible personal property manufactured for commercial or industrial use, the dental laboratory or dental technician is also liable for use tax on the value of the dental cast, model, or other article of tangible personal property, unless the use is specifically exempt by law.

     (b) In-house manufacturing of dental prostheses by dentists. As noted in this rule, the production or fabrication of dental prostheses by dental laboratories and dental technicians is a manufacturing activity. However, the production or fabrication of dental prostheses by dentists in the course of providing dental care services to their patients is not a manufacturing activity under the law and, therefore, manufacturing B&O tax does not apply to this activity. A dentist may personally produce or fabricate dental prostheses, or the dentist may have an employee who is a dental technician produce or fabricate the dental prostheses. These dental prostheses are considered a tangible representation of professional services provided to the dentist's patients. Dentists who manufacture impressions, dental casts, models, or other articles of tangible personal property that they use in producing or fabricating dental prostheses should refer to subsection (3)(a)(ii) of this rule for tax reporting instructions applicable to this activity.

     The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax results of other situations must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances.

     (i) Example. Jane Doe, an employee of Dentist A, fabricates dental prostheses. Dentist A provides these products to patients in the course of rendering dental care services. Dentist A is subject to service and other activities B&O tax on the gross income received for providing dental care services, including any charge for the dental prostheses even if Dentist A separately charges patients for the dental prostheses. (See subsection (2)(a) of this rule.)

     (ii) Example. The facts are the same as in the previous example except that Dentist A also sells to Dentist B dental prostheses produced by Jane Doe in the course of Jane's employment with Dentist A. For these sales of dental prostheses to Dentist B, Dentist A is acting as a dental laboratory and, therefore, is liable for both manufacturing B&O tax and retailing B&O tax with respect to the manufacture and sale of dental prostheses to Dentist B. Dentist A may also claim a MATC (see subsection (3)(a) and (a)(i) of this rule.) The sales to Dentist B are exempt from retail sales tax under RCW 82.08.0283 if the items qualify as a prosthetic device as defined above in subsection (2)(a) of this rule.

     (c) Equipment and supplies used by dental laboratories and dental technicians. Purchases of equipment and supplies by dental laboratories and dental technicians for use in manufacturing dental prostheses are generally purchases at retail and subject to retail sales tax unless specifically exempt by law. If the seller does not collect retail sales tax, the dental laboratory or dental technician must remit the retail sales tax (commonly referred to as "deferred sales tax") or use tax directly to the department unless specifically exempt by law. Deferred sales or use tax should be reported on the buyer's excise tax return. However, the excise tax return does not have a separate line for reporting deferred sales tax. Consequently, deferred sales tax liability should be reported on the use tax line of the buyer's excise tax return. For detailed information regarding use tax, refer to WAC 458-20-178.

     (i) Components of dental prostheses produced for sale. Purchases of supplies that become components of dental prostheses that are produced for sale are purchases at wholesale and are not subject to retail sales tax if the buyer provides the seller with a properly completed resale certificate (WAC 458-20-102A) for purchases made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit (WAC 458-20-102) for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010, to document the wholesale nature of the transaction. ((WAC 458-20-102.))

     (ii) Example. The following example identifies a number of facts and then states a conclusion. This example should be used only as a general guide. The tax results of other situations must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances. A dental lab purchases equipment and supplies including gold, silver, alloys, artificial teeth, cement, and tools. The purchases of gold, silver, alloys, artificial teeth, and cement that become components of dental prostheses are wholesale purchases and are not subject to retail sales tax if the buyer provides the seller with a ((properly completed)) resale certificate (WAC 458-20-102A) for purchases made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit (WAC 458-20-102) for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010. The tools are subject to retail sales or use tax unless they qualify for the manufacturing machinery and equipment sales and use tax exemption. Additional information about this exemption is provided below in subsection (3)(d) of this rule.

     (d) Sales and use tax exemptions for manufacturing machinery and equipment. A retail sales and use tax exemption is provided by RCW 82.08.02565 and 82.12.02565 for sales to or use by manufacturers of certain machinery and equipment used directly in a manufacturing operation. This exemption is limited to machinery and equipment used to manufacture products for sale as tangible personal property. Thus, dental laboratories and dental technicians manufacturing dental prostheses for sale may be eligible for this exemption. The exemption is not available if these products are produced or fabricated by a dentist or an employee of a dentist and are provided to patients in the course of delivering dental care services to the patients (as is the case in the example provided in subsection (3)(b)(i) of this rule). Refer to WAC 458-20-13601 (Manufacturers and processors for hire -- Sales and use tax exemption for machinery and equipment) for detailed information regarding this exemption.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300 and 82.01.060(2). 04-17-022, § 458-20-151, filed 8/9/04, effective 9/9/04; 02-21-080, § 458-20-151, filed 10/17/02, effective 11/17/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 91-15-023, § 458-20-151, filed 7/11/91, effective 8/11/91; 83-07-032 (Order NET 83-15), § 458-20-151, filed 3/15/83; Order 74-2, § 458-20-151, filed 6/24/74; Order NET 70-3, § 458-20-151 (Rule 151), filed 5/19/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2814.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-17-109, filed 8/17/07, effective 9/17/07)

WAC 458-20-163   Insurance companies, including surety companies, fraternal benefit societies, fraternal fire insurance associations, beneficiary corporations or societies and Washington state health insurance pool.   (1) Introduction. Income earned by insurance companies, including surety companies, fraternal benefit societies, fraternal fire insurance associations, beneficiary corporations or societies, and the Washington state health insurance pool is generally subject to the service and other activities business and occupation (B&O) tax, unless the law provides an exemption or deduction. This section identifies exemptions and deductions available to these businesses. It also explains the reporting responsibilities for retail sales and use taxes for retail purchases and retail services.

