TITLE 34.PUBLIC FINANCE

Part 1. COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

Chapter 3. TAX ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter V. FRANCHISE TAX

34 TAC §3.544

The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes an amendment to §3.544, concerning reports and payments. A new subsection, (a)(4), has been added to the rule. This provision concerns corporations that will not owe franchise tax because their gross receipts from the entire business are less than $150,000. This amendment is in accordance with Senate Bill 441, 76th Legislature, 1999. Subsection (b)(1) has been amended to provide for a variable annual interest rate on delinquent taxes for reports originally due on or after January 1, 2000. This amendment is in accordance with Senate Bill 1321, 76th Legislature, 1999.

Mike Reissig, Director of Estimates, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment will be in effect there will be no significant revenue impact on the state or local government.

Mr. Reissig also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of adopting the amendment will be in providing new information regarding tax responsibilities. This amendment is adopted under the Tax Code, Title 2, and does not require a statement of fiscal implications for small businesses. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the proposed amendment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Bryant K. Lomax, Manager, Tax Policy Division, P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas, 78711.

This amendment is proposed under the Tax Code, §111.002, which provides the comptroller with the authority to prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules relating to the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Tax Code, Title 2.

The amendment implements the Tax Code, §171.002 and §111.060.

§3.544.Reports and Payments.

(a)

Reports and due dates.

(1)-(3)

(No change.)

(4)

For reports originally due on or after January 1, 2000, a corporation will not owe any tax if the gross receipts from its entire business for both taxable capital and taxable earned surplus are each less than $150,000 during the accounting period upon which the report is based. A corporation that does not owe any tax under this subsection must file an information report as authorized by subsection (a)(3) of this section.

(A)

For purposes of computing gross receipts from its entire business for taxable earned surplus under this subsection, a corporation must include any gross receipts that would otherwise be excluded from the apportionment factor under the Tax Code, §171.1061, concerning the allocation of certain taxable earned surplus to this state.

(B)

A corporation whose gross receipts from its entire business for taxable capital are $150,000 or greater will be required to compute its tax on both tax base components as provided for under the Tax Code, §171.002(b), even though its gross receipts from its entire business for taxable earned surplus are less than $150,000. For example, if a corporation's gross receipts from its entire business for taxable capital are $175,000 and its gross receipts from its entire business for taxable earned surplus are $125,000, the corporation must compute its tax on both taxable capital and taxable earned surplus.

(C)

A corporation whose gross receipts from its entire business for taxable earned surplus are $150,000 or greater will be required to compute its tax on both tax base components as provided for under the Tax Code, §171.002(b), even though its gross receipts from its entire business for taxable capital are less than $150,000. For example, if a corporation's gross receipts from its entire business for taxable earned surplus are $175,000 and its gross receipts from its entire business for taxable capital are $125,000, the corporation must compute its tax on both taxable capital and taxable earned surplus.

(b)

Penalty and interest on delinquent taxes .

(1)

The Tax Code, §171.362, imposes a 5.0% penalty on the amount of franchise tax due by a corporation which fails to report or pay the tax when due. If any part of the tax is not reported or paid within 30 days after the due date, an additional 5.0% penalty is imposed on the amount of tax unpaid. There is a minimum penalty of $1.00. Delinquent taxes accrue interest beginning 60 days after the due date. For example, if payment is made on the 61st day after the due date, one day's interest is due.

(A)

For reports originally due on or before December 31, 1999, the following rates of interest are in effect as indicated. Simple interest accrues at an annual rate of 6.0% through March 31, 1980; at an annual rate of 7.0% from April 1, 1980-December 31, 1981; and, beginning January 1, 1982, at 10% per annum, for taxes due before September 1, 1991. For taxes due on or after September 1, 1991, simple interest accrues at an annual rate of 12% on all delinquent taxes.

(B)

For reports originally due on or after January 1, 2000, the annual rate of interest on delinquent taxes is the prime rate plus one percent, as published in The Wall Street Journal on the first day of each calendar year that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

(2)-(6)

(No change.)

(c)-(j)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 14, 2000.

