Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: E2SB [E2SSB] 5688 (chapter 521, Laws of 2009) requires agencies to "amend their rules to reflect the intent of the legislature to ensure that all privileges, immunities, rights, benefits, or responsibilities granted or imposed by statute to an individual because that individual is or was a spouse in a marital relationship are granted or imposed on equivalent terms to an individual because that individual is or was in a state registered domestic partnership." These following rules have been amended for the sole purpose of implementing E2SB [E2SSB] 5688: WAC 458-12-110 Listing of personal property by the assessor -- Penalties for failing to list personal property and for making a false or fraudulent listing, 458-14-056 Petitions -- Time limits -- Waiver of filing deadline for good cause, 458-20-132 Automobile dealers/demonstrator and executive vehicles, 458-30-275 Continuing classification upon sale or transfer of ownership of classified land -- Actions of landowner and county officials to be taken prior to recording a conveyance of classified land, and 458-61A-211 Mere change in identity or form -- Family corporations and partnerships.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 458-12-110 Listing of personal property by the assessor -- Penalties for failing to list personal property and for making a false or fraudulent listing, 458-14-056 Petitions -- Time limits -- Waiver of filing deadline for good cause, 458-20-132 Automobile dealers/demonstrator and executive vehicles, 458-30-275 Continuing classification upon sale or transfer of ownership of classified land -- Actions of landowner and county officials to be taken prior to recording a conveyance of classified land, and 458-61A-211 Mere change in identity or form -- Family corporations and partnerships.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: E2SB [E2SSB] 5688 (chapter 521, Laws of 2009).

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 10-03-025 on January 11, 2010.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 5, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 5, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: March 23, 2010.

Alan R. Lynn

Rules Coordinator

OTS-2930.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-02-034, filed 12/30/04, effective 1/30/05)

WAC 458-12-110   Listing of personal property by the assessor -- Penalties for failing to list personal property and for making a false or fraudulent listing.   (1) Introduction. This rule explains the process of listing and assessing taxable personal property by the assessor when the taxpayer fails to make a listing as required by chapter 84.40 RCW. This rule also provides information about the penalties imposed by RCW 84.40.130 for persons who fail or refuse to make a timely listing of their taxable personal property or who willfully provide the assessor a false or fraudulent listing of their taxable personal property. For additional information about the listing of personal property, refer to the rules found in WAC 458-12-060 through 458-12-080.

     (2) Failure to provide a listing of taxable personal property to the assessor. If a person who is required under chapter 84.40 RCW to make a listing of taxable personal property with the county assessor fails to do so by April 30, it is the duty of the assessor under RCW 84.40.200 to ascertain the amount and value of the taxable personal property that should have been listed. When such a listing is made by the assessor, he or she must deliver or mail a copy of the listing, showing the valuation of the property so listed, to the person for whom the listing is made. The provisions of RCW 84.40.200 do not apply to the listing of ships and vessels required under RCW 84.40.065.

     (3) Penalty for failing or refusing to make a listing of taxable personal property. A person who fails or refuses to provide the assessor with a listing of their taxable personal property by April 30 is subject to a mandatory penalty. The amount of the penalty is described below in (a) of this subsection.

     (a) Amount of penalty. The amount of the penalty is five percent of the amount of tax assessed against the taxpayer on the property not listed, not to exceed fifty dollars per calendar day if the delinquency is for less than one month. If the delinquency is for more than one month, the taxpayer must pay an additional five percent of the amount of tax for each additional month or fraction of a month that the listing is delinquent, up to a maximum penalty each year of twenty-five percent of the amount of tax. The penalty provided in this subsection (3) will be collected in the same manner as the tax to which it is added.

     (b) How does the penalty apply when a listing is made by the assessor? When the assessor makes a listing of taxable personal property under the provisions of RCW 84.40.200 and subsection (2) of this rule, the penalty provided in this subsection (3) continues to accrue until the taxpayer provides a listing to the assessor as required by chapter 84.40 RCW.

     (c) Can the penalty be waived? If a person can establish to the satisfaction of the assessor that the failure to provide a listing of taxable personal property was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, no penalty will be imposed.

     Whether reasonable cause exists depends upon the facts of each case. Reasonable cause may be shown by one or more of the following events or circumstances. These examples do not encompass all of the possible events or circumstances that could constitute reasonable cause for failing to make a listing of taxable personal property with the assessor by the due date.

     (i) The taxpayer was unable to make a listing by the due date because of a death or serious illness of the taxpayer or of a member of the taxpayer's immediate family occurring at or shortly before the due date. For purposes of this subsection, the term "immediate family" includes, but is not limited to, a grandparent, parent, brother, sister, spouse, domestic partner, child, ((or)) grandchild, or domestic partner's child or grandchild.

     (ii) The taxpayer was unable to make a listing by the due date because the taxpayer reasonably relied upon incorrect, ambiguous, or misleading written advice as to the proper listing requirements by either the assessor or assessor's staff, or the property tax advisor designated under RCW 84.48.140, or his or her staff.

     (iii) The taxpayer was unable to make a listing by the due date because of a natural disaster such as a flood or earthquake occurring at or shortly before the due date.

     (iv) The taxpayer was unable to make a listing by the due date because of a delay or loss related to the delivery of the listing form by the postal service. The taxpayer must be able to provide documentation from the postal service of such a delay or loss.

     (v) The failure of the assessor to provide a notice and listing form as required by RCW 84.40.040 to a taxpayer does not excuse a taxpayer from making a timely listing of taxable personal property with the assessor. The assessor's failure to provide a notice and listing form may, however, be considered in determining whether the taxpayer's failure to provide a timely listing was due to reasonable cause.

     (d) How are the penalties distributed? When collected, the penalties provided for in this subsection (3) are credited to the county current expense fund. RCW 84.40.130 and 84.56.020(8).

     (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 status of each actual situation must be determined after a review of all of the facts and circumstances.

     (i) Due to an oversight, Company A makes its listing of taxable personal property on October 6th of the assessment year, over five months after the deadline provided in RCW 84.40.040. The amount of tax imposed against Company A on its personal property in the following year is $600.00. Company A is subject to a penalty of $150.00, 25% of the amount of its tax liability.