     (2) Exemptions. The law provides the following B&O tax exemptions. These amounts do not need to be reported on the excise tax returns filed with the department of revenue.

     (a) RCW 82.04.320 provides an exemption to any person with respect to insurance business upon which a tax based on gross premiums is paid to the state of Washington. It should be noted, however, that the law provides expressly that this exemption does not extend to "any person engaging in the business of representing any insurance company, whether as general or local agent, or acting as broker for such companies" or to "any bonding company...with respect to gross income derived from the completion of any contract as to which it is a surety, or as to any liability as successor to the liability of the defaulting contractor." The exemption also does not apply to any business engaged in by an insurance company other than its insurance business. Thus an insurance company is subject to the retailing or wholesaling BO tax on sales of salvaged property unless the sales are casual or isolated sales as described in WAC 458-20-106 (Casual or isolated sales -- Business reorganizations). Also see WAC ((458-20-102)) 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits) for ((resale certificate)) documentation requirements for wholesale sales.

     (b) RCW 82.04.322 provides an exemption to any health maintenance organization, health care service contractor, or certified health plan in respect to premiums or prepayments that are taxable under RCW 48.14.0201.

     (c) RCW 82.04.370 provides an exemption to fraternal benefit societies or fraternal fire insurance associations organized or licensed pursuant to Title 48 RCW and as defined in RCW 48.36A.010.

     The statute also exempts beneficiary corporations or societies organized under and existing by virtue of Title 24 RCW, if such beneficiary corporations or societies provide in their bylaws for the payment of death benefits.

     The exemption provided by RCW 82.04.370, however, is limited to gross income from premiums, fees, assessments, dues, or other charges directly attributable to the insurance or death benefits provided by such persons. It is not intended that all the varied, regular business activities (e.g., sales of food, liquor, admissions, and amusement devices receipts) of these societies or organizations be exempt from BO tax. Only that portion of income which can be demonstrated as directly attributable to charges made for insurance or providing death benefits is exempt.

     (3) Deductions. For periods prior to July 1, 2006, a BO tax deduction was provided by RCW 82.04.4329 to a member of the Washington state health insurance pool for assessments paid by that member to the pool. This deduction did not apply to a member who had deducted such assessments from the insurance premiums tax, RCW 48.14.020.

     (4) Retail sales and use tax responsibilities. Insurance companies are subject to the retail sales tax or use tax upon retail purchases, certain retail services, or articles acquired for their own use.

     When insurance companies make sales to consumers of salvaged property (e.g., from automobile collisions, fire loss, burglary, or theft recoveries) or any other tangible personal property, they must collect and report retail sales tax on those sales.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300 and 82.01.060(2). 07-17-109, § 458-20-163, filed 8/17/07, effective 9/17/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 91-05-040, § 458-20-163, filed 2/13/91, effective 3/16/91; 87-19-007 (Order ET 87-5), § 458-20-163, filed 9/8/87; 83-07-033 (Order ET 83-16), § 458-20-163, filed 3/15/83; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-163 (Rule 163), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2816.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-16-057, filed 7/30/08, effective 8/30/08)

WAC 458-20-168   Hospitals, nursing homes, boarding homes, adult family homes and similar health care facilities.   (1) Introduction. This section explains the application of business and occupation (B&O), retail sales, and use taxes to persons operating hospitals as defined in RCW 70.41.020, nursing homes as defined in RCW 18.51.010, boarding homes as defined in RCW 18.20.020, adult family homes as defined in RCW 70.128.010, and similar health care facilities.

     The department of revenue (department) has adopted other rules dealing with the taxability of various activities relating to the provision of health care. Readers may want to refer to the following rules for additional information:

     (a) WAC 458-20-150 Optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians;

     (b) WAC 458-20-151 Dentists and other health care providers, dental laboratories, and dental technicians;

     (c) WAC 458-20-18801 Prescription drugs, prosthetic and orthotic devices, ostomic items, and medically prescribed oxygen; and

     (d) WAC 458-20-233 Tax liability of medical and hospital service bureaus and associations and similar health care organizations.

     (2) Personal and professional services of hospitals, nursing homes, boarding homes, and similar health care facilities. This subsection provides information about the application of B&O tax to the personal and professional services of hospitals, nursing homes, boarding homes, and similar health care facilities. For information regarding B&O tax deductions and exemptions for persons operating health care facilities, readers should refer to subsection (3) of this section.