TRD-200000300

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 27, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4062


34 TAC §3.560

The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes an amendment to §3.560, concerning banking corporations. The amendment is in accordance with House Bill 2067, 76th Legislature, 1999, including a revised definition of "banking corporation" in subsection (b)(1), a new apportionment requirement for dividends and interest in subsection (f), and new enforcement guidelines in subsection (h). The bill repealed §171.1031 which apportioned dividends and interest to the bank's commercial domicile. A definition of "legal domicile" has been added to subsection (b) because of the new apportionment requirement for dividends and interest. The legislation states that these new provisions apply to reports originally due on or after January 1, 2000.

Mike Reissig, Director of Estimates, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment will be in effect there will be no significant revenue impact on the state or local government.

Mr. Reissig also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of adopting the amendment will be in providing clarification of Comptroller policy related to banking corporations. This amendment is adopted under the Tax Code, Title 2, and does not require a statement of fiscal implications for small businesses. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the proposed amendment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Bryant K. Lomax, Manager, Tax Policy Division, P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas, 78711.

This amendment is proposed under the Tax Code, §111.002, which provides the comptroller with the authority to prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules relating to the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Tax Code, Title 2.

The amendment implements the Tax Code, §§171.001, 171.259, and 171.316.

§3.560.Banking Corporations.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Banking corporation (bank)--Each state, national, domestic, or foreign bank, whether organized under the laws of this state, another state, or another country, or under federal law, including a limited banking association organized under Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle A , [ as defined by the Banking Act, §1.002(a), ] and each bank organized under the Federal Reserve Act, §25(a), (12 United States Code, §§611-631) (edge corporations), but does not include a bank holding company as that term is defined by the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 United States Code, § 1841).

(2)

(No change.)

(3)

Legal domicile-The legal domicile of a corporation is its state of incorporation. The legal domicile of a partnership or trust is the principal place of business of the partnership or trust. The principal place of business of a partnership or trust is the location of its day-to-day operations. Where the day-to-day operations are conducted equally or fairly evenly in more than one state, the principal place of business is the commercial domicile.

(c)-(e)

(No change.)

(f)

Apportionment of dividends and interest.

(1)

This paragraph applies to franchise tax reports originally due before January 1, 2000. If a banking corporation has its commercial domicile in Texas, all dividends and interest received, including interest from the federal government unless otherwise excluded by §3.555(k) of this title (relating to Earned Surplus: Computation), are considered to be Texas gross receipts and gross receipts everywhere. If a banking corporation's commercial domicile is not in Texas, no dividends or interest received are considered to be Texas gross receipts but all are considered to be gross receipts everywhere, unless otherwise specifically excluded from the receipts factor.

(2)

For reports originally due on or after January 1, 2000, a banking corporation's dividends and/or interest are apportioned to the legal domicile of the payor. See §3.549(e)(13) of this title (relating to Taxable Capital: Apportionment) and §3.557(e)(13) of this title (relating to Earned Surplus: Apportionment) for additional information on apportioning dividends and interest. [ If a banking corporation's commercial domicile is not in Texas, no dividends or interest received are considered to be Texas gross receipts but all are considered to be gross receipts everywhere. ]

(g)

(No change.)

(h)

Enforcement.

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(3)

The banking commissioner shall appoint a conservator under the Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle A, to pay the franchise tax of a banking corporation that is organized under the laws of Texas and that the commissioner certifies as being delinquent in the payment of the corporation's franchise tax. [ The comptroller may ask that the Banking Department of Texas issue a cease and desist order requiring a bank to pay all taxes, penalties, and interest. To the extent not preempted by federal law, the Texas Department of Banking is required to appoint a conservator under the Banking Act, Chapter 6, Subchapter B, to pay the franchise tax of any banking corporation certified by the comptroller as being delinquent in the payment of its franchise tax. ]

(4)

Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a [ no ] banking corporation that is organized under the laws of Texas or under federal law and has its main office in Texas will not have its corporate privileges [ or charter ] forfeited by the comptroller for not paying its franchise tax.

