TITLE 34.PUBLIC FINANCE

Part 1. COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

Chapter 1. CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter A. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

1. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

34 TAC §1.5

The Comptroller of Public Accounts adopts an amendment to §1.5, concerning initiation of a hearing, with changes to the proposed text as published in the October 15, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 8919).

The Tax Code, §154.1142(b) and §155.0592(b), was amended by Senate Bill 17, 76th Legislature, 1999, effective September 1, 1999. The amendment provides that taxpayers have an opportunity for a hearing, rather than requiring a hearing on all tobacco compliance violations.

Subsection (a) of the proposed rule has been revised to conform to changes to Tax Code, §154.309(b) and §155.186(b), enacted by House Bill 3211, 76th Legislature, 1999, effective October 1, 1999. Language stating that redetermination requests pursuant to the Tax Code, §154.309 or §155.186, must be made within 15 working days of the receipt of the determination has been deleted. The revised text clarifies that all requests for redetermination, including those made pursuant to the Tax Code, §154.309(b) and §155.186(b), must be filed not later than 30 days after the date notice of the deficiency determination is issued.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amended section.

This amendment is adopted 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, §§111.009, 154.309, 154.1142, 155.0592, and 155.186.

§1.5.Initiation of a Hearing.

(a)

Redetermination of a deficiency or jeopardy determination. A taxpayer may request a redetermination hearing by sending the agency a written request for redetermination. The time limit for filing a request is 30 days for a deficiency determination and 20 days for a jeopardy determination. The request must include a statement of grounds that sets out in detail the reasons the taxpayer does not agree with the determination. If the statement of grounds is not received within the time limit or an extension of the time limit granted prior to the expiration of the time limit, a hearing will not be granted and the taxpayer must pay the determination and request a refund before any objection to the determination can be considered.

(b)

Required documentary evidence. The agency's auditor may request in writing that the taxpayer produce documentary evidence on any issue for inspection. The written request must be served no later than five working days following the exit conference and must identify with specificity the nature of the documents sought, including the schedule or examination to which the documents relate. If such documentary evidence is not submitted within 60 days after a petition for redetermination is acknowledged, such documentary evidence will be inadmissible for purposes of the redetermination hearing.

(c)

Refund of tax paid. Within the time limits provided in the Tax Code, §111.104(c), a taxpayer may request a refund of any tax, penalty, or interest paid to the comptroller by sending the agency a written request. The request must include a statement of grounds that sets out in detail the grounds on which the claim is founded. If no grounds are stated as a basis for the claim, a hearing will not be granted and the claim will be denied. If the claim is granted for any tax amount, any corresponding penalty and interest amount previously paid will be refunded.

(d)

Hearings involving licenses and permits. The agency will initiate hearings concerning the denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses or permits by sending written notice to the taxpayer, which notice will include a statement of the matters asserted and procedures to be followed.

(e)

An oral hearing under the Tax Code, §154.1142 or §155.0592, will be set if requested by the permit holder within 15 calendar days of the receipt of the notice of violation(s).

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 23, 2000.

TRD-200001344

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Effective date: March 14, 2000

Proposal publication date: October 15, 1999

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


Chapter 3. TAX ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter F. MOTOR VEHICLE SALES TAX

34 TAC §3.61

The Comptroller of Public Accounts adopts an amendment to §3.61, concerning credit for motor vehicle sales or use tax paid to another state, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 3, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 10830).

House Bill 2140, 76th Legislature, 1999, amends the Tax Code, §152.023, effective September 1, 1999, providing that a new resident to Texas bringing a leased vehicle into this state may qualify for the new resident use tax in lieu of the 6 1/4% use tax and increasing the new resident tax rate.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

This amendment is adopted 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, §152.023.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 28, 2000.

TRD-200001474

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Effective date: March 19, 2000

Proposal publication date: December 3, 1999

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


34 TAC §3.70

The Comptroller of Public Accounts adopts an amendment to §3.70, concerning motor vehicle leases and sales, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 3, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 10831).

House Bill 2140, 76th Legislature, 1999, amends the Tax Code, §152.023, effective September 1, 1999, providing that a new Texas resident bringing a leased vehicle into this state may qualify for the new resident use tax in lieu of the 6.25% use tax, and increases the new resident tax rate.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

This amendment is adopted 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, §152.023.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 28, 2000.