     (a) Public or nonprofit hospitals. The gross income of public or nonprofit hospitals derived from providing personal or professional services to inpatients, is subject to B&O tax under the public or nonprofit hospitals classification. RCW 82.04.260. For the purpose of this section, "public or nonprofit hospitals" are hospitals, as defined in RCW 70.41.020, operated as nonprofit corporations, operated by political subdivisions of the state (e.g., a hospital district operated by a county government), or operated by but not owned by the state.

     Gross income of public or nonprofit hospitals derived from providing personal or professional services for persons other than inpatients is generally subject to B&O tax under the service and other activities classification. RCW 82.04.290. Thus, for example, amounts received for services provided to outpatients, income received for providing nonmedical services, interest received on patient accounts receivable, and amounts received for providing transcribing services to physicians are subject to service and other activities B&O tax.

     (i) Clinics and departments operated by public or nonprofit hospitals. Gross income derived from medical clinics and departments providing services to both inpatients and outpatients and operated by a public or nonprofit hospital is subject to B&O tax under the public or nonprofit hospitals classification where the clinic or department is an integral, interrelated, and essential part of the hospital. Otherwise, the gross income derived from medical clinics and departments providing services to both inpatients and outpatients and operated by a public or nonprofit hospital is subject to B&O tax under the service and other activities classification.

     Relevant factors for determining whether a medical clinic or department operated by a public or nonprofit hospital is an integral, interrelated, and essential part of the hospital include whether the clinic or department is located at the hospital facility and whether the clinic or department furnishes the type of services normally provided by hospitals, such as twenty-four hour intake and emergency services.

     The following examples identify a number of facts and then state a conclusion. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The tax status of each situation must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances.

     (A) Acme Hospital is a nonprofit hospital. Acme has a medical clinic that is separate but physically located within the hospital. However, the clinic is open only during regular business hours and provides no domiciliary care or overnight facilities to its patients. The clinic is staffed, equipped, administered, and provides the type of medical services that one would expect to receive in the average physician's office. Acme's medical clinic is not an integral, interrelated, and essential part of Acme Hospital. Gross receipts by the medical clinic are subject to service and other activities B&O tax.

     (B) Acme Hospital is a nonprofit hospital. Acme has a cancer treatment facility that is physically located within the hospital. The cancer treatment facility provides the type of services normally provided by hospitals to cancer patients. Acme's cancer treatment facility is an integral, interrelated, and essential part of Acme Hospital. Gross receipts by the cancer treatment facility are subject to public or nonprofit hospitals B&O tax.

     (ii) Educational programs and services. Amounts received by public or nonprofit hospitals for providing educational programs and services to the general public are subject to B&O tax under the public or nonprofit hospitals classification if they are an integral, interrelated, and essential part of the hospital. Otherwise, such amounts are subject to B&O tax under the service and other activities classification. Educational services are considered an integral, interrelated, and essential part of the hospital only if they are unique and incidental to the provision of hospitalization services (i.e., services that will be, have been, or are currently being provided to the participants). Only those educational programs and services offered by a hospital that would be very difficult or impossible to duplicate by a person other than a hospital because of the specialized body of knowledge, facilities, and equipment required are unique and incidental to the provision of hospitalization services. Amounts derived from educational programs and services are subject to service and other activities B&O tax when the educational programs or services could be provided by any physician, clinic, or trained lay person.

     (b) Other hospitals, nursing homes, and similar health care facilities. The gross income derived from personal and professional services of hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and similar health care facilities, other than public or nonprofit hospitals described above in (a) of this subsection and hospitals owned by the state, is subject to service and other activities B&O tax. The gross income received by the state of Washington from operating a hospital or other health care facility, whether or not the hospital or other facility is owned by the state, is not subject to B&O tax. Nursing homes should refer to subsection (6) of this section for information regarding the quality maintenance fee imposed under chapter 82.71 RCW.

     The following definitions apply for purposes of this section:

     (i) "Hospital" has the same meaning as in RCW 70.41.020; and

     (ii) "Nursing home" has the same meaning as in RCW 18.51.010.

     (c) Boarding homes. Effective July 1, 2004, persons operating boarding homes licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW are entitled to a preferential B&O tax rate. See RCW 82.04.2908. Persons operating licensed boarding homes should report their gross income derived from providing room and domiciliary care to residents under the licensed boarding homes B&O tax classification. For the purpose of this section, "boarding home" and "domiciliary care" have the same meaning as in RCW 18.20.020. Refer to subsection (3)(h) of the section for B&O tax deductions and exemptions available to boarding homes.

     (d) Nonprofit corporations and associations performing research and development. There is a separate B&O tax rate that applies to nonprofit corporations and nonprofit associations for income received in performing research and development within this state, including medical research. See RCW 82.04.260.

     (e) Can a nursing home or boarding home claim a B&O tax exemption for the rental of real estate? The primary purpose of a nursing home is to provide medical care to its residents. The primary purpose of boarding homes is to assume general responsibility for the safety and well-being of its residents and to provide other services to residents such as housekeeping, meals, laundry, and activities. Boarding homes may also provide residents with assistance with activities of daily living, health support services, and intermittent nursing services. Because the primary purpose of nursing homes and boarding homes is to provide services and not to lease or rent real property, no part of the gross income of a nursing home or boarding home may be exempted from B&O tax as the rental of real estate.