     (ii) Due to an oversight, Company B makes its listing of taxable personal property on May 2nd of the assessment year, two days after the deadline provided in RCW 84.40.040. The amount of tax imposed against Company B on its personal property in the following year is $2,250.00. The amount of the penalty assessed against Company B is $100.00. 5% of $2,250.00 is $112.50. However, the penalty is limited to $50.00 per calendar day when the delinquency does not exceed one month.

     (iii) Due to an oversight, Company C fails to make a listing of its taxable personal property by April 30th, the deadline provided in RCW 84.40.040. On August 24th of the assessment year, the assessor lists and values the taxable personal property of Company C and mails a copy of the listing to Company C. At this time, Company C would be subject to a penalty of 20% of the tax imposed against it on its personal property in the following year. After receiving the assessor's listing, Company C makes its own listing with the assessor on September 7th of the assessment year. The amount of penalty imposed is 25% of the tax imposed against Company C on its personal property in the following year. The listing by the assessor has no effect on the amount of the penalty Company C is subject to.

     (iv) Due to an oversight, Company D fails to make a listing of its taxable personal property for assessment years 2001, 2002, and 2003. In May of 2003, the assessor learns of Company D's failure to list its taxable personal property for the 2001, 2002, and 2003 assessment years. After being notified by the assessor of its failure to make a listing, Company D makes a listing for assessment years 2001, 2002, and 2003 with the assessor on May 20, 2003. The assessor adds the taxable personal property for 2003 to the assessment roll. The assessor also adds the taxable personal property for 2001 and 2002 to the assessment roll as omitted property under the provisions of RCW 84.40.080. The penalties assessed against Company D include a penalty of 25%, for each year, of the amount of tax imposed on Company D resulting from the omitted property assessment for assessment years 2001 and 2002. In addition, Company D is subject to a penalty for the delinquent 2003 listing in the amount of 5% of the amount of tax imposed on Company D resulting from the listing for the 2003 assessment year or $1,000, whichever is less. The amount of $1,000 represents $50 per calendar day of delinquency. For additional information about omitted property, refer to WAC 458-12-050.

     (4) Penalty for willfully providing a false or fraudulent listing of taxable personal property. If a person willfully provides the assessor with a false or fraudulent listing of taxable personal property, or, with the intent to defraud, fails or refuses to provide a listing of taxable personal property as required by chapter 84.40 RCW, the person is subject to a penalty of one hundred percent of the tax properly due. A false or fraudulent listing may arise because it does not include all of the taxable personal property in the ownership, possession, or control of the person making the listing, or because it contains false information relating to the proper value of the personal property listed. A person is not liable for the penalty provided in this subsection (4) if the failure to list or the false listing was the result of negligence, inadvertence, accident, or simple oversight rather than willfulness or an intent to defraud. Likewise, a person making a false listing will not be subject to the penalty provided in this subsection (4) if it is shown that the misrepresentations made by the person are entirely attributable to reasonable cause. The penalty imposed under this subsection (4) is in lieu of the penalty imposed under subsection (3) of this rule.

     (a) How is the penalty imposed? The assessor does not impose the penalty provided in this subsection (4). Rather, the penalty provided for in this subsection along with any tax properly due are to be recovered in a lawsuit brought in the name of the state of Washington on the complaint of the county assessor or the county legislative authority. The provisions of this subsection (4) are in addition to any other provisions of law relating to the recovery of property taxes.

     (b) How is the penalty distributed? When collected, the penalty imposed under this subsection (4) and the tax to which it was added must be paid into the county treasury to the credit of the current expense fund.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 84.08.010, 84.08.070, 84.40.040, 84.40.080, 84.40.085, 84.40.130, and 84.40.200. 05-02-034, § 458-12-110, filed 12/30/04, effective 1/30/05; Order PT 68-6, § 458-12-110, filed 4/29/68.]

OTS-2931.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 06-13-034, filed 6/14/06, effective 7/15/06)

WAC 458-14-056   Petitions -- Time limits -- Waiver of filing deadline for good cause.   (1) The sole method for appealing an assessor's determination to the board, as to valuation of property, or as to any other types of assessor determinations is by means of a properly completed and timely filed taxpayer petition.

     (2) A taxpayer's petition for review of the assessed valuation placed upon property by the assessor or for review of any of the types of appeals listed in WAC 458-14-015 must be filed in duplicate with the board on or before July 1st of the assessment year or within thirty days, or up to sixty days if a longer time period is adopted by the county legislative authority, after the date an assessment or value change notice or other determination notice is mailed to the taxpayer, whichever date is later (RCW 84.40.038).

     (3) No late filing of a petition shall be allowed except as specifically provided in this subsection. The board may waive the filing deadline if the petition is filed within a reasonable time after the filing deadline and the petitioner shows good cause, as defined in this subsection, for the late filing. A petition that is filed after the deadline without a showing of good cause must be dismissed unless, after the taxpayer is notified by the board that the petition will be dismissed because of the late filing, the taxpayer promptly shows good cause for the late filing. The board must decide a taxpayer's claim of good cause without holding a public hearing on the claim and must promptly notify the taxpayer of the decision, in writing. The board's decision regarding a waiver of the filing deadline is final and not appealable to the state board of tax appeals. Good cause may be shown by documentation of one or more of the following events or circumstances:

     (a) The taxpayer was unable to file the petition by the filing deadline because of a death or serious illness of the taxpayer or of a member of the taxpayer's immediate family occurring at or shortly before the time for filing. For purposes of this subsection, the term "immediate family" includes, but is not limited to, a grandparent, parent, brother, sister, spouse, domestic partner, child, ((or)) grandchild, or domestic partner's child or grandchild.

     (b) The taxpayer was unable to file the petition by the filing deadline because of the occurrence of all of the following:

     (i) The taxpayer was absent from his or her home or from the address where the assessment notice or value change notice is normally received by the taxpayer. If the notice is normally mailed by the assessor to a mortgagee or other agent of the taxpayer, the taxpayer must show that the mortgagee or other agent was required, pursuant to written instructions from the taxpayer, to promptly transmit the notice and failed to do so; and

     (ii) The taxpayer was absent (as described in (b)(i) of this subsection) for more than fifteen of the days allowed in subsection (2) of this section prior to the filing deadline; and

     (iii) The filing deadline is after July 1 of the assessment year.

