Vulcan Technologies
TAX Enhanced Compliance Analysis (Part 2)
Generated: September 29, 2025

Compliance Analysis Overview

AI-powered document condensing that preserves all substantive requirements while removing redundancy

Total Documents

85

Original Word Count

298,961

Condensed Word Count

220,135

Average Reduction

26.4%

This enhanced analysis condenses guidance documents issued by Department of Taxation to eliminate redundancy while preserving all substantive requirements and legal obligations.

Guidance on Sales Factor and Recapture IncomeDoc ID: Corporate

Original: 310 words
Condensed: 197 words
Reduction: 36.5%

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MEMORANDUM =. ‘ ?

TO: Ronald L. Holt, Supervisor

Technical Services Section Office Services Division

Wallace S. Cordle, Director Field Services Division

DATE: March 31, 1987

SUBJECT: Sales Factor and Form 4797. Proceeds

2

It has come to my attention that there is some confusion as to the application of paragraph e. of the definition of "Sales" in Regulation VR 630-3-302, which states:

e. The term "sales" does not include amounts required by federal law to be included in federal taxable income as recapture of items deducted in prior years.

This paragraph is intended to exclude from the sales factor an amount required to be included in federal taxable income as a result of an event which is inconsistent with a deduction claimed in prior years. Instead of amending the prior year return to remove the deduction, the amount is deemed to be income and is reported in the current year return as a recapture. The amount is excluded because there is no actual receipt of money or property which produced the "income."

This paragraph is not intended to exclude from the factor gross proceeds actually received from a sale merely because some of the gain on the sale is characterized as ordinary income instead of capital gain. This characterization of the gain is referred to in some cases as a “recapture” of depreciation, particularly on I.R.S. Form 4797, Part III.

Accordingly, all Form 4797 proceeds, including those shown in Part III, should be included in the sales factor. Please convey this information to all of our auditors.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Danny M. | See Director

Tax Policy Division

Virginia Sales and Use Tax Extension PolicyDoc ID: Sales

Original: 193 words
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--- Page 1 --- 4 OS ‘eit wate . | Woes ITT y COMMONWEA.LTH of VIRGINIA ae Hine bent “=*ans Department of Taxation (C x) Richmond, Virginia 23282 " 58-1118

4 Tax Tyr Sm -

MEMORANDUM 7 Pupte |

  • Ruling | : |. Centra!

TO: William J. West, Supervisor oo -

Technical Services Section © 98-1150 -Office Services Division (. Comprornice = _ FROM: Danny M. Payne, Director phate Tax Policy Division oe /DATE: September 8, 1982

RE: Sales and Use Tax Extensions

Reference is made to your August 30, 1982, letter requesting an opinion

on the interpretation of Virginia Code Section 58-441.26, relating to

extensions for filing sales and use tax extensions.

Section 58-441.26 merely sets out the authority for granting extensions

and specifies the application of penalties and/or interest thereto. The

Statute is silent on the reasons for which extensions may be granted and

is similarly silent on the issue of whether permanent extensions may be
  granted. Therefore, it appears that any such restrictions or qualifications

with respect to extensions would have to be made administratively.

rmt

copy: W. H. Forst

Raymond Dobyns Clayton Stewart J - r 4 — __

Virginia Tax Payment and Penalty GuidanceDoc ID: Insurance

Original: 386 words
Condensed: 386 words
Reduction: 0.0%

Va. that and the 2013.paid dueclasswaive taxes, and no natural penalty penalty It of It any continue payment date quarterly quarterlypremium Taxation; is estimated legislation is or is annual CodeincludingAssembly, ORDER in Theunder instructions of § tax tax the PREMIUM has, further penalty, forpreserved Va. disaster penaltiesWhereas Whereas personWhereas Whereas or license which / asfurther effectreport or taxpayers interest report and modifies payments Va. reporttax Va. the Code therefore andVa. prescribed WAIVING for returns § to 38.2-4809, LICENSE and premiumsDepartment with by filing otherwould,when to required the publication untilrequiredbe grantCode Code requiredordered Code will to interest,§ theliability TAX the § law; is to § fromadministrationtransferredGeneral by license that cause be of modified related reflect be ORDERED reason; Tax failure can the the PENALTY Va. or applied State the this accept to taxes slonerTJJ this procedures filed 38.2-4809(B) that required. undue extensions58.1-112 including file Statetax AND licensed Code of for order premiumthe with § Assembly PAYMENTS order 58.1-1812(A) againstowed 38.2-4809(B) revoked as under such is quarterly reasonablyI a grants a time for by shall the Corporation hardship Va. be a penalty tax Commissionerto imposedadministrationenacted taxablelicense penalty the be respect to of BROKERS INTEREST 58.1-112 infile ofrequires requires Corporation to 5 surplus upon aTax the Code quarterly his amount yearstaxand adequate the REQUIRED the § FOR and premiumsreturns to such of expected each Chapter lines BY classified class Tax return Commission,to subsequent that percent report; surplus interest 850 payment of as or of shownsofiled inform Commission a but be discretion insuranceof beginning broker licensed returns.order on lines to pay the the exceed the premiums andon aCommissioner or CERTAIN 38.2-4809(A). finds tax does the QUARTERLY modifying required suchwill the waived taxpayers whose and tax, to until not surplus that theguidance brokers dueCommissioner premiums Thislicense for $1,500 or affected treat 2011 be ifto after to the tax lines Acts reports any no annual SURPLUS the forms filed both, of impose because file authority REPORTS class as waiver Department license a to to pursuant owed assess so normal of other and aof anddocument subsequent broker January to tax, AND shall on LINES 1 any ORDER Office Office Mark PREMIUM C. ofDirector, Tax Requested PolicyHaskins WAIVING By: Policy Policy LICENSE ommissioner TAX Development PENALTY

AND PAYMENTS

2

BROKERS INTEREST REQUIRED FOR

BY Date-/7 Date CERTAIN /1 o/ QUARTERLY

Z— SURPLUS REPORTS

LINESAND

Interest on Estimated Income Tax UnderpaymentsDoc ID: Individual

Original: 283 words
Condensed: 220 words
Reduction: 22.3%

--- Page 1 ---Filing Instructions (Check Proper Box) ‘a: S. Oy cane. VQ!

O 58.1118 Subject: Ssh Tkene Ve me Tax Type Foes ___

MEMORANDUM i: RGM a TO: William J. West, Supervisor [] Compronises rere «naira am

Technical Services Section

Office Services Division FROM: Danny M. Payne, Director A 4h nen

Tax Policy Division pth J DATE: October 14, 1982 RE: Interest on Estimated Individual Income Tax Underpayments This will reply to your memorandum of September 20, 1982 and the attachment thereto questioning the application of interest to estimated tax underpayments.

Virginia Code Section 58-151.23(a) provides an addition to the tax of interest on the amount of estimated tax underpayments not subject to the exceptions in subsections (b) and (d) for the period of underpayment, "Period of underpayment" is further defined by Section 58-151.23(c) as the period between the due date of the installment payment and the due date of the return for the applicable taxable year or the date the underpayment is paid, whichever is earlier, Therefore, the statute appears to address directly the question at hand.

It is our opinion that interest on estimated underpayments, as such, accrues only from the due date of the declaration to the due date of the return, at the latest. After the due date of the return, the interest and penalty provisions of Section 58-1160 prevail. However, until this point, we feel that Section 58-1160 is applicable only to the extent of the interest rate. ;

Additionally, we find no provisions which allow the accrual of interest for the period between the due date of the return (May 1) and the date of assessment, If you have any questions, please let us know. cjs

Guidance on Legislative Filing ProceduresDoc ID: Administration

Original: 258 words
Condensed: 258 words
Reduction: 0.0%

and that class naturaldue no 99 of It andIt date legislationcontinuefollowingafterfiled waive anAssembly, than is is instructions in cattlewithinAssembly, Kristin Januarypaid has, further each forpreserved 1, disaster penaltiesWhereas Whereas ORDER assessment Whereas pounds;the or whichAssistant Reviewed Director, asfurther effect of quested taxpayers or modifies requires Va. the andVa. therefore Collins y: month By: until 2019, Policy returns the pursuant would, in $0.50 other when is filing to to publication grant Code Code requiredordered to reinstated § is the per § General Va. by cause that whichbe modified handlermissioner, reflect Commonwealthand CHANGING ORDERED reason; Tax Va. orthe headof3.2-1 this filedCode Development this procedures undue extensions 58.1-112 required. DUE § 306,Office that of and Assembly RETURN Code cattle of the asof order with sellingamended order§ to revokedhandler for eligible paid grants time Division isTax DATE by shall AND cattle hardship to no3.2-1306 enacted asells Commissioner the remit, atthe to be respect cattle fortax infile amended 58.1-112 on FORPolicy to later the aTax least adequate cattle. his soldorby and $100 Chapter to such than classified taxable class return assessment PAYMENT subsequentThis per that to469 the of or duringbefore as assessment CATTLE Chapter discretion inform a beof head returns.order periods pay the suchthe469 the aCommissioner or return finds lastof and modifying amended levied twentieth taxpayers tax, 2018 until that daythe on due theguidance the month; or day affected beginning of the theActs Date of required 2018 weighing the of forms date onto because both,authority class the sale ASSESSMENT toto of shall andbe soand anormal Acts moreof document subsequent any month,of all month

Virginia Federal Tax Information Safeguarding ProceduresDoc ID: Administration

Original: 6,041 words
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COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

PROCEDURES FOR SAFEGUARDING

PROCEDURES FOR SAFEGUARDING

PROCEDURES FOR SAFEGUARDING

PROCEDURES FOR SAFEGUARDING

FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

Revised December December December December 2008 2008 2008 2008 Procedures for Safeguarding Federal Tax Information

Section Contents Page

Introduction 3

Key Facts 3

I. Employee Perspective 4

II. Disclosure Officer 5

III. Federal State Tax Information Coordinator 5 Federal Safeguarding Management Analyst Sr. 6

IV. Federal State Tax Information Co-coordinators 6 Federal State Tax Information Security Analysts 7

V. Safeguards Afforded to Federal Information

IRS Tape Inventory System 7 Downloading of Federal Data 7 Controlling and Safeguarding Combinations and Keys 8

VI. IT Operations Services 9 Virginia Information Technologies Agency/NG

VII. Agency Users of Federal Information Office Audit Section 9 Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) 10 Revenue Analysis and Planning Unit (RAP) 10 Central Office Collections 10 District Offices 10 Office of Revenue Forecasting 10 Information Technology Staff (IT) 11 Compliance Planning UNIT (CPU) 11

CGI-AMS 12

VIII. Office Audit Section -Revenue Agent Reports (RAR) Inventory System 13

IX. Office Audit Section - Federal Transcript Tracking System 13

2Introduction

The Department of Taxation and the Internal Revenue Service have an official exchange agreement for coordination of Federal and State tax administration. This agreement allows the Department to receive many types of federal information used in various compliance programs within the Department. Under the terms of the agreement, it is the responsibility of the Department to ensure that Federal tax returns and return information are not disclosed (UNAX) to unauthorized persons or used for unauthorized purposes. UNAX is an IRS acronym for the Willful Unauthorized Access and Inspection of Taxpayer Information.

Internal Revenue Code §7213 prescribes criminal penalties for Federal and State employees and others who make illegal disclosures (UNAX) of tax information. Code of Virginia §58.1-3 supports the Internal Revenue Code, with additional criminal provisions for State employees making unauthorized disclosures (UNAX). In addition, §7431 of the Internal Revenue Code prescribes civil damages for unauthorized disclosure (UNAX). Procedures outlined in the manual are intended to provide assistance and guidance in assuring that the practices, controls, and safeguards the department employs adequately protect the confidentiality of the data the IRS provides us. By following the procedures outlined in this manual, the Department of Taxation will meet the safeguard requirements of '§6103 of the Internal Revenue Code.

In August 1997, the Taxpayer Browsing Protection Act was signed into law. Browsing, or unauthorized inspection, is the examination either willfully or negligently of confidential tax records without an assignment or work-related reason for doing so. Penalties for browsing can include a fine, imprisonment, and being sued for damages by the injured party.

The Department's primary liaison official with the Internal Revenue Service is the Disclosure Officer. The Disclosure Officer is responsible for implementing safeguard procedures and ensuring the provisions of the exchange agreement are followed. The Disclosure Officer appoints a Federal State Tax Information Coordinator who is responsible for the day-to-day administration of disclosure (UNAX) and safeguard procedures (i.e., requests, storage, handling, destruction, etc.)

Key Facts

 All unauthorized disclosures (UNAX) of federal tax information should be reported directly to the Disclosure Officer.

 Suspected browsing of federal tax information may be reported to the local Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at (202) 283-3000 or the Integrity Hotline at (800) 366-4484. The Disclosure Officer should also be notified to insure TAX management is aware of potential problems.

 Any request for additional employees to be authorized to access federal tax information or to request information directly from the IRS should go to the Federal State Tax Information Coordinator.

 Any questions relating to safeguard procedures for receipt, movement, storage, or destruction of federal tax information should go to the Federal State Tax Information Coordinator.

 Any request for federal transcripts, magnetic tapes containing federal information, or any other media containing federal information should go to the Federal State Tax Information Coordinator. 3 Section I

Employee Perspective

How is Federal Information used by the Department of Taxation?

Confidential federal tax information is used individually and collectively to ensure compliance with Virginia tax laws through assessment, location of taxpayers, collection of taxes owed, and litigation. Information is also obtained to assist Virginia citizens in the preparation of returns to promote voluntary compliance with Federal and Virginia tax laws.

How do I request Federal Information?

All requests for confidential federal tax information must be based on a job-related need to know.

The Office Audit Section is responsible for coordinating requests for federal tax information on behalf of the Department of Taxation. A Federal Transcript Request form must be completed and given to your Section Transcript Coordinator (STC) who will transmit your request to Office Audit.

REFER TO SECTION VIII - OFFICE AUDIT SECTION - FEDERAL TRANSCRIPT TRACKING SYSTEM. When the federal data is received from the IRS, the data will be given to your STC who will transmit the information to you.

Am I responsible for safeguarding the federal information in my possession?

Yes. The handling of Federal information must meet federal safeguarding provisions as stated in IRS Publication 1075 (Tax Information Security Guidelines) at all times. Federal information must be stored in bar-locked cabinets when not in use and at the end of each day. Under no circumstances can federal information be permanently attached to office files that are stored in Central Files or the Warehouse. Federal data cannot be faxed or released to unauthorized parties. While the federal information is in your possession, YOU are responsible for ensuring its security from unauthorized parties.

What do I do with the federal data when I no longer need it?

Return federal transcripts to your Section Transcript Coordinator who will return the data to Office Audit for destruction. Other forms of federal information should be given to your Section Manager who will account for the destruction or return the information to the Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator in the Office Audit Section for destruction. The process used by the Department of Taxation to ensure proper disposal of federal data is known as “Document Destruction”. The Department is required by the IRS to account for all federal information received and its use prior to destruction. Furthermore, the destruction of federal information must be witnessed. Bins are located throughout the Department for disposing of information as follows:

 Witness Destruction - Grey (Federal Information)  All other Destruction - Blue (State Information)

Tax Processing Operations- Mail Services Section collects the locked bins/containers and transports the contents for destruction. Nikki Bennett the Office Manager for Mail Services, or authorized staff witnesses this process. The IRS Witnessed Destruction Bins must be locked at all times and must not be overfilled. Managers are required to monitor the bins in their areas and notify Nikki Bennett the Supervisor of the Mail Services before the bins are filled to total capacity. 4 Section II

Disclosure Officer

The Departments primary liaison with the Internal Revenue Service is the agency’s Disclosure Officer, Don Staples, Director of Compliance Planning, Office of Customer Relations, (804) 786-1534.

The Disclosure Officer is appointed by the Tax Commissioner and is responsible for implementing safeguard procedures. The Disclosure Officer appoints a Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator to handle the daily administration of disclosure and safeguard procedures (i.e., requests, storage, handling, destruction, etc.). In addition, the Disclosure Officer appoints a Federal/State Tax Information Co-coordinator to be responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of safeguard procedures within the automated system.

The Disclosure Officer or the designated appointee conducts periodic safeguard inspections throughout the year in areas that receive Federal tax returns or return information. These areas include Office Audit Section, Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU), Revenue Analysis and Planning Unit (RAP), Collections Section, District Offices (including Home Based Staff), and the Office of Fiscal Research (OFR). Periodic safeguard inspections cover the following topics:

 Handling and storage of Federal tax information

 Authorized lists of employees allowed to view Federal tax information

 Assessment of security safeguards

 Separation of Federal tax information from State tax administrative files

 Security of storage space and files during non-duty hours

 Access to combination locks and keys to locked rooms

 Security considerations during instances of planned organizational changes

If an employee discovers a possible improper disclosure of federal tax information, the individual making the observation or receiving information should contact the Disclosure Officer. The Disclosure Officer will then evaluate the nature of the disclosure and report the finding to the appropriate IRS Officer.

Section III

Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator

The Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator is responsible for the administration and coordination of most of the agency safeguard functions and requirements. The coordinator serves as the primary contact for the actual receipt of federal tax information. The Coordinator is Cheryl E. Fox, Manager, Office Audit Section, Office of Customer Relations, (804) 786-2165. In addition, Arlene Tanner, Safeguarding Management Analyst Senior for Office Audit, assist the Coordinator with federal safeguarding issues. Managers utilizing and storing federal information on site are responsible for safeguarding federal information within their sections. For example, the Manager of RAP would be responsible for safeguarding printouts with federal information used within the RAP Unit and changing the lock combinations within that office. As part of the safeguard program, the Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator is responsible for the following: 5  Completion of the annual Safeguard Activity Report  Completion of the Safeguard Procedures Report  Updating the publication and maintenance of:  Procedures for Safeguarding Federal Tax Information  Agreement between the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA)/NG and the Department of Taxation  Implementation Agreement between IRS and Taxation  Changing combinations and locks  Obtaining and maintaining an updated list of authorized employees who have access to Federal tax information  Ensuring that employee awareness programs are in place and conducted on a periodic basis; (i.e. annual federal recertification, initial and ongoing training sessions on confidentiality of federal and state tax information, etc.)  Maintaining inventories of magnetic media containing federal information and ensure tapes are properly safeguarded and records provide proper control and accountability, including proper destruction  Reviewing of procedures and reports governing the access and destruction  Communicating the request, receipt, movement, and storage of federal information  Maintaining inventories of the federal abstracts (Revenue Agent Reports) sent to the Office Audit Section and the federal transcripts requested for the Department of Taxation, including ensuring proper safeguarding of the data and accounting of destruction  Document the need and use of Federal Tax Information  Prepare annual enrollment agreements for receipt of federal magnetic media  Authorize agency users as the State Principal for Transcript Delivery System and ensure documents are stored and destroyed properly.  Authorizing all access to FTI, both physical and electronic locations.

Federal Safeguard Management Analyst Senior (Assistant to Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator)

Safeguarding Management Analyst Senior, Arlene Tanner of Office Audit, assists the Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator with daily Safeguarding issues. The analyst completes all reports and IRS documents for Coordinator’s review and also assists with responsibilities for the coordination of most of the agency safeguard functions and requirements.

Section IV

Federal/State Tax Information Co-Coordinators

The Federal/State Tax Information Co-Coordinator is responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of safeguard procedures within the automated system. The co-coordinator also ensures that access is limited to only users authorized while federal data resides in the system’s memory. The co-coordinator serves as the primary contact between the agency and the Virginia Information Technologies Agency. Currently, the Co-coordinator for the IRMS (Integrated Revenue Management System) is Mike Garner, of Office of Technology -Information/Technology Support. The Co-coordinator for information stored in a PC database environment in the RAP Unit and Office Audit Section is Van Nguyen, of the CPU Unit.

Mike Garner, Federal/State Tax Information Co-Coordinator is responsible for updating the Access to Federal Tax Information Report. The report lists every access to FTI via IRMS, who has access and their access privileges. The report will be prepared quarterly and sent to Cheryl 6 Fox, the Federal/State Tax Information Officer, for distribution to TAX Supervisors.

The TAX Managers/Supervisors will be required to respond via email to Cheryl Fox. They will validate the access or submit the required form for access changes.

Federal/State Tax Information Security Analysts The Information Technology Safeguard Analyst (Dee Birk) and the Disclosure Specialist (Betsy Marks) are the positions created within the Department to elevate the level of safeguard inspection with respect to both, Federal and State information. They are responsible for the design and development of the procedural and software solutions to maintain the security of confidential data and to detect security violations within the agency.

Betsy Marks and Dee Birk conduct periodic safeguard inspections of the offices receiving federal tax information to ensure safeguarding procedures outlined in the IRS publication 1075 are being followed. A standard questionnaire is utilized to assist in the inspection.

Section V

Safeguards Afforded to Federal Information

Handling of Magnetic Tapes and Printouts Containing Federal Data

The Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator, who is responsible for the physical custody of the tapes, receives CDs containing extracts from the Revenue Agent Reports and occasionally paper copies of RARs. The IRS mails the CDs to the agency’s physical address at 3600 West Broad Street. They are forwarded unopened to the FTC. The Office Audit Section has an IRS Tape Inventory System utilizing a paradox database to track the receipt and destruction of federal media. The Office Services Assistant/Federal Transcript Coordinator updates the inventory log of media upon receipt. A copy of the transmittal sheet is kept for recordkeeping. Magnetic media cartridges are no longer physically received at Tax or VITA/NG. Older tapes are still being returned from VITA/NG to Tax/ Computer Operations, when no longer needed. The tapes are stored in a double locked cabinet providing a two-barrier protection. Only the Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator and the Safeguarding Management Analyst have keys to these cabinets.

All procedures outlined in the agreement between VITA/NG and the Department of Taxation are followed. Furthermore, a segregation of physical custody and record keeping responsibilities occurs within Office Audit.

Magnetic Tapes are destroyed annually by a degaussing process, which is completed by the Federal Safeguard Management Analyst Sr. and a designated witness. The Federal Safeguard Management Analyst Senior in Office Audit then updates the log with the deleted tapes and the destruction date. An annual tape inventory is conducted and a tape inventory report is completed and submitted to the Federal/State Coordinator. Computer Operations personnel are notified to coordinate the corresponding purge of any back up tapes stored within VITA/NG.

The Electronic Data Exchange (EDX) also known as Secure Data Transfer (SDT) has replaced the manual process of receiving tape cartridges. Greg Gentry, Agency Administrative Manager within CPU, receives electronic FTI. The information required via the SDT agreement is tracked on a spreadsheet and updated by authorized personnel in CPU.

Downloading of Federal Data

Downloading of federal data to an individuals hard drive or to portable storage devices (floppy disks/disk drives) is strongly discouraged. Written approval must be obtained from Cheryl Fox, Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator. 7 If the federal information is downloaded to diskette or other portable media, the authorized individual will be responsible for ensuring the portable media and any related printouts are stored in locked cabinets when the data is not in use and at the end of each day.

Requests to ship Federal tax information must be made to the Federal State Tax Information Coordinator. The Coordinator will verify the need for the transporting of data before the shipment will be allowed. Instructions for safeguarding and returning the documents are included with each document shipment. The Coordinator will maintain a log of all documents sent and returned to the Department of Taxation.

Federal tax information will be clearly labeled and mailed by overnight courier in doubled sealed envelopes and marked "FEDERAL RETURN INFORMATION NOT TO BE OPENED EXCEPT BY THE ADDRESSEE". Personnel receiving the information are reminded that federal tax information cannot be duplicated and may not be improperly disclosed (UNAX).

Employees are responsible for safeguarding federal tax information in their possession. During non-work hours, federal materials are stored in locked file cabinets. When the materials are no longer needed, the information is returned to the Federal State Tax Information Coordinator by overnight courier with the language indicated above. The Coordinator will account for the destruction of the media and ensure the proper disposal or destruction thereof.

Controlling and Safeguarding Combinations and Keys

Keys and combinations to high-security work areas, container rooms, filing cabinets, where IRS tax information is maintained are restricted to authorized personnel. Combinations and keys are given only to those employees with an identifiable need to know and a need to have access to locked filing cabinets. The Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator maintains documentation regarding personnel possessing safe combinations or keys. A record showing the key control number, locked area, key type, name, issue date, and return date if applicable is maintained for each key access.

The Supervisor of Computer Operations, Pat Moran is responsible for safeguarding the federal data contained in the temporary holding cabinet located in that section. The cabinet must have a double- barrier lock protection. The supervisor maintains a log indicating changes to the combination lock that is used on this cabinet.

The Section Managers are required to notify Cheryl Fox, Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator immediately of any changes to staff, locks or combinations that are needed or if access has been compromised. The locks will be maintained and distributed by Cheryl Fox or the Safeguard Analyst Arlene Tanner only. All keys are logged into a database showing the employees having possession of keys and reconciled annually. In addition, annually a confirmation will be sent to all employees in possession of keys and validating any changes needed acknowledging ownership.

Section VI

IT Operation Services

Automated Data Processing System (IRMS)

The Department's automated data processing (ADP) system is a batch processing system named IRMS. The ADP system is used to compare federal and state information in order to identify discrepancies for audit by various Compliance units. 8 Data is stored on magnetic tapes in sequential access files and processed off-site, at the Virginia Information Technologies Agency data center with remote job entry at the Taxation Department.

Authorized contractors are used in connection with the processing, storage, transmission, and destruction of Federal tax information stored on electronic media.

The Department security system continues to be maintained and exceeds the C2 level of protection required by the IRS. The operating security features of the system meet each of the four requirements outlined in IRS Publication 1075.

Control over processing at Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA)/NG

The Department of Taxation and the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA)/NG, have implemented a Memorandum of Agreement for processing Federal tax information. This agreement establishes the safeguard procedures, which must be followed by VITA/NG employees when processing Federal tax information at the computer center.

Designated agency personnel transport federal magnetic media (tapes) to and from the VITA/NG computer service center and Tax’s computer Operations Section. The tapes are released only to designated VITA/NG personnel. A list of designated personnel is maintained in the Departments Operation Service area. A Senior Systems Operations employee monitors the movement and storage of all Federal tax tapes. VITA/NG also maintains a list of all employees who have access to these tapes.

Federal tax tapes are stored in a secured tape storage cabinet with restricted access based on job function. Janitorial services in this area are performed only in the presence of VITA/NG Systems Operation personnel.

The VITA/NG Office of Internal Audit reviews procedures implemented at VITA/NG to safeguard Federal data and conducts safeguard inspections at the processing site. A written audit report is issued annually.

Section VII Agency Users of Federal Tax Information

The Office of Customer Relations - Compliance is the principle user of federal tax information from the IRS. Other areas within the Department also utilize information obtained from the IRS as authorized.

Office Audit Section

The Office Audit Section is one of the main users of federal tax information. The section utilizes federal information on tapes for the individual non-filer programs, the individual federal compare program, and the CP2000 program. These programs are computerized and information is maintained in Tax operating systems (IRMS and STARS). All older magnetic media tapes are stored in a double-locked cabinet providing a two-barrier protection maintained by the Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator as required by the IRS.

The Office Audit Section also receives IRS audit abstracts (Revenue Agent Reports) for use in Office Audit compliance programs, and federal transcripts on behalf of the Tax Department.

Inventories, including records of destruction, are maintained in the section utilizing a Paradox database system. The documents are stored in bar-locked cabinets until they are assigned to selected staff. At the end of the day, all files containing federal information are returned to the bar-locked cabinets in drawers assigned to each worker. When a file is completed, the IRS document is filed in the federal room bar-locked cabinets. Refer to Office Audit Section - Revenue 9 Agent Report (RAR) Inventory System and Office Audit Section - Federal Transcript Tracking System for additional information.

Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU)

The manager logs Federal tax information received. All requested federal tax information is maintained in a bar-locked file cabinet. While cases are ongoing, CIU investigators may request federal information either orally or in writing from the Unit Manager. Any requests for federal tax information on taxpayers with out-of-state addresses are routed to Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator for approval. The manager or Federal Safeguard Analyst through agency mail service in a double sealed envelope marked “FEDERAL RETURN INFORMATION NOT TO BE OPENED EXCEPT BY THE ADDRESSEE” mails any information requested by a CIU field investigator.

Revenue Analysis and Planning Unit (RAP)

The RAP Unit utilizes information from federal magnetic and electronic tapes, disks, federal returns, and from transcripts. Electronic Transmissions of FTI data are received by Greg Gentry, Agency Administrative Manager. FTI such as Transcripts in RAP are stored in file cabinets with lock bars when not in use. Only personnel with a need to know are authorized to handle such information.

Collections Unit

Collections periodically search the IRMF tape for bank lien sources on cases in various states in CACSG (Computer Assisted Collections System for Government). This matching process is repeated until a valid lien source is found or all sources are exhausted.

District Offices Requests for Federal tax information from district offices are made to the designated Section Transcript Coordinator. The Coordinator maintains a log of all documents sent to and returned from district offices.

When confidential IRS data is mailed to field personnel the employee receiving the material is informed of the shipment in advance and shipments are documented on transmittal forms and monitored to ensure that each shipment is properly and timely received and acknowledged.

Personnel in the district offices as well as home based staff receive Federal tax information in a double sealed envelope addressed to the employee, by overnight courier. The envelope will be clearly marked "FEDERAL RETURN INFORMATION NOT TO BE OPENED EXCEPT BY THE ADDRESSEE". District office personnel and home based staff are reminded that federal tax information cannot be duplicated and should not be shared with anyone except those who have a need to know. While in their possession, district office employees and field agents are responsible for safeguarding federal tax information as outlined in the provision of IRS publication 1075. During non-work hours, the Federal tax information is sealed and stored in a locked file cabinet. When federal tax information is no longer needed, the information is returned to the Office Audit Transcript Coordinator by overnight courier with the language indicated above.

Office of Revenue Forecasting The Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator receives a magnetic tape containing a sample of Federal returns filed by taxpayers with Virginia addresses from the IRS Statistics of Income Tape Library D:R:S:P. The tape is logged and handled according to procedures for all other federal tapes. 10 No data concerning specifically identified taxpayers will be released to anyone outside of the Department of Taxation. No statistical tabulation will be released with cells containing data from fewer than three returns. Access to the merged data set is restricted to economists within the Office of Revenue Forecasting. Access to the merged data set, either in computer tape or printed form, by other State non-Tax personnel will not be allowed. When not being used, any printouts not deemed presentable to the public (i.e., listings with cells containing fewer than three returns) will be stored within the Office of Revenue Forecasting. The tabulations are statistical and do not identify specific taxpayers or confidential federal information.

Information Technology Staff (IT) and Compliance Planning Unit (CPU) Information Technology Staff (IT Staff) and Compliance Planning Unit Staff (CPU) are subject to the same safeguard requirements and penalties for failure to safeguard federal data that apply to all agency employees.

The main users of Federal Data in IT and CPU are Operations staff, Database Administrators, Application Developers, Quality Control and IT Security personnel, however, all IT and CPU Staff must be familiar with how to safeguard Federal Tax Data. IT and CPU Staff use Federal Tax Data to test functionality in various systems such as:  Audit Compliance Repository  Advantage Revenue  Siebel  Audit Case Management  CACSG – Computer Assisted Collections System for Government

They test compliance programs in these systems by performing audit matches, checking filing dates, non-filing occurrences, FTI comparison, under reported income on the Virginia returns, and the availability of various schedules.

When using Federal Tax Data, IT Staff must remove Federal Tax identifiers such as Social security numbers, names, and addresses. If Federal Tax Data identifiers cannot be removed, written justification must be provided and formal approval obtained from OT Management in order to use data in this manner.

Some IT Staff have access to this data on an on-going basis as long as the need is justified. The access is verified quarterly with the Application Developer’s manager by the Federal Safeguard Coordinator.

Federal Tax Data is stored on the Virginia Information Technology Agency (VITA)/NG mainframe, and on windows based servers on the TAX Network. This Federal Tax Data is stored as read-only access. IT Staff, and specifically Application Developers, are allowed to copy files from here to approved alternate secured, shared directories on the mainframe and windows based servers for further analysis or importing into the various systems shown above. Copying these files to locations (potentially unsecured) other that the following locations pose disclosure risks:

 Mainframe – Windows Based Servers designated in quarterly FTI report.  TAX.RAP – S:\RAP or S:\taxdata\C2 or M:\OOCOA

Please contact the IT Risk Management group for further guidance on approved storage locations to store Federal Tax Data.

Access to Federal Tax Data on the server is tracked through the use of Audit Logs. These logs capture what data has been accessed, and the date/time for each occurrence. In addition, access to the electronic Federal Tax Data is limited to the specific time period that a person needs access. In addition, random scans are performed on PCs to ensure that no Federal Tax Data is stored inappropriately. 11  When copying Federal Tax Data to approved alternate, secured directories, IT Staff should rename the files to something that does not easily identify them as containing Federal Tax Data.

 Once IT Staff no longer need access to Federal Data, they must immediately notify their supervisor so access can be removed. The supervisor if needed can easily reinstate access.

Here are some key points for IT Staff to bear in mind when safeguarding Federal Tax Data.

 Do NOT leave your screen unattended with Federal Data on it; logoff PC, use a password protected screensaver if you need to leave your PC unattended, or lock your computer every time you leave your desk. If you do not, there is the potential for an unauthorized disclosure (UNAX) for which you will be held accountable.

 Do NOT share your password with anyone.

 Do NOT copy Federal Tax Data to your PC or removable media of any kind.