     (f) Adjustments to revenues. Many hospitals will provide medical care without charge or where some portion of the charge will be canceled. In other cases, medical care is billed to patients at "standard" rates but is later adjusted to reduce the charges to the rates established by contract with medicare, medicaid, or private insurers. In these situations the hospital must initially include the total charges as billed to the patient as gross income unless the hospital's records clearly indicate the amount of income to which it will be entitled under its contracts with insurance carriers. Where tax returns are initially filed based on gross charges, an adjustment may be taken on future tax returns after the hospital has adjusted its records to reflect the actual amounts collected. In no event may the hospital reduce the amount of its current gross income by amounts that were not previously reported on its excise tax return. If the tax rate changes from the time the B&O tax was first paid on the gross charges and the time of the adjustment, the hospital must file amended tax returns to report the B&O tax on the transaction as finally completed at the rate in effect when the service was performed.

     (g) What are the tax consequences when a hospital contracts with an independent contractor to provide medical services at the hospital? When a hospital contracts with an independent contractor (service provider) to provide medical services such as managing and staffing the hospital's emergency department, the hospital may not deduct the amount paid to the service provider from its gross income. If, however, the patients are alone liable for paying the service provider, and the hospital has no personal liability, either primarily or secondarily, for paying the service provider, other than as agent for the patients, then the hospital may deduct from its gross income amounts paid to the service provider.

     In addition, the service provider is subject to service and other activities B&O tax on the amount received from the hospital for providing these services for the hospital. If the service provider subcontracts with third parties, such as physicians or nurses, to help provide medical services as independent contractors, the service provider may not deduct from its gross income amounts paid to the subcontractors where the service provider is personally liable, either primarily or secondarily, for paying the subcontractors. If, however, the hospital is alone liable for paying the subcontractors, and the service provider has no personal liability, either primarily or secondarily, other than as agent for the hospital, then the service provider may deduct from its gross income amounts paid to the subcontractors. For additional information regarding deductible advances and reimbursements, refer to WAC 458-20-111 (Advances and reimbursements).

     (3) B&O tax deductions, credits, and exemptions. This subsection provides information about several B&O tax deductions, credits, and exemptions available to persons operating medical or other health care facilities.

     (a) Organ procurement organizations. Amounts received by a qualified organ procurement organization under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 273(b) in effect as of January 1, 2001, to the extent that the amounts are exempt from federal income tax, are exempt from B&O tax. RCW 82.04.326. This exemption is effective March 22, 2002.

     (b) Contributions, donations, and endowment funds. A B&O tax deduction is provided by RCW 82.04.4282 for amounts received as contributions, donations, and endowment funds, including grants, which are not in exchange for goods, services, or business benefits. For example, B&O tax deduction is allowed for donations received by a public hospital, as long as the donors do not receive any goods, services, or any business benefits in return. On the other hand, a public hospital is not allowed to take a B&O tax deduction on amounts received from a state university for work-study programs or training seminars for doctors, because the university receives business benefits in return, as students receive education and training while enrolled in the university's degree programs.

     The deductible amounts should be included in the gross income reported on the excise tax return and then deducted on the return to determine the amount of taxable income. Deductions taken must be identified on the appropriate deduction detail page of the excise tax return.

     (c) Adult family homes. The gross income derived from personal and professional services of adult family homes licensed by the department of social and health services (DSHS), or which are specifically exempt from licensing under the rules of DSHS, is exempt from B&O tax under RCW 82.04.327. The exemption under RCW 82.04.327 does not apply to persons who provide home care services to clients in the clients' own residences.

     For the purpose of this section, "adult family home" has the same meaning as in RCW 70.128.010.

     (d) Nonprofit kidney dialysis facilities, hospice agencies, and certain nursing homes and homes for unwed mothers. B&O tax does not apply to amounts received as compensation for services rendered to patients or from sales of drugs for human use pursuant to a prescription furnished as an integral part of services rendered to patients by kidney dialysis facilities operated as a nonprofit corporation, nonprofit hospice agencies licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW, and nursing homes and homes for unwed mothers operated as religious or charitable organizations. RCW 82.04.4289. This exemption applies only if no part of the net earnings received by such an institution inures, directly or indirectly, to any person other than the institution entitled to this exemption. This exemption is available to nonprofit hospitals for income from the operation of kidney dialysis facilities if the hospital accurately identifies and accounts for the income from this activity.

     Examples of nursing homes and homes for unwed mothers operated as religious or charitable organizations include nursing homes operated by church organizations or by nonprofit corporations designed to assist alcoholics in recovery and rehabilitation. Nursing homes and homes for unwed mothers operated by governmental entities, including public hospital districts, do not qualify for the B&O tax exemption provided in RCW 82.04.4289.