     (c) The taxpayer was unable to file the petition by the filing deadline because the taxpayer reasonably relied upon incorrect, ambiguous, or misleading written advice as to the proper filing requirements by either a board member or board staff, the assessor or assessor's staff, or the property tax advisor designated under RCW 84.48.140, or his or her staff.

     (d) The taxpayer was unable to file the petition by the filing deadline because of a natural disaster such as a flood or earthquake occurring at or shortly before the time for filing.

     (e) The taxpayer was unable to file the petition by the filing deadline because of a delay or loss related to the delivery of the petition by the postal service. The taxpayer must be able to provide documentation from the postal service of such a delay or loss.

     (f) The taxpayer is a business and was unable to file the petition by the filing deadline because the person employed by the business, responsible for dealing with property taxes, was unavailable due to illness or unavoidable absence.

     (4) If a petition is filed by mail it must be postmarked no later than the filing deadline. If the filing deadline falls upon a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the petition must be filed on or postmarked no later than the next business day.

     (5) A petition is properly completed when all relevant questions on the form provided or approved by the department have been answered and the answers contain sufficient information or statements to apprise the board and the assessor of the reasons for the appeal. A petition which merely states that the assessor's valuation is too high or that property taxes are excessive, or similar such statements, is not properly completed and must not be considered by the board. If, at the time of filing the petition, the taxpayer does not have all the documentary evidence available which he or she intends to present at the hearing, the petition will be deemed to be properly completed for purposes of preserving the taxpayer's right of appeal, if it is otherwise fully and properly filled out. However, any comparable sales, valuation evidence, or other documentary evidence not submitted at the time the petition is filed must be provided by the taxpayer to the assessor and the board at least seven business days, excluding legal holidays, prior to the board hearing. A copy of the completed petition must be provided to the assessor by the clerk of the board. Any petition not fully and properly completed must not be considered by the board (RCW 84.40.038) and a notice of the board's rejection of the petition must be promptly mailed to the taxpayer. See: WAC 458-14-066 Requests for valuation information -- Duty to exchange information -- Time limits, for an explanation of the availability, use and exchange of valuation and other documentary information prior to the hearing before the board.

     (6) Whenever the taxpayer has an appeal pending with the board, the state board of tax appeals or with a court of law, and the assessor notifies the taxpayer of a change in property valuation, the taxpayer is required to file a timely petition with the board in order to preserve the right to appeal the change in valuation. For example, if a taxpayer has appealed a decision of the board to the board of tax appeals regarding an assessed value for the year 2005, and that appeal is pending when the assessor issues a value change notice for the 2006 assessment year, the taxpayer must still file a timely petition appealing the valuation for the 2006 assessment year in order to preserve his or her right to appeal from that 2006 assessed value.

     (7) Petition forms shall be available from the clerk of the board and from the assessor's office.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 84.08.010, 84.08.070, and 84.48.200. 06-13-034, § 458-14-056, filed 6/14/06, effective 7/15/06; 95-17-099, § 458-14-056, filed 8/23/95, effective 9/23/95; 90-23-097, § 458-14-056, filed 11/21/90, effective 12/22/90.]

OTS-2932.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 92-05-066, filed 2/18/92, effective 3/20/92)

WAC 458-20-132   Automobile dealers/demonstrator and executive vehicles.   (1) Introduction. This section accounts for the unique practices of the retail automobile dealer's industry and reflects administrative notice of the customs of this trade. The tax reporting formulas explained in this rule represent a compromise of tax liabilities and offsetting deductions. It recognizes that demonstrators and vehicles used by executives or persons associated with a dealer are actually used for limited periods of time without significantly affecting their marketability or retail selling value, and that such used vehicles have a high trade-in value when returned to inventory for sale.

     (2) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section.

     (a) The terms "demonstration" and "demonstrator" mean the use of automobiles provided by dealers to their sales staff, without charge, for any personal or business reason other than (or in addition to) the mere display of such vehicles to prospective purchasers.

     (b) The term "display" means the showing for sale of vehicles to prospective purchasers, at or near the dealer's premises, including the short term test driving, operating, and examining by prospective purchasers.

     (c) The term "executive use vehicle" means any vehicle from sales inventory, used by any person associated with the automobile dealership for personal driving, other than for demonstration or display purposes as defined above, when such person does not have a recent model vehicle registered and licensed in that person's own name on which retail sales tax was paid.

     (d) The term "recent model vehicle" refers to a car of the current model year or either of the two preceding model years.

     (e) The terms "purchase price" and "total cost" mean the amount charged to the dealer for the purchase of a vehicle and includes any additional charges for accessories installed on the vehicle. If the vehicle was acquired through a trade-in by a customer, these terms then mean the trade-in value given to the customer by the dealer (with consideration of underallowances and overallowances) as well as any costs of refurbishing and repairs in preparing the vehicle for resale or use. These values will generally be the amounts shown as the vehicle cost within the dealer's inventory records.

     (f) The phrase "pickup truck" refers only to trucks having a commercial pickup body rated at three-quarter ton capacity or less.

     (3) Business and occupation tax. Automobile dealers are taxable under the retailing classification upon the sale or lease of automobiles to their employees or other representatives for personal use, including demonstration. The business and occupation tax does not apply upon the transfer of vehicles to employees or other representatives for their personal use, including demonstration where no sale occurs.

     (4) Retail sales tax. The retail sales tax applies upon the sale or lease of automobiles, parts, and accessories by dealers to their employees or other representatives for the personal use by such persons. The retail sales tax does not apply to the display of automobiles where no sale takes place.

     (5) Use tax. The use tax does not apply to the display of new or used automobiles by dealers, their employees or other representatives. Neither does use tax apply upon the personal use or demonstration of automobiles which have been sold or leased to dealers' employees or other representatives and upon which the retail sales tax has been paid. Also, use tax does not apply upon demonstrator vehicles if no such vehicles are actually used. However, where an automobile dealer purchases a passenger car or pickup truck without paying a retail sales tax and uses such car or truck for personal use or demonstration purposes, the use tax applies even if such personal car or demonstrator may later be sold by the dealer.