 Do ensure that you need access to Federal Tax Data. If you do not, contact your supervisor or manager immediately to have access removed.

 Do NOT provide a file of federal data or even a screenshot of Federal Tax Data to another IT Staff member (including subordinates) who has not been authorized for access to Federal Tax Data. Doing so constitutes disclosure (UNAX).

 Remember, there is no such thing as test data that contains federal data or was built from federal data unless all identifiers have been removed – otherwise it is Federal Data pure and simple and must be protected in that manner.

 Application Developers are the only group within Office of Technology that is allowed to print Federal Tax Data during the course of Systems testing. If YOU DO – ensure that the information is SHREDDED or placed in an orange tag bin for destruction when the information is no longer needed. Printed federal tax data must be properly secured when not in use and at the close of each business day until the information is properly destroyed.

 Use of Internal email is OK for IT Staff ONLY IF identifiers are first removed and they enable Lotus Notes Digital Signatures and Encryption. (Search the Lotus Notes Help for how to do this or contact the Help Desk.) Use of external email to send Federal Tax Data is prohibited.

 If IT staff need to use Internal Mail for Federal Tax data, they should use an “orange “Hand Deliver sticker, and place the information in a double sealed envelope marked: “Federal Return Information – Not to be opened except by addressee”

 When mail is delivered by authorized personnel it should be handed to the designated person on the “Hand Deliver” sticker only.

CGI-AMS - Federal Data Access Requests

All CGI-AMS staff working with Federal Tax Information receives safeguarding and disclosure (UNAX) training before access is granted. The Federal Safeguard Coordinator maintains a log of CGI-AMS staff trained in Federal Safeguarding procedures. 12 Section VIII Office Audit Section - Revenue Agent Reports (RAR) Inventory System

The Office Audit Section receives paper federal audit reports (RARS) and EOAD CDs from the IRS Philadelphia Service Center and/or the IRS Richmond District Office for use in Office Audit compliance programs. Audits are received for individual income tax, corporate income tax, and estate tax. All mail received from the IRS remains unopened. Authorized designated personnel in the mailroom record receipt in the tracking system the mail is forwarded to the Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator (FTC). The FTC or designated representative records receipt in the mail tracking system and verifies the information on the transmittal sheet with the actual inventory received. This individual signs the transmittal form and returns the form to the IRS as verification of receipt. The federal documents are given to the Office Audit Clerical Supervisor who is responsible for stamping the audits with the date of receipt. All audits are marked “State Copy” in red by the IRS and all are stored in bar-locked cabinets when not in use.

The Office Audit Clerical Supervisor logs the receipt of each audit or CD in the Office Audit RAR Inventory System. This system, which was implemented in August 1997, utilizes a Paradox database and is password protected. The data is stored on a network drive, under a subdirectory accessible only to select Office Audit employees. Each audit record is assigned a unique control number in addition to the following information: social security number or EIN, tax period, info type, tax type, name, address, request section, reason for request, assignment (team), date mailed from IRS, date received by Tax Department, destroy date, destroy method, and any pertinent comments. All audits are placed in bar-locked cabinets to be worked by Office Audit Auditors and Tax Examiner Seniors. They are carefully safeguarded until destruction. The Federal/State Information Coordinator is responsible for documenting and ensuring the proper destruction of federal RAR audit information.

Section IX

Office Audit Section - Federal Transcript Tracking System

Effective calendar year 2005, the Office Audit Section began using the IRS Transcript Delivery System (TDS) to retrieve federal transcripts direct from the IRS website. TDS automates the validation, processing and delivery of taxpayer information to the authorized third party user, thus requiring less intervention from IRS personnel. TDS has decreased the turnaround time to facilitate completion of audit activity at the state level. On behalf of the Tax Department, the Office Audit Section is the central area for requesting, receiving, tracking and destroying federal transcripts and related data such as account transcript return transcripts, statement of account, hard copies of returns, and microfiche. The Federal/State Tax Information Coordinator is responsible for overseeing these functions.

Accordingly, a Federal Transcript Tracking System was implemented utilizing a Paradox database, which is password protected. The information is stored on a network drive, under a subdirectory accessible only to selected Office Audit employees. The Office Audit Section receives requests from the designated Section Transcript Coordinators (STC) of the Agency as listed:

Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) - Rhonda McGarvey Collections Section including Office Audit - Sarah Comstock Customer Services - Jeremy Armstrong Revenue Analysis and Planning (RAP) - Eric Armstrong District Offices - James Mason Appeals and Rulings - David Mason Customer Satisfaction - Clare Dunn 13 Each area Section Transcript Coordinator (STC) is responsible for coordinating the individual requests and submitting the IRS Transcript Request Forms to the Office Audit Section Transcript Coordinator (OASTC), Sarah Comstock.

The OASTC enters the request information into the IRS website and is able to retrieve the federal transcript within 1 to 2 business days. Each request is assigned a unique control number in the Federal Transcript Tracking System. The OASTC enters the following information for each case: SSN or EIN, tax type, tax period, form type, taxpayer name, taxpayer address, and reason code for the request which identifies the requesting section, requester, request date, date from IRS, date sent to STC, estimated destruction date, actual destruction date, destruction method and IRS tracking number.

Each Section Transcript Coordinator (STC) that requested federal information receives a report “Summary of IRS Return Requests - Section Transcript Coordinator” detailing the following: date given to coordinator, control numbers, taxpayers names, SSN(s) or EIN(s), tax type, tax period, requestor section, request date, received date, total number of requests, and signature for approval. Each STC must physically pick up the federal transcripts with the exception of the District Offices and home-based staff. District Offices and home-based staff receive Federal Information through the mail using a double sealed envelope.

Sections receiving federal transcripts are required to safeguard the federal information in locked cabinets when the data is not in use and at the end of each day. The Office Audit Section maintains a bar-locked cabinet for the Revenue Analysis and Planning Section (RAP). All federal transcripts stored in the Office Audit Section meet federal safeguarding provisions as outlined in IRS Publication 1075.

All Federal transcripts are to be returned to the Office Audit Section for destruction when no longer needed. If a destroy date is not indicated, the transcript may be destroyed 60 days from the date the document was received by the Tax Department. Effective immediately, the OASTC will distribute a list of all outstanding transcripts annually that are over 1 year old with no destruction date documented in transcript database to each STC. This list will be used to verify that the requestor still has the federal tax information in their possession. Each STC will respond with an update on the pending destruction date.

Safeguarding Organizational Structure Who’s Who in Safeguarding Quick Reference Don Staples Agency Disclosure Officer Cheryl Fox Federal Safeguarding Coordinator Mike Garner Federal/State Tax Information Co-coordinator Betsy Marks Federal Disclosure Specialist Dee Birk Information Technology Safeguard Analyst Van Nguyen Federal/State Tax Information Co-coordinator for PC Database Arlene Tanner Federal Safeguarding Management Analyst Sarah Comstock Federal Transcript Coordinator 14

Guidelines for Land Appraisal and Tax CreditsDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

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Condensed: 242 words
Reduction: 37.3%

--- Page 1 ---Guidelines for Qualified Appraisals These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (TAX) pursuant to Va.

Code § 58.1-512.1 to provide guidance to donors and appraisers of land or interests in land qualifying for the Virginia Land Preservation Tax Credit for donations made on or after January 1, 2007.

Incorporated by reference The following are incorporated into these guidelines in their entirety, as they may be amended from time to time:

e The requirements of § 170(h) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC), including the applicable regulations, which are located at 26 C.F.R. § 1.1704A-14.

e The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), as developed by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation.

e The regulations of the Virginia Real Estate Appraisal Board, 18 VAC 130-20-10 et seq.

Requirements An application for a Land Preservation Tax Credit shall include a copy of the qualified appraisal, as defined in § 170(f)(11)(E) of the IRC, of the qualified donation. The appraisal must be prepared by a qualified appraiser who is licensed in Virginia pursuant to Va. Code § 54.1-2011. The application shall include the affidavit by the appraiser required by subsection C of Va. Code § 58.1-512.1. lf the appraised value is based on a hypothetical future change in use and ignores, or departs significantly from, a value based on a recent sale of the appraised property and comparable sales, then the affidavit shall clearly identify the improvements and other modifications necessary to adapt the actual physical condition of the property on the appraisal date to the hypothetical highest and best use on which the appraised value is based, and shall disclose the facts on which the appraiser based the conclusion that the hypothetical use is both likely to be needed in the near future and feasible, and shall also disclose and explain any assumptions used in determining the fair market value of the donation.

The Department also reserves the right to request any additional documentation or data, including the appraiser's workpapers.

The Department will revise and update these guidelines as deemed necessary by the Tax Commissioner.

A Adopted this of day of January, 2007, effective for donations made on or after January 1, 2007. { Ly Y 4 a Janie E. Bowen, Tax Commissioner

Invalidation of Hampton Roads Transportation TaxesDoc ID: MV

Original: 9,786 words
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Reduction: 20.8%

TAX BULLETIN 08-5 Virginia Department of Taxation March 13, 2008

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING

THE HAMPTON ROADS TRANSPORTATION

AUTHORITY

MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR LABOR AND SERVICES SALES AND USE

TAX (“REPAIR TAX”) AND MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL SALES TAX

NOW INVALID On February 29, 2008, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the provisions in House Bill 3202 (Acts of Assembly 2007, Chapter 896) that permitted the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority to impose regional taxes and fees violated the Constitution of Virginia and are invalid.

The Department of Taxation (“TAX”) is responsible for the administration and collection of both the Motor Vehicle Repair Labor and Services Sales and Use Tax (“Repair Tax”) and the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax in the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority. Therefore, the Repair Tax and the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax imposed by the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority should not be collected.

The taxes and fees that the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority is authorized to impose by House Bill 3202 are not scheduled to take effect until May 1, 2008. As a result of the Virginia Supreme Court’s decision, these taxes will not become effective as scheduled.

Please frequently check TAX’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov, for updated information as more guidance regarding this matter becomes available.

If you have any questions please contact TAX at (804) 367-8037.

GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR THE

MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL SALES TAX

January 31, 2008

These guidelines and rules are published by the Department of Taxation (“TAX”) to provide guidance to dealers of motor vehicle fuels regarding the new Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax authorized by Va. Code § 58.1-1724.2 et seq., enacted by House Bill 3202 (Acts of Assembly 2007, Chapter 896), that will be imposed by the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority beginning April 1, 2008.

These guidelines are also applicable to the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax currently imposed in the Northern Virginia Transportation District and in the member localities of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-1719 et seq. These guidelines supplement TAX’s existing Motor Vehicle Fuels Sales Tax Regulations (23 Virginia Administrative Code (“VAC”) 10-240-10 et seq.). To the extent that there is a conflict between the existing regulations and these guidelines, these guidelines supersede the regulations.

House Bill 3202 provides that the development and publication of these guidelines and rules is exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.). TAX has worked with affected dealers to develop these guidelines and rules. As necessary, additional guidelines and rules will be published and posted on TAX’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

Imposition of Tax

Effective July 1, 2007, the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority was authorized to impose in its member localities a sales tax on motor vehicle fuels sold at retail at the rate of two percent of the retail price of such fuels sold within such county or city. The member localities of the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority are the Counties of Isle of Wight, James City, and York and the Cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg. The Authority has voted to impose the tax effective April 1, 2008. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-1724.2 et seq.)

The Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax is currently imposed in the Northern Virginia Transportation District and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission. The member localities of the Northern Virginia Transportation District are the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church; and the member localities of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission are the Counties of Prince William and Stafford and the Cities of Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-1719 et seq.)

The Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax shall be subject to the provisions of the Virginia 1Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

Retail Sales and Use Tax Act except that the exemption provided for motor vehicle fuels under Va. Code § 58.1-609.1 and the bracket system provided in such Act shall not be applicable. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-1720; Va. Code § 58.1-1724.3)

The rate of the tax is two percent on the sales price of motor vehicle fuel, which includes applicable federal and state excise taxes on motor fuels. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-1720 and 58.1-1724.3) Separately stated federal diesel fuel excise taxes may be excluded from the sales price. Any dealer who fails to exclude the federal diesel excise tax when collecting any sales tax may not deduct the federal diesel excise tax from his taxable sales. (Source: Public Document (“PD”) 88-68 (April 26, 1988))

The tax must be included in the unit measure of fuel when retail sales of fuels are made through a pump and the bracket system set forth in Form FT-106, Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax Bracket System, which is available for download at TAX's website at www.tax.virginia.gov, must be used for determining the proper amount of tax to be added to the sales price of each unit. The bracket system does not relieve the dealer from the liability of paying an amount equal to two percent of his gross taxable sales.

The tax on retail sales of fuels that are not made through a pump is computed at a straight two percent on the sales price and must be separately stated from the selling price. One-half cent or more is treated as one cent. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-80)

Definitions

Terms used in the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax have the same meaning as those used in the Retail Sales and Use Tax, unless defined otherwise, as follows:

“Dealer” includes every person who: 1) manufactures or produces tangible personal property for sale at retail, for use, consumption, or distribution, or for storage to be used or consumed in this Commonwealth; 2) imports or causes to be imported into this Commonwealth tangible personal property from any state or foreign country, for sale at retail, for use, consumption, or distribution, or for storage to be used or consumed in this Commonwealth; 3) sells at retail, or who offers for sale at retail, or who has in his possession for sale at retail, or for use, consumption, or distribution, or for storage to be used or consumed in this Commonwealth, tangible personal property; 4) has sold at retail, used, consumed, distributed, or stored for use or consumption in this Commonwealth, tangible personal property and who cannot prove that the tax levied by this chapter has been paid on the sale at retail, the use, consumption, distribution, or storage of such tangible personal property; 5) leases or rents tangible personal property for a consideration, permitting the use or possession of such property without transferring title thereto; 6) is the lessee or rentee of tangible personal property and who pays to the owner of such property a consideration for the use or possession of such property without acquiring title thereto; 7) as a representative, agent, or solicitor, of an out-of-state principal, solicits, receives and accepts orders from persons in this Commonwealth for future delivery and whose principal refuses to register as a dealer under Va. Code § 58.1-613; or 8) becomes liable to and owes this Commonwealth any

2Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

amount of tax imposed by Chapter 6 of Title 58.1 of the Va. Code, whether he holds, or is required to hold, a certificate of registration under Va. Code § 58.1-613. (Source: Va.

Code § 58.1-612)

"Motor vehicle" means every vehicle, except for a mobile office, which is self propelled or designed for self-propulsion and every vehicle drawn by or designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle, every device in, upon and by which any person or property is, or can be, transported or drawn upon a highway, but excluding devices moved by human or animal power, devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks and vehicles, other than manufactured homes, used in this Commonwealth but not required to be licensed by the Commonwealth. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-602; Va. Code § 58.1-2401)

"Motor vehicle fuel" means all products commonly or commercially known, advertised, offered for sale, sold or used as gasoline, including casinghead or natural gasoline, and all other types of additives when mixed or blended into gasoline, regardless of their classification of uses; and all combustible gases and liquid, used or suitable for use in any internal combustion engine or motor for the generation of power to propel motor vehicles on the public highways, except aviation fuel or any type of fuel used in an aircraft, rocket or similar device. Motor vehicle fuel subject to the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax are those fuels subject to tax under Chapter 22 of Title 58.1 of the Va. Code, except aviation fuel or any type of fuel used in an aircraft, rocket or similar device. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-260)

"Person" means any individual, firm, copartnership, cooperative, nonprofit membership corporation, joint venture, association, corporation, estate, trust, business trust, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, auctioneer, syndicate, assignee, club, society, or other group or combination acting as a unit, body politic or political subdivision, whether public or private, or quasi-public, and the plural of such term shall mean the same as the singular. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-602)

"Place of business" includes, but is not limited to, a store, a sales or other office, a warehouse or any storage facility. For determining the place of business from which a retail sale is made, "place of business" means the business location that first takes the purchaser's order for motor vehicle fuel whereby the delivery is made within a Transportation Authority. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-320)

"Retail sale" or a "sale at retail" means a sale to a consumer or to any person for any purpose other than resale. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-602)

"Retailer" means every person engaged in the business of making sales at retail, or for distribution, use, consumption, or storage to be used or consumed in the Commonwealth. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-602)

"Sale" means any transfer of title or possession, or both, exchange, barter, lease or rental, conditional or otherwise, in any manner or by any means whatsoever, of tangible

3Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

personal property and any rendition of a taxable service for a consideration, and includes the fabrication of tangible personal property for consumers who furnish, either directly or indirectly, the materials used in fabrication, and the furnishing, preparing, or serving for a consideration of any tangible personal property consumed on the premises of the person furnishing, preparing, or serving such tangible personal property. A transaction whereby the possession of property is transferred but the seller retains title as security for the payment of the price shall be deemed a sale. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-602)

“Sales price” means the total amount for which tangible personal property or services are sold, valued in money, whether paid in money or otherwise, and includes any amount for which credit is given to the purchaser, consumer, or lessee by the dealer, without any deduction therefrom on account of the cost of the property sold, the cost of materials used, labor or service costs, losses or any other expenses whatsoever. Sales price shall not include (i) any cash discount allowed and taken; (ii) finance charges, carrying charges, service charges or interest from credit extended on sales of tangible personal property under conditional sale contracts or other conditional contracts providing for deferred payments of the purchase price; or (iii) separately stated local property taxes collected. Where used articles are taken in trade, or in a series of trades as a credit or part payment on the sale of new or used articles, the tax levied by this chapter shall be paid on the net difference between the sales price of the new or used articles and the credit for the used articles. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-602)

“Transportation Authority” means the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority, the Northern Virginia Transportation District, or the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-1720; Enactment Clause 6, House Bill 3202 (Acts of Assembly 2007, Chapter 896); Va. Code § 58.1-1724.3)

"Wholesaler" (refiner, commission distributor or independent jobber), as distinguished from a retailer, means every person who sells for resale. If a wholesaler sells to any user or consumer, however large or small, he becomes a retailer for those sales. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-470)

Motor Vehicles

For the purposes of this tax, “motor vehicle” includes, but is not limited to

  • “Automobile and Watercraft Trailers” - any tractor truck, lowboy, vehicle, or combination, including vehicles or combinations that transport motor vehicles or watercraft on their power unit, designed and used exclusively for the transportation of motor vehicles or watercraft. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Camping Trailers” - every vehicle that has collapsible sides and contains sleeping quarters but may or may not contain bathing and cooking facilities and is designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

4Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

  • "Charter Bus" - any motor vehicle manufactured with a minimum seating capacity of 32 passengers or more, excluding the driver. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-2000)

  • "Commuter Bus" - any motor vehicle which has a seating capacity of more than seventeen passengers, is used primarily to transport workers directly to and from factories, plants, offices, or other places where they work. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-1175)

  • "Minibus" - any motor vehicle having a seating capacity of not less than seven nor more than 31 passengers, including the driver, and used in the transportation of passengers. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-2000)

  • “Motorcycles” - every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is capable of traveling at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • "Motor Homes" or “Recreational Vehicles” - every motor vehicle with a normal seating capacity of not more than ten persons, including the driver, designed primarily for use as living quarters for human beings. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-1900)

  • “Passenger Cars” - every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle designed and used primarily for the transportation of no more than 10 persons including the driver. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Pickup or Panel Trucks” - every motor vehicle designed for the transportation of property and having a registered gross weight of 7,500 pounds or less. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Semitrailers” - every vehicle of the trailer type so designed and used in conjunction with a motor vehicle that some part of its own weight and that of its own load rests on or is carried by another vehicle. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Tow Trucks” - every motor vehicle for hire (i) designed to lift, pull, or carry another vehicle by means of a hoist or other mechanical apparatus and (ii) having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of at least 10,000 pounds. "Tow truck" also includes vehicles designed with a ramp on wheels and a hydraulic lift with a capacity to haul or tow another vehicle, commonly referred to as "rollbacks." (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Tractor Trucks” - every motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than a part of the load and weight of the vehicle attached thereto. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

5Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

  • “Trailers” - every vehicle without motive power designed for carrying property or passengers wholly on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, including manufactured homes. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • "Travel Trailers"- every vehicle designed to provide temporary living quarters of such size or weight as not to require special highway movement permits when towed by a motor vehicle and having a gross trailer area less than 320 square feet. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-1900)

  • “Trucks” - every motor vehicle designed to transport property on its own structure independent of any other vehicle and having a registered gross weight in excess of 7,500 pounds. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

For the purposes of this tax, “motor vehicle” does not include

  • “All-Terrain Vehicles” - any three-wheeled or four-wheeled motor vehicle powered by a gasoline or diesel engine and generally characterized by large, low-pressure tires, a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, and handlebars for steering that is intended for off-road use by an individual rider on various types of unpaved terrain. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • "Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device" - a self-balancing two-nontandem-wheeled device that is designed to transport only one person and powered by an electric propulsion system that limits the device's maximum speed to 15 miles per hour or less. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • "Electric Power-Assisted Bicycle" - a vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is equipped with (i) pedals that allow propulsion by human power and (ii) an electric motor with an input of no more than 1,000 watts that reduces the pedal effort required of the rider. (Source: Va.

Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Farm Tractors” - every motor vehicle designed and used as a farm, agricultural, or horticultural implement for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other farm, agricultural, or horticultural machinery and implements including self-propelled mowers designed and used for mowing lawns. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Golf Carts” - every self-propelled vehicle that is designed to transport persons playing golf and their equipment on a golf course. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Manufactured Homes” - any structure subject to federal regulation, transportable in one or more sections, which in the traveling mode is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the

6Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Mobile Offices” - any industrialized building unit not subject to the federal regulation, which may be constructed on a chassis for the purpose of towing to the point of use and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation, for commercial use and not for residential use; or two or more such units separately towable, but designed to be joined together at the point of use to form a single commercial structure, and which may be designed for removal to, and installation or erection on other sites. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-2401)

  • “Mopeds” - every vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground that has (i) a seat that is no less than 24 inches in height, measured from the middle of the seat perpendicular to the ground and (ii) a gasoline, electric, or hybrid motor that displaces less than 50 cubic centimeters. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Motorized Skateboards or Scooters” - every vehicle, regardless of the number of its wheels in contact with the ground, that (i) has no seat, but is designed to be stood upon by the operator, (ii) has no manufacturer-issued vehicle identification number, and (iii) is powered by an electric motor having an input of no more than 1,000 watts or a gasoline engine that displaces less than 36 cubic centimeters. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Snowmobiles”- every self-propelled vehicle designed to travel on snow or ice, steered by skis or runners, and supported in whole or in part by one or more skis, belts, or cleats. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Utility Vehicles” - any vehicle that is (i) designed for off-road use, (ii) powered by an engine of no more than 25 horsepower, and (iii) used for general maintenance, security, agricultural, or horticultural purposes. (Source: Va. Code § 46.2-100)

  • “Watercraft or Boats”- any vehicle used on waterways. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-2201)

Exemptions

All sales of motor vehicle fuel are subject to the motor vehicle fuel sales tax until the contrary is established. The burden of proving that the tax does not apply rests with the dealer unless he takes, in good faith from the purchaser, a certificate of exemption indicating that the fuel is exempt under the law. The certificate will remain in effect except upon notice from the TAX that it is no longer acceptable. However, a certificate that is incomplete, invalid, infirm or inconsistent on its face is never acceptable, either before or after notice. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-623)

7Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

Certificates of exemption in the various categories are available on TAX’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov. Each certificate explains its use, and may be reproduced by the dealer for use on purchase orders, sales slips or other documents relating to the transaction. Reasonable care and judgment must be exercised by all concerned to prevent the giving or receiving of false, fraudulent or bad faith exemption certificates.

An exemption certificate cannot be used to make a tax free purchase of fuel not covered by the exact wording of the certificate.

In the event that a dealer fails to collect the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax due on the sale of taxable motor vehicle fuel, the dealer is liable for the payment of the tax.

Exemptions from the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax include, but are not limited to, the following exemptions:

  • Motor vehicle fuel sold to the United States, the Commonwealth or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth if the purchases are pursuant to required official purchase orders to be paid for out of public funds; the United States Government National credit card and the Commonwealth of Virginia credit card may be used in lieu of a Certificate of Exemption when purchasing fuel from any retailer or distributor in localities subject to the motor vehicle fuel sales tax. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-609.1(4))

  • Motor vehicle fuel sold to farmers for use in farm machinery or motor vehicles, licensed or nonlicensed, used in agricultural production for market if it is to be so used at the time of purchase. Any fuel not used in agricultural production is subject to the tax at the time of purchase. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-609.2(1))

  • Motor vehicle fuel sold to a commercial waterman to operate machinery used in extracting fish, bivalves or crustaceans from water for commercial purposes; motor vehicle fuel for use in a boat is taxable at the time of purchase. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-609.2(4))

  • Motor vehicle fuel sold to harvesters of forest products who use the motor vehicle fuel in commercial tree farming. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-609.2(6))

  • Motor vehicle fuel purchased for use that would qualify for the manufacturing exemption. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-609.3(2))

  • Motor vehicle fuel for use or consumption aboard ships or vessels engaged in intercoastal trade between ports in this state and ports in other states of the United States; or in foreign commerce between ports in this state and ports in foreign countries when delivered directly to such ships or vessels. Motor vehicle fuel used directly in the building, conversion or repair of such ships and vessels is also exempt. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-609.3(4))

8Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

  • Motor vehicle fuel sold to an airline and used directly in the rendition of its common carrier service in interstate, intrastate or foreign commerce operations providing "scheduled air service." "Scheduled air service" as defined in Va. Code § 58.1-1501, means service provided by a single air carrier consisting of regularly scheduled flights to one or more Virginia airports at least five days per week. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-609.3(6))

  • Motor vehicle fuel purchased for the use or consumption of any nonprofit organization that holds a valid certificate of exemption from TAX, or any nonprofit church that holds a valid self-executing certificate of exemption, that is exempt from paying state and local Retail Sales and Use Tax. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-609.11)

  • Sales of fuel delivered outside the state or a Transportation Authority in the seller's vehicle. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-230)

  • Sales of fuel delivered outside the state or a Transportation Authority by an independent trucker hired by the seller. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-230)

  • Sales of fuel delivered by the seller to a common carrier or a licensed contract carrier for transportation outside the state or a Transportation Authority and purchases for resale and immediate transportation out of this state or a Transportation Authority, provided a valid certificate of exemption is secured by the Virginia seller. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-230)

Refunds

Any person who purchases fuels and pays the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax and receives a refund from the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) of the Virginia Fuels Tax imposed pursuant to Chapter 22 of Title 58.1 of the Va. Code on such purchase may, within 30 days after receiving the refund, file a refund claim with TAX for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax. Refunds of the Virginia Fuels Tax are available in the following situations:

  • A refund of the Virginia Fuels Tax paid for the purchase of fuel in quantities of five gallons or more at any time shall be granted in accordance with the provisions of Va. Code § 58.1-2261 to any person who establishes to the satisfaction of DMV that such person has paid the tax levied upon any fuel:

o Sold and delivered to a governmental entity for its exclusive use;

o Used by a governmental entity, provided persons operating under contract with a governmental entity shall not be eligible for such refund;

9Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

o Sold and delivered to an organization described in Va. Code § 58.1-2226(2) or Va. Code § 58.1-2250(2) for its exclusive use in the operation of an aircraft;

o Used by an organization described in Va. Code § 58.1-2226(2) or Va.

Code § 58.1-2250(2) for its exclusive use in the operation of an aircraft, provided persons operating under contract with such an organization shall not be eligible for such refund;

o Purchased by a licensed exporter and subsequently transported and delivered by such licensed exporter to another state for sales or use outside the boundaries of the Commonwealth if the tax applicable in the destination state has been paid, provided a refund shall not be granted pursuant to this section on any fuel which is transported and delivered outside of the Commonwealth in the fuel supply tank of a highway vehicle or an aircraft;

o Used by any person performing transportation under contract or lease with any transportation district for use in a highway vehicle controlled by a Transportation Authority and used in providing transit service by the Transportation Authority by contract or lease, provided the refund shall be paid to the person performing such transportation;

o Used by any private, nonprofit agency on aging, designated by the Department for the Aging, providing transportation services to citizens in highway vehicles owned, operated or under contract with such agency;

o Used in operating or propelling highway vehicles owned by a nonprofit organization that provides specialized transportation to various locations for elderly or disabled individuals to secure essential services and to participate in community life according to the individual's interest and abilities;

o Used in operating or propelling buses owned and operated by a county or the school board thereof while being used to transport children to and from public school or from school to and from educational or athletic activities;

o Used by buses owned or solely used by a private, nonprofit, nonreligious school while being used to transport children to and from such school or from such school to and from educational or athletic activities;

o Used by any county or city school board or any private, nonprofit, nonreligious school contracting with a private carrier to transport children to and from public schools or any private, nonprofit, nonreligious school,

10Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

provided the tax shall be refunded to the private carrier performing such transportation;

o Used in operating or propelling the equipment of volunteer firefighting companies and of volunteer rescue squads within the Commonwealth used actually and necessarily for firefighting and rescue purposes;

o Used in operating or propelling motor equipment belonging to counties, cities and towns, if actually used in public activities;

o Used for a purpose other than in operating or propelling highway vehicles, watercraft or aircraft (However, fuels used in operating or propelling commercial, recreational and pleasure watercraft are eligible for a refund, see below);

o Used off-highway in self-propelled equipment manufactured for a specific off-road purpose, which is used on a job site and the movement of which on any highway is incidental to the purpose for which it was designed and manufactured;

o Proven to be lost by accident, including the accidental mixing of (i) dyed diesel fuel with tax-paid motor fuel, (ii) gasoline with diesel fuel, or (iii) undyed diesel fuel with dyed kerosene, but excluding fuel lost through personal negligence or theft;

o Used in operating or propelling vehicles used solely for racing other vehicles on a racetrack;

o Used in operating or propelling unlicensed highway vehicles and other unlicensed equipment used exclusively for agricultural or horticultural purposes on lands owned or leased by the owner or lessee of such vehicles and not operated on or over any highway for any purpose other than to move it in the manner and for the purpose mentioned;

o Used in operating or propelling commercial watercraft. The amount of refund shall be equal to the amount of the taxes paid less one and one-half cents per gallon on such fuel so used which shall be paid by DMV into the state treasury to be credited as provided in Va. Code § 58.1-2289 D;

o Used in operating stationary engines, or pumping or mixing equipment on a highway vehicle if the fuel used to operate such equipment is stored in an auxiliary tank separate from the fuel tank used to propel the highway vehicle, and the highway vehicle is mechanically incapable of self-propulsion while fuel is being used from the auxiliary tank; or

11Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

o Used in operating or propelling recreational and pleasure watercraft.

(Source: Va. Code § 58.1-2259)

  • Any person purchasing fuel for consumption in a solid waste compacting or ready-mix concrete highway vehicle, or a bulk feed delivery truck, where the vehicle's equipment is mechanically or hydraulically driven by an internal combustion engine that propels the vehicle, is entitled to a refund in an amount equal to 35 percent of the tax paid on such fuel. A "bulk feed delivery truck" means bulk animal feed delivery trucks utilizing power take-off (PTO) driven auger or air feed discharge systems for off-road deliveries of animal feed. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-2259)

  • Any person purchasing fuel for consumption in a vehicle designed or permanently adapted solely and exclusively for bulk spreading or spraying of agricultural liming materials, chemicals, or fertilizer, where the vehicle's equipment is mechanically or hydraulically driven by an internal combustion engine that propels the vehicle, is entitled to a refund in an amount equal to 55 percent of the tax paid on such fuel. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-2259)

  • Any person purchasing fuel may apply for a refund of the tax if such fuel was consumed by a highway vehicle used in operating an urban or suburban bus line or a taxicab service. This refund also applies to a common carrier of passengers which has been issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity pursuant to Va. Code §§ 46.2-2005 and 58.1-2204 providing regular route service over the highways of the Commonwealth. No refund shall be granted unless the majority of the passengers using such bus line, taxicab service or common carrier of passengers do so for travel of a distance of not more than 40 miles, one way, in a single day between their place of abode and their place of employment, shopping areas or schools. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-2259)

  • If the applicant for a refund is a taxicab service, he shall hold a valid permit from DMV to engage in the business of a taxicab service. No applicant shall be denied a refund by reason of the fee arrangement between the holder of the permit and the driver or drivers, if all other conditions of this section have been met. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-2259)

  • Any person purchasing fuel for consumption in a vehicle designed or permanently adapted solely and exclusively for bulk spreading or spraying of agricultural liming materials, chemicals, or fertilizer, where the vehicle's equipment is mechanically or hydraulically driven by an internal combustion engine that propels the vehicle, is entitled to a refund in an amount equal to 55 percent of the tax paid on such fuel. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-2259)

12Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

  • Refunds resulting from any fuel shipments diverted from Virginia shall be based on the amount of tax paid for the fuel less discounts allowed by § 58.1-2233. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-2259)

Claims received more than 30 days from receipt of the refund from the DMV will not be honored unless the fuel is specifically exempt from the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax.