     (e) Government payments made to health or social welfare organizations. A B&O tax deduction is provided by RCW 82.04.4297 to a health or social welfare organization, as defined in RCW 82.04.431, for amounts received directly from the United States, any instrumentality of the United States, the state of Washington, or any municipal corporation or political subdivision of the state of Washington as compensation for health or social welfare services. A deduction is not allowed, however, for amounts that are received under an employee benefit plan. The deductible amounts should be included in the gross income reported on the excise tax return and then deducted on the tax return to determine the amount of taxable income. Deductions taken must be identified on the appropriate deduction detail page of the excise tax return. Readers should refer to WAC 458-20-169 (Nonprofit organizations) for additional information regarding this deduction.

     For purposes of the deduction provided by RCW 82.04.4297, "employee benefit plan" includes any plan, trust, commingled employee benefit trust, or custodial arrangement that is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, 29 U.S.C. Sec. 1001 et seq., or that is described in sections 125, 401, 403, 408, 457, and 501 (c)(9) and (17) through (23) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or a similar plan maintained by a state or local government, or a plan, trust, or custodial arrangement established to self-insure benefits required by federal, state, or local law.

     (f) Amounts received under a health service program subsidized by federal or state government. A public hospital that is owned by a municipal corporation or political subdivision, or a nonprofit hospital, or a nonprofit community health center, or a network of nonprofit community health centers, that qualifies as a health and social welfare organization as defined in RCW 82.04.431, may deduct from the measure of B&O tax amounts received as compensation for health care services covered under the federal medicare program authorized under Title XVIII of the federal Social Security Act; medical assistance, children's health, or other program under chapter 74.09 RCW; or for the state of Washington basic health plan under chapter 70.47 RCW. RCW 82.04.4311. This deduction applies to amounts received directly or through a third party from the qualified programs or plans. However, this deduction does not apply to amounts received from patient copayments or patient deductibles. The deductible amounts should be included in the gross income reported on the excise tax return and then deducted on the return to determine the amount of taxable income. Deductions taken must be identified on the appropriate deduction detail page of the excise tax return.

     For purposes of the deduction provided by RCW 82.04.4311, "community health center" means a federally qualified health center as defined in 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396d as existed on August 1, 2005.

     (i) Effective date of deduction. The deduction for a public hospital owned by a municipal corporation or political subdivision and for a nonprofit hospital is effective April 2, 2002. Taxpayers who have paid B&O taxes between January 1, 1998, and April 2, 2002, on amounts that would qualify for this deduction are entitled to a refund. In addition, tax liability for accrued but unpaid taxes that would be deductible under this subsection (3)(f) are waived. For information regarding refunds, refer to WAC 458-20-229 (Refunds).

     The deduction for a nonprofit community health center or a network of nonprofit community health centers is effective August 1, 2005.

     (ii) Example. Acme Hospital is a nonprofit hospital that qualifies as a health and social welfare organization as defined in RCW 82.04.431. Acme receives $1,000 for providing health care services to Jane, who qualifies for the federal medicare program authorized under Title XVIII of the federal Social Security Act. Jane is covered in a health care plan that is a combination of medicare, which is B&O tax deductible by Acme, and a medicare plus plan, which is paid for by Jane and is not B&O tax deductible by Acme. Jane pays $20 to Acme as patient copayments. Medicare pays $600 to Acme for the health care services, and the medicare plus plan pays $380. Acme may only deduct the $600 received from medicare.

     (g) Blood and tissue banks. Amounts received by a qualifying blood bank, a qualifying tissue bank, or a qualifying blood and tissue bank are exempt from B&O tax to the extent the amounts are exempt from federal income tax. RCW 82.04.324. For the purposes of this exemption, the following definitions apply:

     (i) Qualifying blood bank. "Qualifying blood bank" means a blood bank that qualifies as an exempt organization under 26 U.S.C. 501 (c)(3) as existing on June 10, 2004, is registered under 21 C.F.R., part 607 as existing on June 10, 2004, and whose primary business purpose is the collection, preparation, and processing of blood. "Qualifying blood bank" does not include a comprehensive cancer center that is recognized as such by the National Cancer Institute.

     (ii) Qualifying tissue bank. "Qualifying tissue bank" means a tissue bank that qualifies as an exempt organization under 26 U.S.C. 501 (c)(3) as existing on June 10, 2004, is registered under 21 C.F.R., part 1271 as existing on June 10, 2004, and whose primary business purpose is the recovery, processing, storage, labeling, packaging, or distribution of human bone tissue, ligament tissue and similar musculoskeletal tissues, skin tissue, heart valve tissue, or human eye tissue. "Qualifying tissue bank" does not include a comprehensive cancer center that is recognized as such by the National Cancer Institute.

     (iii) Qualifying blood and tissue bank. "Qualifying blood and tissue bank" is a bank that qualifies as an exempt organization under 26 U.S.C. 501 (c)(3) as existing on June 10, 2004, is registered under 21 C.F.R., Part 607 and Part 1271 as existing on June 10, 2004, and whose primary business purpose is the collection, preparation, and processing of blood, and the recovery, processing, storage, labeling, packaging, or distribution of human bone tissue, ligament tissue and similar musculoskeletal tissues, skin tissue, and heart valve tissue. "Qualifying blood and tissue bank" does not include a comprehensive cancer center that is recognized as such by the National Cancer Institute.