TRD-200001475

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Effective date: March 19, 2000

Proposal publication date: December 3, 1999

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


Subchapter K. HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX

34 TAC §3.161

The Comptroller of Public Accounts adopts an amendment to §3.161, concerning definitions, exemptions, and exemption certificate, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 3, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 10831).

The 76th Legislature, 1999, in House Bill 1014, amended the Tax Code, Chapter 156, to limit the exemption for public and private institutions of higher education to Texas public or private instutions of higher education as defined in the Education Code, §61.003.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

This amendment is adopted 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, §156.102.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 25, 2000.

TRD-200001428

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Effective date: March 16, 2000

Proposal publication date: December 3, 1999

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


Subchapter L. MOTOR FUEL TAX

34 TAC §3.173

The Comptroller of Public Accounts adopts an amendment to §3.173, concerning refunds on gasoline and diesel fuel tax, without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 19, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 10302).

The amendment to subsection (c) provides gasoline distributors, diesel fuel suppliers, and bonded diesel fuel users a four year statute of limitations to claim a refund of tax under certain circumstances.

Subsection (d)(3)(A) is being amended to provide more flexible record keeping requirements when claiming a refund on a drive-away theft.

A new subsection (d)(5) is being added to provide refund guidelines for lessors of off-highway equipment, and the remaining subsections are being renumbered.

Typographical corrections are being made to delete the hyphen between the words "power" and "take-off."

One comment was received from Exxon Mobil Corporation regarding whether an amended tax return would be required as stated in subsection (c)(2) or if a credit could be taken on a current tax return. The four year statute of limitations for tax erroneously paid to the comptroller applies to fuel acquired on or after October 1, 1997. A one year statute of limitations applies to fuel acquired before October 1, 1997. An amended tax return is necessary to determine whether the four year statute of limitations applies or the one year statute of limitation. No change to the text will be made as a result of this comment.

This amendment is adopted 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, §§153.104, 153.119, 153.121, 153.203, 153.205, 153.222, and 153.224.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 28, 2000.

TRD-200001476

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Effective date: March 19, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 19, 1999

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


Subchapter V. FRANCHISE TAX

34 TAC §3.561

The Comptroller of Public Accounts adopts an amendment to §3.561, concerning enterprise zones and defense economic readjustment zones, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 3, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 10832).

Subsection (g) substitutes "enterprise project" for "qualified business" in accordance with House Bill 3658, 76th Legislature, 1999. A provision is added to subsection (g) to prohibit the enterprise zone deduction if a corporation establishes its eligibility for a capital investment credit. This amendment is in accordance with Senate Bill 441, 76th Legislature, 1999.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

This amendment is adopted 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, §171.1015 and §171.805.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 25, 2000.

TRD-200001430

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Effective date: March 16, 2000

Proposal publication date: December 3, 1999

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


Subchapter JJ. CIGARETTE AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS REGULATION

34 TAC §3.1201

The Comptroller of Public Accounts adopts an amendment to §3.1201, concerning fee for outdoor advertising of cigarettes or tobacco products, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 10, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 11090).

The Tax Code, §154.1142(b) and §155.0592(b), was amended by Senate Bill 17, 76th Legislature, 1999, effective September 1, 1999. The amendment provides taxpayers have an opportunity for a hearing, rather than requiring a hearing on all tobacco compliance violations.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

This amendment is adopted 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, §154.1142 and §155.0592.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 23, 2000.

TRD-200001345

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Effective date: March 14, 2000

Proposal publication date: December 10, 1999

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


34 TAC §3.1204

The Comptroller of Public Accounts adopts an amendment to §3.1204, concerning administrative remedies for violations of Health and Safety Code, Chapter 161, Subchapter H or K, with changes to the proposed text as published in the October 15, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 8920).

The Tax Code, §154.1142(b) and §155.0592(b), was amended by Senate Bill 17, 76th Legislature, 1999, effective September 1, 1999. The amendment provides that taxpayers have an opportunity for a hearing, rather than requiring a hearing on all tobacco compliance violations.

Changes have been made to subsection (d) of the proposed rule to clarify that the only intended change to the rule was that the notice of violation be sent by certified mail.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amended section

This amendment is adopted 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, §154.1142 and §155.0592.

§3.1204.Administrative Remedies for Violations of Health and Safety Code, Chapter 161, Subchapter H or K.