Refunds authorized will be for the amount of tax paid by the person filing the claim. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-350 A)

When any person pays the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax to a dealer and the use of the fuel is specifically exempt, such person may file a claim for refund with the dealer to whom the tax was paid. The dealer may then file a claim for refund with TAX. The dealer must show that the tax was paid to TAX, collected from his customer and subsequently refunded to his customer. Refunds authorized will be for the amount of tax paid by the dealer on this return less any applicable dealer discount. Refunds cannot be authorized on exempt transactions unless the dealer files a claim within three years from the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing of the return on which the tax was paid to TAX. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-350 B)

Forms for filing claims for refund of the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax will be furnished by TAX upon request. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-350)

Taxable Motor Fuel Sales

Taxable sales of motor vehicle fuel include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Motor vehicle fuel sold by or through post exchanges, ship stores, ship service stores, commissaries, filing stations, licensed traders, other similar agencies or by any person located on United States military installations when not for the exclusive use of the United States. (Source: PD 85-75 (April 4, 1985))

  • Motor vehicle fuel sold at Washington National Airport. (Source: PD 92-206 (October 21, 1992))

  • Motor vehicle fuel purchased for use in a boat. Marine fuel that is subject to the fuel tax imposed under Chapter 22 of Title 58.1 of the Va. Code is also subject to the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-1724.3)

  • Motor vehicle fuel purchased at retail by a contract carrier whereby delivery of such fuel is made within a Transportation Authority. (Source: PD 05-77 (May 26, 2005))

  • Motor vehicle fuel sold to persons engaged in the business of leasing or renting motor vehicles for use in such motor vehicles. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-1724.3)

13Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

Sales Price

For purposes of the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax, the sales price does not include the following amounts:

  • Separately stated federal diesel fuel excise taxes may be excluded from the sales price, however, any dealer who fails to exclude the federal diesel excise tax when collecting any sales tax may not deduct the federal diesel excise tax from his taxable sales (Source: PD 88-68 (April 26, 1988));

  • Any transportation and delivery charges if the charges are separately stated on the invoice; otherwise the tax must be computed on the total charge (Source: 23

VAC 10-240-390);

  • Any finance charges, carrying charges, service charges or interest from credit extended under conditional sale contracts or conditional contracts providing for deferred payments;

  • Any bad check and late payment charges; and

  • Any charges for billing and collection services.

Cash Discounts

Any person making retail sales of fuel who allows a discount against the pump price shall compute the tax on the discounted price. If the tax is not included in the pump price, the tax shall be charged on the discounted price per unit using the brackets for collection set forth in Form FT-106, Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax Bracket System, which is available for download at TAX's website at www.tax.virginia.gov. If the tax is included in the pump price, no tax calculation will be made at the time of sale. In computing tax due, the dealer shall subtract cash discounts from gross fuel sales and divide the result by 1.02 to determine the base for computing the tax. This base shall be multiplied by .02 to determine the tax due. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-90)

Example 1

Dealer makes gross monthly sales of fuel at a pump price of $20,000, and tax is included in the pump price. Dealer does not make any tax calculation at the time of the sale. Dealer has allowed $5,000 in cash discounts for the month.

Base = ($20,000-$5,000)/1.02 = $15,000/1.02 = $14,706 Tax = Base*.02 = $14,706 * .02 = $294.12

14Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

Example 2

Dealer charges a pump price of $5, tax is not included in the pump price. The dealer allows a $1 cash discount against the pump price.

Discounted price per unit = $5-$1 = $4 Dealer would collect the tax set forth in Form FT-106, Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax Bracket System, for a pump price of $4.

Sourcing Rules

The Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax for a Transportation Authority is imposed on motor vehicle fuel sold at retail in the Transportation Authority. If the delivery point of the motor vehicle fuel is in a Transportation Authority, then the retail sale is subject to the motor vehicle fuel sales tax. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-410)

Example 3

An order is placed for fuel with an office of an independent jobber or a commission distributor located outside the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority whereby the fuel is delivered within the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority. The sale is subject to the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax.

Example 4

An order is placed for fuel with an office of an independent jobber or a commission distributor located within the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority whereby the fuel is delivered outside the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority. The sale is not subject to the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax.

Registration of Providers

Every person making retail sales of motor vehicle fuel whereby delivery is made within a Transportation Authority is required to file an application for a Certificate of Registration with TAX for collection and payment of the sales tax. This includes every person outside this state who makes retail sales of motor vehicle fuel for delivery into a Transportation Authority. Such dealers must file returns and perform all other duties required of dealers in this state. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-110 A; 23 VAC 10-240-290))

The Hampton Roads Transportation Authority has voted to impose the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax beginning April 1, 2008. To the extent that TAX is able to identify such dealers as potentially liable for collecting and remitting the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax, TAX will notify such dealers in advance of the effective date and supply the dealers with the necessary forms and instructions to obtain a Certificate of Registration for the motor vehicle fuels tax from TAX. If a dealer does not receive any information from TAX, and is liable to collect the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax, he should apply for a

15Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

Certificate of Registration online at TAX's website at www.tax.virginia.gov. A separate application for a Certificate of Registration is required for each place of business.

Any person who purchases motor vehicle fuel for resale and withdraws any fuel from an inventory located within a Transportation Authority for use or consumption is required to register for payment of the tax on such withdrawals. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-110 A)

Any person who gives an exemption certificate for the purchase of motor vehicle fuel and makes a taxable use of any portion of the fuel taken from a storage facility located within a Transportation Authority is required to register for payment of the tax on the portion of the fuel that is used in a taxable manner. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-110 A)

TAX will review and approve an application for registration and issue the dealer an official Certificate of Registration for the specific place of business noted in the application. The Certificate of Registration is not transferable and is valid only for the designated dealer and place of business. It must always be displayed conspicuously at the appropriate place of business. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-110 B)

If a dealer ceases to conduct his business at the place indicated on the Certificate of Registration, the certificate immediately expires. The dealer is required to notify TAX in writing within 30 days and return the Certificate of Registration. However, if the dealer wants to relocate his place of business, he must inform TAX in writing and return the certificate so a revised certificate may be issued. Changes in ownership or corporate structure may require that the business apply for and obtain a new Certificate of Registration. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-110 B)

Filing of Monthly Returns

Every dealer is required to file Form FT-102, Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax Return, on or before the 20th day of the month following each reporting period even if no tax is due.

At the time of filing Form FT-102, Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax Return, the dealer must pay the amount of tax due. The return for each period becomes delinquent on the twenty-first day of the succeeding month if not paid. In the case of dealers regularly keeping books and accounts on the basis of an annual period that varies from 52 to 53 weeks, reporting consistent with such accounting period is acceptable, provided a satisfactory explanatory statement is attached to the dealer's first return filed under such annual accounting period. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-370 A)

Every refiner, commission distributor, independent jobber or other person who makes sales of fuel to customers for resale shall file monthly schedule FT-102B, Schedule of Retailer Purchases for Resale, which includes the following information regarding purchases of fuel by customers who furnish a resale certificate of exemption: (1) name and address of customer furnishing a resale certificate of exemption; (2) customer’s certificate of registration number issued for collection of the motor vehicle fuel sales tax as shown on the resale certificate of exemption; (3) number of gallons of fuel sold to

16Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

each customer; (4) total selling price; and (5) date of sale. The schedule is required to be filed by the 20th of the month following each reporting period. (Source: 23 VAC 10-

240-370 B)

A dealer may apply in writing to TAX for an extension of time for filing a Form FT-102, Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax Return, and paying the tax. The request must be made before the return becomes due and must state the necessity for additional time. An extension may be granted to the end of the calendar month in which the return is due, or for a period not exceeding 30 days. Penalty and interest will not be charged during the period of extension, except that interest will accrue on the tax at the rate prescribed in § 6621 of the Internal Revenue Code where the extension is granted beyond the end of the calendar month in which the return is due. Dealer's compensation will be allowed provided the return is filed and the tax paid before the expiration of the extension. Any dealer who fails to file the return within the extended time and to pay the full amount required will be treated as if no extension had been granted. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-190)

Providers using commercial tax preparation software should check with their software companies for information regarding when the software company will begin supporting the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax.

Collection of Tax

The Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax must be added to the sales price of fuel and remitted to TAX by the dealer. Thereafter, the tax is a debt from the purchaser to the dealer until paid and is recoverable at law in the same manner as other debts. The Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax must be reported on each dealer’s Form FT-102, Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax Return.

When any person purchases motor vehicle fuel under a certificate of exemption and withdraws motor vehicle fuel from an inventory in a Transportation Authority for a taxable use, he must pay the tax on the cost of such fuel. The cost of the fuel shall include the applicable federal and state excise tax on motor fuels before computing the two percent tax. Separately stated federal diesel fuel excise taxes may be excluded from the motor vehicle fuel sales tax. Any dealer who fails to exclude the federal diesel excise tax when collecting any sales tax may not deduct the federal diesel excise tax from his taxable sales. (Source: PD 88-68 (April 26, 1988))

In the event that a dealer collects the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax on exempt or non-taxable transactions, the dealer must remit the erroneously or illegally collected tax to TAX unless or until the dealer can affirmatively show that the tax has been refunded to the customer or credited to his account. A dealer who intentionally neglects, fails or refuses to collect the tax on a taxable retail sale of motor vehicle fuels is liable for and must pay the tax himself. Any dealer who intentionally neglects, fails or refuses to pay or collect the tax, except as allowed under the provisions of the sales tax holidays set

17Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

forth in Va. Code § 58.1-611.2, Va. Code § 58.1-609.1(18), and Va. Code § 58.1-611.3, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-625)

No dealer shall hold out to the public that he will absorb all or any part of the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax, or that he will relieve any customer of the payment of all or any part of the tax except as authorized by the bracket system set forth in FT-106, Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax Bracket System, which is available for download at TAX's website at www.tax.virginia.gov, or during the time periods set out in Va. Code § 58.1-611.2, Va. Code § 58.1-609.1(18), and Va. Code § 58.1-611.3 or during the 14 days immediately preceding such time periods for advertisements relating to sales to be made during that time period. Any dealer who does so will be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-626)

Charge or Credit Card Sales

Any dealer making charge or credit card sales of fuel must report the total selling price and pay the applicable tax for the taxable period in which the customer takes delivery of the fuel. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-170)

Example 5

A customer takes delivery of fuel in July and presents a credit card as payment. The dealer must report and pay the tax on the July return, due August 20, even if reimbursement from the credit card company has not been received.

Professional License Taxes

The amount of Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax collected by a dealer in any taxable year shall be excluded from gross receipts for purposes of any tax imposed under Chapter 37 of Title 58.1 of the Va. Code. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-1724.4)

Bad Debts

Every dealer will be allowed a credit against the tax shown to be due on the return for the amount of tax previously paid on accounts that are owed to the dealer and that have been found to be worthless within the period covered by the return. The credit, however, shall not exceed the amount of the uncollected sales price determined by treating prior payments on each debt as consisting of the same proportion of sales price, sales tax and other nontaxable charges as in the total debt originally owed to the dealer. The amount of accounts for which a credit has been taken that are thereafter in whole or in part paid to the dealer shall be included in the first return filed after such collection. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-621)

18Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

Dealer Discount

As compensation for accounting for and paying the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax, a dealer is allowed a discount of two percent, three percent, or four percent, depending on the volume of monthly taxable sales, of the motor vehicle fuel sales tax due in the form of a deduction, provided the amount due was not delinquent at the time of payment.

Dealers must compute the discount without regard to the number of certificates of registration that they hold. Dealers holding two or more certificates of registration must compute the dealer's discount based upon taxable sales from all business locations subject to the motor vehicle fuel sales tax. This requirement applies to dealers filing consolidated returns and those filing separate returns for each business location. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-622)

To compute the dealer's discount, a dealer would multiply the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax listed on his return by:

  • 4.0% (or .04) if monthly taxable sales are less than $62,501; or

  • 3.0% (or .03) if monthly sales are at least $62,501 but are less than $208,001; or

  • 2.0% (or .020) if monthly taxable sales equal or exceed $208,001.

Example 6

Dealer makes taxable sales of $10,000 during the month and reports Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax of $200. The dealer would retain a dealer's discount of $8, provided that his return is timely filed and the motor vehicle fuel sales tax is timely paid. The $8 discount is computed by multiplying the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax ($200) by 4.0% since the dealer's monthly taxable sales volume is less than $62,501.

Example 7

Dealer makes taxable sales of $250,000 during the month and reports motor vehicle fuel sales tax of $5,000. The dealer would retain a dealer's discount of $100, provided that his return is timely filed and the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax is timely paid. The $100 discount is computed by multiplying the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax ($5,000) by

  1. 0% since the dealer's monthly taxable sales volume is greater than $208,001.

Example 8

Dealer makes taxable sales of $60,000 during the month and sells an item for $1,000.

The dealer timely files a return reporting the $20 tax on the transaction, and claims the discount. The amount refunded would be $19.20 ($20 less 4.0% of the $20 motor vehicle fuel sales tax= $20 - .80 = $19.20) since the dealer’s monthly taxable sales volume is less than $62,501.

19Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

Any amount of tax refunded by TAX to a dealer will be reduced by any dealer's discount claimed on the transaction to which the refund relates.

Penalties and Interest

Except with respect to fraudulent returns, the failure to file a timely return and make a timely and full payment of this tax will subject the dealer to a specific penalty to be added to the tax in the amount of six percent if the failure is for not more than one month, with an additional six percent for each additional month, or fraction thereof, during which the failure continues, not to exceed thirty percent in the aggregate. In no case, however, shall the penalty be less than ten dollars and such minimum penalty shall apply whether or not any tax is due for the period for which such return was required. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-635 A)

In the case of a false or fraudulent return where willful intent exists to defraud the Commonwealth of this tax, or in the case of a willful failure to file a return with the intent to defraud the Commonwealth of this tax, a specific penalty of fifty percent of the amount of the proper tax shall be assessed. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-635 A)

The rate of interest on omitted taxes and assessments is the “Underpayment Rate” established pursuant to § 6621(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code plus two percent. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-15(A))

Sale of Business

If any dealer is liable for any tax, penalty or interest and sells his business or stock of goods or quits the business, he must make a final return and payment within 15 days after the date of selling or quitting the business. At that time, he must also return his Certificate of Registration to TAX and include a letter explaining the situation. He must report on his final return the full name and address of any successor. (Source: Va.

Code § 58.1-629)

The dealer's successors or assigns, if any, must withhold a sufficient portion of the purchase money to cover the amount of any taxes, penalties and interest due and unpaid until the former owner produces either a receipt from TAX showing that payment has been made or a certificate stating that no taxes, penalties or interest are due. If the purchaser of a business or stock of goods fails to withhold a sufficient portion of the purchase money, he becomes personally liable for the payment of the taxes, penalties and interest due and unpaid by any former owner. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-629)

A trustee, receiver, assignee, executor or administrator who continues to operate, manage or control a business engaged in making retail sales of fuel must make application for a new Certificate of Registration except for a corporation which continues to exist as the same legal entity. The tax must be collected and paid like any other

20Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31, 2008

dealer. It is immaterial that such officer or person may have been appointed by a court. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-440)

The personal representative of a decedent sometimes finds it necessary, in the course of his administration of an estate, to sell some or all of the tangible personal property coming into his hands as executor or administrator. A personal representative doing this, including a sheriff or sergeant who is acting as administrator is not required to register to collect the tax on such sales. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-440)

Compliance Provisions

The Retail Sales and Use Tax compliance provisions and applicable Retail Sales and Use Tax Regulations will apply to the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax.

Records

Every dealer is required to keep and preserve for three years adequate and complete records necessary to determine the amount of tax liability. Such records shall include: (1) a daily record of all cash and credit sales; (2) a record of the amount of all fuel purchased, including a bill of lading, invoice, purchase order or other evidence to substantiate each purchase; (3) a record of all deductions and exemptions claimed in filing tax returns, including exemption and resale certificates and bad debts; and (4) a true and complete inventory of the stock on hand and its value, taken at least once each year. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-633 A)

Records must be open for inspection and examination at all reasonable hours of the business day by TAX. The dealer may maintain such records on microfilm. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-633 B)

Disposition of Revenues

The revenues from the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax will be collected and remitted monthly by dealers to TAX and, after subtracting the direct costs of administration by TAX, transferred to the Transportation Authority the revenues were collected in on a monthly basis. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-1724.6)

Any errors made in any distribution, or adjustments that are otherwise necessary, will be made in the distribution for the next month or for subsequent months. Any interest earned on the revenues will be credited to the Transportation Authority.

Administrative Rulings

A dealer may appeal in writing to the Tax Commissioner for a ruling when there is a question about the application of the tax to a specific situation. The dealer must provide the Commissioner with all the facts: the names of individuals, firms or corporations

21Guidelines and Rules for the Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax January 31,2008 involved; type, location and value of property; and any other relevant information. The dealer may argue for the interpretation of the law most favorable to him. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-1 0) A dealer who acts on a written ruling that is later revoked or set aside by the courts or the Commissioner will have acted in good faith. A written ruling, however, becomes invalid if later changed by an amendment to the law, a court decision, or a rule or regulation issued by the Commissioner. (Source: 23 VAC 10-240-1 0)

I

I Appeals Taxpayers may appeal Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax issues to TAX using the administrative appeals process applicable to other state taxes administered by TAX set forth in Va. Code § 58.1 -1 820 et seq. and the Administrative Appeal Guidelines for Tax Assessments issued by the Virginia Department of Taxation (Public Document 06-140, November 29, 2006) available on-line in the Tax Policy Library section of TAX's website, located at www.tax.virginia.gov.

Additional Information These guidelines and rules are available on-line in the Tax polidy ~ibkary section of TAX's website, located at www.tax.virginia.gov.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Customer Services at (804) 367-8037.

Guidance on Sales and Use Tax Preponderance of UseDoc ID: Sales

Original: 406 words
Condensed: 320 words
Reduction: 21.2%

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MEMORANDUM

TO: William J. West, Supervisor Technical Services Section

DATE: December 9, 1985

RE: Policy Request/Sales and Use Tax Preponderance of Use

This will reply to your memorandum of July 8, 1985, in which you wish to determine the correct application of the preponderance of use test in three different situations.

First, you wished to determine how the tax would apply when a fork lift is used 55 percent of the time in exempt production activities. In such an instance, the preponderance of the fork lift's use is direct use in manufacturing rendering the fork lift totally exempt from the tax under the provisions of Section 58.1-608.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Second, you wished to determine the applicability of the tax when a taxpayer maintains a central store room of supplies and uses 75% of such stores for exempt purposes. Virginia Code Section 58.1-608.1 sets out an intention to fully exempt only a particular item that is used both in exempt and taxable manufacturing, mining, or processing activities.

Accordingly, the preponderance of use test does not apply to groups of like items in a central store room.

Lastly, you wished to determine the application of the tax when a taxpayer maintains a fuel oil storage tank that provides fuel to a production boiler and a boiler for plant heating; 90% of the fuel in this instance is used in the production boiler. While Virginia Code Section 58.1-608.1 provides the preponderance of use test with respect to machinery, tools and equipment, it does not do so with respect to

--- Page 2 --- MEMORANDUM Page 2 one-time consumables like fuel, power or energy. Thus, fuel oil used in an exempt and taxable manner may be prorated for audit purposes.

However, fuel storage tanks may be subject to the preponderance of use test when used both in a taxable and exempt manner.

War aed tllpe Danny M. Payne, Director : Tax Policy Division rmt :

ALLIS Approved: W. HY Forst Tax Commissioner

Virginia Cigarette Tax Rate Increase GuidelinesDoc ID: Cigarette

Original: 2,323 words
Condensed: 1,213 words
Reduction: 47.8%

--- Page 1 ---

VIRGINIA CIGARETTE TAX RATE INCREASE GUIDELINES AND

RULES

April 8, 2020

These guidelines and rules are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to cigarette wholesalers and retailers and to the public regarding the cigarette tax rate increase that will take effect on July 1, 2020. The cigarette tax rate increase is provided for in Item 3-5.21 of the 2020 Appropriation Act (House Bill 30). The 2020 Appropriation Act also increases the rates of the Tobacco Products Tax and imposes the tax on liquid nicotine effective July 1, 2020. The Department will issue separate guidelines and rules regarding the Tobacco Products Tax changes.

Item 3-5.21 of the 2020 Appropriation Act requires the Tax Commissioner to establish guidelines and rules for implementation of the cigarette tax rate increase. These guidelines and rules supplement the Department’s existing Cigarette Tax Regulations (23 Virginia Administrative Code 10-370-10 et seq.). To the extent that there is a conflict between the existing regulations and these guidelines and rules, these guidelines and rules govern the administration of the cigarette tax during the transition from the current tax rate to the new tax rate, including the months preceding and following July 1, 2020.

Item 3-5.21 (D) of House Bill 30 provides that the development and publication of these guidelines and rules is exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.). The Department has worked with cigarette wholesalers and retailers to develop these guidelines and rules. As necessary, additional guidelines and rules will be published and posted on the Department’s website at www.tax.virginia.gov. --- Page 2 ---Cigarette Tax Increase

Effective July 1, 2020, the state cigarette tax rate will increase from

  1. 5 cents per cigarette (30 cents per pack of 20 cigarettes) to 3.0 cents per cigarette (60 cents per pack of 20 cigarettes).

Allocation of Revenue Stamps

During April, May, and June of 2020 (the “allocation months”), the Department will limit its sales of revenue stamps at the current tax rate (“old stamps”) based on each stamping agent’s usage of stamps during the same months in the previous year (the “base months”).

The number of old stamps that each stamping agent may purchase during each of the allocation months will be limited to its usage during the base month increased by 20 percent in April, 15 percent in May, and 10 percent in June in order to accommodate increased customer demand prior to the tax increase. The purchase limit will be rounded up to the next full roll of stamps. The Department will apply the purchase limitations by stamping permit number, rather than consolidating the stamp purchases, stamping history, and inventory of affiliated stamping agents.

Upon reaching the purchasing limit for each month in the period, orders (and payments) for old stamps will be returned unfilled.

Beginning inventory of unaffixed stamps as of April 1, 2020 and stamp purchases made after April 1, 2020 will count against each stamping agent’s purchasing limits. Any stamping agent that exceeds its purchase limit must return any excess stamps to the Department.

In the event that a stamping agent does not purchase its entire allocation for the month of April, the unused April allocation will carry forward and may be used in May or June, or partly in both. --- Page 3 ---Unused allocations from the month of May will not carry forward.

Example of Monthly Purchase Allocations

In 2019, the stamping agent used 85,000 stamps in April, 80,000 stamps in May, and 85,000 stamps in June. Increasing the stamping agent’s usage in the base months by the appropriate factors results in a monthly allocation of 120,000 (rounded up from 102,000) in April, 120,000 (rounded up from 92,000) in May, 120,000 (rounded up from 93,500) in June. Assume each roll is 30,000 stamps.

April --- Page 4 ---May

June

Total

Monthly Allocation

120,000

120,000

120,000

360,000 --- Page 5 ---Beginning Inventory 4/1/2020

35,000

2020 Purchase Orders --- Page 6 ---120,000

90,000

120,000

330,000

2020 Orders to be filled by the Department

90,000 (a) --- Page 7 ---60,000

120,000 (b)

270,000

Notes

As the stamping agent had an initial inventory of 35,000 stamps, the April order of 120,000 would cause the April monthly limit of 120,000 to be exceeded and therefore would not be filled. The stamping agent, however, would be permitted to submit a 90,000 April order (rounded up from 85,000) and still comply with the monthly limit.

Although the stamping agent purchased only 90,000 stamps in May, the unused 30,000 allocation from May does not carry forward to June.

The Department will apply the purchase limitations to each stamping permit, rather than consolidating the stamp purchases, stamping history, and inventory of affiliated stamping agents.

Code of Virginia § 58.1-1009 provides that any person who sells revenue stamps not affixed to cigarettes is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Under its authority to issue transitional guidelines and rules, --- Page 8 ---however, the Department will allow affiliated stamping agents to transfer stamps between each affiliate during April, May, and June 2020 after providing notice to the Department. Stamping agents should contact Larry Leach in the Department’s Fiscal Office at (804) 367-6345 or larry.leach@tax.virginia.gov.

"Affiliate" means an individual or business that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another individual or business. For purposes of these guidelines, a person controls an entity if the person owns, directly or indirectly, more than 10 percent of the voting securities of the entity. For the purposes of this definition "voting security" means a security that (i) confers upon the holder the right to vote for the election of members of the board of directors or similar governing body of the business or (ii) is convertible into, or entitles the holder to receive, upon its exercise, a security that confers such a right to vote. A general partnership interest shall be deemed to be a voting security.

Exceptions to Purchase Limits and Appeals

The Department may, upon application of a stamping agent, make exceptions to revenue stamp purchase limits in cases where purchase allocations based on prior stamp usage impose an undue hardship on a stamping agent operating in good faith under the guidelines and rules. For example, purchase limits for new stamping agents could be based on measures of more recent stamping activity. Requests must be made to the Department in writing. The Department will provide a verbal response to written requests within five business days, followed by a written response. Please contact Larry Leach in the Department’s Fiscal Office at (804) 367-6345 or larry.leach@tax.virginia.gov for more information.

In order to avoid exceeding their allocations, each stamping agent should monitor its customers’ purchases and limit customer purchases to quantities that will not deplete the stamping agent’s allocations prior to the end of each month. The Department will not make exceptions to the purchase limits in cases where stamping --- Page 9 ---agents fail to limit customer purchases.

Sales of New Stamps

The Department will begin selling stamps reflecting the increased tax rate (“new stamps”) on or before June 1, 2020. Purchase limits will not apply to sales of new stamps. No transitional stamps will be issued. A floor tax (see below) will apply in lieu of the use of transitional stamps.

Deadlines

The following deadlines will apply to the transition

The Department will not sell old stamps after Friday, June 26, 2020. In the event of a hardship, stamping agents may petition the Department for an exemption from this deadline. Stamping agents should contact Larry Leach in the Department’s Fiscal Office at (804) 367-6345 or larry.leach@tax.virginia.gov.

Stamping agents and persons operating on their behalf may not apply old stamps to cigarette packs after 11:59 P.M. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.

Filing of Floor Tax Returns by Stamping Agents

Stamping agents shall pay a floor tax in lieu of the application of transitional stamps. No later than July 30, 2020, each stamping agent shall file a floor tax return with the Department setting forth the number of packs of cigarettes with an old stamp affixed to the pack in the agent’s possession as of 12:01 A.M. on July 1, 2020. The floor tax return must be on a form specified by the Department. --- Page 10 ---Accompanying the floor tax return, each stamping agent shall remit a payment to the Department in an amount equal to $0.30 multiplied by the number of packs of 20 cigarettes and $0.375 multiplied by the number of packs of 25 cigarettes in the agent’s possession as of 12:01 A.M. on July 1, 2020.

The floor tax return for any stamping agent operating as both a wholesaler and a retailer shall set forth the number of packs with an old stamp affixed to the pack that are located in its distribution area or facility as of 12:01 A.M. on July 1, 2020 and the floor tax shall be an amount equal to $0.30 multiplied by the number of packs of 20 cigarettes and $0.375 multiplied by the number of packs of 25 cigarettes in the distribution area or facility.

Floor tax return forms will be mailed to stamping agents not later than Friday, June 12, 2020. They will also be available on the Department’s web site, www.tax.virginia.gov.

Unapplied Stamps

Unapplied old stamps must be returned to the Department at the stamping agent’s expense. Stamps must be postmarked, shipped, or received by the Department no later than July 1, 2020. Each stamping agent is responsible for counting and reporting to the Department the number of stamps returned. The stamping agent will receive credit toward future stamp purchases only if the old stamps are postmarked, shipped, or received by the Department no later than July 1, 2020. Additionally, in order to be eligible for a return credit, the stamping agent must have filed a completed floor tax return, with the requisite payment, no later than July 30, 2020.

Return credits may not be used for future stamp purchases until the floor tax return and remittance have been filed with the Department. Stamping agents may not use an anticipated return credit in calculating their floor tax remittance. --- Page 11 ---Bonds and Letters of Credit

Stamping agents who purchase stamps on credit by posting a bond or letter of credit should review their bond or letter of credit to insure that it will cover the increased cost of stamps due to the rate increase. The bond or letter of credit must cover the amount of purchases by a stamping agent. Stamping agents cannot exceed the amount of their bond to buy stamps. Please contact Larry Leach in the Department’s Fiscal Office at (804) 367-6345 or larry.leach@tax.virginia.gov for more information.

Penalties for Violating Cigarette Tax Law

Under Code of Virginia § 58.1-1003, failure by a stamping agent to follow cigarette stamping procedures may result in the agent having its permit revoked.

In addition, under Code of Virginia § 58.1-1013, any stamping agent who fails to properly affix the required stamps will be required to pay a civil penalty of (i) $2.50 per pack, up to $500, for the first violation by a legal entity within a 36-month period; (ii) $5.00 per pack, up to $1,000, for the second violation by the legal entity within a 36-month period; and (iii) $10 per pack, up to $50,000, for the third and any subsequent violation by the legal entity within a 36-month period.

Where willful intent exists to defraud the Commonwealth, such person will be required to pay a civil penalty of $25 per pack, up to $250,000. It shall be prima facie evidence of intent to defraud when the number of unstamped cigarettes exceeds either 30 packs or five percent of the cigarettes in the place of business of such person, whichever is greater. Notwithstanding these threshold limits, if the number of unstamped packs exceeds 500 packs, it shall be prima --- Page 12 ---facie evidence of intent to defraud. Any cigarettes in the place of business of any person required by the provisions of this chapter to stamp the same is prima facie evidence that they are intended for sale.

As the floor tax is in lieu of the application of transitional stamps, stamping agents attempting to shift product to their retail outlets, related entities, or customers, or receiving any benefit other than normal payment for cigarettes purchased from retailers for sending product to them during the transitional period to avoid the floor tax at the wholesale level, will be subject to the civil penalties set forth above. The failure by a stamping agent to follow these transitional guidelines and rules may also result in the agent having its permit revoked.

Purchasing Revenue Stamps

Stamping agents may purchase cigarette stamps from the Department by completing Form TT-2, Order for Virginia Cigarette Tax Stamps. Present the completed form with your payment to the Department’s Fiscal Office at 1957 Westmoreland Street, Richmond, VA 23230. Stamps are also available for purchase from the Office the Treasurer or Commissioner of the Revenue for the following localities:

City of Bristol City of Culpeper City of Danville City of Fairfax City of Lynchburg City of Roanoke --- Page 13 ---City of Virginia Beach City of Waynesboro

Please contact Larry Leach in the Department’s Fiscal Office at (804) 367-6345 or larry.leach@tax.virginia.gov for more information.

Cigarette Tax Forms

Revised cigarette tax forms will, not later than June 12, 2020, be available on the Department’s web site, www.tax.virginia.gov.

Additional Information

For additional information about purchasing stamps or posting a bond or letter of credit, please contact Larry Leach in the Department’s Fiscal Office at (804) 367-6345 or larry.leach@tax.virginia.gov.

If you have other questions regarding the Cigarette Tax, please contact the Department’s Tobacco Unit at tobaccounit@tax.virginia.gov or call (804) 371-0730.

These guidelines, along with other reference documents, are available in the Laws, Rules and Decisions section of the Department's website, located at www.tax.virginia.gov.

Approved

Craig M. Burns --- Page 14 ---Tax Commissioner

2013 Retail Sales and Use Tax ChangesDoc ID: Sales

Original: 8,975 words
Condensed: 5,382 words
Reduction: 40.0%

--- Page 1 ---

REVISED

GUIDELINES FOR THE RETAIL SALES AND USE TAX CHANGES

ENACTED IN THE 2013 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION

June 13, 2013

The Department of Taxation has received legal advice that the new 0.7 percent additional Retail Sales and Use Tax that will be imposed in

the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions will not be imposed in the Counties of Gloucester and Surry. These Guidelines have been issued to reflect this change and supersede the Guidelines issued on May 1, 2013 as Public Document 13-57.

2013 House Bill 2313 (Acts of Assembly 2013, Chapter 766) increases the rate of the statewide Retail Sales and Use Tax, imposes an additional state Retail Sales and Use Tax in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions, and imposes a state Transient Occupancy Tax in the Northern Virginia region. These guidelines (“Guidelines”) are published by the Virginia Department of Taxation (the “Department”) to provide guidance to Retail Sales and Use Tax dealers and providers of transient lodgings.

House Bill 2313 also conforms Virginia law to the requirements of proposed federal legislation that would grant states the authority to require remote sellers to collect the Retail Sales and Use Tax. The Department will issue additional guidelines regarding the collection of the Retail Sales and Use Tax by remote sellers upon passage of the federal legislation.

These Guidelines are exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va.

Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.). The Department has worked with affected dealers, providers of transient lodgings, and local governments affected to develop these Guidelines.

These guidelines supplement the Department’s existing Retail Sales and Use Tax Regulations (23 Virginia Administrative Code “VAC” 10-210-10 et seq.). To the extent that there is a conflict between House Bill 2313 and the regulations, the legislation supersedes the regulations, and these Guidelines, developed pursuant to the legislation, should be followed. As necessary, additional guidelines will be published on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov. These Guidelines are available on-line in the Law, Rules and Decisions section of the Department’s website. For additional information, please contact the Office of Customer Services at (804) 367-8037 or through the “Live Chat” service on the Department’s website.