     (6) Computation of use tax. For practical purposes, automobile dealers may elect to compute the use tax upon the use of demonstrators by sales staff on either a "one per one hundred vehicles sold" basis or on an "actual number of demonstrators used" basis. Use of the one per one hundred vehicles sold method will satisfy the use tax liability for personal or business use of demonstrators by sales staff employed by a new car dealer. However, the one per one hundred vehicles sold method will not satisfy the use tax liability for the personal or business use of vehicles by persons other than sales staff employed by the dealership.

     (a) One per one hundred demonstrator reporting basis. The use of demonstrators is subject to the use tax on the basis of one demonstrator for each one hundred new automobiles and pickup trucks, or fractional part of such number, of all makes or models sold at retail including lease transactions during a calendar year. The use tax on each such demonstrator is measured by twenty-five percent of the average selling price, including dealer preparation, transportation, and factory or dealer installed accessories, of all makes and models of new passenger cars and new pickup trucks sold during the preceding calendar year divided by the number of such units sold: Provided, That the first such vehicle reported during any calendar year shall be subject to use tax measured by the full average retail selling price.

     (i) The average retail selling price is computed by dividing the total retail sales of new passenger cars and trucks in the preceding year by the total units sold in the preceding year. Thus, for example, a dealer with $3,000,000.00 in gross sales for the previous year, who sold 250 units that year derives an average selling price of $12,000.00. The very first demonstrator use in the current year will be $12,000.00 multiplied by the prevailing use tax rate. All subsequent demonstrators reported in the current year, based upon the formula of one demonstrator for each one hundred units sold, will be $3,000.00 multiplied by the prevailing use tax rate.

     (ii) The use tax is paid as of the date of the first sale in any calendar year and subsequently upon the sale of the one hundred and first automobile or pickup truck. If a dealer sold 340 units in the current year, use tax would be due on four units (the first at one hundred percent of the average retail selling price of all new vehicles sold in the preceding year and the remaining three at twenty-five percent of the previous year's average selling price of new vehicles).

     (b) Actual demonstrator reporting basis. Dealers who decide to report use tax on demonstrators on an actual basis are required to report use tax on each vehicle assigned to demonstrator use. The value is computed in the same manner as under the one per one hundred basis. The first vehicle in the current year which is used for demonstrator use is taxable on the full average selling price of all new vehicles sold in the preceding year. Additional vehicles during the year which are put to use as demonstrators are taxable at twenty-five percent of the average selling price of new vehicles sold in the preceding year.

     (c) The above method of computation applies only in respect to use by sales staff of demonstrator vehicles operated under dealer plates issued to the dealership. Vehicles which are required to be licensed other than to the dealership are presumed to be used substantially for purposes other than demonstration and are subject to the use tax measured by the actual value (purchase price) of such vehicles.

     (d) Change in reporting method. When an automobile dealer has elected to report the use tax under the "one per one hundred basis," or upon the actual number of demonstrators used, it will not be permitted to change the manner of reporting without the written consent of the department of revenue.

     Dealers are required to provide reasonably accurate records reflecting the use of dealer plates.

     (7) Executive vehicles - personal use of vehicles by executives and persons associated with a dealer. When a dealer or a person associated with a dealer (firm executive, corporate officer, partner, or manager) does not have a recent model car registered and licensed in its own name and regularly uses either one or various new cars from inventory for personal driving (whether or not such cars are also used for demonstration purposes) the use tax applies to the value of one such car for each two calendar years in addition to the tax which applies to demonstrator use by sales staff. The measure of the use tax is the same as the measure for the computation of use tax on subsequently used demonstrator vehicles, that is, twenty-five percent of the average selling price of all makes and models of new passenger cars and pickup trucks sold at retail during the preceding year.

     (a) The dealer may not include within the executive car reporting method the use of a new vehicle which is not of the type or model of new vehicles authorized to be sold by the dealer's franchise agreement. The executive car reporting method applies only to vehicles removed from inventory for use by the executives. Vehicles purchased specifically for use by the executives are taxable on the purchase price of each vehicle.

     (b) No use tax in addition to that outlined above will be due if members of the immediate family of the executive also use a vehicle from inventory which is not otherwise licensed or required to be licensed. "Immediate family" includes only the executive's spouse or state registered domestic partner and children ((of the executive)) or state registered domestic partner's children, who live in the same household as the executive.

     (8) Vehicles used by automobile manufacturers or distributors. Automobile manufacturers or distributors will often assign vehicles to their employee representatives for demonstration purposes, sales solicitation and personal use in the state. It is common practice to replace these vehicles frequently so that several vehicles may be used by a company representative during the course of the year. Under these circumstances, the department of revenue will allow computation of the use tax based on the average selling price of all new cars sold in the preceding year multiplied by the maximum complement of cars of each model year in use at any time during the year. The tax is due at the start of the model year. No use tax is due on the usual turnover or replacement of cars within the model year.

     (9) Vehicles loaned to nonprofit or other organizations. The use tax applies to the value of vehicles that are required to be licensed and are loaned or donated to civic, religious, nonprofit or other organizations. The use tax may be computed for loaned vehicles on a value of two percent per month multiplied by the purchase price of the vehicle. Such tax is in addition to the tax on the use of demonstrators as provided in this rule. Vehicles that are not required to be licensed which are used for the purpose of promoting or participating in an event such as a parade, pageant, convention, or other community activity are not subject to the use tax provided the dealer obtains a temporary letter of authority or a special plate in accordance with RCW 46.16.048.

     (10) Service department vehicles. Vehicles removed from inventory and committed to use as service vehicles, parts trucks, or service department loaner cars are subject to use tax. Dealers will often use vehicles for this purpose for only short periods of time. In recognition of this, dealers may elect to report use tax on either the purchase price of the vehicle or on two percent per month of the purchase price for each month or any fraction thereof that the vehicle is being used as a service vehicle or loaner. If use tax is reported based on total purchase price rather than on the two percent method, a trade-in deduction is allowed if the vehicle is returned to inventory and concurrently another vehicle replaces this vehicle for use as a loaner or service vehicle. The trade-in value is the wholesale value and generally will be the value recorded by the dealer in the inventory records exclusive of any refurbishing costs at the time the vehicle is returned to inventory.