     (h) Boarding homes. Effective July 1, 2004, licensed boarding home operators are entitled to a B&O tax deduction for amounts received as compensation for providing adult residential care, enhanced adult residential care, or assisted living services under contract with the department of social and heath services authorized by chapter 74.39A RCW to residents who are medicaid recipients. RCW 82.04.4337. For the purpose of this section, "adult residential care," "enhanced adult residential care," and "assisted living services" have the same meaning as in RCW 74.39A.009.

     Effective July 1, 2005, B&O tax does not apply to the amounts received by a nonprofit boarding home licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW for providing room and domiciliary care to residents of the boarding home. ((Chapter 514, Laws of 2005.)) RCW 82.04.4264. For purposes of this section, "nonprofit boarding home" means a boarding home that is operated as a religious or charitable organization, is exempt from federal income tax under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501 (c)(3), is incorporated under chapter 24.03 RCW, is operated as part of a nonprofit hospital, or is operated as part of a public hospital district.

     (i) Comprehensive cancer centers. Effective July 1, 2006, B&O tax does not apply to the amounts received by a comprehensive cancer center to the extent the amounts are exempt from federal income tax. ((Chapter 514, Laws of 2005.)) RCW 82.04.4265. For purposes of this section, "comprehensive cancer center" means a cancer center that has written confirmation that it is recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center and that qualifies as an exempt organization under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501 (c)(3) as existing on July 1, 2006.

     (j) Hospital safe patient handling credit.

     (i) RCW 82.04.4485 allows a hospital to take a credit against the B&O tax for the cost of purchasing mechanical lifting devices and other equipment that are primarily used to minimize patient handling by health care providers. In order to qualify for credit, the purchases must be made as part of a safe patient handling program developed and implemented by the hospital in compliance with RCW 70.41.390. The credit is equal to one hundred percent of the cost of the mechanical lifting devices or other equipment.

     (ii) No application is necessary for the credit; however, a hospital taking a credit under this section must maintain records, as required by the department, necessary to verify eligibility for the credit under this subsection. The hospital is subject to all of the requirements of chapter 82.32 RCW. A credit earned during one calendar year may be carried over to be credited against taxes incurred in a subsequent calendar year. No refunds shall be granted for credits under this subsection.

     (iii) The maximum credit that may be earned under this section for each hospital is limited to one thousand dollars for each acute care available inpatient bed.

     (iv) Credits are available on a first in-time basis. The department shall disallow any credits, or portion thereof, that would cause the total amount of credits claimed statewide under this subsection to exceed ten million dollars. If the ten million dollar limitation is reached, the department will notify hospitals that the annual statewide limit has been met. In addition, the department will provide written notice to any hospital that has claimed tax credits after the ten million dollar limitation in this subsection has been met. The notice will indicate the amount of tax due and shall provide that the tax be paid within thirty days from the date of such notice. The department will not assess penalties and interest as provided in chapter 82.32 RCW on the amount due in the initial notice if the amount due is paid by the due date specified in the notice, or any extension thereof.

     (v) Credit may not be claimed under this section for the acquisition of mechanical lifting devices and other equipment if the acquisition occurred before June 7, 2006.

     (vi) Credit may not be claimed under this section for any acquisition of mechanical lifting devices and other equipment that occurs after December 30, 2010.

     (vii) The department shall issue an annual report on the amount of credits claimed by hospitals under this section, with the first report due on July 1, 2008.

     (viii) For the purposes of this subsection, "hospital" has the meaning provided in RCW 70.41.020.

     (k) Prescription drugs administered by the medical service provider. Effective October 1, 2007, RCW 82.04.620 allows a deduction from the service and other activities classification of the B&O tax (RCW 82.04.290(2)) for amounts received by physicians or clinics for drugs for infusion or injection by licensed physicians or their agents for human use pursuant to a prescription. This deduction only applies to amounts that:

     (i) Are separately stated on invoices or other billing statements;

     (ii) Do not exceed the then current federal rate; and

     (iii) Are covered or required under a health care service program subsidized by the federal or state government.

     For purpose of this deduction only, amounts that "are covered or required under a health care service program subsidized by the federal or state government" include any required drug copayments made directly from the patient to the physician or clinic.

     (A) "Federal rate" means the rate at or below which the federal government or its agents reimburse providers for prescription drugs administered to patients as provided for in the medicare, Part B drugs average sales price information resource as published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, or any index that succeeds it.

     (B) The deduction is available on an "all or nothing" basis against the total of amounts received for a specific drug charge. If the total amount received by the physician or clinic for a specific drug exceeds the federal reimbursement rate, none of the total amount received qualifies for the deduction (including any required copayment received directly from the patient). In other words, a physician or clinic may not simply take an "automatic" deduction equal to the federal reimbursement rate for each drug.

     (C) For physicians or clinics reporting their taxes on the accrual basis, the total amount charged for a drug must be included in the gross income at the time of billing if it is in excess of the federal rate. However, in some cases the gross income from charges may be adjusted, as indicated in subsection (2)(f) of this section. If such an adjustment to gross income is appropriate, the exemption discussed in this subsection may also be taken at the time of billing if the adjustment leaves the physician or clinic contractually liable to receive a total amount (including any copayment received from the patient) that is not in excess of the federal rate.