1

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

Statewide Retail Sales and Use Tax Rate Increase

Overview

Effective July 1, 2013, the rate of the state Retail Sales and Use Tax will increase from

4 percent to 4.3 percent. The rate of the local option Retail Sales and Use Tax will remain 1 percent. Accordingly, the total rate of the tax will increase from 5 percent to

  1. 3 percent statewide. In addition, the rate for vending machine dealers will increase from 6 to 6.3 percent (5.3 percent state and 1 percent local) of wholesale purchases for resale. The rate of tax on food purchased for home consumption, currently 2.5 percent (1.5 percent state and 1 percent local) is not affected by this rate increase. (See “Regional Sales and Use Taxes” below for more information regarding the new regional sales and use tax in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions.) (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-603, 58.1-604, and 58.1-614)

Effective July 1, 2013, the rate of the special state use tax on motor vehicles, machinery and tools, aircraft, and equipment brought into Virginia for use in performing construction contracts will increase from 5 percent to 5.3 percent (for all property except for motor vehicles, aircraft, and watercraft). Motor vehicles are taxed at the rate of the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (4 percent effective July 1, 2013), aircraft are taxed at the rate of 2 percent, and watercraft are taxed at the rate of 2 percent with a maximum

tax of $1,000. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-604.1)

The increased tax rate applies to all sales on and after July 1, 2013. Tangible personal property delivered to a purchaser and paid for on or after July 1, 2013 is taxable at the

  1. 3 percent rate, regardless of when the property was ordered. The increased rate will not apply to property delivered prior to July 1, 2013, but paid for on or after July 1, 2013.

Also, the increased rate will not apply when a taxable sale or lease payment is paid for in full prior to July 1, 2013, even though delivery may occur on or after July 1, 2013, or the paid-in-full lease payment covers a lease period beginning on or after July 1, 2013. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-602, 58.1-603, and 58.1-604)

Transitional provisions in the legislation provide for the refund of the 0.3 percent tax paid on tangible personal property purchased or leased under certain contracts and leases entered into before April 3, 2013 (the date the legislation was signed by the Governor). (See “Transitional Rules” below for more information.) (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

Dealer Discount

Beginning with the June, 2010 return, the dealer discount was suspended for any dealer who has an average monthly Retail Sales and Use Tax liability exceeding $20,000. The Department annually determines which dealers have an average monthly Retail Sales and Use Tax liability exceeding $20,000 and notifies those dealers that they are no

2

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

longer eligible for the dealer discount. The Department also notifies those dealers who no longer meet the threshold that they will become eligible for the dealer discount. Any dealer who is not certain whether the suspension of the dealer discount applies to him should contact the Department at (804) 367-8037 to confirm the correct account status. (Source: House Bill 1500 (Item 5.08 of 2013 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 766; Va. Code

§ 58.1-202.1))

As compensation for accounting for and paying the tax, all other dealers are allowed a discount of 1.6 percent, 1.2 percent or 0.8 percent, depending on the volume of monthly taxable sales, of the first 3 percent of the state tax (first 4 percent of the state tax for vending machine dealers). (Source: House Bill 1500 (Item 5.08 of 2013 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 766))

Starting with the July 2013 return (due August 20, 2013) or the July-September 2013 quarterly return (due October 20, 2013), in order to simplify the calculation on the Retail Sales and Use Tax returns and worksheets, dealers may use the discount factors listed in the following table and on the worksheets provided with the Retail Sales and Use Tax returns to calculate the discount:

Retail Sales and Use Tax Dealer Discounts Available to Dealers With Average Monthly Tax Liability Not Exceeding $20,000

Monthly Taxable Sales Statutory General Sales Qualifying Discount Discount Food Discount Percentage Factor Factor At Least But Less Than $0 $62,501 1.6% .01116 .016 $62,501 $208,001 1.2% .00837 .012 $208,001 And Up 0.8% .00558 .008

Vending Machine Sales Dealer Discounts Available to Dealers With Average Monthly Tax Liability Not Exceeding $20,000

Monthly Taxable Sales Statutory Discount Factor Discount Percentage At Least But Less Than $0 $62,501 1.6% .01208 $62,501 $208,001 1.2% .00906 $208,001 And Up 0.8% .00604

3

[TABLE 3-1] Monthly Taxable Sales | | Statutory Discount Percentage | General Sales Discount Factor | Qualifying Food Discount Factor At Least | But Less Than | | | $0 | $62,501 | 1.6% | .01116 | .016 $62,501 | $208,001 | 1.2% | .00837 | .012 $208,001 | And Up | 0.8% | .00558 | .008

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 3-2] Monthly Taxable Sales | | Statutory Discount Percentage | Discount Factor At Least | But Less Than | | $0 | $62,501 | 1.6% | .01208 $62,501 | $208,001 | 1.2% | .00906 $208,001 | And Up | 0.8% | .00604

[/TABLE]

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

The discount factors are based on the amount of tax owed pursuant to the 4.3 percent (5.3 percent for vending machines) statewide tax. As the dealer discount does not apply to the additional 0.7 percent tax in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions, the amount of regional tax should not be added when using the discount factors to determine the dealer discount. (See “Regional Sales and Use Taxes” below

for more information regarding the new regional sales and use tax in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions.)

Dealers holding two or more certificates of registration must compute the dealer’s discount based upon taxable sales from all business locations. This requirement applies to dealers filing consolidated returns and those filing separate returns for each business location. Dealers with multistate business locations must compute the discount based upon the combined taxable sales from all business locations in Virginia and on Virginia taxable sales from out-of-state business locations. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-622)

Regional Sales and Use Tax

Definitions

“Northern Virginia Region” is defined as the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun,

and Prince William and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-603.1 and 58.1-604.01)

“Hampton Roads Region” is defined as the Counties of Isle of Wight, James City, Southampton, and York and the Cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-603.1 and 58.1-604.01)

Overview

Effective July 1, 2013, a new additional state Retail Sales and Use Tax will be imposed in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions at the rate of 0.7 percent.

Accordingly, the total rate of the state and local Retail Sales and Use Tax will be 6 percent in localities that fall within these regions (4.3 percent state, 0.7 percent regional, and 1 percent local). The rate for vending machine dealers in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions will increase to 7.0 percent (5.3 percent state, 0.7 percent

regional, and 1 percent local) of wholesale purchases for resale. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-603.1 and 58.1-604.01)

The regional tax will be administered in the same manner as the state Retail Sales and Use Tax. However, food purchased for home consumption is not subject to the regional tax. No dealer discount is allowed on the regional tax. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-603.1 and 58.1-604.01)

4

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

The regional tax applies to sales on and after July 1, 2013 in localities that fall within the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions. Tangible personal property delivered to a purchaser and paid for on or after July 1, 2013 is subject to the regional tax, regardless of when the property was ordered. The new tax will not apply to tangible

personal property delivered prior to July 1, 2013, but paid for on or after July 1, 2013.

The new tax also will not apply when a taxable sale or lease is paid for in full prior to July 1, 2013, even though delivery may occur on or after July 1, 2013, or the paid-in-full lease covers a lease period beginning on or after July 1, 2013. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-602, 58.1-603.1 and 58.1-604.01)

Although the regional tax is effective July 1, 2013, the transitional provisions provide for the refund of the tax paid on tangible personal property purchased or leased under certain contracts and leases entered into before April 3, 2013 (the date the legislation was signed by the Governor) even though the property is delivered subsequent to July 1, 2013. (See “Transitional Rules” below)

Sourcing Rules

Sales Tax

As it is administered in the same manner as the Retail Sales and Use Tax, the new

regional sales tax is sourced in the same manner as the local option sales tax. For intrastate sales, the local option sales tax is generally sourced to the city or county of the place of business of the dealer collecting the tax, without regard to the city or county of possible use by the purchaser. Accordingly, in-state dealers should collect the regional sales tax on sales made in places of business located in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions, even if the goods are delivered outside the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions. Likewise, in-state dealers not located in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions should not collect the regional sales tax, even if the goods are delivered into the Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads regions. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-603.1 and 58.1-605). The following provides detailed rules for various additional scenarios:

  1. When tangible personal property is purchased by the purchaser at the place of business of the seller, the sale is sourced to that place of business, even if the goods are ultimately delivered to the purchaser at another location. (Source:

23VAC10-210-2070(E)).

Example 1

Dealer A makes a sale to a customer on July 1, 2013 at his place of business in the City of Fairfax in the Northern Virginia region. Dealer A has the goods delivered to the customer in Loudoun County in the

5

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

Northern Virginia region. The sale is sourced to the City of Fairfax.

Dealer A should collect 6 percent (4.3 percent state, 0.7 percent regional, and 1 percent local) sales tax on the purchase. The 1 percent local tax should be sourced to the City of Fairfax.

Example 2

Dealer B makes a sale to a customer on July 1, 2013 at his place of business in Loudoun County in the Northern Virginia region, but the goods are delivered to the customer in Roanoke County, which is not in the Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads region. The sale is sourced to Loudoun County, in the Northern Virginia region. Dealer B should collect 6 percent sales tax on the purchase. The 1 percent local tax should be sourced to Loudoun County.

  1. When tangible personal property is purchased remotely (by telephone, Internet, or mail order) from an in-state dealer with a place of business in Virginia, the sale is sourced to the location in which the order was first taken, even if the goods are ultimately delivered to the Customer at another location.

Example 3

Customer C orders merchandise from Dealer D in August, 2013 by placing a call to Dealer D’s store, located in the City of Newport News in the Hampton Roads region. The goods will be shipped to Customer C’s residence that is neither in the Hampton Roads nor Northern Virginia region. The sale is sourced to the City of Newport News in the Hampton Roads region. Dealer D should collect 6 percent (4.3 percent state, 0.7 percent regional, and 1 percent local) sales tax on the purchase. The 1 percent local tax should be sourced to the City of Newport News.

  1. When tangible personal property is purchased remotely from an out-of-state dealer and is not received by the purchaser at the dealer’s business location, the sale is sourced to the location to which the goods are delivered.

Example 4

Customer E orders merchandise from Dealer F’s website, which has a

place of business and warehouse in North Carolina. Dealer F is registered to collect the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax. The invoice indicates that the merchandise will be shipped to Customer E’s residence in the City of Richmond, which is outside the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions. Because Dealer F’s place of business and warehouse are located outside of Virginia, the sale is sourced to the

6

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

location in which the merchandise is delivered, the City of Richmond, which is outside the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions.

Dealer F should collect 5.3 percent (4.3 percent state and 1 percent local) sales tax on the purchase. The 1 percent local tax should be sourced to the City of Richmond.

  1. When tangible personal property is leased from an in-state lessor, the sale is sourced to the lessor’s place of business. (23VAC10-210-2070(E)).

Example 5

Customer G enters into a rental agreement with a lessor with a place of business in the City of Hampton in the Hampton Roads region. The equipment will be used for a highway construction project in Fairfax County in the Northern Virginia region. The sale is sourced to the lessor’s place of business in the City of Hampton in the Hampton Roads region.

The lessor should collect the tax at the rate of 6 percent (4.3 percent state,

  1. 7 percent regional, and 1 percent local). The 1 percent local tax should be sourced to the City of Hampton.

Use Tax Collected by Dealers

As it is administered in the same manner as the Retail Sales and Use Tax, the new regional use tax is sourced in the same manner as the local option use tax. The new regional use tax is sourced to the city or county where the goods are used or consumed by the purchaser, or stored for use or consumption. Out-of-state dealers who hold Certificates of Registration to collect the use tax from their customers must source sales into Virginia according to the city or county of destination. Sales shipped into the Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads regions are subject to the new regional use tax. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-604.01 and 58.1-606; 23 VAC 10-210-880)

Example 6

Dealer A makes Internet sales from his place of business in North Carolina. Dealer A holds a Certificate of Registration to collect the use tax from Virginia customers. Dealer A makes a sale on July 25, 2013, and ships the goods to the City of Fairfax. Dealer A would collect 6 percent (4.3 percent state, 0.7 percent regional, and 1 percent local) use tax on

the sale. The 1 percent local tax should be sourced to the City of Fairfax.

Example 7

Dealer B makes Internet sales from his place of business in Maryland.

Dealer B holds a Certificate of Registration to collect the use tax from

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

Virginia customers. Dealer B makes a sale on August 1, 2013, and ships the goods to the City of Harrisonburg. Dealer B would collect 5.3 percent (4.3 percent state and 1 percent local) use tax on the sale. The 1 percent local tax should be sourced to the City of Harrisonburg.

Consumer Use Tax

Virginia residents and others purchasing goods from a business that does not collect the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax or purchasing goods tax-free while outside Virginia and bringing them into Virginia are subject to the Consumer Use Tax, including the regional use tax, with certain exceptions.

The use tax does not apply to tangible personal property brought into the Commonwealth by a nonresident of Virginia for personal use. Additionally, the use tax does not apply to property purchased outside the Commonwealth by a nonresident of Virginia who subsequently moves into the Commonwealth at least six months after the property is purchased. However, the tax does apply to tangible personal property temporarily brought into the Commonwealth from outside of the Commonwealth for the performance of contracts for the construction, reconstruction, installation, repair, or for any other service with respect to real estate or fixtures thereon. Tangible personal property that becomes subject to the use tax within six months of its acquisition is taxed on the basis of its cost price.

Any person purchasing tangible personal property in other areas of the Commonwealth for use in either the Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads region is not responsible for the regional Consumer Use Tax if the Retail Sales and Use Tax has been paid on the purchase. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-604, 58.1-604.01, 58.1-606, and 58.1-607)

Example 8

Customer A, who is located in the City of Fairfax, makes an Internet purchase of tangible personal property on July 10, 2013 from a West Virginia dealer who does not hold a Virginia Certificate of Registration and does not collect the use tax from Virginia customers. Customer A must remit 6 percent (4.3 percent state, 0.7 percent regional, and 1 percent local) use tax on the purchase.

Example 9

Customer B, who is located in the City of Bristol, Virginia, makes an Internet purchase of tangible personal property on July 20, 2013 from a New York dealer who does not hold a Virginia Certificate of Registration and does not collect the use tax from Virginia customers. Customer B

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

must remit 5.3 percent (4.3 percent state and 1 percent local) use tax on the purchase.

Example 10

Customer C is located in the City of Charlottesville. Customer C buys

equipment in Charlottesville on July 10, 2013, intended for use performing a construction contract in Fairfax County and pays 5.3 percent sales tax.

Customer C moves the equipment into Fairfax County on July 29, 2013.

Customer C does not owe the regional use tax on the equipment as the sales tax has been paid.

Filing and Paying Consumer Use Tax

Businesses that are registered dealers for the purposes of the Retail Sales and Use Tax owing the consumer use tax on tangible personal property i) brought into Virginia from outside the Commonwealth and ii) upon which the applicable tax has not been paid, are required to remit the use tax on their regular Retail Sales and Use Tax returns.

Businesses that are not registered dealers are required to file and remit the use tax using the Business Consumer's Use Tax Return, Form ST-7. The regional use tax for tangible personal property brought into the Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads Regions from outside the Commonwealth also is required to be remitted directly to the Department using the applicable return.

Individuals who are not registered dealers owing the consumer use tax on tangible personal property i) brought into Virginia from outside the Commonwealth and ii) upon which the applicable tax has not been paid, are required to remit the tax directly to the Department using either Form CU-7, Consumer Use Return, or the Individual Income Tax Return, Form 760 Schedule ADJ. The regional use tax for tangible personal property brought into the Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads Regions from outside the Commonwealth also is required to be remitted directly to the Department using either Form CU-7, Consumer Use Return or the Individual Income Tax Return, Form 760 Schedule ADJ. The forms and instructions are available on the Department's web site, www.tax.virginia.gov. No prior registration with the Department is required for taxpayers filing a Form CU-7, Consumer Use Return.

Transitional Rules

Overview

The statewide increase of the Retail Sales and Use Tax rate and the new regional Retail Sales and Use Tax apply to sales on and after July 1, 2013. Tangible personal property delivered to a purchaser and paid for on or after July 1, 2013 is taxable at the higher rate, regardless of when the property was ordered. The increased rate will not apply to property delivered prior to July 1, 2013, but paid for on or after July 1, 2013.

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

Also, the increased rate will not apply when a taxable sale or lease payment is paid for in full prior to July 1, 2013, even though delivery may occur on or after July 1, 2013, or the paid-in-full lease payment covers a lease period beginning on or after July 1, 2013. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-602, 58.1-603, 58.1-603.1, 58.1-604, and 58.1-603.1)

The new law includes transitional provisions for persons who, prior to April 3, 2013 (the date the legislation is signed by the Governor), enter into bona fide real estate construction contracts, contracts for the sale of tangible personal property, or leases of tangible personal property. Under the transitional provisions, although tangible personal property purchased or leased under such contracts will be subject to the 5.3 percent (6.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) additional tax (“additional tax”) on and after July 1, 2013, the purchaser or lessee of the property will be entitled to request a refund from the Department of the additional tax paid as the result of the rate increase if the date of delivery of the tangible personal property is on or before September 30, 2013. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

Refund Requests

Refunds of the additional tax paid on purchases or leases of tangible personal property under bona fide real estate construction contracts, contracts for the sale of tangible personal property, or leases of tangible personal property will be limited to only the purchaser or lessee of the property. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

The purchaser or lessee of tangible personal property under qualifying contracts or leases shall request refunds of the additional tax directly from the Department and not from the seller or lessor of the property. In seeking refunds, the purchaser or lessee shall furnish the Department with copies of the contract or lease under which property is purchased or leased. Also, the purchaser or lessee shall indicate the delivery date of all items for which refunds are claimed and must be able to demonstrate that the additional tax was actually paid to his suppliers or lessors. Copies of invoices will be required to verify that the additional tax was paid on purchases or leases of tangible personal property for which refunds are requested. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

As with refund requests generally, the request must be made within 3 years of the date the tax became due. For instance, if a piece of equipment is purchased in July 2013, the tax does not become due from the dealer until August 20, 2013. Thus, a refund request could be filed anytime on or before August 20, 2016. In addition, interest will be paid by the Department on such refunds for the period from the date the tax became

due until the date of refund. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-639 and 58.1-1823)

Real Estate Construction Contracts

Refunds of the tax paid on and after July 1, 2013 are available when tangible personal property is purchased or leased under a bona fide real estate construction contract or

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

bona fide highway construction contract entered into before April 3, 2013. A “bona fide” contract is one that included finished plans and specifications before April 3, 2013.

Refunds will not be available, however, in the event that a bona fide contract is renegotiated or to the extent that a contract is expanded to include additional work or the furnishing of additional materials. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

Refunds will be available only for the additional tax paid on (i) materials permanently incorporated into real estate, and (ii) construction supplies, fixtures, equipment, etc., that enter into the construction of or become a part of a structure, highway, etc. Further, refunds will be limited to property purchased or leased in connection with a specific contract and used exclusively in such contract. Thus, refunds will not be available for tax paid on equipment, materials, supplies, tools, etc. that will be used in more than one contract. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

As noted below, rules for obtaining refunds of the tax on purchases or leases under bona fide real estate construction contracts vary depending on whether or not the contract contains a specific and stated date of completion.

In the case of bona fide real estate construction contracts that do not contain a specific and stated date of completion, refunds of the additional tax may be claimed only with respect to purchased or leased tangible personal property that is delivered to the contractor on or before September 30, 2013. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

Example 11

Contractor A enters into a bona fide contract before April 3, 2013, for the erection of a home, but the contract does not contain a specific and stated date of completion. After July 1, 2013, Contractor A makes two orders of materials for use in the project and pays the full 5.3 percent sales tax on the materials. Because the contract did not contain a specific and stated date of completion, Contractor A must take delivery of goods purchased for use in the project on or before September 30, 2013, in order to receive a refund of the additional tax. The first order is delivered to Contractor A on August 30, 2013, but the second order is delivered to Contractor A on December 1, 2013. Contractor A may receive a refund of the 0.3 percent (1.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) tax paid on the first order, but will not be able to receive a similar refund on the second order because it was delivered after September 30, 2013.

In the case of bona fide real estate construction contracts that contain a specific and stated date of completion, refunds of the additional tax paid on and after July 1, 2013, will be available for all property delivered to the contractor on or before the completion date specified in the contract. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

Example 12

Contractor B enters into a bona fide contract before April 3, 2013, for the erection of a bridge. The contract contains a specific and stated completion date of June 30, 2015. On and after July 1, 2013, Contractor

B pays the 5.3 percent (6.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) tax on his purchases of materials for use in the contract and all such materials, except one shipment, are delivered to the contractor by the June 30, 2015, date of completion. The last shipment of materials is delivered to Contractor B on July 1, 2015. Refunds of the 0.3 percent (1.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) tax paid by Contractor B will be available for all materials delivered to him by the specified completion date stated in his contract, June 30, 2015. However, a refund will not be available for the additional tax paid on the last delivery because that delivery occurred after the specified and stated completion date for the project. Both contracts containing a specific date for completion, e.g., July 1, 2015, and contracts containing a specific number of calendar days for completion, e.g., 150 calendar days, shall be considered as contracts with a specific and stated date of completion.

When a subcontractor performs work for a general contractor, the date of completion for

purposes of this provision is the date stated in the subcontract and not the completion date specified in the contract between the general contractor and the customer.

The refund provisions applicable to contracts that contain a specific and stated date of completion do not apply when the completion date specified in the original bona fide real estate construction contract is extended for any reason, unless a new contract is entered into or the original contract is renegotiated before April 3, 2013. In the event that the completion date specified in the original bona fide real estate construction contract is extended, refunds of the additional tax paid on and after July 1, 2013, will be available only for property delivered on or before the completion date specified in the original contract. In the event that the completion date is extended through a new contract or a renegotiated contract entered into prior to April 3, 2013, refunds will be available for the additional tax paid on all property delivered to the contractor on or before the completion date specified in the new or renegotiated contract. (Source: Va.

Code § 58.1-639)

Refunds of the 0.3 percent (1.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) tax paid by contractors on and after July 1, 2013, will not be available when purchases or leases are made pursuant to non-bona fide real estate construction contracts. A non-bona fide contract is one that did not include finished plans or specifications before April 3, 2013. Contracts that are entered into on or before April 3, 2013, without finished plans or specifications but which are amended after April 3, 2013,

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

to include plans or specifications are also not bona fide contracts. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

Contracts for the Sale of Tangible Personal Property

Refunds of the additional tax paid on and after July 1, 2013, may be claimed for tangible personal property purchased under sale contracts entered into before April 3, 2013, provided the property is delivered to the purchaser on or before September 30, 2013.

Refunds will not be available if a sale contract was entered into on or after April 3, 2013, or if the property purchased is delivered to the purchaser after September 30, 2013. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

The provisions for the refund of the additional tax apply to all layaways made before April 3, 2013, and delivered to the purchaser on or before September 30, 2013. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

Example 13

Customer A makes a layaway purchase of an item of merchandise before April 3, 2013, and takes delivery of the merchandise on September 30, 2013. Customer A will be required to pay the full 5.3 percent (6.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) tax when he

completes the layaway purchase, but he will be able to request a refund of the additional tax he paid.

Example 14

Customer B makes a layaway purchase of an item of merchandise before April 3, 2013, but does not take delivery of the merchandise until December 1, 2013. Customer B will be required to pay the full 5.3 percent (6.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) sales tax on the purchase, but will not be able to request a refund of the additional tax because he did not take delivery of the merchandise until after September 30, 2013.

Pursuant to 23 VAC 10-210-670, the sales tax is not to be collected on the sale of gift certificates, but is to be collected when gift certificates are redeemed for merchandise.

Because gift certificates are not taxable until redeemed, refunds of the additional tax

paid on purchases made with gift certificates redeemed on and after July 1, 2013, will not be available.

Pursuant to 23 VAC 10-210-450, the sales and use tax is due in full when an agreement for an installment sale is made. 23 VAC 10-210-450 does not permit the tax on an installment sale to be paid in installments. Therefore, all installment sales prior to July

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

1, 2013, will be subject to state and local Retail Sales and Use Tax at a rate of 5.0 percent, while sales on and after July 1, 2013, will be subject to tax at the rate of 5.3 percent (6.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions). Because the tax on installment sales is due as of the date the contract of sale is entered into, refunds of the additional tax paid on an installment sale on and after July 1, 2013, will

not be available.

Current Virginia law provides that the sale of maintenance, the terms of which provide for both repair or replacement parts and repair labor, are subject to tax upon one-half of the total charge for such contracts only. Persons providing maintenance pursuant to such a contract may continue to purchase repair or replacement parts under a resale certificate of exemption. As with other sales of tangible personal property, the sales and use tax becomes due in full when the contract is entered into. Therefore, all such taxable maintenance contracts entered into before July 1, 2013, will be subject to the tax at a rate of 2.5 percent, while those taxable maintenance contracts entered into on or after July 1, 2013, will be subject to the tax at a rate of 2.65 percent (3.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions). Because the tax on such contracts becomes due as of the date the contract is entered into, refunds of the additional tax paid on and after July 1, 2013, will not be available. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-609.5)

Leases

Refunds of the additional tax paid on leases of tangible personal property on and after July 1, 2013, will be available, provided that (i) the lease or rental is entered into before April 3, 2013, and (ii) the leased property is delivered to the lessee by September 30, 2013. However, refunds will not be available for the additional tax paid on leases entered into on or after April 3, 2013, or where leased property is delivered to the lessee after September 30, 2013.

So long as the above two conditions are met, refunds may be requested for the additional tax paid over the course of a lease. For instance, a person who enters into a five-year equipment lease before April 3, 2013, and who takes delivery of the equipment by September 30, 2013, would be able to seek refunds of the additional tax in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) tax paid for periods through the end of the five-year lease period. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-639)

However, if the lessee assigns the lease, or if the property is turned over to anyone

else, refunds of the additional tax will not be available for tax paid after the change. In addition, refunds of the additional tax will not be available if there are replacements of the property leased (except for replacements due to defective goods), if additional property is added to the lease, or if the lease is renegotiated or renewed. (Source: Va.

Code § 58.1-639)

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

Example 15

Customer A enters into a one-year lease for equipment before April 3, 2013, and takes delivery of the equipment on September 30, 2013.

Customer A makes monthly payments on the lease beginning September

30, 2013 and ending September 30, 2014. Customer A will be required to pay the full 5.3 percent (6.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) tax on the lease payments, but he will be able to request a refund of the additional tax paid.

Example 16

Customer B enters into a one-year lease for equipment before April 3, 2013, but does not take delivery of the equipment until December 1, 2013.

Customer B will be required to pay the full 5.3 percent sales tax (6.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) on the purchase, but will not be able to request a refund of the additional tax because he did not take delivery of the equipment until after September 30, 2013.

Retail Sales and Use Taxation of Transient Accommodations

The statewide increase of the Retail Sales and Use Tax rate and the new regional Retail Sales and Use Tax apply to rentals of accommodations to transients on and after July 1, 2013. Accommodations i) furnished to transients on or after July 1, 2013, and ii) paid for on or after July 1, 2013, are taxable at the 5.3 percent rate (6.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions), regardless of when the rental was reserved. However, the increased state tax rate and new state regional tax will not apply to accommodations furnished to transients prior to July 1, 2013, but paid for on or after July 1, 2013. Additionally, the increased state tax rate and new regional tax will not apply when the accommodations are paid for in full prior to July 1, 2013, even if the accommodations are not furnished to the transient until on or after July 1, 2013. Finally, the transitional rules for certain leases only apply to leases of tangible property and are not applicable to lodgings. (Source: Va. Code §§ 58.1-603, 58.1-603.1, 58.1-604, 58.1-604.01 and 58.1-639)

Example 17

Customer A reserves a stay in a summer rental house in Virginia Beach for the first week in October, 2013. Customer A makes the reservation and pays for the accommodation in full on June 15, 2013. Even though the accommodation will not be furnished to Customer A until after July 1, 2013, as the accommodation is paid in full prior to July 1, 2013, the accommodation is subject to the Retail Sales and Use Tax at the rate of 5

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

percent (4 percent state and 1 percent local). The accommodation would not be subject to the state tax rate increase or the new regional tax in the Hampton Roads Region.

Example 18

Customer B reserves a stay in a bed and breakfast inn in the City of Roanoke for the first week in August, 2013. Customer B makes the reservation and pays a deposit on June 15, 2013. Customer B pays the remaining amount at the end of the stay in August. As the accommodation is not furnished to Customer B prior to July 1, 2013, and is not paid in full prior to July 1, 2013, the accommodation is subject to the Retail Sales and Use Tax at the increased rate of 5.3 percent (4.3 percent state and 1 percent local).

Example 19

Customer C reserves a stay in a bed and breakfast inn in the City of Virginia Beach for the first week in August, 2013. Customer C makes the reservation and pays a deposit on June 15, 2013. Customer C pays the remaining amount at the end of the stay in August. As the accommodation is not furnished to Customer C prior to July 1, 2013, and

is not paid in full prior to July 1, 2013, the accommodation would be subject to the state tax rate increase and the new regional tax in the Hampton Roads Region. The accommodation is subject to the Retail Sales and Use Tax at the increased rate of 6 percent (4.3 percent state,

  1. 7 percent regional, and 1 percent local).

Computation of Tax and Bracket Charts

Generally, the tax shall be computed at 5.3 percent (6.0 percent in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) with one half cent or more being treated as one cent.

However, if a dealer can show to the satisfaction of the Tax Commissioner that more than 85 percent of the total dollar volume of his gross taxable sales during the taxable month was from individual sales at prices of 10 cents or less each and that he was unable to adjust his prices in such manner as to prevent the economic incidence of the sales tax from falling on him, the Tax Commissioner shall determine the proper tax liability of the dealer based on that portion of the dealer's gross taxable sales that was

from sales at prices of 11 cents or more. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-628.2)

For sales of five dollars or less, dealers may compute the 5.3 percent Retail Sales and Use Tax in Virginia (other than in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) using the following bracket chart to eliminate fractions of one cent. Any dealer who

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

collects the tax in accordance with the following bracket chart shall not be deemed to have overcollected the tax.

  1. 3% Virginia (Other than Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions) Bracket Chart for Sales of Five Dollars or Less

$0.00 to $0.09 no tax .10 to .28 1¢ tax .29 to .47 2¢ tax .48 to .66 3¢ tax .67 to .84 4¢ tax .85 to 1.03 5¢ tax

  1. 04 to 1.22 6¢ tax
  2. 23 to 1.41 7¢ tax
  3. 42 to 1.60 8¢ tax
  4. 61 to 1.79 9¢ tax
  5. 80 to 1.98 10¢ tax
  6. 99 to 2.16 11¢ tax
  7. 17 to 2.35 12¢ tax
  8. 36 to 2.54 13¢ tax
  9. 55 to 2.73 14¢ tax
  10. 74 to 2.92 15¢ tax

  11. 93 to 3.11 16¢ tax

  12. 12 to 3.30 17¢ tax
  13. 31 to 3.49 18¢ tax
  14. 50 to 3.67 19¢ tax
  15. 68 to 3.86 20¢ tax
  16. 87 to 4.05 21¢ tax
  17. 06 to 4.24 22¢ tax
  18. 25 to 4.43 23¢ tax
  19. 44 to 4.62 24¢ tax
  20. 63 to 4.81 25¢ tax
  21. 82 to 4.99 26¢ tax
  22. 00 27¢ tax

For sales of five dollars or less, dealers may compute the 6.0 percent Retail Sales and Use Tax in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions using the following bracket chart to eliminate fractions of one cent. Any dealer who collects the tax in

accordance with the following bracket chart shall not be deemed to have overcollected the tax.

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

  1. 0% Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Regions Bracket Chart for Sales of Five Dollars or Less

$0.00 to $0.08 no tax .09 to .24 1¢ tax

.25 to .41 2¢ tax .42 to .58 3¢ tax .59 to .74 4¢ tax .75 to .91 5¢ tax .92 to 1.08 6¢ tax

  1. 09 to 1.24 7¢ tax
  2. 25 to 1.41 8¢ tax
  3. 42 to 1.58 9¢ tax
  4. 59 to 1.74 10¢ tax
  5. 75 to 1.91 11¢ tax
  6. 92 to 2.08 12¢ tax
  7. 09 to 2.24 13¢ tax
  8. 25 to 2.41 14¢ tax
  9. 42 to 2.58 15¢ tax
  10. 59 to 2.74 16¢ tax
  11. 75 to 2.91 17¢ tax
  12. 92 to 3.08 18¢ tax

  13. 09 to 3.24 19¢ tax

  14. 25 to 3.41 20¢ tax
  15. 42 to 3.58 21¢ tax
  16. 59 to 3.74 22¢ tax
  17. 75 to 3.91 23¢ tax
  18. 92 to 4.08 24¢ tax
  19. 09 to 4.24 25¢ tax
  20. 25 to 4.41 26¢ tax
  21. 42 to 4.58 27¢ tax
  22. 59 to 4.74 28¢ tax
  23. 75 to 4.91 29¢ tax
  24. 91 to 5.00 30¢ tax

Filing of Returns

The regional Retail Sales and Use Tax will be reported on dealers’ Retail Sales and Use

Tax and Vending Machine Tax and Business Consumer’s Use Tax returns. The Department will make the revised returns available early May. Returns for April, May, and June 2013 are not affected by the legislation. Monthly filers should use the new returns for periods beginning with the month of July 2013. Quarterly filers should begin using the new forms for the quarter ending September 30, 2013. In general, dealers must file Retail Sales and Use Tax returns on a monthly basis, with returns due by the

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20th of the month after the sales occurred. However, the Department may change a dealer’s filing frequency from monthly to quarterly based on his tax liability. Dealers will be notified prior to the effective date if their filing frequency is changed.