     (11) Personal use of used vehicles. Used vehicle dealers who provide used cars for personal use to their sales staff or managers without charge are subject to use tax on one vehicle per year for each sales person or manager to whom a used vehicle is provided. The value for use tax reporting is the average selling price of all used vehicles sold in the preceding year multiplied by twenty-five percent. The use tax is due in the month in which the vehicle is first used for personal use. New vehicle dealers will also be taxable in this manner for used cars furnished to sales staff or managers, but only if no new cars are provided during the course of the year to the manager or sales person. If both new and used cars are provided by a new vehicle dealer to a manager or sales person, use tax liability is as provided in subsections (6) and (7) of this section.

     Where used car dealers satisfy the criteria for executive car use (no current model vehicle registered in the user's name) they are deemed to be using one executive or personal use vehicle per calendar year. In such cases use tax must be reported under the same formula as for subsequently used new demonstrator cars, that is, measured by twenty-five percent of the average selling price of all used cars sold during the preceding calendar year. Use tax also is due on all vehicles that are capitalized for accounting purposes or removed from inventory and used for personal use. In such cases, the use tax measure is the purchase price of the vehicle. If the vehicle was acquired through a trade-in by a customer, the value will generally be that recorded by the dealer in the inventory records including any costs incurred in repairing or refurbishing the vehicle. Purchase of a new car by a used car dealer and used personally by the dealer or person associated with the dealer is subject to use tax measured by the purchase price of the vehicle.

     (12) 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) Dealer A makes a specific charge each month to its sales person for the use of a vehicle. The sales person uses the vehicle for personal use as well as displaying the vehicle to potential customers. The dealer is required to report the gross charges under the retailing and retail sales tax classifications. No use tax is due on this vehicle.

     (b) Dealer A assigns a vehicle from its new vehicle inventory for personal and business use to each of its new vehicle sales staff. No charge is made to the sales staff for the use of the vehicle. Dealer A is subject to use tax and may elect to report the tax on each vehicle assigned to the sales staff or may report on the "one per one hundred" method discussed above. Once a method is elected, the dealer may not change methods without approval from the department.

     (c) Dealer A assigns a vehicle from its new vehicle inventory for personal use to its service manager. The service manager will use the vehicle for approximately ninety days when it will be replaced with another new vehicle. The service manager does not have a recent model car registered and licensed in his/her name. The dealer is subject to use tax on the vehicles assigned to the service manager. The tax will apply on only one vehicle every second year and will be measured by twenty-five percent of the average selling price of all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the previous year.

     (d) Dealer A has the franchise to sell Chevrolets. Dealer A purchases a new Mercedes Benz for its personal use. The dealer attaches a "dealer plate" to this vehicle. Dealer A is subject to use tax on the purchase price of this vehicle. The dealer may not report use tax on the method authorized for reporting executive cars for this vehicle since the dealer is not an authorized dealer for this make of vehicle and the vehicle was not removed from the dealer's new vehicle inventory.

     (e) Vehicle Manufacturer A has five employees who live and work from their homes in Washington. These employees call on dealers in Washington to resolve warranty disputes. Each employee is given a new vehicle at the start of the model year. The vehicle will be replaced every sixty days. Manufacturer A owes use tax on five vehicles at the start of the model year. No additional use tax will be due when these vehicles are replaced during the same model year. However, should a sixth employee be added during the course of the year, an additional vehicle will be subject to use tax.

     (f) Dealer A uses a vehicle from inventory as a service truck. This vehicle is used to pick up parts from local suppliers, transportation for making emergency repairs on customer's vehicles, and similar activities. The dealer is liable for use tax on this vehicle. At its option, the dealer may report use tax on two percent per month of the purchase price of the vehicle or may report use tax on the full value of the vehicle at the time it is put to use.

     (g) Dealer A uses a new vehicle from inventory for his/her own personal use. Dealer A's spouse also uses a new vehicle. Dealer A's son who lives in the same household will occasionally use a new vehicle. All of these vehicles are operated with dealer plates attached. Dealer A does not have a recent model car licensed in Washington. Dealer A is subject to use tax on one vehicle as an "executive" car every second year as provided above.

     (h) Dealer A loans a vehicle to a civic organization for a thirty-day period. The dealer is unable to obtain a temporary letter of authority for use of the vehicle under RCW 46.16.048. The dealer is liable for use tax, but the dealer may report the use tax based on two percent of the purchase price of the vehicle per month as the measure of the tax. No use tax would be due if the dealer had obtained a letter of authority under RCW 46.16.048 for the use of the vehicle.

     (i) Dealer A, who sells new and used vehicles, assigns a used vehicle to the used car sales manager for personal use. However, if the sales manager exceeds the sales goals for the preceding quarter, the manager will be assigned a new vehicle for personal use for the following quarter. The manager will generally exceed the sales goal at least once during the year. Since the manager uses both a new and used car from inventory during the course of a year, use tax will be computed based on twenty-five percent of the average selling price of all new cars and trucks sold in the preceding year. The use tax will be due on one such vehicle every second year.

     (j) Dealer A, who sells new and used vehicles, regularly assigns a used vehicle from inventory to its service manager for personal use. This vehicle is replaced approximately every sixty days. Use tax is due on one vehicle every year measured by twenty-five percent of the average selling price of all used vehicles sold in the preceding year.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300. 92-05-066, § 458-20-132, filed 2/18/92, effective 3/20/92; 86-09-002 (Order ET 86-5), § 458-20-132, filed 4/3/86; 83-07-034 (Order ET 83-17), § 458-20-132, filed 3/15/83; Order ET 70-3, § 458-20-132 (Rule 132), filed 5/29/70, effective 7/1/70.]

OTS-2933.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-20-041, filed 9/24/02, effective 10/25/02)

WAC 458-30-275   Continuing classification upon sale or transfer of ownership of classified land -- Actions of landowner and county officials to be taken prior to recording a conveyance of classified land.   (1) Introduction. If land classified under chapter 84.34 RCW is sold or transferred and the new owner wants to retain the classified status of the land, certain procedures must be followed before the conveyance may be recorded or filed. This rule explains the necessary procedures and required forms.