     (l) Temporary medical housing provided by a health or social welfare organization. ((House Bill No. 2544, chapter 137, Laws of 2008,)) Effective July 1, 2008, ((creates)) RCW 82.08.997 created an exemption from state and local sales taxes and lodging taxes for temporary medical housing provided by a health or social welfare organization. The term "health or social welfare organization" is defined in RCW 82.04.431. "Temporary medical housing" means transient lodging and related services provided to a patient or the patient's immediate family, legal guardian, or other persons necessary to the patient's mental or physical well-being.

     (i) The exemption applies to the following taxes:

     (A) Retail sales tax levied under RCW 82.08.020;

     (B) Lodging taxes levied under chapter 67.28 RCW;

     (C) Convention and trade center tax levied under RCW 67.40.090 and 67.40.130;

     (D) Public facilities tax levied under RCW 36.100.040; and

     (E) Tourism promotion areas tax levied under RCW 35.101.050.

     (ii) The exemptions in this subsection apply to charges made for "temporary medical housing" only:

     (A) While the patient is receiving medical treatment at a hospital required to be licensed under RCW 70.41.090 or at an outpatient clinic associated with such hospital, including any period of recuperation or observation immediately following such medical treatment; and

     (B) By a person that does not furnish lodging or related services to the general public.

     (4) Sales of tangible personal property. Retailing B&O tax applies to sales of tangible personal property sold and billed separately from the performance of personal or professional services by hospitals, nursing homes, boarding homes, adult family homes, and similar health care facilities. This includes charges for making copies of medical records. In addition, retail sales tax must be collected from the buyer and remitted to the department unless the sale is specifically exempt by law.

     (a) Tangible personal property used in providing medical services to patients. Retailing B&O and retail sales taxes do not apply to charges to a patient for tangible personal property used in providing medical services to the patient, even if separately billed. Tangible personal property used in providing medical services is not considered to have been sold separately from the medical services simply because those items are separately invoiced. These charges, even if separately itemized, are for providing medical services and are subject to B&O tax under either the public or nonprofit hospital B&O tax classification or the service and other activities classification depending on the person making the charge. For example, charges for drugs physically administered by the seller are subject to B&O tax under either the public or nonprofit hospital classification or the service and other activities classification depending on the person making the charge. On the other hand, charges for drugs sold to patients or their caregivers, either for patient self-administration or administration by a caregiver other than the seller, are subject to retailing B&O tax and retail sales tax unless specifically exempt by law. Readers should refer to WAC 458-20-18801 for detailed information regarding retail sales tax exemptions that apply to sales of prescription drugs and other medical items.

     (b) Sales of meals. Although the sale of meals is generally considered to be a retail sale, hospitals, nursing homes, boarding homes, and similar health care facilities that furnish meals to patients or residents as a part of the services provided to those patients or residents are not considered to be making retail sales of meals. Thus amounts received by hospitals, nursing homes, boarding homes, and similar health care facilities for furnishing meals to patients or residents as part of the services provided to those patients or residents are subject to B&O tax under the service and other activities, public or nonprofit hospital, or licensed boarding homes classifications, depending upon the person furnishing the meals.

     Prepared meals sold to senior citizens, disabled persons, or low-income persons by a not-for-profit organization organized under chapter 24.03 or 24.12 RCW are exempt from retail sales and use taxes. RCW 82.08.0293 and 82.12.0293. The exemptions apply to sales of prepared meals to not-for-profit organizations organized under chapter 24.03 or 24.12 RCW, that provide the meals to senior citizens, disabled persons, or low-income persons as a part of the patient services they render.

     Hospitals, nursing homes, boarding homes, and similar health care facilities may have restaurants, cafeterias, or other dining facilities where meals are sold for cash or credit to doctors, nurses, other employees, and visitors. Some of these facilities may provide meals to their employees at no charge. Under these circumstances, all sales of meals to such persons are subject to retailing B&O and retail sales taxes, including the value of meals provided at no charge to employees. For additional information regarding the sale of meals, including meals furnished to employees, refer to WAC 458-20-119 (Sales of meals). Hospitals, nursing homes, boarding homes, and similar health care facilities that provide free meals to persons other than employees, such as visitors, should refer to WAC 458-20-124 (Restaurants, cocktail bars, taverns and similar businesses) for information about the taxability of meals given away free of charge.

     (c) Sales of medical supplies, chemicals, or materials to a comprehensive cancer center. Effective July 1, 2006, sales of medical supplies, chemicals, or materials to a comprehensive cancer center are exempt from retail sales and use tax. ((Chapter 514, Laws of 2005.)) RCW 82.08.808 and 82.12.808. This exemption, however, does not apply to the sales of construction materials, office equipment, building equipment, administrative supplies, or vehicles.