2012 House Bill 1301 (Acts of Assembly 2012 Special Session I, Chapter 3), Item 273

(O) required that all sales and use tax returns and payments be filed electronically. All monthly sales tax filers were required to file and remit payment electronically beginning with the July, 2012 return, due August 2012. Less frequent filers must file and remit payment electronically beginning with their first return due after July 1, 2013. Waivers will be granted if the Tax Commissioner finds that this requirement creates an unreasonable burden on the dealer. All requests for waiver must be submitted to the Tax Commissioner in writing.

Generally, in-state dealers are those dealers making Virginia sales while having one or more physical locations in Virginia. Such businesses must submit Form ST-9, Retail Sales and Use Tax Return, to the Department. A return must be filed for each period, even if there are no sales to report.

Out-of-state dealers, in most cases, are those dealers physically located outside of Virginia but make qualified sales, leases or rentals into Virginia. If an out-of-state dealer has sufficient nexus with Virginia, the dealer must register with Virginia to collect Virginia Use Tax on their Virginia sales. Out-of-state businesses that do not have

sufficient nexus with Virginia may still choose to register with Virginia to collect the tax as a courtesy to their Virginia customers. Whether required to register or not, any out-of-state dealer registered to collect Virginia Use Tax must file Form ST-8, Out-of-State Dealers Use Tax Return. A return must be filed for each period, even if there are no sales to report.

A Direct Payment Permit allows certain companies to purchase goods without paying the sales or use tax at the time of purchase. These companies agree to pay the tax due directly to the Department, and allocate the local tax so that no county or city will lose any revenue. Direct Payment Permits are typically issued to manufacturers, contractors or mine operators who store tangible personal property within the Commonwealth for use both in and outside of Virginia. Businesses who meet the qualifications set forth in Va. Code § 58.1-624 may apply to the Tax Commissioner for a permit. If approved, the business would file Form ST-6, Direct Pay Permit Sales and Use Tax Return.

Additionally, the Retail Sales and Use Tax is imposed on dealers who place vending

machines for the sale of tangible personal property. The tax is computed on the cost price (or manufactured cost) of tangible personal property sold through the vending machines. Dealers who are subject to the Retail Sales and Use Tax on tangible personal property sold through vending machines must file Form VM-2, Vending Machine Dealer’s Sales Tax Return.

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Penalties and Interest

Except with respect to fraudulent returns, the failure to file a timely return and make a timely and full payment of this tax will subject the dealer to a penalty of six percent of the tax owed if the failure is for not more than one month, with an additional six percent

for each additional month, or fraction thereof, during which the failure continues, not to exceed thirty percent. In no case, however, shall the penalty be less than ten dollars and such minimum penalty shall apply whether or not any tax is due for the period for which such return was required. A dealer who does not collect and remit the 0.7 percent additional regional tax due has not made a timely and full payment of the tax, even if he has remitted the 5.3 percent tax, and will be subject to the penalty for the tax owed. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-635 A)

In the case of a false or fraudulent return where willful intent exists to defraud the Commonwealth of this tax, or in the case of a willful failure to file a return with the intent to defraud the Commonwealth of this tax, a penalty of fifty percent of the amount of the proper tax shall be assessed. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-635 A)

The rate of interest on omitted taxes and assessments is the "Underpayment Rate" established pursuant to § 6621(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code plus two percent. (Source: Va. Code § 58.1-15(A))

Example 20

Dealer A makes a sale to a customer on July 1, 2013 at his place of business in the City of Fairfax in the Northern Virginia region. The sale is sourced to the City of Fairfax. Dealer A should collect 6 percent (4.3 percent state, 0.7 percent regional, and 1 percent local) sales tax on the purchase. However, Dealer A only collects and remits the 5.3 percent sales tax (4.3 percent state and 1 percent local) on the purchase and does not collect the 0.7 percent additional regional tax. Dealer A has not made a timely and full payment of the sales tax. Dealer A would owe a penalty of six percent of the amount of tax owed (only the 0.7 percent additional regional tax) if the failure is for not more than one month.

Dealer A would also owe interest on the amount of tax owed (only the 0.7 percent additional regional tax).

20

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Changes Enacted in the 2013 General Assembly Session REVISED: June 13, 2013

Additional Information

These Guidelines are available on-line in the Law, Rules and Decisions section of the Department's website. Forms, instructions, frequently asked questions and other helpful information are also available on the Department's website. For additional

information, please contact the Office of Customer Services at (804) 367-8037 or through the “Live Chat” service on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

Approved


Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

21

Reciprocal Income Tax Agreement Between Pennsylvania and VirginiaDoc ID: Agreements

Original: 1,113 words
Condensed: 993 words
Reduction: 10.8%

--- Page 1 ---

| RECIPROCAL PERSONAL INCOME TAX AGREEMENT

| BETWEEN

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

AND i COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA I. Statement of purpose.

It is the intention of this agreement and the parties

hereto

A. To relieve employers and employees in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth of Virginia

from the withholding of Virginia income tax on compensation paid in Virginia to residents of Pennsylvania and from the withholding of Pennsylvania income tax on compensation paid in Pennsylvania to residents of Virginia;

B. To relieve Pennsylvania residents from liability for Virginia income tax and the requirement for filing a tax return with regard to compensation paid in Virginia;

C. To relieve Virginia residents from liability for Pennsylvania income tax and the requirement for filing a tax return with regard to compensation

paid in Pennsylvania;

D. To establish procedures to assist each party in the enforcement of the withholding provisions of the income tax laws of these Commonwealths against employers in the other party's Commonwealth.

E. To establish procedures for the interchange of Commonwealth tax information between the parties to assist each party in the compliance, administration, and enforcement of its respective income tax laws.

II. Agreements. | In furtherance of their above stated intention and purposes, the parties agree as follows:

A. Agreements respecting withholding.

  1. No Virginia or Pennsylvania employer shall be

| required to withhold Virginia income tax from 1 compensation paid in Virginia to a resident of Pennsylvania who files with his employer a certificate of nonresidence unless and until such employer is | advised that any such certificate was improperly filed.

  1. No Virginia or Pennsylvania employer shall be required to withhold Pennsylvania income tax from compensation paid in Pennsylvania to a resident of Virginia who files with his employer a certificate of nonresidence unless and until such employer is

advised that any such certificate was improperly filed.

--- Page 2 ---

TT

  1. Every Pennsylvania employer shall, to the extent i provided by the Virginia Income Tax Act, be liable i to the Commonwealth of Virginia for the withholding of Virginia income tax from compensation paid to residents of Virginia. i 4. Every Virginia employer shall, to the extent I provided by the Pennsylvania Income Tax Act, be liable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the 1 withholding of Pennsylvania individual income tax from compensation paid to residents of Pennsylvania.

  2. Virginia will encourage Virginia employers to withhold and remit Pennsylvania income tax for

| residents of Pennsylvania employed in Virginia.

  1. Pennsylvania will encourage Pennsylvania employers to withhold and remit Virginia income tax for residents of Virginia employed in Pennsylvania.

| 7. For purposes of this agreement "compensation paid | in Virginia" is as defined in Section 58-151.1(1) of the Virginia Income Tax Act.

  1. For purposes of this agreement, "compensation paid in Pennsylvania" is defined in Section 301(d) of

i the Pennsylvania Income Tax Act.

  1. For purposes of this agreement, the term "Pennsylvania employer" means an employer who is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the term "Virginia employer" means an employer who is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

B. Agreements respecting liability for individual income tax and tax return filing.

  1. No Pennsylvania resident who signs a nonresident certificate shall be required to pay Virginia income tax or to file a Virginia income tax return on compensation paid in Virginia.

  2. No Virginia resident who signs a nonresident certificate shall be required to pay Pennsylvania income tax or to file a Pennsylvania income tax | return on compensation paid in Pennsylvania.

  3. For purposes of this agreement, the term "Pennsylvania resident" means an individual who is a resident as | defined in the Pennsylvania Income Tax Act, and

| the term "Virginia resident" means an individual who is a resident as defined in the Virginia | \ Income Tax Act. |

  1. Nothing in this agreement shall be interpreted to exempt a resident of Pennsylvania or Virginia who waS a part-year resident of the other Commonwealth from liability for payment of income tax or filing an income tax return with regard to compensation | received while a resident of the other Commonwealth.

-?-

--- Page 3 ---nn tt LL CL A A iS SE lily pS } 5. Nothing in this agreement shall be interpreted to f exempt a resident of Pennsylvania or Virginia who has taxable income in the Commonwealth of nonresidence other than in the form of compensation from liability rl for payment of income tax or filing an income tax } return with regard to such other taxable income.

Tit. Agreements respecting exchanges of information.

Each of the parties hereto agrees to furnish the i other with the following information at such time iH or times and in such manner as may be agreed upon 1 between them: | 1. The name, address and federal taxpayer identification number of each individual filing an income tax or information return in such party's Commonwealth, which shows an address for such individual in the other party's Commonwealth.

  1. The amount of income tax shown as due on each return referred to in subparagraph 1 of this paragraph.
  2. The amount and nature of any adjustments made in | any item affecting the tax liability of the individual in such party's Commonwealth.
  3. Such other information as the parties hereto may from time to time agree upon and as shall be set forth in writing and appended hereto.

IV. Other matters.

A. If for any reason either party is unable to comply with any one or more of the terms of this agreement, the parties shall mutually agree on the extent to which this agreement shall continue in effect or, in the absence of such mutual agreement, this agreement shall terminate in accordance with the provisions of paragraph V in its entirety without prejudice however, to any action previously taken | hereunder. B. Each of the parties signatory hereto hereby states and represents that he is authorized to enter into this agreement and to furnish the information and 1 assistance contemplated hereby, and that the | fulfillment of his obligations hereunder will not violate any provision of his Commonwealth's constitution or laws, including, without limitation, provisions respecting confidentiality of Commonwealth information.

VV. Effective Date. | ty te? , : .

This agreement is made this /*?) , date of h'o~ , Jo PDQ. and shall become effective and operative upon the parties with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1982. This agreement may be terminated by either party signatory hereto upon 90 days written notice to the other party. | State Tax Commissioner | Commonwealth of Virginia | | a secretary of Revenue CPaAmmaAanwanTEH Af DAK AIL

Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit GuidelinesDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

Original: 2,970 words
Condensed: 1,250 words
Reduction: 57.9%

--- Page 1 ---

Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit Guidelines

Introduction

During the 2015 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 1554 (2015 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 49) and Senate Bill 1205 (2015 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 94), which made several changes to the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit. These changes include increasing the amount of the credit, imposing an annual credit cap, and amending certain credit qualification requirements. This legislation requires the Department of Taxation (“the Department”), in consultation with the Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”), to adopt guidelines to implement the provisions of such legislation.

These guidelines are published by the Department to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

Legislative History

During the 1990 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 101 (1990 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 709), which established the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit, effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 1991. This is an individual and corporate income tax credit for certain taxpayers that purchase machinery and equipment used on the premises of a manufacturing facility or plant unit which manufactures, processes, compounds, or produces items of tangible personal property from recyclable materials within Virginia for sale. The credit amount that may be claimed cannot exceed 40 percent of the taxpayer’s Virginia income tax liability for the taxable year in which the credit is being claimed. Prior to claiming the credit, the taxpayer must receive certification from DEQ that the equipment meets the credit requirements.

Originally, the Department of Waste Management was responsible for certifying that machinery or equipment is integral to the recycling process. In 1996, House Bill 297 (1996 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 837) transferred the responsibility for certifying machinery and equipment to DEQ. This legislation also extended the credit carryover period from five years to ten years.

In 2003, the provision that allowed individuals to claim the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit expired. As a result, only corporations were entitled to claim new credits during Taxable Years 2003 through 2007. In 2007, House Bill 3044 (2007 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 529) and Senate Bill 870 (2007 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 593) reinstated the credit for individuals, effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2008.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 1 - April 3, 2017

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Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit Guidelines

Changes Effective for Taxable Year 2015 and After

Effective for Taxable Year 2015 and thereafter, taxpayers may claim the credit for purchases made during the taxable year for machinery and equipment used predominantly in or on the premises of manufacturing facilities or plant units which manufacture, process, compound, or produce items of tangible personal property from recyclable materials within Virginia for sale.

For such taxable years, the amount of the credit is increased to 20 percent of a taxpayer’s qualifying expenditures.

Prior to Taxable Year 2015, the credit was allowed only for qualifying purchases that were used exclusively in or on the premises of manufacturing facilities or plant units which manufacture, process, compound, or produce items of tangible personal property from recyclable materials within Virginia for sale. For such taxable years, the credit was equal to 10 percent of a taxpayer’s qualifying expenditures.

Effective for Taxable Year 2015 and thereafter, no taxpayer may claim the credit for machinery or equipment unless such machinery or equipment manufactures, processes, compounds, or produces items of tangible personal property from recyclable materials. Prior to Taxable Year 2015, the law required that the machinery or equipment be used on the premises of a manufacturing facility that manufactures, processes, compounds, or produces items of tangible personal property from recyclable materials, but there was no explicit requirement regarding how a taxpayer used such machinery or equipment on the premises.

Also effective for Taxable Year 2015 and thereafter, no taxpayer may be denied the credit based solely on another person’s use of the tangible personal property produced by the taxpayer, provided that the tangible personal property was sold by the taxpayer to an unaffiliated person in an arm’s-length sale. Prior to Taxable Year 2015, there was no specific requirement preventing a taxpayer from being denied the credit based solely on another person’s use of the tangible personal property produced by the taxpayer. For purposes of determining whether such property was sold to an unaffiliated person, an “affiliated person” means a “related person” as defined for purposes of Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) § 267.

Annual Credit Cap

Effective for Taxable Year 2015 and thereafter, the credit is capped at $2 million per fiscal year.

If the total amount of all approved credits exceeds the $2 million credit cap for credits, each taxpayer will be granted a pro rata amount of credits as determined by the Department. The amount of the prorated credit will be determined by multiplying the amount of approved credits requested by an eligible taxpayer for the taxable year by a fraction, the numerator of which is the $2 million credit cap, and denominator of which is the total amount of approved credits requested by all eligible taxpayers for such taxable year.

Prior to Taxable Year 2015, the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit was uncapped and, therefore, the proration of approved credits was unnecessary.

Determining the Purchase Price Paid

For Taxable Year 2015 and thereafter, the amount of the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit is equal to 20 percent of the purchase price paid during the taxable year for machinery or equipment that qualifies for the credit. Prior to Taxable Year 2015, the amount of the credit was equal to 10 percent of the purchase price paid during the taxable year for such

Virginia Department of Taxation - 2 - April 3, 2017

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Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit Guidelines

machinery or equipment. For purposes of determining the credit amount, the “purchase price paid” consists of:

 The amount actually paid for machinery or equipment that qualifies for the credit in the year of the purchase; or

 For capitalized machinery or equipment that qualifies for the credit, an amount equal to the original total capitalized cost of such machinery or equipment minus any capitalized interest related to such machinery or equipment.

Original Total Capitalized Cost Under federal law, a taxpayer is generally required to capitalize the purchase price of a new asset if such asset has a useful life that extends beyond the current taxable year. See IRC § 263; Treasury Regulations (Treas. Reg.) §§ 1.263(a)-1. A taxpayer with an asset that must be capitalized may also capitalize certain costs incurred to acquire or produce such asset. See Treas. Reg. § 1.263(a)-2. Costs that may be capitalized in addition to the cost of a capitalized asset include, but are not limited to, certain transportation and installation expenses. For more information regarding capitalization, see IRS Publication 535.

For purposes of the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit, “original total capitalized costs” include both the purchase price of machinery or equipment that is capitalized for federal income tax purposes, and any capitalized costs incurred in the year of purchase to acquire or produce such machinery or equipment. “Original total capitalized costs” do not include costs that are incurred in a year other than the year of purchase or costs that are not capitalized. When determining the purchase price paid for machinery or equipment, subtract any capitalized interest related to the purchase from the original total capitalized cost of such machinery or equipment.

Example 1

In Taxable Year 2016, Taxpayer A purchased an item of equipment that qualifies for the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit for $10,000 that Taxpayer A intends to capitalize. When transporting and installing such equipment, Taxpayer A incurred $2,000 of installation costs in the year of purchase that it intends to capitalize and $1,000 of additional costs related to such equipment in the year of purchase that may not be capitalized under federal law. When determining the amount of the credit, Taxpayer A may include the $10,000 cost of purchasing the equipment and $2,000 of capitalized installation costs. When determining the amount of the credit, Taxpayer A may not include the $1,000 in additional costs that may not be capitalized.

Example 2

Assume the same facts as in Example 1. In Taxable Year 2017, Taxpayer A also incurs $2,000 in costs that it intends to capitalize that are related to maintaining the equipment that qualified for the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit for Taxable Year 2015. Although the maintenance costs were capitalized costs related to an item of equipment that qualified for the credit, Taxpayer A may not use the maintenance costs to claim the credit because such costs were incurred in a year after the year Taxpayer A purchased such equipment.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 3 - April 3, 2017

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Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit Guidelines

Capital Leases

Leased machinery and equipment does not generally qualify for the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit. However, if a taxpayer is required to capitalize the value of leased machinery or equipment for federal income tax purposes in the first year the relevant lease is effective (a “capitalized lease”), the amount actually capitalized and any capitalized costs incurred in such year to acquire or produce such asset are considered “original total capitalized costs” for purposes the credit. A lease of machinery or equipment is required to be treated as a capitalized lease if:  The lease transfers ownership of the leased machinery or equipment at the end of the lease term;

 There is an option to purchase the leased machinery or equipment at a bargain price at the end of the lease term;

 The lease term equals or exceeds 75 percent of the estimated economic life of the leased machinery or equipment; or

 The present value at the beginning of the lease term of the minimum lease payments equals or exceeds 90 percent of the fair market value of the leased machinery or equipment.

No leased machinery or equipment may qualify for the credit if such machinery or equipment was not capitalized in the first year the relevant lease was effective. In addition, no capitalized interest related to the leased machinery or equipment may qualify for the credit.

Claiming the Credit

When a Taxpayer May Claim the Credit

A taxpayer may claim the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit only for the taxable year in which such taxpayer purchases qualifying machinery or equipment. If such machinery or equipment does not qualify for the credit in the year of purchase, the taxpayer may not claim the credit for a later taxable year when the machinery or equipment meets the credit requirements. A taxpayer that does not qualify for the credit in the taxable year of purchase or that fails to meet the application deadlines may neither claim the credit for the year of purchase nor claim original or carryover credits for years following the year of purchase.

In Public Document (“P.D”) 04-190 (10/20/2004), the Department addressed a situation where a taxpayer purchased otherwise qualifying equipment in one year, but did not produce a sufficient quantity of recycled materials for DEQ to certify the machinery and equipment as integral to the recycling process for several years. In such case, the Department provided that a taxpayer that did not qualify for the credit in the year of purchase may later amend its tax return for the taxable year of purchase and claim the credit, as long as the amended return is filed within the three-year statute of limitations. The Department also provided that a taxpayer that did not claim the credit on an amended return within the three-year statute of limitations may amend its tax returns for the taxable years following the year of purchase to claim carryover credits that would have been available if the credit had been claimed for the year of purchase as long as

Virginia Department of Taxation - 4 - April 3, 2017

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Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit Guidelines

such returns are filed within three-year statute of limitations. The Department issued similar guidance in P.D. 10-136 (7/12/2010) and P.D. 10-227 (9/29/2010).

This guidance was issued prior to the imposition of an annual credit cap, which requires the establishment of deadlines in order to allocate credits. Accordingly, for machinery or equipment purchased in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2015, these Guidelines supersede such rules set forth in P.D. 04-190, P.D. 10-136, and P.D. 10-227 as applied to the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit. For machinery or equipment purchased in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2015, such rules remain in effect and a taxpayer may claim credits from such purchases on an amended return, as long as the amended return is filed within the three-year statute of limitations.

Certification by DEQ

Prior to claiming the Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit, a taxpayer first must receive written certification from DEQ stating that the machinery or equipment is integral to the recycling process. When determining whether an item of machinery or equipment is integral to the recycling process, DEQ will determine whether the machinery or equipment is being used predominantly in or on the premises of manufacturing facilities or plant units that manufacture, process, compound, or produce items of tangible personal property from recyclable materials within Virginia for sale. DEQ will also determine whether the machinery or equipment is being used to manufacturer, process, compound, or produce items of tangible personal property from recyclable materials. See Va. Code § 58.1-439.7(A)(2) and 9 VAC 15-30-10 et seq.

To apply for certification, a taxpayer is required to submit a completed application (Form DEQ50-11S) to DEQ by March 1 of the year following the year it purchased the machinery or equipment. This is similar to the process required prior to Taxable Year 2015, except that taxpayers must now apply to DEQ by the March 1 deadline. No taxpayer may claim the credit unless it has received written certification from DEQ stating that the machinery or equipment is integral to the recycling process. More information regarding DEQ’s certification process is available on DEQ’s website located at www.deq.virginia.gov.

Submission of the Credit Application to the Department

Once a taxpayer receives written certification from DEQ stating that the machinery or equipment is integral to the recycling process, such taxpayer must then apply to the Department for an allocation of credits. To apply for an allocation of credits, a completed application (Form RMC), the certification received from DEQ, and any other required documentation must be submitted to the Department by June 1 of the year following the year the machinery or equipment was purchased. Form RMC is available on the Department’s website at www.tax.virginia.gov. No taxpayer that submits a credit application to the Department after June 1 will be eligible to receive an allocation of credits. The Department will review all applications for completeness and notify taxpayers of any errors by August 1. If any additional information is required, it must be provided to the Department no later than August 15 to be considered for the credit. All eligible taxpayers will be notified as to the amount of credits that they may claim by September

  1. Such deadlines apply to applications submitted for Taxable Year 2016 and thereafter.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 5 - April 3, 2017

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Recyclable Materials Processing Equipment Tax Credit Guidelines

Filing Requirements

Upon receiving notification of the credit amount from the Department, the taxpayer must claim the credit on its Virginia income tax return. In the event that a taxpayer does not receive notification of the allowable credit amount before its Virginia income tax return is due, the taxpayer may file the return during the extension period, or it may file the original return without claiming the credit and then file an amended tax return once notification of the allowable credit amount is received.

Carryover Credits

Any tax credit not used for the taxable years in which the purchase price on recycling machinery and equipment was paid may be carried over for credit against the taxpayer’s income taxes in the ten succeeding taxable years until the total credit amount is used. Carryover credits earned and claimed on returns prior to Taxable Year 2015 are not subject to the $2 million annual cap or any of the other changes imposed by the 2015 legislation.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online under the Laws, Rules and Decisions section of the Department’s website, located at http://www.policylibrary.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 786-2992.

Approved

________ Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation - 6 - April 3, 2017

Virginia Child Care Tax Credit OverviewDoc ID: Individual

Original: 1,056 words
Condensed: 917 words
Reduction: 13.2%

--- Page 1 ---

DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION ISSUE PAPER

Virginia Child Care Credit

ISSUE

At

the

last

meeting

of

Joint Subcommittee Studying

Early Childhood

and Day Care Programs Task Force on Corporate

Involvement

and Funding

of

that

a

Virginia

Day Care Programs it was Suggested

individual

income

tax

credit for child care

expenses be considered.

CURRENT LAW

tax

Virginia currently provides an individual income

deduction equal to the amount of em

ployment related expenses

upon

which

the

federal

child

and dependent

care

credit is

based.

child

Generally, this credit base is limited to $2,400 for one

and $4,800 for two or more children.

However,

this credit

base

amount

is

reduced

to

exclude

the

value

of

any

employer-provided day

care

services

to

(up

$5,000)

and

is

limited to the earned income of the lower-earning

spouse.

While

Virginia

allows

a

deduction

for

the

full

amount

employment

related

of

expenses

upon

which

the federal credit is

based,

the

federal

credit

itself

ranges

from a full 30% for

persons

with

income

below

$10,000

to

income

of $28,000 or more.

20% for taxpayers with

The credit is reduced by 1% for each

$2,000 in income between $10,

000 and $28,000.

CHILD

C

ARE CREDITS AND DEDUCTIONS

SSS UN VIER DIALED

is

IN OTHER STATES

Virginia

currently

one of 23 states which provide some sort of credit

or

deduction

for

child care.

12 states have credits which are

generally

computed

as

a

percentage

of

the

federal

ranging

from

credit,

10% to 50% of the federal credit.

5 states have a

state-specific

credit, based in part on the federal credit.

The

remaining

6

states,

including Virginia, allow a deduction for

the federally allowable expenses.

The

federal

credit

is

claimed

on

  1. 8% of all returns,

while

state

incentives

are

average.

used by between 7-10% of taxpayers on the

OPTIONS

FOR VIRGINIA CHILD CARE CREDIT

The

asked

that

subcommittee

of

the Department of Taxation review

the revenue impact

a

Virginia

child

care

credit.

Because no specific credit

option

was

suggested,

four

different

types

of

impacted.

credits were

All

of

the

credit

options

are

based

federal

credit

or federal credit base.

on a percentage of the

either

the

Retaining conformity to

federal

credit or credit base is essential both for

compliance

purposes

and

to

make

the

computations easier for

taxpayers.

Additionally,

each credit is "nonrefundable," that

is the credit is limited to Virginia tax lia

bility.

--- Page 2 ---Summary of Options OPTION 1 would provide a state individual income tax credit identical to the federal credit, that is based on between 20% and 30% of the allowable employment related expenses, declining by 1% for each $2,000 in income between $10,000 and $28,000.

OPTION 2 would provide a credit, again declining between $10,000 and $28,000, with the federal credit amounts scaled down to equate to the Virginia tax structure. Thus the credits range from 6% to 4%.

OPTION 3 would provide a credit ranging from 6% at the lowest income levels to 10%. Because the top Virginia tax rate is 5 3/4%, any credit which begins at a level above 5 3/4% will provide a greater tax benefit to all taxpayers than the current deduction.

OPTION 4 would provide a flat 10% credit to all taxpayers, regardless of income level.

The current Virginia deduction costs approximately $20 million annually. The revenue effects of any credit options are identified both in terms of their absolute costs and the extent to which the credit costs exceed the costs of the current deduction.

The following table summarizes the credit options and their costs.

OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 OPTION 4 Virginia Adjusted Credit (as % of federal expenses) S 0- $ 9,999 30.0% 6.0% 10.0% 10.0% 10,000 - 11,999 29.0 5.8 9.6 10.0 12,000 - 13,999 28.0 5.6 9.2 10.0 14,000 - 15,999 27.0 5.4 8.8 10.0 16,000 - 17,999 26.0 ae 8.4 10.0 18,000 - 19,999 25.0 5.0 8.0 10.0 20,000 - 21,999 24.0 4.8 7.6 10.0 22,000 - 23,999 23.0 4.6 7.2 10.0 24,000 - 25,999 22.0 4.4 6.8 10.0 26,000 - 27,999 21.0 4.2 6.4 10.0 28,000 and over 20.0 4.0 6.0 10.0 (millions of $) Absolute Cost of Credit $78.6 $15.7 $24.3 $35.3 Cost of Current Deduction 19.1 19.1 19.1 19.1 Additional Cost of Credit 59.5 (3.4) 5.2 16.2

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COMMENTS ON CREDIT OPTIONS

  • All of the credits examined are nonrefundable. Current Virginia law relieves married persons with income of less than $8,000 of all Virginia tax liability--these taxpayers would receive no benefit from a credit. Likewise, taxpayers with substantial deductions and very little tax liability will in many cases receive no more benefit from a credit than from the current deduction.

¢ Viewing the costs of the various credit options, it is appropriate to consider whether a tax credit is a good alternative to a direct appropriation for child care programs. Tax credits generally carry substantially greater administrative costs and are a "hit and miss" approach to reaching target groups, that is, the credit will provide relief and/or incentives to taxpayers ofmily ..if:. 1) £t' dis understood by taxpayers; 2) taxpayers have adequate income to absorb the credit; and 3) the credit is a sufficient motivator to encourage expenditures.

¢ Credits must also be considered in terms of their exportability. Some portion of every credit is exported to the federal government by taxpayers who itemize their deductions. This is also true for a deduction, but to a much lesser degree. The following example illustrates this concept.

A taxpayer with 2 children in child care has $4,800 in qualifying expenses. Assuming the Virginia credit is 10%, the taxpayer would receive a $480 credit. This increases the Virginia tax refund reportable for federal purposes, with the following results: If the taxpayer is in a 17% federal tax bracket, the federal income tax will be increased by $81.60, reducing the value of the credit to $398.60. If the taxpayer is in the 28% federal tax bracket, the value of the credit is reduced by $134.40 to $345.60.

Therefore, the state "spends" $480 to Qive a taxpayer a credit worth between $80 and $135 less because of the federal tax consequences.

ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS: Although the administrative costs of a

child care credit would vary depending on how the credit is

constructed, it is estimated that first-year costs might be approximately $200,000.

December 13, 1988

Virginia Insurance Premiums License Tax GuidelinesDoc ID: Insurance

Original: 2,405 words
Condensed: 1,892 words
Reduction: 21.3%

--- Page 1 ---

Updated Virginia Insurance Premiums License Tax Guidelines

**These Guidelines supersede the Virginia Insurance Premiums License Tax Guidelines issued by the Department on December 7, 2012 (Public Document 12-203).

Introduction

During its 2011 session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 1124 (2011 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 850), which transferred the administration of the Insurance Premiums License Tax from the State Corporation Commission (“SCC”) to the Department of Taxation (“the Department”). This transfer includes the processing of tax reports, the handling of payments and billing, customer service functions, collections, and certain auditing duties. The SCC’s Bureau of Insurance (“BOI”) will continue to be responsible for the licensing of insurance companies and the administration of the maintenance fund.

Certain provisions of the 2011 legislation mandate that declarations of estimated tax be

made in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Department. Accordingly, the Department has developed these guidelines, which explain the:

 Timing of the transfer of administration to the Department from the SCC and duties the SCC’s BOI will retain;

 Declarations of estimated tax made by taxpayers subject to the Insurance Premiums License Tax;

 Declarations of estimated tax and amendments to such declarations for insurance companies with a taxable year of less than 12 months; and

 Penalty and interest rules for the underpayment of estimated Insurance Premiums License Taxes.

In addition to the procedures regarding declarations of estimated taxes and estimated tax payments, these guidelines also explain the process for exchanging information between the Department and the SCC, as well as new procedures that will apply as a result of the transfer of the administration of the tax to the Department.

During the 2013 session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 2155 (2013 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 29) and Senate Bill 1216 (2013 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 163), which made technical corrections to the Insurance Premiums License Tax. In part, the 2013 legislation make changes to the interest rate applied to underpayments of tax by insurance companies, the Insurance Premiums License Tax payment and billing deadlines, and the provisions for disclosure of information related to the Insurance Premiums License Tax.

These guidelines are issued by the Department to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the change in administration of the Insurance Premiums License Tax. These

Virginia Department of Taxation 1 July 1, 2013

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Updated Virginia Insurance Premiums License Tax Guidelines

guidelines are exempt from the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. These Guidelines supersede the Virginia Insurance Premiums License Tax Guidelines issued by the Department on December 7, 2012 (Public Document 12-203). As necessary, additional guidelines will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provisions of these guidelines are contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are

encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

Timing of the Transfer of the Insurance Premiums License Tax

Effective for taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2013, the administration of the Insurance Premiums License Tax will be transferred from the SCC’s BOI to the Department. Responsibilities transferred to the Department include the processing of tax reports, the handling of related payments and billing, customer service functions, and all collections and auditing duties. Additionally, the Department will administer the retaliatory cost assessment on certain foreign insurance companies, as well as oversee the retaliatory costs tax credit for domestic insurance companies.

The BOI will continue to be responsible for the licensing of insurance companies. In the event that a taxpayer fails to pay the Insurance Premiums License Tax, the Department will notify the BOI, which may then suspend or revoke the insurer’s license. The BOI will continue to administer the annual Maintenance, Fire, Flood, Fraud, and HEAT Fund

assessments. All applicable taxpayers will continue to receive Maintenance, Fire, Flood, Fraud, and HEAT Fund assessments from the BOI after the transfer and will be responsible for making payments to the BOI for such assessments.

The Department will begin administering the Insurance Premiums License Tax for Taxable Year 2013. Taxpayers must file their annual Insurance Premiums License Tax reports for Taxable Year 2012 with the BOI by March 1, 2013. All subsequent tax reports, including declarations of estimated payments, will be filed with the Department.

Insurance companies’ first filing to the Department will be the first quarter estimated Insurance Premiums License Tax declaration, which is due April 15, 2013. Insurance companies must file annual tax reports for Taxable Year 2013 with the Department by March 1, 2014.

Virginia Department of Taxation 2 July 1, 2013

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Updated Virginia Insurance Premiums License Tax Guidelines

Declarations of Estimated Tax

Any insurance company with an annual direct gross Insurance Premiums License Tax liability that is expected to exceed $3,000 is required to file estimated payments throughout the year. This $3,000 limitation is imposed after accounting for any applicable tax credits. Insurance companies must use Form 800ES to calculate estimated payments. This form provides instructions for calculating the amount of Insurance Premiums License Tax an insurance company should pay, as well as the amount and due dates for each estimated tax payment. Insurance companies may submit payments electronically via the Department’s website at www.tax.virginia.gov.

Any insurance company with an annual direct gross Insurance Premiums License Tax liability that is not expected to exceed $3,000, after all applicable credits have been utilized, is not required to file declarations of estimated Insurance Premiums License Tax for that year. Such a taxpayer would pay any Insurance Premiums License Tax

with the annual tax report due March 1 of the year following the taxable year.