     (2) General requirements - new owner elects to have the land remain classified. The county recording authority shall not accept an instrument conveying ownership of land classified under chapter 84.34 RCW unless certain conditions are satisfied. When land classified under chapter 84.34 RCW is sold or transferred and the new owner elects to have the land retain its classified status, prior to recording or filing the conveyance, the new owner or the new owner's agent must:

     (a) Sign the notice of continuance that is part of the real estate excise tax (REET) affidavit or sign a separate notice of continuance. (Subsection (9) of this rule contains an explanation about REET.) Both the REET affidavit and the notice of continuance are forms prepared by the department of revenue and supplied to the counties. Both forms are available from the department by sending a written request to:

     Department of Revenue

     Taxpayer Services

     P.O. Box 47478

     Olympia, WA 98504-7478.

A copy of the notice of continuance may be obtained from the county assessor or it may be downloaded from the internet at http://dor.wa.gov/index.asp under property tax, "forms." A copy of the REET affidavit may be obtained from the county treasurer. If the classified land is owned by multiple owners, all owners or their agent(s) must sign the notice of continuance on the affidavit or the separate notice of continuance; and

     (b) Provide the assessor with a signed statement that explains how the new owner intends to use the classified land and any other information the assessor deems necessary to determine whether the land will continue to be eligible for classification under chapter 84.34 RCW. (See RCW 84.34.121 and WAC 458-30-270.)

     (3) Required duties of the assessor before a conveyance of classified land may be filed or recorded. The new owner must supply the assessor with the information outlined in subsection (2) of this rule if the new owner elects to have the land remain classified under chapter 84.34 RCW.

     (a) After receiving all required documentation, the assessor is allowed up to fifteen calendar days to determine whether the land should retain its classified status or whether the land should be removed from classification as of the date of conveyance.

     (b) To make this determination, the assessor may, but is not required to, consult with the county legislative authority if the land is classified as either open space or timber land or a combination of the county and city legislative bodies if the classified open space land is within an incorporated part of the county. Both the assessor and the granting authority may require the new owner to submit additional information about the use of the classified land after the sale or transfer is complete. This information will be used to determine whether the land should remain classified under chapter 84.34 RCW.

     (4) When may a county recording authority accept an instrument conveying ownership of classified land? A county recording authority shall not accept an instrument of conveyance regarding the sale or transfer of land classified under chapter 84.34 RCW for filing or recording until the new owner signs a notice of continuance and the assessor determines that the land will or will not continue to qualify for classification. If the assessor decides that the land must be removed from classification, the assessor will note that the land does not qualify for continuance on the REET affidavit and begin the removal procedures set forth in WAC 458-30-295.

     (a) If the new owner signs the notice of continuance and the assessor agrees that the land should remain classified, the assessor checks the box on the REET affidavit that the land qualifies for continued classified current use status. The completed affidavit is then presented to the county recording authority so that it may record or file the conveyance. A completed REET affidavit includes a stamp, placed on it by the treasurer, indicating that any REET or additional tax, interest, and penalty owed as a result of the sale or transfer has been paid. (See subsection (9) of this rule for a more detailed explanation of the real estate excise tax.)

     (b) If the assessor decides that the land must be removed or the owner submits a written request to remove the land from classification, the assessor will check the appropriate box on the REET affidavit that the land does not qualify for continuance, sign the REET affidavit, and begin the removal procedures set forth in WAC 458-30-295.

     (5) Land removed from classification with no back taxes imposed. If the removal results solely from one of the circumstances or actions listed in RCW 84.34.108(6), no additional tax, interest, or penalty is imposed. The assessor will:

     (a) Follow the procedures set forth in WAC 458-30-295 and 458-30-300 for removing land from classification;

     (b) Notify the treasurer and the seller or transferor that no additional tax, interest, or penalty will be imposed; and

     (c) If the land is acquired for conservation purposes by any of the entities listed in RCW 84.34.108 (6)(f), inform the new owner that a lien equal to the amount of additional tax, interest, and penalty has been placed on the land, even though the additional tax, interest, and penalty will not be collected at this time. This lien becomes due and payable if and when the land ceases to be used for one of the purposes outlined in RCW 64.04.130 or 84.34.210.

     (6) Sales or transfers of timber land. When a parcel(s) of classified timber land is sold or transferred, the new owner must submit a timber management plan to the assessor and comply with the general requirements listed in subsection (2) of this rule to retain the land's classified status. The assessor sends a copy of the timber management plan to the granting authority of the county in which the classified land is located. WAC 458-30-232 contains a list of the types of additional information an assessor may require the new owner to submit to enable the assessor to determine whether the land will be used to grow and harvest timber for commercial purposes. Generally, the new owner is required to submit a timber management plan at the time of sale or transfer. If circumstances require it, the assessor may allow an extension of time for submitting this plan when a notice of continuance is received. The applicant will be notified of this extension in writing. When the assessor extends the filing deadline for a timber management plan, the county legislative authority should delay processing the application until this plan is received. If the timber management plan is not received by the date set by the assessor, the notice of continuance will be automatically denied.

     (7) Sales or transfers of farm and agricultural land. When a parcel(s) of classified farm and agricultural land is sold or transferred, the new owner must comply with the general requirements listed in subsection (2) of this rule. The size of the classified land dictates whether any additional requirements must also be satisfied. After all required information is submitted, the assessor determines whether the land qualifies for continued classification.

     (a) If the classified land sold or transferred is twenty acres or more, the new owner must satisfy the general requirements listed in subsection (2) of this rule.

     (b) If the sale or transfer involves less than twenty contiguous acres, the new owner will be required to comply with the general requirements of subsection (2) of this rule and the seller or buyer may be asked to provide gross income data relating to the productivity of the farm or agricultural operation for three of the past five years. This income data is used to determine whether the land meets the income production requirements listed in RCW 84.34.020 (2)(b) and (c) for classification. However, if the income data is unavailable but the new owner is willing to sign the notice of continuance and accept the responsibility for any additional tax and interest owed for prior years that will be due if the land is later found to be ineligible for continued classification, the classified status of the land will continue until the assessor determines that the use of the land has changed or has not produced the requisite minimum income.

     (i) RCW 84.34.020 (2)(b) and (c) set forth the minimum income production requirements for classified farm and agricultural land of less than twenty acres. Any sale or transfer of classified land is subject to these income limits. However, the income production requirements will not be examined when classified land is being transferred to a surviving spouse or state registered domestic partner, but such land is subject to the same production requirements that were applicable before the ((spouse's)) death of the spouse or domestic partner. For example, a sixteen acre parcel of classified farm and agricultural land, which was classified in 1998, is still required to produce a minimum of two hundred dollars per acre per year even though the assessor is not required to review the income production data at the time of sale or transfer.