(a)

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

(1)

Place of business--Has the meaning assigned by the Tax Code, §154.001 and §155.001.

(2)

Permit holder--Has the meaning assigned by the Tax Code, §154.001 or §155.001.

(3)

Retailer--Has the meaning assigned by the Tax Code, §154.001 or §155.001.

(b)

Notice of violations. The comptroller receives notice of a violation of Health and Safety Code, Chapter 161, Subchapter H or K from:

(1)

the Enforcement or Criminal Investigations Divisions of the comptroller's office;

(2)

local law enforcement or Drug Abuse Resource Education (DARE);

(3)

a municipal court or a justice of the peace court; or

(4)

a complaint reported by a caller on the tobacco hotline.

(c)

Disciplinary actions. The comptroller after receiving notice of violation may take the following actions:

(1)

if during the preceding 12 months at the place of business for which a permit is issued, the permit holder has not been found to have violated the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 161, Subchapter H or K, the comptroller may require the permit holder to pay a fine in an amount not to exceed $500 per violation;

(2)

if during the preceding 12 months at a place of business for which a permit is issued, the permit holder has been found to have violated the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 161, Subchapter H or K, the comptroller may require the permit holder to pay a fine in an amount not to exceed $750 per violation;

(3)

if during the preceding 12 months at a place of business for which a permit is issued, the permit holder has been found to have violated the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 161, Subchapter H or K at least twice, the comptroller may require the permit holder to pay a fine in an amount not to exceed $1,000 per violation or suspend the permit for that place of business for not more than three days; or

(4)

if during the preceding 12 months the permit holder has been found to have violated Health and Safety Code, §161.082(b), on four or more previous and separate occasions at the same place of business for which a permit is issued, the comptroller may revoke the permit.

(A)

The revocation of the retailer's permit shall be governed by the provisions in Tax Code, §154.114 and §155.059.

(B)

A retailer whose permit has been revoked under paragraph (4) of this subsection may not apply for a retailer's permit for the same place of business before the expiration of six months after the effective date of the revocation.

(d)

The comptroller will send written notice by certified mail to the permit holder informing the permit holder that a violation has occurred. If the comptroller so offers, the permit holder may have the option to waive the right to a hearing and pay a lesser administrative fine or agree to a lesser administrative remedy.

(e)

If the permit holder does not respond to the written notice of violation within 15 calendar days, an order finding that a violation has occurred may be entered and the maximum penalty may be imposed. If the permit holder requests a hearing, a hearing will be set. The hearing shall be governed by §§1.1 - 1.42 of this title (relating to Practice and Procedure).

(f)

An oral administrative hearing will be held at the office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts in Austin, Texas. The recourse for a permit holder who does not agree with the administrative decision will be governed by the provisions of Tax Code, Chapter 111; Government Code, Chapter 2001; and §§1.1 - 1.42 of this title.

(g)

The burden of proof in an administrative hearing pursuant to this rule is by a preponderance of the evidence, unless otherwise provided by statute.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 23, 2000.

TRD-200001346

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Effective date: March 14, 2000

Proposal publication date: October 15, 1999

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


Subchapter KK. SCHOOL FUND BENEFIT FEE

34 TAC §3.1251

The Comptroller of Public Accounts adopts a new §3.1251, concerning the school fund benefit fee, with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 31, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 12026).

The 76th Legislature, 1999, in House Bill 3159, amended the Tax Code, Chapter 153, to exempt diesel fuel used by owners, operators, or managers (other than political subdivisions) in commercial passenger motor vehicles traveling fixed or schedule routes between fixed points in this state. House Bill 3159 also amended the Transportation Code, by adding new §20.002, to impose a fee on diesel fuel exempted under Tax Code, Chapter 153, and used in commercial passenger motor vehicles traveling fixed or scheduled routes between fixed points in this state. The proposed new rule provides for definitions, payment of motor fuels tax under Chapter 153, refund of motor fuels tax paid under Chapter 153, and the school fund benefit fee report, report due date, payment of fee, and record keeping requirements.

One comment was received from the Texas Bus Association regarding whether subsection (c)(5) would prohibit the refund of tax paid on other exempted uses of diesel fuel described in §3.173, Refunds of Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Tax. As a result of this comment, subsection (c)(5) has been amended to state that diesel fuel used on charter and other non-fixed or non-scheduled routes is not refundable other than for refunds provided by §3.173, Refunds of Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Tax.