Penalty and Interest Provisions for Declarations of Estimated Tax

If an insurance company submits a declaration of estimated tax past its due date, interest will begin accruing on the unpaid balance at the rate set forth in Va. Code § 58.1-15. If the payment is not submitted by the due date of the annual tax report, the insurance company will be subject to a late payment penalty equal to ten percent of the amount of tax due. Additionally, any company that fails to file the annual tax report by the March 1 deadline will be subject to a penalty of $50 per day.

Addition to Tax for Underpayment of Estimated Taxes

In addition to the interest that accrues on late estimated tax payments and the late filing and payment penalties that may be assessed, if an insurance company fails to pay the license tax by the due date of the annual tax report, interest will continue to accrue at

the rate set forth in Va. Code § 58.1-15. For purposes of determining whether additional interest is due, the amount of the underpayment is equal to the amount of the installment that would be required to be paid if the estimated tax were equal to ninety percent of the tax ascertained for the license year, less the amount of the installment paid on or before the due date. The period of the underpayment runs from the date the installment was required to be paid to the earlier of:

 The first day of the third month following the close of the taxable year, or

 With respect to any portion of the underpayment, the date on which such portion is paid.

An insurance company can compute the amount of the underpayment and the addition to tax by completing Form 800C.

Virginia Department of Taxation 3 July 1, 2013

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Updated Virginia Insurance Premiums License Tax Guidelines

Exceptions to the Addition to Tax

Pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-2528, there are several exceptions to the addition to tax for the underpayment of an installment. Such addition to tax is not imposed if the total amount of all payments of estimated tax made on or before the last date prescribed for the payment of such installment equals or exceeds the amount which would have been required to be paid on or before such date if the estimated tax were whichever of the following is the lesser:

 The tax as shown on the annual tax report for the preceding taxable year, so long as such tax was computed on the basis of a taxable year of twelve months.

 An amount equal to the tax computed at the rate applicable to the taxable year but otherwise on the basis of the facts shown on the annual tax report of the insurance company for, and the law applicable to, the preceding taxable year; or

 An amount equal to ninety percent of the tax measured by direct gross premium income received or derived in the taxable year computed by placing on an annualized basis the taxable direct gross premium income:

o For the first three months of the taxable year, in the case of the installment required to be paid in the fourth month,

o For the first three months or for the first five months of the taxable year, in the case of the installment required to be paid in the sixth month,

o For the first six months or for the first eight months of the taxable year, in the case of the installment required to be paid in the ninth month, and

o For the first nine months or for the first eleven months of the taxable year, in the case of the installment required to be paid in the twelfth month of the taxable year.

When computing whether the third exception applies, the taxable direct gross premium income is placed on an annualized basis by multiplying the taxable direct gross premium income computed by twelve and dividing the resulting amount by the number of months in the taxable year (three, five, six, eight, nine, or eleven, as the case may be). An insurance company can notify the Department that one of the exceptions applies by completing Form 800C.

Declarations for Insurance Companies with Taxable Years of Less than Twelve Months

Any insurance company with a taxable year of less than 12 months but whose annual

Insurance Premiums License Tax liability is expected to exceed $3,000 must file

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Updated Virginia Insurance Premiums License Tax Guidelines

declarations of estimated payments of Insurance Premiums License Tax. Such taxpayers must follow the same procedures as those described above.

The date the declaration is to be filed and the number and amount of installments to be paid is determined as follows:

 If an insurance company meets the requirements before April 1, it must file its first declaration by April 15 of the taxable year, and must make four estimated payments equal to one-fourth of the estimated tax;

 If an insurance company meets the requirements after March 30 but before June 1, it must file its first declaration by June 15 of the taxable year, and must make three estimated payments equal to one-third of the estimated tax;

 If an insurance company meets the requirements after May 31 but before September 1, it must file its first declaration by September 15 of the taxable year, and must make two estimated payments equal to one-half of the estimated tax.

 If an insurance company meets the requirements after August 30 but before December 1, it must file one declaration by December 15 of the taxable year, and must make one estimated payment equal to one hundred percent of the estimated tax.

Amending Declarations of Estimated Tax

Va. Code § 58.1-2522 allows insurance companies to submit amended declarations of estimated taxes. An amendment of a declaration may be filed in any interval between

installment dates prescribed for the taxable year, but only one amendment may be filed in each such interval. In order to amend a declaration of estimated taxes, a taxpayer should complete the “Amended Computation” section of Form 800ES, and follow the form instructions.

Penalty and Interest Rules for the Underpayment of Taxes

If an insurance company fails to pay the required tax for a given taxable year by the time its annual tax report is due, a penalty of 10 percent of the amount due. An additional penalty of $50 per day is added for each day an insurance company fails to file an annual tax report. In addition to these penalties, interest will continue to accrue at the rate set forth in Va. Code § 58.1-15 until the date of full payment.

Exchange of Information Between the Department and the SCC

Va. Code § 58.1-3 generally allows the Department to share information with another

agency of the Commonwealth in the line of duty under state law. Additionally, Va. Code § 58.1-2528 specifically authorizes the Department and the SCC to exchange

Virginia Department of Taxation 5 July 1, 2013

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Updated Virginia Insurance Premiums License Tax Guidelines

information for the purposes of enforcing the provisions of the Insurance Premiums License Tax. The SCC will provide the Department with information regarding which insurers are licensed in Virginia and may have an Insurance Premiums License Tax liability. Pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-2507, the Department will notify the SCC if an insurance company fails to make the necessary payment with its annual tax report. The SCC may use such information to suspend or revoke the insurance company’s license to do business in Virginia if the additional amounts due are not paid.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online in the Tax Policy Library section of the Department’s website, located at www.policylibrary.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037. For any questions regarding licensing or annual maintenance assessments, please contact the State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance at (804) 371-9741.

Approved


Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation 6 July 1, 2013

Increase in Late Filing and Payment PenaltiesDoc ID: Administration

Original: 451 words
Condensed: 409 words
Reduction: 9.3%

--- Page 1 --- POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS SUBJECT: Increase in Late Filing/Payment Penalties to 6% per month up to a maximum of 30% effective July 1, 1991

(1991 HB1830/SB739).

ISSUE ONE: How do the penalties apply if an individual income tax return is timely filed on May 1, but payment is not included?

RECOMMENDATION: The late payment penalty would apply for five months or until full payment is made. The rate of the penalty would vary since the return was timely filed prior to the effective date of the rate change as provided below: Late payment penalty of 5% assessed in May and June.

Late payment penalty of 6% assessed in July, August and September.

Total late payment penalty of 28%.

Janije E. Bowen, Director 4 [2sfer TaxvPolicy Division Date APPROVED: Lit —$<—>— re 6.1 y Gs W. H. Forst Date Tax Commissioner ISSUE TWO: How would the penalties apply if a sales tax return is filed late after July 1, but includes full payment of the tax?

RECOMMENDATION: Because the return is filed after July 1, the , late filing penalty would apply at 6% per month, up to the maximum penalty of 30%. The taxable period (before or after July

  1. does not matter in this case, nor does the fact that the tax Was paid in full, since the return was filed late and after July
  2. \ ‘, thy _— ‘ Janie E. Bowen, Director fy /a Taw Policy Division Date APPROVED: LUT an s/o W. H. Forst Date Tax Commissioner

--- Page 2 --- POLICY RECOMMENDATION Late Filing/Payment Penalties Page Two ISSUE THREE: A) How would the penalties apply =: a sales tax return is filed before July 1 with full payment, but it is not timely filed?

B. How would the penalties apply if a sales tax return is filed before July 1 without a payment, but it is not timely filed?

RECOMMENDATION: A) Because the return is filed before July 1, the late filing penalty would apply at 5% per month for each month or fraction thereof that the return is late.

B. The late filing/payment penalties would apply for a five month period or until full payment is made.

For example, if the return was due March 20 and filed without a payment on June 15, the rate of the penalties would vary since the return was filed prior to July 1 as provided below: March, Late filing penalty of 5% assessed for, April, May and June. . Late payment penalty of 6% assessed for July, Total late filing/payment penalties of 26%. x PA 4 Sobre Janie E. Bowen, Director lisse: Tax Policy Division Date Pad APPROVED: {4b lama ~

  • A. Forst Date ;

Tax Commissioner

Guidelines for Accelerated Sales Tax PaymentsDoc ID: Sales

Original: 4,415 words
Condensed: 2,348 words
Reduction: 46.8%

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NOTE: AS THE 2021 APPROPRIATION ACT MAINTAINS THE $10.0 MILLION

THRESHOLD FOR DEALERS TO BE LIABLE FOR THE ACCELERATED SALES

TAX PAYMENT DUE IN JUNE 2021, DEALERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO RELY ON

THESE GUIDELINES. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT

WWW.TAX.VIRGINIA.GOV/ACCELERATED-SALES-AND-USE-TAX-PAYMENT

GUIDELINES FOR THE

ACCELERATED SALES TAX PAYMENT

May 25, 2019

These Guidelines are effective for the additional payment made by dealers who are required to make accelerated sales tax payments in June 2019.

2019 House Bill 1700, the 2019 Appropriation Act, raises the accelerated sales tax threshold to taxable sales and/or purchases of $10.0 million or greater in the previous fiscal year for the accelerated sales tax payment due in June 2020. The threshold

remains at $4.0 million for the payment due in June 2019. Each dealer meeting this threshold is required to make a payment in June equal to 90 percent of its Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for June of the previous year. Each affected dealer will be entitled to take a credit for the amount of the accelerated sales tax payment on its return for June of the current year due July 20. The Department of Taxation (the “Department”) will notify each affected dealer in early May of this obligation to make an accelerated sales tax payment. The Department will provide each affected dealer with payment instructions, a payment voucher for the additional payment, and a worksheet to assist the dealer in reconciling its payment for its June tax liability due in July with the accelerated sales tax payment in late May. The thresholds for the accelerated sales tax payments and the enacting legislation are provided in the chart below.

Applied to Dealers Payment Enacting Legislation with Taxable Sales in June of and Purchases of House Bill 29 (2010 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 872) 2010 $1 million or more House Bill 30 (2010 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 874) House Bill 1500 (2011 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 890) 2011 $5.4 million or more House Bill 1300 (2012 Acts of Assembly Special 2012 $26 million or more Session I, Chapter 2) No change 2013 $26 million or more House Bill 1500 (2013 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 806) 2014 $48.5 million or more House Bill 5001 (2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, Chapter 1) House Bill 1400 (2015 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 665) 2015 $2.5 million or more House Bill 1400 (2015 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 665) 2016 $2.5 million or more House Bill 1500 (2017 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 836) 2017 $2.5 million or more House Bill 1500 (2017 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 836) 2018 $4 million or more House Bill 5002 (2018 Acts of Assembly, Special 2019 $4 million or more Session I, Chapter 2)

1

[TABLE 1-1] Enacting Legislation | Payment in June of | | Applied to Dealers | | | | with Taxable Sales | | | | and Purchases of | House Bill 29 (2010 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 872) House Bill 30 (2010 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 874) | 2010 | $1 million or more | | House Bill 1500 (2011 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 890) | 2011 | $5.4 million or more | | House Bill 1300 (2012 Acts of Assembly Special Session I, Chapter 2) | 2012 | $26 million or more | | No change | 2013 | $26 million or more | | House Bill 1500 (2013 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 806) House Bill 5001 (2014 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, Chapter 1) | 2014 | $48.5 million or more | | House Bill 1400 (2015 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 665) | 2015 | $2.5 million or more | | House Bill 1400 (2015 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 665) | 2016 | $2.5 million or more | | House Bill 1500 (2017 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 836) | 2017 | $2.5 million or more | | House Bill 1500 (2017 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 836) | 2018 | $4 million or more | | House Bill 5002 (2018 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, Chapter 2) | 2019 | $4 million or more | |

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 1-2] Payment in June of

[/TABLE]

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Guidelines for the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment May 25, 2019

House Bill 1700 (2019 Appropriation Act) 2020 $10 million or more

These guidelines (“Guidelines”) are issued by the Department to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the accelerated sales tax payment. These guidelines are exempt

from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and only apply to the additional payment made by dealers who are subject to the accelerated sales tax payment requirement. Unless noted otherwise below, the applicable Retail Sales and Use Tax Regulations (23 Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) 10-210-10 et seq.) continue to apply. To the extent that the legislative change requiring the accelerated sales tax payment conflicts with the regulations, the legislation supersedes the regulations, and these Guidelines, developed pursuant to the legislation, should be followed. As necessary, additional guidelines will be published and posted on the Department’s web site, www.tax.virginia.gov.

Accelerated Sales Tax Payment Requirement

Any dealer having taxable sales and/or purchases of $4 million or greater during the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018 is required to make an accelerated sales tax payment in June 2019 equal to 90 percent of his Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for June 2018.

The accelerated sales tax payment is due on or before June 30 if paying by electronic funds transfer. If payment is made by another method, the payment must be made on or before June 25. In the event that either June 25 or June 30 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, any payment made on or before the next succeeding business day will be considered timely. For the June 2019 accelerated sales tax payment, payments made by electronic funds transfer are due July 1, since June 30 is a Sunday, and all other payments are due June 25. Dealers who are required to remit the Retail Sales and Use Tax by electronic funds transfer are also required to remit the accelerated sales tax payment for those accounts by electronic funds transfer. Dealers who are not currently required to remit the Retail Sales and Use Tax for specific accounts by electronic funds transfer may remit the accelerated sales tax payment for those accounts by either electronic funds transfer or by mail. (Item § 3-5.06, 2018 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 2).

Beginning with the July 2012 return, all monthly sales and use tax returns and payments are required to be filed and remitted electronically, unless a hardship waiver has been granted by the Tax Commissioner. Waivers will be granted if the Tax Commissioner

finds that this requirement creates an unreasonable burden on the dealer. All requests for waiver must be submitted to the Tax Commissioner in writing. Waiver requests for the June 2019 payment must be filed on or before June 7, 2019.

Affected Dealers

2

[TABLE 2-1] | House Bill 1700 (2019 Appropriation Act) | | 2020 | $10 million or more

[/TABLE]

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Guidelines for the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment May 25, 2019

For the purposes of the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment, “dealer” includes every person who is required to collect and remit sales tax and also every person who is required to remit use tax to the Commonwealth.

Under current law, in general, and with limited exceptions, every dealer must file his Retail Sales and Use Tax return and remit the tax due for transactions occurring during the month on or before the twentieth day of the following month. (Va. Code § 58.1-615).

The applicability of the accelerated sales tax to each dealer will be determined each year by the Department based on the dealer’s taxable sales or purchases in the previous fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) without regard to whether the dealer was subject to the accelerated sales tax payment in the past. Taxable sales or purchases will be computed without regard to the number of certificates of registration held by the dealer. The accelerated sales tax payment will not apply to persons who are required to file only a Form ST-7, Consumer's Use Tax Return. In addition to the sales and purchases reported by each dealer on his returns, a dealer's taxable sales and purchases include those sales and purchases assessed to the dealer by the Department for the previous fiscal year, including audit assessments and other adjustments to returns for the previous fiscal year.

Example 1

Dealer is a retailer who holds a certificate of registration for 8 locations and files one

consolidated return for all locations. Each location had taxable sales of $7 million in Fiscal Year 2017 (the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2016, and ending June 30, 2017), for a total of $56 million in Fiscal Year 2017. Each location had taxable sales of $250,000 in Fiscal Year 2018 (the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018), for a total of $2 million in Fiscal Year 2018.

In June 2018, dealer was required to make an accelerated sales tax payment of 90 percent of his entire Retail Sales and Use Tax liability, less any applicable dealer discount, for June 2017. In June 2019, dealer would not be required to make an accelerated sales tax payment.

Example 2

Dealer is a retailer who holds a certificate of registration for 8 locations and files separate returns for each location. Each location had taxable sales of $7 million in Fiscal Year 2018 (the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30,

  1. , for a total of $56 million in Fiscal Year 2018. Each location had taxable sales of $1,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2019 (the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2018, and ending June 30, 2019), for a total of $8 million in Fiscal Year 2019.

Regardless of the number of certificates of registration held by a dealer, the Department will add together all of the taxable sales and purchases of the dealer when determining whether the dealer is subject to the accelerated sales tax

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Guidelines for the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment May 25, 2019

payment. In June 2019, dealer will be required to make an accelerated sales tax payment of 90 percent of his entire Retail Sales and Use Tax liability, less any applicable dealer discount, for June 2018. In June 2020, dealer would not be required to make an accelerated sales tax payment.

Exceptions

A dealer who would otherwise be required to make an accelerated sales tax payment but is no longer in business, will not be required to make the accelerated sales tax payment. In making the determination regarding whether a dealer is exempt from the requirement to make an accelerated tax payment, a corporate or similar reorganization that simply results in the use of a new Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax registration number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) will not relieve the dealer from having to make an accelerated sales tax payment. Likewise, dealers who have filed a petition for a bankruptcy reorganization on or before June 30 would not be exempted from the requirement of making an accelerated sales tax payment.

Example 3

Dealer had taxable sales of $5 million in Fiscal Year 2017 (the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2016, and ending June 30, 2017) and was required to make the accelerated sales tax payment in 2018. Dealer goes out of business effective December 1, 2018.

Dealer would not be required to make the accelerated sales tax payment in June 2019.

Example 4

Dealer was organized as a corporation and had taxable sales of $15 million in Fiscal Year 2018 (the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018) and is required to make the accelerated sales tax payment in June 2019. Dealer reorganizes his business as a limited liability company effective December 1, 2018.

Dealer would be required to make the accelerated sales tax payment in June 2019.

Accelerated Sales Tax Payment and Reconciliation

In May of each year that a dealer is subject to the accelerated sales tax payment requirement, the Department will mail the dealer a notice and voucher listing the amount

of the accelerated payment due. Unless the dealer has received a hardship waiver from the Department (see below), the amount due will be equal to 90 percent of his Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for the previous June. The accelerated sales tax payment will be due on June 25 for dealers paying by mail and on June 30 for dealers paying electronically. In the event that either June 25 or June 30 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, any payment made on or before the next succeeding business day will be considered timely. The Department will not bill an account with a tax liability that is de minimus.

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Guidelines for the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment May 25, 2019

Each mailing will also contain a reconciliation worksheet (see below). If a dealer does not receive a mailing and believes that he is liable to make the accelerated sales tax payment, he should contact the Department at 804.367.8037 for assistance.

In July, dealers will reconcile their actual tax liability for June against the accelerated payment using their regular filing procedures. If a dealer files electronically using iFile or

Web Upload, the Department will automatically reconcile the dealer's tax liability. If a dealer files by mail, the dealer should fill out his regular June Retail Sales and Use Tax return and compute his actual tax liability for June on the return, without regard to the accelerated sales tax payment. The dealer should then use the reconciliation worksheet to subtract the amount of the accelerated sales tax payment from his actual June Retail Sales and Use Tax liability to determine the amount of the payment due with the return.

The dealer will be responsible for filing his regular June Retail Sales and Use Tax return and paying the amount due on or before July 20. The Department will verify that the accelerated sales tax payment and the payment made with the June return equal the actual tax liability shown on the June return. If the accelerated payment creates an overpayment for June, the dealer should follow the same procedure for the July return due in August. To the extent that a dealer is not able to claim the credit in its entirety on the July return, the Department will automatically issue the dealer a refund.

Example 5

Dealer had taxable sales of $52 million in Fiscal Year 2018 (the 12-month period

beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018) and was required to make the accelerated sales tax payment. The dealer's Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for June 2018 was $5 million. Dealer's actual sales and use tax liability for June 2019 is $6 million.

In June 2019, dealer will be required to make an accelerated sales tax payment of $4.5 million ($5 million x 90%). By July 20, 2019, dealer will file his regular June Retail Sales and Use Tax return showing his actual tax liability for June of $6 million and remit a payment of $1.5 million, the difference between his actual Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for June 2019 and his accelerated sales tax payment ($6 million - $4.5 million = $1.5 million).

Example 6

Dealer had taxable sales of $52 million in Fiscal Year 2018 (the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018) and is required to make the

accelerated sales tax payment. The dealer's Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for June 2018 was $5 million. Dealer's actual sales and use tax liability for June 2019 is $4 million. The dealer's actual sales and use tax liability for July 2019 is $4.5 million.

In June 2019, dealer will be required to make an accelerated sales tax payment of $4.5 million ($5 million x 90%). By July 20, 2019, dealer will file his June Retail Sales and Use Tax return showing his actual tax liability of $4 million and remit no payment

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Guidelines for the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment May 25, 2019

with the June return, as his accelerated sales tax payment was greater than his actual Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for June 2019 by $500,000. On his July Retail Sales and Use Tax return, the dealer would show his actual tax liability of $4.5 million and remit a payment of $4 million, the difference between his actual Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for July 2019 and the remaining credit from the accelerated sales tax payment ($4.5 million - $500,000).

Beginning with the July 2012 return, all monthly sales and use tax returns and payments are required to be filed and remitted electronically, unless a hardship waiver has been granted by the Tax Commissioner. Dealers may remit the accelerated sales tax payment online through Business iFile or by contacting their banks to initiate an ACH Credit and dealers may file returns online through eForms, Business iFile or Web Upload. Please refer to the Electronic Payments Guide available on our website, www.tax.virginia.gov, for details. Payments and returns may also be mailed.

Penalties and Interest

Except with respect to fraudulent returns, the failure to make a timely and full payment of the accelerated sales tax will subject the dealer to a penalty of six percent of the amount of tax underpayment. No other penalty for delinquent returns or payments will apply. (Item § 3-5.06, House Bill 5002 (2018 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, Chapter 2)).

In the case of a false or fraudulent return where willful intent exists to defraud the Commonwealth of this tax, or in the case of a willful failure to file a return with the intent to defraud the Commonwealth of this tax, a penalty of 50 percent of the amount of the proper tax shall be assessed. (Va. Code § 58.1-635(A)).

The rate of interest on omitted taxes and assessments is the “Underpayment Rate” established pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-15. (House Bill 5002 (2018 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, Chapter 2)).

Dealers are also responsible for timely filing their return and paying the tax due for May on or before June 20 and their return for June on or before July 20. In the event that either June 20 or July 20 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, any payment made on or before the next succeeding business day will be considered timely. Failure to file or pay the full amount of tax due by the due date will result in the assessment of a penalty of six percent per month in addition to the tax owed. The maximum penalty is 30 percent, and the minimum penalty is $10.00. The minimum penalty applies to late returns even if

there is no tax owed.

Hardship Exceptions

The Tax Commissioner may waive the requirement for dealers to make the accelerated sales tax payment or allow the dealer to pay a lesser amount upon a finding that the accelerated payment requirement would cause an undue hardship. Any dealer

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Guidelines for the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment May 25, 2019

otherwise required to make an accelerated sales tax payment must request a waiver from the Tax Commissioner in writing and clearly demonstrate the nature of the hardship with documentation and financial records. In general, if the dealer can show an undue hardship, the Tax Commissioner will allow the dealer to make an accelerated sales tax payment equal to 90 percent of the dealer's average monthly Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for the first quarter of the current calendar year. Undue hardship would

include, but is not limited to

  • The selling or closing of a significant part of the dealer’s business that results in the dealer’s sales and use tax liability in current months being substantially lower than his liability for the previous June;

  • A substantial decline in sales since the previous June;

  • Extenuating circumstances, such as a major change in the dealer’s business model, such that the accelerated payment amount would cause a financial hardship on the dealer;

  • Out-of-state dealers who no longer make sales in Virginia;

  • A dealer who is primarily eligible for the accelerated sales tax payment because of a one-time extraordinary event in the previous fiscal year; and

  • A dealer whose tax liability for the previous June included a one-time

extraordinary event.

The Tax Commissioner will not waive the requirement for payment of the accelerated sales tax payment except in extraordinary circumstances.

Example 7

In June 2018, dealer was a retailer and had a Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for the month of $3 million. However, sales for the dealer have significantly dropped and dealer's average monthly sales and use tax liability for the first quarter of calendar year 2019 was $250,000.

Dealer may request in writing a waiver from the Tax Commissioner and provide any necessary documentation to demonstrate the drop in taxable sales. The Tax Commissioner may grant the dealer a waiver and dealer's accelerated sales tax

payment will be $225,000 ($250,000 x 90%).

Example 8

In June 2018, dealer was both a wholesaler and a retailer and had a Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for the month of $13 million. In January 2019, dealer closed

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Guidelines for the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment May 25, 2019

down his retail locations and now only sells at wholesale. Dealer has had no sales tax liability since December 2018.

Dealer may request in writing a waiver from the Tax Commissioner and provide any necessary documentation to show the change in his business structure. The Tax Commissioner may grant dealer a waiver, and dealer will be relieved of his

responsibility to make an accelerated sales tax payment.

Hardship waiver requests must be accompanied by full and complete documentation containing sufficient information so that the grounds upon which the dealer relies in requesting a hardship waiver are fully set forth to allow the Tax Commissioner to make an informed determination.

Dealers should make every effort to submit requests for waivers as soon as possible in order to receive a timely decision from the Department. However, all requests for hardship waivers for the June 2019 payment must be received by the Department by June 7, 2019. Applications for hardship waivers should be mailed to:

Tax Commissioner Virginia Department of Taxation Post Office Box 5771 Richmond, Virginia 23220-0771

Applications for hardship waivers may also be sent by fax to 804.225.3376. The Department is not responsible for delays resulting from a dealer using other addresses or fax numbers.

Until a dealer who is otherwise required to make an accelerated sales tax payment is notified by the Department that he may pay a different amount or is not required to make an accelerated sales tax payment, the dealer must make an accelerated sales tax payment equal to 90 percent of his Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for the previous June on or before June 25 if paying by mail and on or before June 30 if paying electronically.

Requests for Reconsideration

In cases where a dealer is able to demonstrate that the Department’s determination on its request for a hardship exception was not based on correct or complete facts, the dealer may request reconsideration of the Department’s determination. Requests for

reconsideration should be mailed to

Tax Commissioner Virginia Department of Taxation Post Office Box 5771 Richmond, Virginia 23220-0771

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Guidelines for the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment May 25, 2019

Requests for reconsideration may also be sent by fax to 804.225.3376.

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Guidelines for the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment May 25, 2019

In order for the Tax Commissioner to grant a request for reconsideration, the dealer must demonstrate one of the following:

  • The facts upon which the original determination is based are misstated by the Tax Commissioner or are inaccurate, and the determination would have a

different result based on a correction of the Tax Commissioner’s misstatement of the facts presented or a clarification of the original facts presented in the taxpayer's request for a hardship waiver; or

  • The dealer has discovered additional evidence or documentation that was not available to the dealer at the time the original request for a hardship waiver was filed with the Department, and the additional evidence or documentation would produce a result different from the original determination.

Requests for reconsideration will be reviewed as time permits. Although the Department will make every effort to answer each request for reconsideration in a timely fashion, until a dealer who is otherwise required to make an accelerated sales tax payment is notified by the Department that he may pay a different amount or is not required to make an accelerated sales tax payment, the dealer must make an accelerated sales tax payment equal to 90 percent of his Retail Sales and Use Tax liability for the previous June by June 25 if paying by mail and on June 30 if paying electronically.

Disposition of Revenues

With the exception of revenues distributed under the provisions of Va. Code §§ 58.1-605, 58.1-606, 58.1-638(A), 58.1-638(G)-(H), 58.1-638.2, and 58.1-638.3, all revenues collected from the accelerated sales tax payment will be considered General Fund revenue. However, no distribution of the state or local Retail Sales and Use Tax revenues will be made until the Tax Commissioner certifies the revenues. The Tax Commissioner shall certify the Retail Sales and Use Tax revenues generated by the accelerated sales tax payments as soon as practicable after the funds have been paid into the state treasury in any month for the preceding month. If the Governor determines on July 31 of each year that funds are available to transfer the state Retail Sales and Use Tax revenues in accordance with Va. Code §§ 58.1-638(B)-(F) and 58.1-638.1, he will direct the State Comptroller to make such allocation. (Item § 3-5.06, House Bill 5002 (2018 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, Chapter 2)).

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Guidelines for the Accelerated Sales Tax Payment May 25, 2019

Additional Information

These Guidelines are available online in the Laws, Rules & Decisions section of the Department's website, located at www.tax.virginia.gov/content/laws-rules-decisions. For additional information, please contact the Department at 804.367.8037 or visit www.tax.virginia.gov.

Approved


Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

11

Virginia Property Analytics Sales Sourcing GuidelinesDoc ID: 7735

Original: 3,225 words
Condensed: 1,662 words
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Property Analytics Firm Hybrid Sales Factor Guidelines

Introduction

During the 2022 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 453 (2022 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 256) and Senate Bill 346 (2022 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 257), which allow property information and analytics firms that meet certain criteria and choose to enter into a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority (“the Authority”) to source sales of services to Virginia using market-based sourcing.

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the sourcing of sales for certain property information and analytic firms, as required by the second enactment clause of both House Bill 453 and Senate Bill 346. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being

published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202.

As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov. These guidelines complement the Department’s existing Corporation Income Tax Regulations (23 Virginia Administrative Code (“VAC”) 10-120-10, et seq.). To the extent that there is a conflict between the Department’s existing regulations and Va. Code §§ 58.1-416 and 58.1-422.3, the provisions of those sections of the Code of Virginia, as interpreted by these guidelines, supersede the existing regulations.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question

regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

These guidelines address how to compute the hybrid sales factor for a property information and analytics firm that has already qualified and entered into an MOU with the Authority for a particular taxable year (“qualified firm” or “Firm”). These guidelines do not address how to qualify under this legislation. Please consult the Authority for more information on how to qualify and the criteria that must be met.

Sales Factor Calculation

For apportionment purposes, the sales factor consists of a fraction, the numerator of which is the total sales of the corporation in Virginia during the taxable year, and the denominator of which is the total sales of the corporation everywhere during the taxable year. To be included in the sales factor, the sales must be used to produce Virginia taxable income and be effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within

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Property Analytics Firm Hybrid Sales Factor Guidelines

the United States, where the income from such conduct is includable in federal taxable income.

According to Va. Code § 58.1-416(A), sales of tangible personal property are generally deemed in Virginia and must be included in the sales factor numerator if the tangible personal property is delivered to a location in Virginia. In contrast, Va. Code § 58.1-416(B)(1) provides that sales other than sales of tangible personal property are generally deemed in Virginia and must be included in the sales factor numerator if:

  • The income-producing activity is performed in Virginia; or

  • The income-producing activity is performed both in and outside of Virginia and a

greater proportion of the income-producing activity is performed in Virginia than in any other state, based on costs of performance.

Qualified firms are allowed a limited exception to these rules by being able to source sales of services using market-based sourcing. Pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-416(B)(2), sales of services will be deemed in Virginia and will be required to be included in the sales factor numerator if the benefit of the service is received in Virginia.

Market-based sourcing under this legislation is limited to sales of services only. As a result, a qualified firm must compute its sales factor using standard rules, except that the sale of services would be sourced to Virginia if the benefit of such services was received in Virginia. Sales of intangible property and real estate continue to be sourced to Virginia based on the location of the greater portion of costs of performance, and sales of tangible personal property continue to be sourced to Virginia based upon whether property is received in Virginia by the purchaser.

Definitions

As used in these guidelines, unless the context requires otherwise

“Benefit of a service is received” means the location where the taxpayer's customer has either directly or indirectly received value from delivery of that service.

“Cannot be determined” means that the taxpayer's records or the records of the taxpayer's customer which are available to the taxpayer do not indicate the location where the benefit of the service was received.

“Reasonable approximation” means considering all sources of information other than the terms of the contract and the Firm's books and records kept in the normal course of business, the location of the market for the benefit of the services is determined in a manner that is consistent with the activities of the customer to the extent such information is available to the taxpayer. Reasonable approximation shall be limited to the jurisdictions or geographic areas where the customer or purchaser, at the time of purchase, will

receive the benefit of the services to the extent such information is available to the

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taxpayer. If population is a reasonable approximation, the population used shall be the U.S. population as determined by the most recent U.S. census data. If it can be shown by the taxpayer that the benefit of the service is being substantially received outside the U.S., then the populations of those other countries where the benefit of the service is being substantially received shall be added to the U.S. population. Information that is specific in nature is preferred over information that is general in nature.

“Service” means activities engaged in by a person for another person for consideration.

The term “service” does not include activities performed by a person who is not in a regular trade or business offering its services to the public, and does not include services rendered to an entity “affiliated,” as defined in Va. Code § 58.1-302, with the taxpayer.

“To the extent” means that if the customer of a service receives the benefit of a service in more than one state, the gross receipts from the performance of the service are included

in the numerator of the sales factor according to the portion of the benefit of the services received in this Commonwealth.

Market-Based Sourcing Methods

In determining whether sales of services are in Virginia under Va. Code § 58.1-416(B)(2), various sourcing methods are provided below that apply sequentially in a hierarchy. For each sale of services, a qualified firm must make a reasonable effort to apply the preceding sourcing method before seeking to apply the next sourcing method in the hierarchy. For example, the primary sourcing method for corporations and other business entities requires a Firm to determine the location where the benefit of the service is received, and if a Firm cannot do so, the secondary method requires a Firm to reasonably approximate the location of assignment. In this case, the Firm must attempt to assign the sales of serviced to the location where the benefit of the service is received (e.g., apply the primary method in the hierarchy) in good faith and with reasonable effort before it may reasonably approximate the location.