     (ii) Sale or transfer of land classified prior to January 1, 1993. As of January 1, 1993, the legislature imposed higher income production requirements on classified farm and agricultural land of less than twenty acres. When land classified prior to January 1, 1993, is sold or transferred to a new owner, the higher minimum income requirements set forth in RCW 84.34.020 (2)(b)(ii) and (c)(ii) will be deferred for a period of three years. The new owner is required to produce either two hundred dollars per acre per year if the parcel is five acres or more or fifteen hundred dollars per year if the parcel is less than five acres at least once during the three calendar years immediately following the sale or transfer. For example, if classification was granted in 1978 to a fifteen acre parcel that produced a gross income of one hundred thirty dollars per acre per year until it was sold on April 15, 1999, the minimum income requirements will be deferred until 2002. By the end of 2002, the new owner must show that the parcel produced two hundred dollars per acre at least one year during the three-year period between 2000 and 2002. If the land produced a gross income of two hundred dollars per acre, the land remains classified as farm and agricultural land. If the land failed to produce this amount at least once during this three-year period, the land will be removed from classification and the owner will be required to pay additional tax, interest, and penalty.

     (iii) Sale or transfer of land classified after January 1, 1993. The higher minimum income production requirements of RCW 84.34.020 (2)(b)(ii) and (c)(ii) apply to all land classified after January 1, 1993. When such land is sold or transferred, the assessor may ask the seller or buyer to provide gross income data relating to the productivity of the farm or agricultural operation for three of the past five years. This information will be used to determine whether the land should retain its status as classified farm and agricultural land. For example, a ten acre parcel that was classified as farm and agricultural land on May 1, 1995, is sold on February 23, 2001. The assessor asks the seller of the classified land to provide information about the income the land produced during the five calendar years preceding the sale (i.e., 1995 through 2000). To retain the farm and agricultural classification, the land must have produced a minimum income of two hundred dollars per acre per year at least three of the five calendar years preceding the date of sale. However, if the income data is unavailable but the new owner is willing to sign the notice of continuance and accept the responsibility for any additional tax and interest owed for prior years that will be due if the land is later found to be ineligible for continued classification, the classified status of the land will continue until the assessor determines that the use of the land has changed or has not produced the requisite minimum income.

     (c) Segregation of land. If the sale or transfer of classified land involves a segregation, the owner of the newly created parcel(s) and the owner of the parcel from which the land was segregated must comply with the requirements for classification, including the production of minimum income, to enable the assessor to continue the classified status of the land.

     (8) New owner's ((acknowledgement)) acknowledgment. The new owner, by signing the notice of continuance, acknowledges that future use of the land must conform to the provisions of chapter 84.34 RCW.

     (9) Real estate excise tax (REET). An excise tax is generally imposed in accordance with chapter 82.45 RCW whenever real property is sold or transferred. The amount of this tax is based upon the selling price of the real property. Real estate excise tax is due at the time of sale. This tax is paid to and collected by the treasurer of the county in which the real property is located. (See RCW 82.45.010 for a listing of transactions that are not considered a sale or transfer upon which REET is imposed.)

[Statutory Authority: RCW 84.34.141, 84.34.020, and 84.34.030. 02-20-041, § 458-30-275, filed 9/24/02, effective 10/25/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 84.34.141. 01-24-030, § 458-30-275, filed 11/27/01, effective 12/28/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 84.08.110, 84.08.070, 84.34.141 and 84.34.360. 95-21-002, § 458-30-275, filed 10/4/95, effective 11/4/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 84.08.010 and 84.08.070. 90-24-087, § 458-30-275, filed 12/5/90, effective 1/5/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 84.08.010(2), 84.34.141 and chapter 84.34 RCW. 88-23-062 (Order PT 88-12), § 458-30-275, filed 11/15/88.]

OTS-2934.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 06-20-036, filed 9/25/06, effective 10/26/06)

WAC 458-61A-211   Mere change in identity or form -- Family corporations and partnerships.   (1) Introduction. A transfer of real property is exempt from the real estate excise tax if it consists of a mere change in identity or form of ownership of an entity. This exemption is not limited to transfers involving corporations and partnerships, and includes transfers of trusts, estates, associations, limited liability companies and other entities. If the transfer of real property results in the grantor(s) having a different proportional interest in the property after the transfer, real estate excise tax applies.

     (2) Qualified transactions. A mere change in form or identity where no change in beneficial ownership has occurred includes, but is not limited to:

     (a) The transfer by an individual or tenants in common of an interest in real property to a corporation, partnership, or other entity if the entity receiving the ownership interest receives it in the same pro rata shares as the individual or tenants in common held prior to the transfer. (See also WAC 458-61A-212, Transfers where gain is not recognized under the Internal Revenue Code.)

     (b) The transfer by a corporation, partnership, or other entity of its interest in real property to its shareholders or partners, who will hold the real property either as individuals or as tenants in common in the same pro rata share as they owned the corporation, partnership, or other entity. To the extent that a distribution of real property is disproportionate to the interest the grantee partner has in the partnership, it will be subject to real estate excise tax.

     (c) The transfer by an entity of its interest in real property to its wholly owned subsidiary, the transfer of real property from a wholly owned subsidiary to its parent, or the transfer of real property from one wholly owned subsidiary to another.

     (d) The transfer by a corporation, partnership or other entity of its interest in real property to another corporation, partnership, or other entity if the grantee owner(s) receives it in the same pro rata shares as the grantor owner(s) held prior to the transfer.

     (e) Corporate mergers and consolidations that are accomplished by transfers of stock or membership, and mergers between corporations and limited partnerships as provided in chapters 25.10 and 24.03 RCW.

     (f) A transfer of real property to a newly formed, beneficiary corporation from an incorporator to the newly formed corporation, provided:

     (i) The proper real estate excise tax was paid on the original transfer to the incorporator; and

     (ii) It was documented on or before the original transfer that the incorporator received title to the property on behalf of that corporation during its formation process.

     This tax exemption does not apply to a transaction in which a property owner acquires title in his or her own name and later transfers title to the corporation upon its formation.