(5)

A banking corporation that is organized under the laws of Texas or under federal law and has its main office in Texas will not have its charter forfeited for not paying its franchise tax.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 14, 2000.

TRD-200000301

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 27, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4062


34 TAC §3.563

The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes an amendment to §3.563, concerning savings and loan associations. The amendment is in accordance with House Bill 2067, 76th Legislature, 1999, including a revised definition of "savings and loan association" in subsection (b)(4), a new apportionment requirement for dividends and interest in subsection (e), and new enforcement guidelines in subsection (g). The bill repealed §171.1031 which apportioned dividends and interest to the saving and loan association's commercial domicile. A definition of "legal domicile" has been added to subsection (b) because of the new apportionment requirement for dividends and interest. The legislation states that these new provisions apply to reports originally due on or after January 1, 2000.

Mike Reissig, Director of Estimates, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment will be in effect there will be no significant revenue impact on the state or local government.

Mr. Reissig also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of adopting the amendment will be in providing clarification of Comptroller policy related to savings and loan associations. This amendment is adopted under the Tax Code, Title 2, and does not require a statement of fiscal implications for small businesses. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the proposed amendment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Bryant K. Lomax, Manager, Tax Policy Division, P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas, 78711.

This amendment is proposed under the Tax Code, §111.002, which provides the comptroller with the authority to prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules relating to the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Tax Code, Title 2.

The amendment implements the Tax Code, §§171.001, 171.260, and 171.317.

§3.563.Savings and Loan Associations.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Commercial domicile--The principal place from which the trade or business of the entity is directed.

(2)

Legal domicile--The legal domicile of a corporation is its state of incorporation. The legal domicile of a partnership or trust is the principal place of business of the partnership or trust. The principal place of business of a partnership or trust is the location of its day-to-day operations. Where the day-to-day operations are conducted equally or fairly evenly in more than one state, the principal place of business is the commercial domicile.

(3)

[ (2) ] Net worth--

(A)

Net worth for a savings and loan association shall include the amount of issued and outstanding common stock, preferred stock (to the extent such preferred stock may be considered a part of the association's net worth under generally accepted accounting principles) plus any retained earnings and paid in surplus as well as such other items as the Texas savings and loan commissioner may approve in writing for inclusion in the association's net worth.

(B)

Net worth for a mutual association shall include its pledged savings liability and expense fund plus any retained earnings and such other items as the Texas savings and loan commissioner may approve in writing for inclusion in its net worth.

(4)

[ (3) ] Savings and loan association-- A savings and loan association or savings bank, whether organized under the laws of Texas, another state, another country, or under federal law. [ An entity that qualifies as a savings and loan association under the Internal Revenue Code, §7701(a)19. This includes, but is not limited to: ]

[(A)

state savings and loan association--any savings and loan association organized under the laws of this state; ]

[(B)

federal savings and loan association--any savings and loan association organized under the laws of the United States of America;]

[(C)

state-chartered savings bank--any savings bank organized under or subject to the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 489e, Savings Bank Act;]

[(D)

federal savings bank--any savings bank organized under the laws of the United States of America; and]

[(E)

mutual savings bank--a savings bank not authorized to issue capital stock.]

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

Apportionment of dividends and interest.

(1)

This paragraph applies to franchise tax reports originally due before January 1, 2000. If a savings and loan association or a savings bank has its commercial domicile in Texas, all dividends and interest received, including interest from the federal government unless otherwise excluded by §3.555(k) of this title (relating to Earned Surplus: Computation), are considered to be Texas gross receipts and gross receipts everywhere.

[ (2) ]

If a savings and loan association or a savings bank does not have its commercial domicile in Texas, dividends and interest received are not considered to be Texas gross receipts but all are considered to be gross receipts everywhere unless otherwise excluded by §3.555(k) of this title (relating to Earned Surplus: Computation).

[ (3) ]

Interest received by a savings and loan association for mortgages owned by the savings and loan association are considered Texas receipts if the savings and loan association's commercial domicile is in Texas.