Individual Customers

In the case where an individual is the Firm's customer, receipt of the benefit of the service shall be determined as follows:

Primary Sourcing Method. The location of the benefit of the service shall be presumed to be received in Virginia if the billing address of the Firm's customer, as determined at the end of the taxable year, is in the Commonwealth. If the Firm uses the customer's billing address as the method of assigning the sales to the Commonwealth, the Department will accept this method of assignment. This presumption may be overcome by the Firm by showing, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that either the contract between the Firm and the Firm's customer, or other books and records of the taxpayer kept in the normal course of business, provide the extent to which the benefit of the service is received at a location in the Commonwealth. If the Firm believes it has overcome the presumption and uses an alternative method based on either the contract

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between the Firm and the Firm's customer or other books and records of the taxpayer kept in the normal course of business, the Department may examine the Firm's alternative method to determine if the billing address presumption has been overcome and, if so, whether the Firm's alternate method of assignment reasonably reflects where the benefit of the service was received by the Firm's customers.

Alternative Sourcing Method. If the presumption in primary sourcing method is overcome by the Firm, and an alternative method cannot be determined by reference to the contract between the Firm and its customer or the Firm's books and records kept in the normal course of business, then the location where the benefit of the services is received by the customer shall be reasonably approximated.

Business Customers

In the case where a corporation or other business entity is the Firm's customer, receipt of the benefit of the service shall be determined as follows:

Primary Sourcing Method. If the necessary information is available to allow the Firm to determine the location where the benefit is received, it is required to assign sales of services to such location. The location of the benefit of the services shall be presumed to be received in the location where the contract between the Firm and the Firm’s customer or the Firm’s books and records kept in the normal course of business, notwithstanding the billing address of the Firm’s customer, indicate the benefit of the service is located.

This presumption may be overcome by the Firm or the Department by showing, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that the location indicated by the contract or the Firm’s books and records was not the actual location where the benefit of the service was received.

Alternative Sourcing Methods. If neither the contract nor the Firm’s books and records provide the location where the benefit of the service is received, or the presumption in the

primary sourcing method is overcome, then the location where the benefit is received shall be reasonable approximated.

If the location where the benefit of the service is received cannot be determined under the primary sourcing method nor reasonably approximated, then the location where the benefit of the service is received shall be presumed to be in the location from which the Firm’s customer placed the order for the service.

If the location where the benefit of the service is received cannot be determined pursuant to the primary sourcing method, reasonably approximated, nor by the location where the Firm’s customer placed the order for the service, then the benefit of the services shall be in the location of the Firm’s customer’s billing address.

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Property Analytics Firm Hybrid Sales Factor Guidelines

Example 1

Firm A sells property information and analytic services to business customers under contracts that indicate that the benefit is received in State 1. Firm A sells other property information and analytic services to other business customers under contracts that do not indicate where the benefit is received, and Firm A’s records do not indicate where the benefit is received.

For those customers whose contract indicate the location where the benefit is received, Firm A must assign these sales to State 1. For those customers whose contract does not indicate where the benefit is received, nor does Firm A have records indicating where the benefit is received, Firm A must source these sales by reasonable approximation if possible. Firm A may not choose out of convenience to source these sales based on the location from which the customer

ordered the services or the customer’s billing address.

However, if these sales cannot be sourced by reasonably approximation, Firm A must source these sales to the location from which the customer ordered the services. In the event that Firm A also cannot determine the location from which the customer ordered the services, Firm A must then use the customer’s billing address to source these sales.

Example 2

Firm A sells property information and analytic services to a business customer under a contract which indicates that the benefit is received in State 1, where the customer’s headquarters is located. However, Firm A knows that the business customer is actually receiving and using these services at a branch office in State

  1. Accordingly, Firm A must assign these sales to State 2.

General Principles of Application

In order to satisfy the requirements in the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section, a qualified firm’s assignment of sales of services must be consistent with the following principles:

Principle 1: The Firm must apply the methods set forth in the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section based on objective criteria and must consider all sources of information reasonably available to the Firm at the time of its tax filing. The Firm must determine the location where the benefit of the service is received as indicated by the contract or the Firm’s books and records kept in the normal course of business in good faith, and apply such determinations consistently with respect to similar transactions and year to year.

The Firm must retain contemporaneous records that explain the determination and application of its method of assigning sales of services, including its underlying assumptions, and must provide those records to the Department upon request.

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Property Analytics Firm Hybrid Sales Factor Guidelines

Principle 2: The “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section provides various sourcing methods that apply sequentially in a hierarchy. For each sale to which a hierarchical method applies, the Firm must make a reasonable effort to apply the preceding method applicable to the sale before seeking to apply the next method in the hierarchy. For example, the applicable method first requires the Firm to determine the location where the benefit was received, and if the Firm cannot do so, the method requires the Firm to reasonably approximate the location. In these cases, the Firm must attempt to determine the location where the service was received (i.e., apply the primary method in the hierarchy) in good faith and with reasonable effort before it may reasonably approximate the location.

Principle 3: The Firm’s method of assigning its sales of services, including the use of a method of reasonable approximation, where applicable, must reflect an attempt to obtain the most accurate assignment of such sales consistent with the standards set forth in the

“Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section, rather than an attempt to lower the Firm’s tax liability. A method of assignment that is reasonable for one Firm may not necessarily be reasonable for another Firm, depending upon the applicable facts.

Exclusion of Sales from the Sales Factor

In a case in which a Firm cannot ascertain the location to which a sale of services is to be assigned pursuant to the applicable methods set forth in the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section (including through the use of a method of reasonable approximation, where relevant) using a reasonable amount of effort undertaken in good faith, the Department will require that such sale be excluded from both the numerator and denominator of the Firm’s sales factor pursuant to its authority under Va. Code § 58.1-416(D) to adopt remedies and corrective procedures.

Treatment of Pass-through Entities

Pass-through entities (“PTEs”) are required to use corporate apportionment to determine the portion of their income that is from Virginia sources for purposes of allocating a share of that income to nonresident individuals. This will affect the amount that the nonresident individuals report on their Virginia nonresident income tax returns or that the PTE reports on behalf of its nonresident owners, and the amount for which the PTE may be required to withhold from Virginia income. See the PTE Guidelines (P.D. 15-240) for more information.

A corporate owner of a PTE may be required to include its share of the PTE’s property, payroll, and sales in the corporation’s own apportionment factors. (See P.D. 95-19, 95-263, and 99-76.) The corporate owners would include in their factors only their share of the PTE’s factors for the applicable taxable year.

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Inapplicability of Virginia’s Administrative Extension of Public Law 86-272

A taxpayer is not subject to Virginia corporate income tax to the extent that federal or state law exempts the taxpayer from such tax. One federal law, Public Law (“P.L.”) 86-272, prohibits a state from imposing a net income tax where the only contacts with the state are a narrowly defined set of activities constituting solicitation of orders for sales of tangible personal property. While P.L. 86-272 itself only relates to sales of tangible personal property, the Department has an administrative policy of generally extending this federal law to sales other than sales of tangible personal property. See P.D. 93-75.

Because services are a type of sales other than sales of tangible personal property, a Firm would generally be exempt from Virginia corporate income tax to the extent that its only sales in Virginia were services protected under this administrative policy.

However, Va. Code § 58.1-416(C) asserts nexus over property information and analytic

firms with sales of services attributable to Virginia to the maximum extent permitted under the Constitutions of Virginia and the United States and federal law. This provision of Virginia law supersedes the Department’s administrative extension of P.L. 86-272. As a result, a Firm is not eligible for an exemption from taxation on the basis that its sales of service would be protected under the Department’s administrative policy. Note that Va.

Code § 58.1-416(C) only supersedes the Department’s administrative policy. It does not remove any exemption from taxation afforded to taxpayers, including Firms, under P.L. 86-272 itself. To the extent that a Firm’s only sales in Virginia are sales of tangible personal property protected under P.L. 86-272, the Firm will continue to be exempt from Virginia corporate income tax.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available on the Department’s website, located at http://www.tax.virginia.gov/. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation - 7 - December 14, 2023

Virginia Personal Property Tax Filing GuideDoc ID: 762

Original: 2,476 words
Condensed: 1,980 words
Reduction: 20.0%

F O RETURN OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY, MACHINERY AND TOOLS,

R AND MERCHANTS’ CAPITAL — FOR LOCAL TAXATION ONLY M VIRGINIA 762 Please print Your social security number2025or FEIN Name Name of spouse

Spouse’s social security number Home address Number and street or rural route

County or City City, town or post office State ZIP Code District, Ward or Town

PART I – TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY

  1. Motor vehicles * Leased vehicles for business use BusinessUse Trade Name of Year Modelor No. Cylindersor Date Number AirYesCond.or FairasMarketListed Valueby asFairAscertainedMarket Valueby do not qualify for the personal property tax reduction. Yes or No Motor Vehicle Series Tonnage Acquired Owned No Taxpayer ofCommissionerthe Revenue (a) Automobiles (not daily rental passenger cars)

VIN

VIN: (b) Motorcycles (c) Autocycles (d) Trucks (e) Tractors and trailers (f) Antique motor vehicles (g) All other motor vehicles and motor homes

  1. Manufactured (mobile) offices, campers, travel trailers, and recreational camping trailers Length and Date Number Year Model or Series Width Acquired Owned Cost

  2. Manufactured (mobile) homes (see instructions on back) Length and Date Number Manufacturer Year Model or Series Width Acquired Owned Cost

  3. BoatspropertyandwhichWatercraftpertains(Assessto craftthe(§58.1-3500))value of all 5OverTons 5UnderTons Manufacturer Year Type HorsepowerLength and AcquiredDate NumberOwned Cost (a) Used for recreation and pleasure only . . . (b)Boat trailers, etc. . . . . . . . (c)Other . . . . . . . . . . ..

Model or Date Number5.Aircraft Manufacturer Year Series Acquired Owned Cost (a) Aircraft owned by scheduled air carriers with seating capacity of no more than 50 persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (b) All other aircraft and flight simulators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  1. Motor vehicles owned/leased by auxiliary police officers, members or auxiliary members of a volunteer rescue squad, fire department or
  2. Motorsheriff’svehiclesdepartmentownedor uniformedby a nonprofitmembersorganizationof the Virginia(§Defense58.1-3506(17)).Forms (§§ 58.1-3506(15),. . . . . .(16),. (20),. . (32),. . and. .(44)). .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
  3. Heavy construction machinery (attach schedule). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  4. Business furniture and listings not returnable as part of merchants’ capital or if not defined as intangible personal property (§ 58.1-1100).. . . . . . 10.Furniture and office equipment, including books, used in practicing a profession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.Tools, hand or power, including woodworking equipment, and metal lathes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12.Farming implements, including gas engines, electric motors, etc., threshing machines, corn huskers, feed cutters, combines, harvesters, 13.Tangibleblowers, plows,personalharrows,propertyrakes,usedmowers,in researchanimal drawnand vehicles,developmentpeanutbusiness.pickers, etc... .. .. . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . .. 14.Tangible personal property, leased, loaned or otherwise made available from federal, state, or local government. . . . . . 15.Tangible personal property consisting of programmable computer equipment and peripherals used in business. . . . . . 16.Miscellaneous and incidental property used in a trade or business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Value as Date Ascertained by Original Value CommissionerPARTII – MACHINERY AND TOOLS (see instructions on Page 2) Acquired Capitalized as Listed by Cost Taxpayer of the Revenue 17.18.MachineryEnergy conversionand tools.equipment. . . . of. MANUFACTURERS. . . . . . . . (§. 58.1-3506).. . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 05/24 Value asPARTIII – MERCHANTS’ CAPITAL (see instructions on Page 2) Value Ascertained by CommissionerRev. asTaxpayerListed by of the Revenue 2601043 19.20.InventoryDaily rentalof passengerstock on hand.cars.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.All other taxable merchants’ capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.Total taxable merchants’ capital (add lines 19, 20, and 21). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TAXATION PARTIV – OTHER TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF 23.24.TotalAll otheramounttangibleof PartpersonalIV frompropertyline 32 noton thespecificallyback of theenumeratedreturn . . on. this. .return. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DEPTVA 25.TotalManufacturer(add lines 1-18, 22, 23, and 24) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FORM 762 (2025) Page 2 Fair Market Value Fair Market Value Ascertained by Listed by as PART IV – OTHER TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY as Commissioner Taxpayer of the Revenue 26. (a)(b)Horses,Cattle. . mules. . .and. other. . .kindred. . . animals.. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Owned(c)Sheep and goats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (d)Hogs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (e)Poultry — chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, etc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (f)Equipment used by farmers or cooperatives to produce ethanol derived primarily from farm products. . . . . . . . . . (g)Grains and other feeds used for the nurture of farm animals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (h)Grain, tobacco and other agricultural products in the hands of a producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (i)Equipment and machinery used by farm wineries in the production of wine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27.Felled timber, ties, poles, cord wood, bark and other timber products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28.(a) Refrigerators, deep freeze units, air conditioners, and automatic refrigerating machinery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (b)Vacuum cleaners, sewing machines, washing machines, dryers, and all other household machinery . . . . . . . . . . (c)Pianos and organs, television sets, radios, phonographs and records, and all other musical instruments. . . . . . . . (d)Watches and clocks and gold and silver plates and plated ware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (e)Oil paintings, pictures, statuary, and other works of art $ __books $ ___ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (f)Diamonds, cameos and other precious stones and precious metals used as ornaments or jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . (g)Sporting and photographic equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (h)Firearms and weapons of all kinds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (i)Bicycles and lawn mowers, hand or power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (j)Household and kitchen furniture (state number of rooms _ ______). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (k)All-terrain vehicles, mopeds, and off-road motorcycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (l)Electronic communications and processing devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29.Seines, pound nets, fykes, weirs and other devices for catching fish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.Poles, wires, switchboards, etc., telephone or telegraph instruments, apparatus, etc., owned by any person, firm, association, or company not incorporated . company). . . . . . . . . . .32.31. TotalToll bridges,of Part turnpikesIV (add linesand26ferriesthrough(except31 andsteamenterferrieson lineowned23). and. . operated. . . . by. chartered. . Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Complete Form 762, reporting property which you owned on January 1, 2025, then file it with the Commissioner of the Revenue of the County or City generally on or before May 1, 2025. Since some localities have due dates other than May 1, you may want to contact your local office to be sure of the proper due date. Write the word “None” opposite each item of property which you do not own. No property is assessable as tangible personal property if defined by Va. Code § 58.1-1100 as intangible personal property. If additional space is needed, attach a separate schedule. Note: If your motor vehicle is considered by State Law to have a business usage, it does not qualify for Car Tax Relief. Your vehicle is classified as having business usage if any of the following circumstances apply: 1) more than 50% of the mileage for the year was reported as a business expense for Federal Income Tax purposes or reimbursed by an employer; 2) more than 50% of the depreciation associated with the vehicle is deducted as a business expense for Federal Income Tax purposes; 3) the cost of the vehicle is expensed pursuant to Section IRC § 179; or 4) the vehicle is leased by an individual and the leasing company pays the tax without reimbursement from the individual.

DEFINITION OF MANUFACTURED HOMES (ALSO KNOWN AS MOBILE HOMES) FOR PART I, LINE 3: “Manufactured home” means a structure subject to federal regulation, which is transportable in one or more sections; is eight body feet or more in width and 40 body feet or more in length in the traveling mode, or is 320 or more square feet when erected on site; is built on a permanent chassis; is designed to be used as a single-family dwelling, with or without a permanent foundation, when connected to the required utilities; and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained in the structure (Va. Code § 36-85.3). “Manufactured homes” are also known as “mobile homes.” INFORMATION FOR MISCELLANEOUS AND INCIDENTAL PROPERTY USED IN A TRADE OR BUSINESS FOR PART I, LINE 16: In order to be considered miscellaneous and incidental property used in a trade or business, the property must not be classified as machinery and tools, merchants’ capital or short-term rental property, and have an original cost of less than $250.

INFORMATION FOR PART II, MACHINERY AND TOOLS: If you are engaged in a manufacturing, mining, water well drilling, processing or reprocessing, radio or television broadcasting, dairy, dry cleaning or laundry business, report all machinery and tools used in manufacturing, mining, water well drilling, processing or reprocessing, radio or television broadcasting, dairy, dry cleaning or laundry business, such machinery and tools being segregated by Va. Code § 58.1-3507, as amended for local taxation exclusively, and each county, city, and town being required to make a separate classification for all such machinery and tools.

INFORMATION FOR PART III, MERCHANTS’ CAPITAL: If you are a merchant and if locality taxes the capital of merchants, report all other taxable personal property of any kind whatsoever, except money on hand and on deposit and except tangible personal property not offered for sale as merchandise, which tangible personal property should be reported as such on front of this return under PART I.

FOR EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, GUARDIANS, AND OTHER FIDUCIARIES If this is the return of tangible personal property, machinery and tools, or merchants’ capital in the hands of an executor, administrator, trustee, committee, guardian, or other fiduciary, such fiduciary must complete so much of both pages of this return as pertains to such property and, in addition, supply the information called for below:

  1. Character of Fiduciary: Executor c Administrator c Trustee c Committee c Guardian c Other c Specify______
  2. Name of Estate, Trust or Ward___________________

DECLARATION OF TAXPAYER I declare that the statement and figures submitted on both pages of this return are true, full and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I certify that unless otherwise indicated as business use, the vehicles listed herein are for personal use.

NOTE — It is a misdemeanor for any person willfully to subscribe a return which he does not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter (Va. Code § 58.1-11).

_________ ______ ___________ (Signature of Taxpayer) (Date) (Taxpayer’s Phone Number) Executors, administrators, trustees and other fiduciaries must also supply information called for on this return.

Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax AdjustmentsDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

During the 2020 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 1417 (2020 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 1030) which provided updated procedures for reporting certain adjustments, including partnership adjustments, that result from federal tax changes and other changes to federal taxable income to the Department of Taxation (“the Department”). This legislation updated Virginia’s law regarding reporting tax adjustments to make it match with new federal procedures set forth in the federal Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (“BBA”). In addition, this legislation specified when other Virginia income taxpayers such as individuals, estates, trusts, and corporations must report federal tax changes to the Department.

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the updated procedures for reporting federal tax changes to the Department, as required by the second enactment clause of 2020 House

Bill 1417. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information regarding these procedures will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines complement the Department’s existing General Provisions Applicable to All Taxes Administered by the Department of Taxation Regulation (23 Virginia Administrative Code (“VAC”) 23 VAC 10-20-10 et seq.), Individual Income Tax Regulation (23 VAC 10-110-20 et seq.), and Corporation Income Tax Regulation (23 VAC 10-120-10 et seq.). To the extent that there is a conflict between the Department’s existing guidance and 2020 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 1030, the provisions of that law, as interpreted by these guidelines, supersede existing guidance.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do

not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845.

Definitions

As used in these guidelines, unless the context requires otherwise

"Administrative adjustment request" means an administrative adjustment request filed by a partnership pursuant to Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) § 6227.

"Direct" means, with respect to a partner, that such partner holds a direct interest in a partnership or a pass-through entity and that such interest is not held indirectly through another partnership or pass-through entity.

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

"Federal adjustment" means a change to an item or amount determined under the IRC that is used by a taxpayer to compute Virginia tax owed, regardless of whether that change results from an action by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) including a partnership-level audit, or the filing of an amended federal return, federal refund claim, or administrative adjustment request by the taxpayer. A federal adjustment is positive to the extent that it increases Virginia taxable income and is negative to the extent that it decreases Virginia taxable income.

"Partner" means a person that holds an interest directly or indirectly in a partnership or pass-through entity.

"Partnership" means an entity subject to taxation under Subchapter K, 26 U.S.C. § 701 et seq., of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the IRC.

"Partnership-level audit" means an examination by the IRS at the partnership level pursuant to Subchapter C, 26 U.S.C. § 6221 et seq., of Chapter 63 of Subtitle F of the IRC that results in federal adjustments.

"Pass-through entity" means any pass-through entity as defined in Va. Code § 58.1-390.1, other than a partnership as defined in this section.

"Reviewed taxable year" means the taxable year of a partnership that is subject to a partnership-level audit from which federal adjustments arise.

General Requirements for the Reporting of Federal Tax Adjustments

If an adjustment is made to the federal taxable income of an individual, estate, trust or corporate taxpayer, taxpayers are required to report federal adjustments to the Department (“general reporting requirement”). If the adjustment results in an increase in the taxpayer’s Virginia income tax liability, additional tax may be due at the time when the change is reported. If the adjustment results in a decrease, the taxpayer may be entitled to a refund. These adjustments are most commonly the result of either an audit by the IRS or the filing of an amended federal income tax return by the taxpayer.

Effective July 1, 2020 and after, 2020 House Bill 1417 requires that federal adjustments be reported to the Department within one year after a “final determination date” rather than one year after a “final determination,” the term used under prior law. This new definition of “final determination date” will apply throughout these guidelines, unless context requires otherwise, including the sections regarding partnerships. In addition, the application will depend on whether the federal adjustment arises from IRS action or from taxpayer action.

Prior to July 1, 2020, federal adjustments were required to be reported to the Department within one year after the “final determination” of such adjustment. 23 VAC 10-20-

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

180(B)(2)-(5) provides guidance regarding the final determination of a federal adjustment.

Federal Adjustment From IRS-Initiated Action

If the federal adjustment arises from an IRS audit or other action by the IRS, "final determination date" means:

  1. The first day on which no federal adjustments arising from that audit or other action remain to be finally determined, whether by IRS decision with respect to which all rights of appeal have been waived or exhausted, by agreement, or, if appealed or contested, by a final decision with respect to which all rights of appeal have been waived or exhausted. For agreements required to be signed by the IRS and the

taxpayer, the final determination date is the date on which the last party signed the agreement.

  1. If the taxpayer filed as a member of a combined or consolidated return, the final determination date means the first day on which no related federal adjustments arising from that audit remain to be finally determined, as determined in Paragraph 1 above, for the entire group.

Because 23 VAC 10-20-180(B)(2)-(5) is generally consistent with the "final determination date" definition in 2020 House Bill 1417, the Department will follow such regulations in interpreting this legislation. As a result, the date when any one of the following events occur will be considered to be a final determination date:

  • The signing of federal Form 870 or other IRS form consenting to the deficiencies, accepting any overassessment shown on the form, or both. However, where the

signature of an authorized representative of the IRS is also required, the final determination date is the date on which the taxpayer receives notice of the signing by the IRS.

  • The expiration of the 90-day time period (150-day period in the case of notice addressed to a person outside the states of the union and the District of Columbia) within which a petition for redetermination may be filed with the United States Tax Court with respect to a statutory notice of deficiency issued by the IRS, if a petition is not filed with that court within such time.

  • A closing agreement entered into with the IRS under IRC § 7121. The final determination shall occur when the taxpayer receives notice of the signing by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

  • A decision by the United States Tax Court, a United States district court, the U.S.

Claims Court, a United States court of appeals, or the United States Supreme

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Court that has become final, or the date the court approves a voluntary agreement stipulating disposition of the case.

Federal Adjustment From Taxpayer-Initiated Action

If the federal adjustment does not arise from an IRS audit or other action by the IRS, the “final determination date” means the day on which the amended return, refund claim, administrative adjustment request, or other similar report was filed (“the filing rule”).

Because the filing rule is inconsistent with the payment and refund rule in 23 VAC 10-20-180(B)(1), the Department considers the filing rule in House Bill 1417 to supersede this portion of the regulation.

Requirements for Reporting Certain Partnership-Level Federal Tax Adjustments

Under the federal Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (“BBA”), Congress enacted a new regime for auditing partnerships referred to as “the centralized partnership audit regime.” Under this regime, tax is generally determined, assessed, and collected at the partnership level.

This has the effect of generally shifting the burden of paying tax resulting from federal audits from the taxpaying partners to the partnership itself. As a result, partnerships are no longer required for federal purposes to provide their partners with information regarding federal tax adjustments.

Federal Centralized Partnership Audit Regime

Under the BBA, a federal centralized audit is conducted entirely at the partnership level through its partnership representative. A partnership representative is the person designated by the partnership who makes all audit-related decisions. For more information, please see the BBA Centralized Partnership Audit Regime webpage maintained by the IRS.

Virginia Partnership Reporting Requirement

For Virginia income tax purposes, the general requirement to report federal adjustments is imposed on the partners, not the partnership itself. However, under the new federal centralized partnership audit regime, partnerships are not generally required to provide information regarding federal adjustments to their partners. In addition, under prior Virginia law, there was nothing requiring the partnership to provide such information to their partners. Therefore, partners in a partnership subject to the centralized partnership audit regime may have difficulties reporting federal adjustments to the Department due to a lack of necessary information from the partnership.

To address this issue, the General Assembly enacted House Bill 1417 during the 2020 Session. Effective July 1, 2020 and after, this legislation requires that a partnership must report final federal adjustments arising from a partnership-level audit or an administrative adjustment request both to the Department and to its partners (“the partnership reporting

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requirement”). All partnerships are subject to the partnership reporting requirement for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, unless the partnership has made a valid federal election out of the centralized partnership audit regime. Partnerships are subject to the partnership reporting requirement for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018 if the partnership has made a valid federal election into the centralized partnership audit regime.

However, if either the push-out or pull-in process established by the IRS in order to report federal adjustments is used or if there are adjustments that do not result in an imputed underpayment, the partnership reporting requirement does not apply to such adjustments.

These adjustments will flow through to the affected partners, and they will therefore be included in income for Virginia tax purposes. This treatment is also given to reallocation adjustments. However, because the IRS accounts for these adjustments as a

nonrefundable credit or as additional tax in the adjustment year, additions and subtractions may be necessary on the partner’s amended Virginia income tax return for the reviewed taxable year. The Department will publish more information regarding this process in its form instructions, including any additions and subtractions that may be necessary.

90-Day Rule for Partnerships to Report and Notify

Under the partnership reporting requirement, a partnership must file with the Department a completed Form 502FED-1 no later than 90 days after the final determination date. On the Form 502FED-1, the partnership is required to report the details of the effect of federal adjustments on amounts reported on the original partnership return for the reviewed taxable year. Along with the Form 502FED-1, the partnership must file an amended Form 502 with all associated forms and schedules.

In addition to making filings with the Department, a partnership must notify each direct

partner of its distributive share of the federal adjustments no later than 90 days after the final determination date. In order to comply with this requirement, the partnership must provide to each direct partner a copy of:

  • Form 502FED-1,
  • An amended federal Schedule K-1, and
  • An amended Schedule VK-1.

Nonresident Withholding Tax

If the partnership paid nonresident withholding tax with respect to its nonresident owners, the partnership must include with its amended Form 502 a payment for any additional withholding tax that may be due as a result of the federal adjustments. “Nonresident owner” means any person who is treated as a partner, member, or shareholder of the

partnership for federal income tax purposes and, in the case of an individual, is not a

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

domiciliary or actual resident of Virginia, or, in the case of any other entity, does not have its commercial domicile in Virginia

Composite Return

If the partnership previously filed a composite return (“Form 765”) on behalf of its qualified nonresident owners, the partnership must file an amended Form 765 no later than 90 days after the final determination date. This amended Form 765 is required in addition to the filing of a Form 502FED-1 and an amended Form 502. The partnership must include with its amended Form 765 a payment for any income tax that may be due as a result of the federal adjustments. Please see the Department’s Guidelines for Pass-Through Entity Withholding (“Public Document 15-240) for additional details, including the definition of a “qualified nonresident owner.”

One-Year Rule for Partners to Report and Pay

If the partnership reporting requirement applies to a partnership, any direct partner of such partnership must file a federal adjustments report no later than one year after the final determination date (“the one-year rule”). In the case of the one-year rule, the federal adjustments report will take the form of an amended Virginia income tax return for the reviewed taxable year. In addition, the partner must include a payment for any additional amount of income tax due as if federal adjustments had been properly reported, including any applicable penalty and interest. The payment may be reduced by any credit for related amounts paid or withheld and remitted on behalf of the direct partner. However, the one-year rule does not apply to the following:

  • Partners whose income for the reviewed taxable year after any federal adjustments places them below the filing threshold specified in Va. Code § 58.1-321; and
  • Partners who are not subject to Virginia’s individual, estates and trusts, or

corporate income tax.

Failure of Partnership to Comply with Federal Adjustments Reporting Filing Requirements

A partnership failing to file its federal adjustments report within the 90-day period or a partner failing to file its federal adjustments report within the one-year period will be liable for a penalty of $200 if the failure is for not more than one month, with an additional $200 for each additional month or fraction thereof during which such failure to file continues, not exceeding six months in the aggregate. In no case, however, may the penalty be less than $200. See Va. Code §§ 58.1-399.7 and 58.1-394.1(A).

In addition, if any partnership’s failure to comply with the 90-day period exceeds six months, the Department will assess a penalty of six percent of the total amount of federal

adjustments derived by its partners from the partnership for the taxable year. If any partner’s failure to comply with the one-year period exceeds six months, the Department

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will assess a penalty of six percent of the total amount of federal adjustments attributable to that partner from the partnership for the taxable year. The Department may determine such penalty from any information in its possession. The six percent penalty may be reduced by the monthly $200 penalty assessed. In addition, the penalty would not apply to any tax paid by the partners on their share of federal adjustments from the partnership for the taxable year.

The penalties will be assessed and collected by the Department in the manner provided for the assessment and collection of income taxes or in a civil action, at the instance of the Department. In addition, the partnership may be compellable by mandamus to file a complete federal adjustments report and notify its direct partners.

Partnership Pays Election

As an alternative to having partners report and pay tax on their distributive share of adjustments, an audited partnership may make an election to pay tax on their behalf (“the partnership pays election”). "Audited partnership" means a partnership subject to a partnership-level audit that results in a federal adjustment. Partnerships with final federal adjustments arising from administrative adjustment requests are not able to make the partnership pays election. To properly make such election, the audited partnership must:

  • No later than 90 days after the final determination date, file a completed Form 502FED-1 and Form 502FED-2, checking the box indicating that it is making a partnership pays election to submit an elective payment on behalf of its partners; and

  • No later than one year after the final determination date, make the elective payment.

The election may be made by checking the appropriate box on the Form 502FED-2. If multiple taxable years are included in the federal audit, one Form 502FED-1 and one Form 502FED-2 are required to be filed for each year. The audited partnership may make a separate election for each taxable year and is not be required to make the election for all taxable years. The partnership should ensure that the appropriate box is checked on each Form 502FED-2 that is filed. If an election to pay the tax on behalf of its partners is made for a particular taxable year, then all partners of the audited partnership must be included in the election, including those that were originally included in a composite return.

The partnership is required to issue to each direct partner a written statement regarding the amount of elective payment that has been made and that partner’s pro rata share of such payment. If an elective payment is made after the Form 502FED-2 is filed, it is recommended that the elective payment be made as soon as possible and that any

written statement also be provided to direct partners as soon as possible to ensure such partners have sufficient time to file amended returns for refunds if they are eligible.

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

Adjustments that do not result in additional tax are not included in the elective payment computation for partnerships making a partnership pays election. Those adjustments will flow through to the affected partners, and will therefore be included in income for that year. Because the IRS accounts for these adjustments as a nonrefundable credit in the adjustment year, additions and subtractions may be necessary on the partner’s amended return for the reviewed taxable year. The Department will publish more information regarding this process in its form instructions.

Allocation and Apportionment of Income

The first step in computing the elective payment is determining the allocation and apportionment of the partnership’s income. If a partnership’s entire business is conducted

within Virginia, then all of its income is Virginia source income, and no income is allocated or apportioned to another state.

If a partnership conducts its business within Virginia and elsewhere in a manner such that its income would be subject to a tax on net income in Virginia and at least one other state, the partnership must allocate and apportion its income in the same manner that is provided in Virginia law for corporations. Dividends received are to be allocated to the state of the partnership’s commercial domicile, but all other income must be apportioned.

A partnership may not apportion its income based on divisional or separate accounting, or any other alternative method unless it has requested and received permission to do so in advance from the Department.

Effect of Allocation and Apportionment on the Elective Payment

The second step in computing the elective payment is determining the effect of the partnership’s allocation and apportionment on the partners, which varies as described

below.

Non-Tiered Partners

To the extent that the partners of the electing partnership are direct, non-tiered partners, the elective payment amount will be calculated according to this section depending upon whether the partner is a resident partner, nonresident partner, corporate partner, or tax-exempt partner.

Resident Partners

For the portion of federal adjustments that would flow through to a resident partner, the elective payment is the distributive share of the full amount of such adjustments multiplied by Virginia’s highest individual income tax rate of 5.75 percent. This is because a Virginia resident individual owner is taxable on all of his or her partnership income regardless of the partnership’s allocation and apportionment.

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

With respect to an individual partner, a "resident partner" means that such partner is a “resident,” as defined in Va. Code § 58.1-302, for the relevant tax period. Any individual partner who does not meet this definition is a “nonresident partner.”

With respect to an estate or trust partner, "resident partner" means that such partner is a “resident estate or trust,” as defined in Va. Code § 58.1-302, for the relevant tax period.

Any estate or trust partner who does not meet this definition is a “nonresident partner.”

Direct Nonresident Partners

For the portion of federal adjustments that would flow through to a nonresident partner, the elective payment amount is the distributive share of such adjustments that are

sourced to Virginia and multiplied by Virginia’s highest individual tax rate of 5.75 percent.