     (g) A transfer into any revocable trust.

     (h) A conveyance from a trustee of a revocable trust to the original grantor or to a beneficiary if no valuable consideration passes, or if the transaction is otherwise exempt under this chapter (for example, a gift or inheritance). A sale of real property by the trustee to a third party, or to a beneficiary for valuable consideration, is subject to the real estate excise tax.

     (3) Examples. The following examples, while not exhaustive, illustrate some of the circumstances in which a grant of an interest in real property may or may not qualify for this exemption. These examples should be used only as a general guide. The taxability of each transaction must be determined after a review of all the facts and circumstances.

     (a) Andy owns a 100% interest in real property. He transfers his property to his solely owned corporation. The transfer is exempt from real estate excise tax because there has been no change in the beneficial ownership interest in the property.

     (b) Elizabeth owns a 100% interest in real property, and is the sole owner of Zippy Corporation. She transfers her property to Zippy. The corporation pays $5,000 to Elizabeth and agrees to make payments on the underlying debt on the property. Despite the fact that there was consideration involved in the transfer, it is still exempt from tax because there was no change in beneficial ownership.

     (c) Jim, Kathie, and Tim own real property as joint tenants. They transfer their property to their LLC in the same pro rata ownership. The transfer is exempt from real estate excise tax because there has been no change in beneficial ownership.

     (d) Pat, Liz, and Erin own Stage Corporation. They also own Song & Dance Partnership, in the same pro rata ownership percentages as their interests in the corporation. Stage Corporation transfers real property to Song & Dance Partnership. The transfer is exempt from real estate excise tax, because there has been no change in beneficial interest.

     (e) Morgan owns real property. Brea owns Sparkle Corporation. Morgan transfers real property to Sparkle in exchange for an interest in the corporation. The transfer is subject to real estate excise tax because there has been a change in the beneficial interest in the real property. The tax applies to the extent that the transfer of real property results in the grantor having a different proportional interest in the property after it is transferred. (Note, however, that Morgan and Brea may be able to structure their transaction in a manner that would qualify for exemption under WAC 458-61A-212.)

     (f) Dan owns property as sole owner. Jill owns property as sole owner. Dan and Jill each transfer their property to Rhyming LLC, which they form together. The transfers are taxable because there has been a change in the beneficial ownership interest in the real property. To the extent that the transfer of real property results in the grantor having a different proportional interest in the property after the transfer, it is taxable. (Note, however, that Dan and Jill may qualify for an exemption under WAC 458-61A-212.)

     (g) Fred and Steve are equal partners in Jazzy Partnership. They decide to transfer real property from the partnership to themselves as individuals. Based on its true and fair value, the partnership transfers 60% of the real property to Fred and 40% to Steve. This distribution is not in proportion to their ownership interest in Jazzy Partnership, and the transfer is not exempt because there has been a change in the beneficial ownership interest. To the extent that the transfer of property results in the grantor having a different proportional interest in the property after the transfer, it is taxable. (Note, however, that Fred and Steve may qualify for an exemption under WAC 458-61A-212.)

     (4) Disparate treatment of ownership interests.

     (a) Where the ownership of real property is different for financial accounting purposes than for federal tax purposes, the beneficial ownership interest in the real property is deemed the entity which is the owner for financial accounting purposes. Any transfer from the entity that is the owner for federal tax purposes to the owner for financial accounting purposes, or vice versa, is subject to the real estate excise tax.

     (b) For example, Giant Company wants to expand its business. It identifies some real property, but is unable to finance the purchase through a normal loan. It contracts with Mega Loans Inc. to enter into a "synthetic lease" for the purchase of the real property. Under the terms of the synthetic lease, Mega Loans will take title to the real property, and Giant Company will lease it from Mega Loans. Real estate excise tax is paid on the purchase of the real property by Mega Loans. The terms of the lease also provide that Giant Company will be the owner for federal tax purposes and Mega Loans will be the owner for financial accounting purposes. Per the lease agreement, after a specified time Mega Loans will transfer title to the real property to Giant Company. The transfer of title from Mega Loans to Giant Company is subject to real estate excise tax.

     (5) Family corporations, partnerships, or other entities. This exemption applies to transfers to an entity that is wholly owned by the transferor and/or the transferor's spouse ((or)), state registered domestic partner, children, or state registered domestic partner's children regardless of whether the transfer results in a change in the beneficial ownership interest. However, real estate excise taxes will become due and payable on the original transfer as otherwise provided by law if:

     (a) The partnership or corporation thereafter voluntarily transfers the property; or

     (b) The transferor, spouse ((or)), state registered domestic partner, children, or state registered domestic partner's children voluntarily transfer stock in the corporation, or interest in the partnership capital to other than:

     (i) The transferor and/or the transferor's spouse ((or)), state registered domestic partner, children, or state registered domestic partner's children;

     (ii) A trust having the transferor and/or the transferor's spouse ((or)), state registered domestic partner, children, or state registered domestic partner's children as the only beneficiaries at the time of transfer to the trust; or

     (iii) A corporation or partnership wholly owned by the original transferor and/or the transferor's spouse ((or)), state registered domestic partner, children, or state registered domestic partner's children within three years of the original transfer to which this exemption applies, and the tax on the subsequent transfer is not paid within sixty days of becoming due.

     For example, parents own real property as individuals. They create an LLC that is owned by themselves and their three children. The parents transfer the real property to the LLC. Despite the fact that there was a change in beneficial ownership interest, it is still exempt from tax, because the LLC is owned by the grantor and/or the grantor's spouse ((or)), state registered domestic partner, children, or state registered domestic partner's children.

     (6) Transfers when there is not a change in identity or form of ownership of an entity. This exemption applies to transfers of real property when the grantor and grantee are the same.

     For example, John and Megan own real property as tenants in common. They decide that they prefer to hold the property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship. John and Megan, as tenants in common, convey the property to John and Megan as joint tenants with rights of survivorship. The transfer is exempt from real estate excise tax.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300, 82.04.150, and 82.01.060(2). 06-20-036, § 458-61A-211, filed 9/25/06, effective 10/26/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 82.32.300, 82.01.060(2), and 82.45.150. 05-23-093, § 458-61A-211, filed 11/16/05, effective 12/17/05.]

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