(2)

For reports originally due on or after January 1, 2000, a savings and loan association's dividends and/or interest are apportioned to the legal domicile of the payor. See §3.549(e)(13) of this title (relating to Taxable Capital: Apportionment) and §3.557(e)(13) of this title (relating to Earned Surplus: Apportionment) for additional information on apportioning dividends and interest.

(f)

(No change.)

(g)

Enforcement.

(1)

The Texas Savings and Loan Commissioner shall appoint a conservator under Finance Code, Title 3, Subtitle B or C, to pay the franchise tax of a savings and loan association that is organized under the laws of Texas and that the commissioner certifies as being delinquent in the payment of the savings and loan association's franchise tax. [ revoke the charter of a savings and loan association or a savings bank certified by the comptroller as delinquent in the payment of its franchise tax. ]

(2)

Except as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, no savings and loan association that is organized under the laws of Texas or under federal law and has its main office in Texas [ or savings bank ] will have its corporate privileges [ or charter ] forfeited by the comptroller for not paying its franchise tax.

(3)

A savings and loan association that is organized under the laws of Texas or under federal law and has its main office in Texas will not have its charter forfeited for not paying its franchise tax.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 14, 2000.

TRD-200000302

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 27, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4062


Chapter 9. PROPERTY TAX ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter A. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

34 TAC §9.102

The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes a new §9.102, concerning certification of property value reduction. The new rule is proposed to implement Senate Bill 7, 76th Legislature, 1999, effective September 1, 1999, which requires the comptroller to adopt rules governing the certification to the Texas Education Agency of the reduction in a school district's property value caused by electric utility restructuring.

Mike Reissig, Director of Estimates, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect there will be no significant revenue impact on the state or units of local government.

Mr. Reissig also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be in providing the public with new information regarding the effect of electric utility restructuring on school district property values. There is no anticipated significant cost to the public. The new rule will have no fiscal impact on small business. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the proposed rule.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Buddy Breivogel, Manager, Property Tax Division, P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas, 78711-3528.

This new section is proposed under Utilities Code, Chapter 39, Subchapter Z, §39.901(g) which requires the comptroller to adopt rules governing the March 1 certification to the Texas Education Agency of the reduction in a school district's property value caused by electric utility restructuring.

The new section implements Utilities Code, Chapter 39, Subchapter Z, §39.901(g).

§9.102.Certification of Property Value Reduction.

(a)

The following words and terms, when used in this subsection, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Current year--The most recent year of the property value study for which preliminary findings have been published as required by Government Code, §403.302(f).

(2)

Electric utility--A person who owns or operates for compensation in this state equipment or facilities to produce, generate, transmit, distribute, sell, or furnish electricity in this state.

(3)

Prior year--The year before the most recent year of the property value study for which preliminary findings have been published under Government Code, §403.302(f).

(4)

Property value--The value of electric utility property.

(5)

Property value study--The Comptroller of Public Accounts' annual estimation of school district total taxable value, conducted and certified to the Commissioner of Education as required by Government Code, §403.302.

(b)

Not later than March 1 of each year, beginning in 2000 and ending in 2007, the comptroller shall certify to the Texas Education Agency each school district 's property value reduction caused by electric utility restructuring. The comptroller will determine the property value loss attributable to electric utility restructuring, if any, for each Texas school district using generally accepted appraisal and economic analysis procedures.

(c)

In making the property value loss determination, the comptroller will give primary weight to the difference between the current and prior year property values. The comptroller may make an independent determination of the current and prior year property values or may accept the local appraisal district's estimate of the current and prior year property values after reviewing and adjusting the local appraisal district's property value estimates as necessary to ensure their accuracy.

(d)

The comptroller may also consider and reduce the property value loss under subsection (c) of this section for property value increases or decreases caused by general increases or decreases in consumer demand, operating costs, or other economic factors not directly attributable to electric utility restructuring.

(e)

The public may provide information or input to the comptroller at any time by writing the Manager, Property Tax Division or the manager's designee at Comptroller of Public Accounts, Property Tax Division, Post Office Box 13528 Austin, Texas 78711-3528 or by calling 1-800-252-9121.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 14, 2000.

TRD-200000265

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 27, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 463-3699