     (i) Medical supplies. For purposes of this exemption, "medical supplies" means any item of tangible personal property, including any repair and replacement parts for such tangible personal property, used by a comprehensive cancer center for the purpose of performing research on, procuring, testing, processing, storing, packaging, distributing, or using blood, bone, or tissue. The term includes tangible personal property used to:

     (A) Provide preparatory treatment of blood, bone, or tissue;

     (B) Control, guide, measure, tune, verify, align, regulate, test, or physically support blood, bone, or tissue; and

     (C) Protect the health and safety of employees or others present during research on, procuring, testing, processing, storing, packaging, distributing, or using blood, bone, or tissue.

     (ii) Chemicals. For purposes of this exemption, "chemical" means any catalyst, solvent, water, acid, oil, or other additive that physically or chemically interacts with blood, bone, or tissue.

     (iii) Materials. For purposes of this exemption, "materials" means any item of tangible personal property, including, but not limited to, bags, packs, collecting sets, filtering materials, testing reagents, antisera, and refrigerants used or consumed in performing research on, procuring, testing, processing, storing, packaging, distributing, or using blood, bone, or tissue.

     (iv) Research. For purposes of this exemption, "research" means basic and applied research that has as its objective the design, development, refinement, testing, marketing, or commercialization of a product, service, or process.

     (5) Equipment and supplies used by health care providers. Hospitals, nursing homes, adult family homes, boarding homes, and similar health care providers are required to pay retail sales tax on purchases of equipment and supplies unless specifically exempt by law. Readers should refer to WAC 458-20-18801 for detailed information regarding exemptions that are available to these health care providers, as well as persons performing medical research and organ procurement organizations.

     (a) Purchases for resale. Purchases of tangible personal property for resale without intervening use are not subject to retail sales tax. Persons purchasing tangible personal property for resale must furnish a ((properly completed)) resale certificate for purchases made before January 1, 2010, or a reseller permit for purchases made on or after January 1, 2010, to the seller to document the wholesale nature of the sale((. Resale certificates may be obtained from the department's web site at http://dor.wa.gov, or by calling the department's taxpayer information center at 1-800-647-7706. For additional information regarding resale certificates, refer to WAC 458-20-102 (Resale certificates))) as provided in WAC 458-20-102A (Resale certificates) and WAC 458-20-102 (Reseller permits). Even though resale certificates are no longer used after December 31, 2009, they must be kept on file by the seller for five years from the date of last use or December 31, 2014.

     (b) Buyer's responsibility to remit deferred sales or use tax. If the seller does not collect retail sales tax on a retail sale, the buyer must remit the retail sales tax (commonly referred to as "deferred sales tax") or use tax directly to the department unless specifically exempt by law. For detailed information regarding the use tax, refer to WAC 458-20-178 (Use tax).

     (i) How do I report deferred sales or use tax. Persons registered with the department and required to file tax returns should report deferred sales or use tax on their excise tax return. The excise tax return does not have a separate line for reporting deferred sales tax. Consequently, deferred sales tax liability should be reported on the use tax line of the buyer's excise tax return. If a deferred sales tax or use tax liability is incurred by a person who is not required to obtain a tax registration endorsement from the department, the person must report the tax on a "Consumer Use Tax Return" and remit the appropriate tax to the department.

     (ii) Where can I obtain a Consumer Use Tax Return? The Consumer Use Tax Return may be obtained from the department's ((web)) internet site at: http://dor.wa.gov, or by calling the department's telephone information center at 1-800-647-7706.

     (6) Quality maintenance fee imposed on nursing homes. Effective July 1, 2007, the quality maintenance fee imposed on operators of nonexempt nursing facilities in Washington was repealed. Legislation passed in 2006 (section 1, chapter 241, Laws of 2006) repealed chapter 82.71 RCW, which imposed the fee. Originally effective on July 1, 2003, RCW 82.71.020 imposed a quality maintenance fee on every nursing home in this state not exempt from the fee under RCW 74.46.091. The amount of the quality maintenance fee was in addition to any other tax imposed upon nursing homes. Nursing homes were required to report the number of patient days and remit the fee to the department on a monthly basis. Persons with questions about how the quality maintenance fee affected individual nursing home operators or about the exemption provided by RCW 74.46.091 should contact the department of social and health services.

     For purposes of this section, "patient day" means a calendar day of care provided to a nursing home resident, excluding a medicare patient day. Patient days include the day of admission and exclude the day of discharge; except that, when admission and discharge occur on the same day, one day of care shall be deemed to exist. "Medicare patient day" means a patient day for medicare beneficiaries on a medicare Part A stay and a patient day for persons who have opted for managed care coverage using their medicare benefit.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300 and 82.01.060(2). 08-16-057, § 458-20-168, filed 7/30/08, effective 8/30/08; 05-14-090, § 458-20-168, filed 6/30/05, effective 7/31/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300 and 82.04.260(15). 94-11-097, § 458-20-168, filed 5/17/94, effective 6/17/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 88-01-050 (Order 87-9), § 458-20-168, filed 12/15/87; 87-05-042 (Order 87-1), § 458-20-168, filed 2/18/87; 83-07-033 (Order ET 83-16), § 458-20-168, filed 3/15/83. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.01.060(2) and 82.32.300. 78-07-045 (Order ET 78-4), § 458-20-168, filed 6/27/78; Order ET 74-2, § 458-20-168, filed 6/24/74; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-168 (Rule 168), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

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