This new section is adopted under the Tax Code, §111.002 and §111.0022, which provide 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, or other fees assigned to the Comptroller to administer.

The new section implements the Tax Code, §153.203, §153.222 and the Transportation Code, §20.002.

§3.1251.School Fund Benefit Fee.

(a)

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

(1)

Commercial motor vehicle--A self-propelled vehicle used to transport passengers for compensation or hire between points in Texas on a fixed or scheduled route that:

(A)

has a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds; or

(B)

is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver.

(2)

Fixed or scheduled route--Published routes between fixed points in Texas that are open for travel by the general public with intended times of departure and arrival at a terminal or other specified location. Fixed or scheduled route travel includes the distance from the Texas border to the first arrival point, the distance from the first arrival point to the last departure point, and the distance from the last departure point to the Texas border.

(3)

Political subdivision--Any county, city, town, village, district, or other political subdivision of the state. For the purpose of this section, a political subdivision includes a person performing a contract to provide transportation services for any city, town, village, district, or other political subdivision of the state.

(b)

Collection of tax on sales of diesel fuel. Diesel fuel suppliers, jobbers, and retail dealers must collect the tax imposed by the Tax Code, Chapter 153, on sales of diesel fuel to any person qualifying for a tax refund under subsection (c) of this section.

(c)

Refund of tax paid on diesel fuel used on fixed or scheduled routes.

(1)

A person, other than a political subdivision, who owns, controls, operates, or manages a commercial motor vehicle and uses diesel-powered motor vehicles to transport passengers for compensation or hire between points in Texas on fixed or scheduled routes may file a claim for refund with the comptroller for state taxes paid on diesel fuel used exclusively in commercial motor vehicles while traveling fixed or scheduled routes.

(2)

The amount of fuel subject to state motor fuels tax refund shall be computed by dividing the total miles traveled on fixed or scheduled routes by the vehicles' average mile-per-gallon.

(3)

A claim for refund must be filed in the calendar month following the month in which the diesel fuel is used in a commercial motor vehicle.

(4)

A claim for refund of tax paid on diesel fuel consumed while traveling fixed or scheduled routes may not be paid unless the motor vehicle operator has filed the required school fund benefit fee report.

(5)

Tax paid on diesel fuel used to operate commercial motor vehicles on charter trips or other non-fixed or non-scheduled routes is not refundable, other than for refunds provided by §3.173 of this title (relating to Refunds of Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Tax).

(d)

School fund benefit fee due. A fee is imposed under the Transportation Code, Chapter 20.002, on diesel fuel exempted from the motor fuels tax under the Tax Code, Chapter 153, at a rate of $0.04875 per gallon.

(e)

Due date of report and payment.

(1)

The school fund benefit fee report and payment are due not later than the last day of the month following the calendar month in which liability for the fee is incurred, except as provided by paragraph (5) of this subsection.

(2)

A commercial motor vehicle operator must file a monthly report even if there is no fee to report.

(3)

Penalties due on delinquent fees and reports shall be imposed as provided by the Tax Code, §111.061.

(4)

Interest on delinquent fees shall be imposed as provided by the Tax Code, §111.060.

(5)

The due date for the September, October, and November, 1999, school fund benefit fee report and payment is extended to January 31, 2000. The report and payment for the period September 1, 1999, through November 30, 1999, are to be included with the December, 1999 report and payment.

(f)

Records required. A commercial motor vehicle operator shall keep records showing:

(1)

all fixed or scheduled routes;

(2)

the date and number of miles traveled on fixed or scheduled routes in Texas;

(3)

the date and number of miles traveled on charter trips and other non-fixed or non-scheduled routes in Texas;

(4)

the number of gallons of diesel fuel on hand on the first day of each month;

(5)

the number of gallons of diesel fuel purchased or received, showing the name of the seller and the date of each purchase;

(6)

the date and number of gallons of diesel fuel delivered into the fuel supply tanks of commercial motor vehicles;

(7)

the date and number of gallons delivered into the fuel supply tanks of other diesel powered motor vehicles.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 25, 2000.

TRD-200001429

Martin Cherry

Special Counsel

Comptroller of Public Accounts

Effective date: March 16, 2000

Proposal publication date: December 31, 1999

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