A “nonresident partner” is any individual, estate, or trust partner that is not a resident partner. The allocation and apportionment is a partnership-level computation. In determining the distributive share of adjustments that are sourced to Virginia, the electing partnership adds:

  • The direct nonresident partner’s distributive share of federal adjustments to income other than dividend income (“apportionable income”) multiplied by the partnership’s post-audit apportionment percentage; and

  • The direct nonresident partner’s distributive share of federal adjustments to dividend income if the partnership is commercially domiciled in Virginia.

Example 1. Partner A is a nonresident individual who is a direct partner with a 40%

ownership interest in Partnership Z. Partnership Z’s apportionable income reported on its original return was $100,000. The partnership has a $10,000 federal adjustment to apportionable income, making its apportionable income $110,000.

Its apportionment percentage is 20 percent.

As a result of the audit , Partnership Z’s post-apportionment income increased from $20,000 ($100,000 income reported on original return X 20 percent) to $22,000 ($110,000 income determined by IRS X 20 percent). In this case, the difference between these two amounts is the federal adjustment, which is $2,000 ($22,000 post-apportionment income after audit - $20,000 post-apportionment income before audit). Because Partner A is a 40 percent owner of the partnership, Partner A’s distributive share of that adjustment is $800 ($2,000 X 40 percent), and the elective payment on such distributive share is $46 ($800 X 5.75 percent).

Example 2. Same as Example 2, except that Partnership Z’s apportionment

percentage was 10 percent prior to the federal audit but is now 20 percent as a result of the federal audit.

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

As a result of the audit and its effect on its apportionment percentage, Partnership Z’s post-apportionment income increased from $10,000 ($100,000 income reported on original return X 10 percent) to $22,000 ($110,000 income determined by IRS X 20 percent). In this case, the difference between these two amounts is the federal adjustment, which is $12,000 ($22,000 post-apportionment income after audit - $10,000 post-apportionment income before audit). Because Partner A is a 40 percent owner of the partnership, Partner A’s distributive share of that adjustment is $4,800 ($12,000 X 40 percent), and the elective payment on such distributive share is $276 ($4,800 X 5.75 percent).

Corporate Partner

For the portion of federal adjustments that would flow through to a corporate partner, the elective payment amount is the distributive share of such adjustments that are apportioned or allocated to Virginia and multiplied by Virginia’s 6 percent corporate income tax rate. "Corporate partner" means a partner that is subject to the Virginia corporate income tax.

The allocation and apportionment is a partnership-level computation. In determining the distributive share of adjustments that are apportioned and allocated to Virginia, the electing partnership adds:

  • The corporate partner’s distributive share of federal adjustments to income other than dividend income (“apportionable income”) multiplied by the partnership’s post-audit apportionment percentage; and

  • The corporate partner’s distributive share of federal adjustments to dividend

income if the partnership is commercially domiciled in Virginia.

Tax-Exempt Partners

For the portion of federal adjustments that are to unrelated business income or other taxable income to which a tax-exempt partner would be subject to tax under Va. Code § 58.1-400, the elective payment amount is the distributive share of such adjustments that are apportioned or allocated to Virginia and multiplied by Virginia’s 6 percent corporate tax rate. In determining the distributive share of such adjustments that are allocated and apportioned to Virginia, the same principles apply to tax-exempt partners that apply to corporate partners.

“Tax-exempt partner” means a partner exempt from Virginia income taxation. If such

partner has unrelated business taxable income but otherwise is exempt from Virginia income taxation, such partner shall be considered a “tax-exempt partner.” "Unrelated business taxable income" has the same meaning as such term is defined in IRC § 512.

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

For the portion of federal adjustments that are to income other than unrelated business income or other taxable income to which the a tax-exempt partner would not be subject to tax under Va. Code § 58.1-400, the elective payment amount is zero.

Tiered Partners

For the portion of federal adjustments that would flow through to a direct tiered partner, the elective payment amount is the distributive share of Virginia source adjustments multiplied by Virginia’s highest individual tax rate of 5.75 percent. In determining the distributive share of such adjustments that are Virginia source adjustments, the same principles apply to direct tiered partners that apply to direct nonresident partners. See Va.

Code § 58.1-399.1(B)(4)(ii).

An exception to this general rule provides that adjustments that are of a type that would not be subject to sourcing in Virginia are required to be included in their entirety in the elective payment. See Va. Code § 58.1-399.1(B)(4)(ii). Because Virginia requires sourcing of all income through either allocation or apportionment under its statutory method, this exception will not typically apply to an electing partnership’s adjustments.

However, this exception may apply to certain partnerships that are properly using an alternative method of apportionment or are considered an investment pass-through entity under Public Document 15-240. In such cases, if the partnership has adjustments that are of a type that would not be subject to sourcing in Virginia, then they must be included in the elective payment amount computation in their entirety as an initial matter. If the partnership seeks, instead, to exclude any portion of these adjustments, it may do so to the extent that it can establish that the amount is properly allocable to an indirect nonresident partner. While not dispositive, helpful factors in proving non-residency for this purpose may include a copy of a resident tax return filed by the nonresident indirect partner in another state and, if filed, a copy of a nonresident tax return filed by the nonresident indirect partner in Virginia. Adjustments may also be excluded to the extent

an electing partnership can establish the amount is properly allocable to a partner that is not subject to tax on such amount or excludable under procedures for alternative reporting and payment.

Assessment and Collection of Elective Payment

If any partner or partnership makes a partnership pays election, the Department must assess and collect elective payments, interest, and penalties arising from final federal adjustments as if the elective payments are a corporate income tax. Penalties and interest imposed on a partner or partnership will be determined based on the date the Form 502 for the reviewed taxable year originally was due. Therefore, the provisions of Chapter 3 and Chapter 18 of Title 58.1 relating to the assessment and collection of corporate income tax apply, making such changes necessary after considering the differences between the corporate income tax and the elective payment. The effect of some of these provisions on audited partnerships is detailed below.

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

Failure to Pay Penalty and Interest

The failure to pay penalty for electing partnerships will be based upon the corporate penalty in Va. Code § 58.1-455. The amount of such penalty will be equal six percent of the elective payment amount for each month or fraction thereof from the date the Form 502 for the reviewed taxable year originally was due until paid, not exceeding thirty percent in the aggregate.

Interest upon such elective payment, and on the accrued penalty, will be added at a rate determined in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-15, from the date the Form 502 for the reviewed taxable year originally was due until paid. In the case of an elective payment assessed by the Department, if the Form 502 was made in good faith and the understatement of the amount in the return was not due to any fault of the electing

partnership, there will be no penalty on the elective payment because of such understatement. However, interest will be added to the amount of the deficiency at a rate determined in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-15, from the date the Form 502 for the reviewed taxable year originally was due until paid.

If the understatement is false or fraudulent with intent to evade the tax, a penalty of 100 percent of the elective payment will be added together with interest on the payment at a rate determined in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-15, from the date the Form 502 for the reviewed taxable year originally was due until paid.

Failure of Partnership to File a Federal Adjustments Report

Any partnership that fails to file a Form 502FED-1 and Form 502FED-2 within 90 days after the final determination date or any partnership that files such forms but fails to check the appropriate box on the Form 502FED-2 indicating that it is making a partnership pays election will be considered to have not made a partnership pays election for the reviewed

taxable year or taxable years included in the federal audit. Such partnership will be subject to the penalty applicable to non-electing partnerships described under Failure of Partnership to Comply with the 90-Day Requirement Penalty above.

Authority to Consolidate Accounts and to Challenge Certain Transactions

In assessing and collecting the elective payment against an electing partnership, the Department has the authority to require a consolidated federal adjustment report or a consolidation of accounts and to challenge certain transactions. This authority is based upon the corporate provisions in Va. Code §§ 58.1-445 and 58.1-446, which will be applied as if the electing partnership is a corporation and all direct and indirect partners are stockholders of that corporation. In particular, the Department will exercise such authority where the partnership pays election is used to shift income or avoid Virginia income taxes through tiered partnership structures.

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

State Partnership Representative

The state partnership representative for a reviewed taxable year is the partnership's federal partnership representative unless the partnership designates in writing another person as its state partnership representative.

The state partnership representative has the sole authority to act on behalf of a partnership with respect to an action required or permitted to be taken under Article 9.1 of Chapter 3 of the Title 58.1 of the Code of Virginia, and with respect to any administrative or judicial appeal of such action pursuant to Chapter 18 of the Code of Virginia. The actions of the state partnership representative will be binding on the direct partners and indirect partners of the partnership.

If a partnership desires to designate a person other than their federal partnership representative for Virginia tax purposes, please see the Form 502FED-1 Instructions regarding the process by which such person may be designated. The qualifications for a person to be a state representative are the same as provided by the Internal Revenue Service for a federal partnership representative.

Alternative Payment Election

An audited partnership may enter into an agreement with the Department to use an alternative reporting and payment method (“alternative payment election”). The Department will enter into such agreement only if such audited partnership demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Department, that the alternative method is reasonably expected to provide for the reporting and payment of taxes, penalties, and interest due by the partners in aggregate. Application for approval of an alternative reporting and payment method must be made by the audited partnership no later than 90 days after the final determination date. The audited partnership must also submit the Form 502FED-1 to the

Department no later than 90 days after the final determination date.

The partnership should indicate in its application whether, in the event its application is denied, it would like to make a partnership pays election. If the partnership would like to make a partnership pays election in the event that its application is denied but does not indicate so in its application, the partnership must submit a letter in writing to the Department within 90 days of the final determination date indicating this desire.

Effect of the Partnership Pays Election and the Alternative Reporting Election

Revoking the Election

If a partnership or partner makes a partnership pays election or an alternative payment election, such election is irrevocable by such partnership or partner. However, pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-399.4, such election is revocable by the Department in its discretion.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 13 - August 13, 2021

[TABLE 13-1] | o later than 90 days after the final determination date. The audited partnership must also submit the Form 502FED-1 to the | Department no later than 90 days after the final determination date. |

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 13-2] The partnership should indicate in its application whether, in the event its application is denied, it would like to make a partnership pays election. If the partnership would like to make a partnership pays election in the event that its application is denied but does not indicate so in its application, the partnership must submit a letter in writing to the Department within 90 days of the final determination date indicating this desire.

[/TABLE]

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

Paid-in-Lieu of Partner’s Taxes

If properly reported and paid by the electing partnership, amounts paid pursuant to a partnership pays or alternative payment election will be treated as paid in lieu of taxes owed by a direct or indirect partner, to the extent applicable, on the final federal adjustments. As a result, the partners of such partnership may exclude the income on which such tax was paid when filing any subsequent amended returns. Since the income is excluded, no tax attributes of the affected partners will be reduced.

However, if an electing partnership fails to timely make any report or payment, the Department may assess the direct and indirect partners of such partnership for any taxes owed. Each partner is required to provide information requested by the electing partnership so that such partnership can properly calculate the amount due under the

partnership pays election or the alternative payment election.

Treatment of Tax Preferences on Partners’ Taxes

General Rule

Direct and indirect partners are not allowed to claim subtractions, deductions, credits, or refunds of amounts paid by the partnership. In addition, no net operating losses of any type may be eligible to reduce the total additional Virginia taxable income or distributive share of such income when the audited partnership makes a partnership pays election or an alternative payment election.

Exception for Credit for Taxes Paid

The amount of tax paid by the electing partnership pursuant to Va. Code §§ 58.1-399.1 and 58.1-399.3 is considered to have been paid by its direct partners in proportion to their

ownership of such partnership. Accordingly, resident direct partners who would be eligible for a credit under Va. Code § 58.1-332(A) if they paid the tax themselves will be eligible for a credit for their distributive share of amounts paid by the electing partnership.

Nonresident direct partners who would be eligible for a credit under Va. Code § 58.1-332(B) if they paid the tax themselves will also be eligible for a credit for their distributive share of amounts paid by the electing partnership.

In order to allow its direct partners to claim a credit under Va. Code § 58.1-332 for payments made by an electing partnership pursuant to Va. Code §§ 58.1-399.1 and 58.1-399.3, the electing partnership is required to provide written statements to each direct partner. For each direct partner, the written statement is required to indicate the amount of tax that has been paid by the partnership on his or her behalf, the direct partner’s proportion of ownership of such partnership, and the direct partner’s distributive share of amounts paid by such partnership. It is recommended that any written statement be provided to direct partners as soon as possible to ensure such partners have sufficient time to file amended returns for refunds if they are eligible. Failure of the electing

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

partnership to provide a written statement to a direct partner will not extend the partner’s applicable statute of limitations for refunds.

Tiered Partners

The following categories of partners are subject to the partnership reporting requirement and are entitled to make a partnership pays election or apply to use an alternative reporting and payment method:

  1. Any direct tiered partner of an audited partnership;

  2. Any indirect tiered partner of an audited partnership; and

  3. Any partner of a partner specified in 1 or 2 above.

Any of the three categories of partners described above must make any required reports and payments no later than 90 days after the time for filing and providing statements to tiered partners and their partners pursuant to the provisions of IRC § 6226 and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

Limitations Periods

Assessments Arising From Federal Adjustments

A one-year statute of limitations period applies to assessments arising from federal adjustments. Where no partnership pays election or alternative payment election has

been made

  • The Department may assess taxes, interest, and penalties against each partner within one year of the date on which each partner filed an amended Virginia income tax return; and

  • The Department may assess the failure to file penalty against a partnership within one year of the date on which it filed Form 502FED-1.

If a partner or partnership fails to file an amended Virginia income tax return or Form 502FED-1 within the time period specified, the statute of limitations on assessments will remain open indefinitely until such return or form is filed. Similar treatment applies if a Virginia amended return or form is filed within the time period specified but the partner or partnership omits final federal adjustments or understates the correct amount of tax owed.

Where a partnership pays election or alternative payment election has been made, the Department may assess in-lieu-of-amounts, interest, and penalties against the partnership within one year of the date on which it was required to file a Form 502FED-1 and, if applicable, a Form 502FED-2. If the partnership fails to pay the full amount of

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

payment required under such election, the Department may assess taxes, interest, and penalties against each partner of the partnership within one year of the date on which each partner would have been required to file an amended Virginia income tax return had no partnership pays election been made.

This one-year limitations is in addition to and not in place of any other limitations period that may apply. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the partner and the Department, any adjustments by the Department or by the partner or partnership that are made pursuant to this one-year statute of limitations are limited to adjustments to the partner's or partnership’s tax liability that arise from federal adjustments.

Refunds Arising from Federal Adjustments

A one-year statute of limitations period applies to refunds arising from federal adjustments. Where no partnership pays election or alternative payment election has been made:

  • Each partner may claim a refund of taxes, interest, and penalties within one year of the date on which each partner was required to file an amended Virginia income tax return; and

  • The partnership may claim a refund of the failure to file penalty within one year of the date on which it was required to file Form 502FED-1.

Where a partnership pays election or alternative payment election has been made, the partnership may claim a refund of in-lieu-of-amounts, interest, and penalties if such claim for refund is made within one year of the date on which it was required to file Form

502FED-1.

This one-year limitations is in addition to and not in place of any other limitations period that may apply. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the partner and the Department, any adjustments by the Department or by the partner or partnership that are made pursuant to this one-year statute of limitations are limited to adjustments to the partner's or partnership’s tax liability that arise from federal adjustments.

Extensions of the Limitations Periods

This one-year limitation period for assessments and refunds may be extended

  • Automatically, upon written notice to the Department, by 60 days for an audited partnership or a tiered partner that has 10,000 or more direct partners; or
  • By written agreement between the partnership or partner and the Department.

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Guidelines for Reporting Federal Tax Adjustments

Any extension granted extends by an equal time period the last day for the Department to assess any additional amounts arising from the adjustments to federal taxable income and the period for filing a claim for refund or credit of taxes.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website, located at https://townhall.virginia.gov, and on the Guidance Documents section of the Department’s website, located at http://tax.virginia.gov/guidance-documents. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

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Guidelines for Certified Company Income ApportionmentDoc ID: Corporate

Original: 4,200 words
Condensed: 2,728 words
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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

Introduction

During the 2018 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 222 (2018 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 802) and Senate Bill 883 (2018 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 801), which allow certain companies that have been certified by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority (“certified companies”) to decrease the amount of income taxed by Virginia by making specific modifications to their apportionment of income (“certified company apportionment”).

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding certified company apportionment, as required

by the second enactment clause of 2018 House Bill 222 and 2018 Senate Bill 883. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines complement the Department’s existing Corporation Income Tax Regulation (23 Virginia Administrative Code (“VAC”) 10-120-10 et seq.) and its Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines (P.D. 13-6). To the extent that there is a conflict between the Department’s existing guidance and Va. Code §§ 58.1-405, 58.1-408, 58.1-417 through 58.1-420, 58.1-422, 58.1-422.1, and 58.1-422.2, the provisions of those sections of the Code of Virginia, as interpreted by these guidelines, supersede existing guidance.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

General Overview of Certified Company Apportionment

Multistate Companies

Virginia generally requires the Virginia taxable income of a multistate corporation to be apportioned to Virginia by multiplying such income by an apportionment percentage.

Under Virginia’s standard apportionment method, the apportionment percentage is calculated by adding together a corporation’s property factor plus its payroll factor, plus

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

twice its sales factor, and by dividing such sum by four. In addition to Virginia's standard apportionment method, Virginia has specialized apportionment methods for calculating the apportionment percentage of multistate manufacturing companies, retail companies, companies with enterprise data center operations, motor carriers, railway companies, financial corporations, and construction companies. Effective for Taxable Year 2018 and thereafter, multistate certified companies may decrease the amount of income apportioned to and taxed by Virginia using certified company apportionment.

Instate Companies

A corporation that transacts or conducts its entire business within Virginia within the

meaning of 23 VAC 10-120-120 (“instate corporation”) is not generally permitted to apportion its Virginia taxable income based upon an apportionment percentage. Instead, an instate corporation is generally required to pay state income tax based upon its entire Virginia taxable income. Effective for Taxable Year 2018 and thereafter, instate certified companies may decrease the amount of income taxed by Virginia using certified company apportionment.

Requirements to Become a Certified Company

Eligibility Criteria

A company seeking to use certified company apportionment is eligible to use such apportionment method if it is a corporation or pass-through entity that:

 Does not have any existing property or payroll in Virginia as of January 1, 2018;

and

 On or after January 1, 2018, but before January 1, 2025

o Creates at least 50 new jobs in a qualified locality or qualified localities;

o Is a traded-sector company; and

o Generates a positive fiscal impact.

A lower 10 new job threshold applies if the company spends at least $5 million on new capital investment in a qualified locality or qualified localities on or after January 1, 2018, but before January 1, 2025.

Certification by VEDP

In addition, a company must be annually certified by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority (“VEDP”) as meeting the above eligibility criteria to use certified

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

company apportionment. For each taxable year, a company must file with VEDP an application for certification or re-certification. Applications will be accepted during the period beginning on January 1 and ending April 1 of the calendar year immediately following the taxable year for which certification or re-certification is sought. To remain a certified company able to use certified company apportionment for any taxable year, the company must be recertified by VEDP for such taxable year.

For additional information about meeting the eligibility requirements and receiving an annual certification or re-certification, please visit VEDP’s website, www.vedp.org.

Disadvantaged Localities Qualified for Certified Company Apportionment

The disadvantaged localities in which companies must create jobs and, if applicable, make investments are those that are specified by Va. Code § 58.1-405.1(A) as qualified localities. Once certified, the computation of the company’s apportionment also depends upon the extent to which the company’s business activities are conducted in such localities. The qualified localities are:

 The Counties of Alleghany, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, or Wythe or the Cities of Bristol, Galax, or Norton;

 The Counties of Amelia, Appomattox, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Henry, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, or Prince Edward, or the Cities of Danville or Martinsville;

 The Counties of Accomack, Caroline, Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northampton, Northumberland, Richmond, or Westmoreland; or

 The Counties of Brunswick or Dinwiddie, or the City of Petersburg.

In addition, a qualified development site may be treated as a qualified locality. A qualified development site is real property that is in a locality adjacent to a qualified locality and, before January 1, 2018, either:

 Was owned or partly owned by a qualified locality or an industrial development authority of which a qualified locality is a member; or

 Was owned or partly owned by a locality or industrial development authority, was leased to a private party, and was subject to a revenue-sharing agreement providing that a portion of the revenues from the lease would be distributed to a qualified locality.

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

A qualified development site does not include real property that is not owned by Virginia or a political subdivision thereof.

Filing Requirements

Once a company receives certification in writing from VEDP for a particular year, such certified company may apportion its income on its Virginia income tax return based upon certified company apportionment. Any certified company that elects to use certified company apportionment is required to maintain the certification letter and any other documentation that substantiates its eligibility for, and calculation of, its certified company apportionment, including, but not limited to, any documentation showing the amount of

property and payroll reported to and accepted by VEDP as generating a positive fiscal impact. Such documentation must be provided to the Department upon request.

A certified company may use certified company apportionment for the taxable year in which it first is certified and for the six subsequent, consecutive taxable years (“the eligibility period”). However, a company that used the 50 new job threshold to become eligible may not use certified company apportionment for any year during the eligibility period in which:

 The company's number of jobs in a qualified locality or qualified localities falls below the 50 job initial threshold; or

 The company fails to receive re-certification from VEDP in writing.

If the company used the 10 new job threshold to become eligible, then such company may not use certified company apportionment for any year during the eligibility period in which:

 The company's number of jobs in a qualified locality or qualified localities falls below the 10 job initial threshold;

 The company's capital investment falls below $5 million initial threshold; or

 The company fails to receive re-certification from VEDP in writing.

A company’s failure to meet the applicable threshold(s) or its failure to receive re-certification for a particular taxable year makes it ineligible to use certified company

apportionment for that year. Nevertheless, a company may remedy these failures and may use certified company apportionment for a taxable year occurring after the year of the failure and during the eligibility period by meeting the applicable threshold(s) and receiving re-certification for the later year.

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

Certified Company Apportionment by Multistate Certified Companies

A multistate company that qualifies as a certified company and elects to use certified company apportionment may use such apportionment method to modify the numerator(s) of its apportionment factor(s). The computation for a multistate certified company depends upon whether such company is subject to Virginia’s standard apportionment method or a specialized apportionment method.

Standard Apportionment Method

If a certified company is required or, if not required, elects to use Virginia's standard

apportionment method, the company may modify the application of such method by making certain modifications to the numerator of each of its apportionment factors.

Modifications to the Property Factor

The numerator of a certified company’s property factor may be reduced by the value of its qualifying Virginia property:

Modified Property All Virginia Property – Qualifying Virginia Property = Factor Property Everywhere Qualifying Virginia property is Virginia property:

 Acquired on or after January 1, 2018, but before January 1, 2025; and

 Located in a qualified locality.

The certified company must follow the principles in 23 VAC 10-120-160 and 23 VAC 10-120-170 to determine the value of property that is located in a qualified locality.

The total amount of property used to reduce the property factor numerator may not exceed the amount of the property reported to and approved by VEDP during the company’s most recent annual certification.

Modifications to the Payroll Factor

The numerator of a certified company’s payroll factor may be reduced by the value of its qualifying Virginia payroll:

Modified Payroll All Virginia Payroll – Qualifying Virginia Payroll = Factor Payroll Everywhere

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

Qualifying Virginia payroll is Virginia payroll

 Attributable to jobs created on or after January 1, 2018, but before January 1, 2025; and

 Located in a qualified locality.

The certified company must follow the principles in 23 VAC 10-120-190 and 23 VAC 10-120-200 to determine the payroll that is located in a qualified locality.

The total amount of payroll used to reduce the payroll factor numerator may not exceed the amount of the payroll reported to and approved by VEDP during the company’s most recent annual certification.

Modifications to the Sales Factor

The numerator of a certified company’s sales factor may be reduced by the value of all its Virginia sales. Therefore, a certified company’s sales factor will always be zero.

Example 1. A multistate company with $100,000 of Virginia taxable income has apportionment factors as follows:

Property Payroll Sales

Virginia $25,000 $40,000 $100,000

Everywhere $100,000 $120,000 $1,000,000 Percentage 25% 33.33% 10%

Under Virginia’s standard apportionment method, the apportionment percentage is 19.58% ([25% + 33.33% + 2(10%)] / [4]). Therefore, using Virginia’s standard apportionment method, such company would generally be required to pay Virginia income tax on $19,580 of its income (19.58% apportionment percentage X $100,000 of income).

The remaining $80,420 of its income would be untaxed by Virginia because it is deemed attributable to other states.

However, if the multistate company is a certified company and all its Virginia property is qualifying (i.e., property acquired on or after January 1, 2018, but before January 1, 2025, in any qualified locality) and all its Virginia payroll is qualifying (i.e., payroll attributable to jobs created on or after January 1, 2018, but before January 1, 2025, in any qualified

locality), the numerator of its property and payroll factors may be reduced using certified company apportionment, as shown below:

Virginia Department of Taxation - 6 - January 7, 2019

[TABLE 6-1] Attributable to jobs created on or after January 1, 2018, but before January 1, 2025; and

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 6-2] The certified company must follow the principles in 23 VAC 10-120-190 and 23 VAC 10-120-200 to determine the payroll that is located in a qualified locality.

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 6-3] | | | | Property | | | Payroll | | | Sales | | Virginia | | | $25,000 | | | $40,000 | | | $100,000 | | Everywhere | | | $100,000 | | | $120,000 | | | $1,000,000 | | Percentage | | | 25% | | | 33.33% | | | 10% |

[/TABLE]

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

Modified $25,000-$25,000 $0 = = Property Factor $100,000 $100,000

Modified $40,000-$40,000 $0 = = Payroll Factor $120,000 $120,000 As with all certified companies, this company’s sales factor is 0%.

Therefore, the multistate company’s factors after applying certified company apportionment will be as follows:

Property Payroll Sales Virginia $0 $0 $0

Everywhere $100,000 $120,000 1,000,000 Percentage 0% 0% 0%

Under Virginia’s standard apportionment method as modified by certified company apportionment, the company’s apportionment percentage is 0%. As a result, this company’s income subject to Virginia tax is $0 under certified company apportionment rather than $19,580 under the standard apportionment for non-certified companies.

Example 2. Same as Example 1, but only $10,000 of its property is qualifying Virginia property and only $10,000 of its payroll is qualifying Virginia payroll for purposes of certified company apportionment. The numerator of its property and payroll factors may

be reduced using certified company apportionment, as shown below

Modified $25,000-$10,000 $15,000 = = Property Factor $100,000 $100,000 Modified $40,000-$10,000 $30,000 = = Payroll Factor $120,000 $120,000 As with all certified companies, this company’s sales factor is 0%.

Therefore, the multistate company’s factors after applying certified company apportionment are as follows:

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

Property Payroll Sales

Virginia $15,000 $30,000 $0 Everywhere $100,000 $120,000 $1,000,000

Percentage 15% 25% 0%

Under Virginia’s standard apportionment method as modified by certified company apportionment, the company’s apportionment percentage is 10% ([15% + 25% + 2(0%)] / [4]). As a result, this company’s income subject to Virginia tax is $10,000 (10% apportionment percentage X $100,000 of Virginia taxable income) under certified company apportionment rather than $19,580 under standard apportionment for non-certified companies.

Specialized Apportionment Methods Based Upon a Single Sales Factor

In addition to Virginia's standard apportionment method, a certified company using a single sales factor apportionment method as a manufacturing company, a retail company, or an enterprise data center may modify its apportionment factor numerator, as explained below:

 Manufacturing Companies. A certified company that is a manufacturing company electing to apportion its income using a single factor apportionment method based on sales may use certified company apportionment to reduce the numerator of such factor by an amount equal to the value of its sales in Virginia.

 Retail Companies. A certified company that is a retail company required to apportion its income using a single factor apportionment method based on sales may use certified company apportionment to reduce the numerator of such factor by an amount equal to the value of its sales in Virginia.

 Taxpayers with Enterprise Data Center Operations. A certified company

that is a taxpayer with enterprise data center operations required to apportion its income using a single factor apportionment method based on sales may use certified company apportionment to reduce the numerator of such factor by an amount equal to the value of its sales in Virginia.

Because a certified company may use the value of all of its Virginia sales to reduce the numerator of its sales factor, the apportionment percentage for certified companies using one of these single sales factor methods of apportionment will always be zero.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 8 - January 7, 2019

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

In order to use a single sales factor apportionment method, the certified company must independently qualify for it. Therefore, no certified company may use such unless it is also a manufacturing company, a retail company, or a taxpayer with an enterprise data center operation that is required or, if not required, has properly elected to use such method.

Effective for Taxable Year 2019 and thereafter, Virginia law requires debt buyers to use a single sales factor apportionment method. A debt buyer is not permitted to use certified company apportionment to reduce the numerator of its single sales factor because neither 2018 House Bill 222 nor Senate Bill 883 provided for such a modification.

Example 3. A multistate company’s factors are as follows

Property Payroll Sales Virginia $25,000 $40,000 $100,000

Everywhere $100,000 $120,000 $1,000,000 Percentage 25% 33.33% 10%

If the multistate company is a manufacturing company electing to use single sales factor apportionment, such company’s apportionment percentage is 10% because its apportionment is based solely on its sales factor. Therefore, using Virginia’s apportionment method for manufacturing companies such company would generally be required to pay Virginia income tax on $10,000 of its income (10% apportionment

percentage X $100,000 of income).

However, if the company is a certified company, the sales factor will equal 0%. Because the company is using a single sales factor apportionment method, its apportionment percentage will therefore be 0% as well. As a result, this company’s income subject to Virginia tax is $0 under certified company apportionment rather than $10,000 under the apportionment method for manufacturing companies.

Specialized Apportionment Methods Based Upon a Single Factor Other Than Sales

A certified company using a single factor apportionment method not based upon sales may modify the numerator of its apportionment factor, as explained below:

 Motor Carriers. A certified company that is a motor carrier of property or passengers is permitted to modify its single factor apportionment method based

on vehicle miles by using certified company apportionment to reduce the numerator of such factor by an amount equal to its vehicle miles traveled in any qualified locality.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 9 - January 7, 2019

[TABLE 9-1] | | | | Property | | | Payroll | | | Sales | | Virginia | | | $25,000 | | | $40,000 | | | $100,000 | | Everywhere | | | $100,000 | | | $120,000 | | | $1,000,000 | | Percentage | | | 25% | | | 33.33% | | | 10% |

[/TABLE]

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

 Railway Companies. A certified company that is a railway company may modify its single factor apportionment method based on revenue car miles by using certified company apportionment to reduce the numerator of such factor by an amount equal to its revenue car miles traveled in any qualified locality.

 Financial Corporations. A certified company that is a financial corporation may modify its single factor apportionment method based on its business conducted in Virginia by using certified company apportionment to reduce the numerator of such factor by an amount equal to the value of its business within

any qualified locality.

 Construction Corporations. A certified company that is a construction corporation may modify its single factor apportionment method based on business conducted in Virginia by using certified company apportionment to reduce the numerator of such factor by an amount equal to the value of its business within any qualified locality.

In order to use a single factor apportionment method not based upon sales, the certified company must independently qualify for it. Therefore, no certified company may use such method unless it is a motor carrier, railway company, financial corporation, or construction corporation permitted or required to use such method.

Certified Company Apportionment by Instate Certified Companies

An instate company that qualifies as a certified company and elects to use certified company apportionment may apportion Virginia taxable income as if they were a multistate company and use certified company apportionment to modify the numerator(s) of their apportionment factor(s). This is an exception to the general rule prohibiting the use of apportionment by instate companies. As with certified multistate companies, the computation of such numerator(s) for instate certified companies depends upon whether such companies are subject to Virginia’s standard apportionment method or a specialized apportionment method.

Example 4. A company with $100,000 of Virginia taxable income has all of its property, payroll, and sales located in Virginia, as shown below:

Property Payroll Sales

Qualified localities $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 Non-qualified

localities $15,000 $30,000 $90,000

All of Virginia $25,000 $40,000 $100,000

Virginia Department of Taxation - 10 - January 7, 2019

[TABLE 10-1] | | | | Property | | | Payroll | | | Sales | | Qualified localities | | | $10,000 | | | $10,000 | | | $10,000 | | Non-qualified | | | | | | | | | | | localities | | | $15,000 | | | $30,000 | | | $90,000 | | All of Virginia | | | $25,000 | | | $40,000 | | | $100,000 |

[/TABLE]

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

Assume that all of its property and payroll located in qualified localities constitutes qualifying Virginia property and qualifying Virginia payroll, respectively. Because the company is instate company, it would generally be required to pay Virginia income tax on all $100,000 of its income. However, if the company is a certified company, then it may apportion its Virginia taxable income within Virginia based upon an apportionment percentage. The company would calculate its property and payroll factors as follows:

Property Payroll

Non-qualified localities $15,000 $30,000

All of Virginia $25,000 $40,000 Percentage 60% 75%

As with all certified companies, this company’s sales factor would be 0%. Under Virginia’s standard three-factor formula with double-weighted sales, the company’s apportionment percentage is 33.75% ([60% + 75% + 2(0%)] / [4]). As a result, this company’s income subject to Virginia tax is $33,750 (33.75% apportionment percentage X $100,000 of Virginia taxable income) under certified company apportionment rather than $100,000 under the standard rules for non-certified instate companies.

Treatment of Pass-through Entities

Pass-through entities (“PTEs”) are required to use corporate apportionment to determine the portion of their income that is from Virginia sources for purposes of allocating a share of that income to nonresident individuals. This will affect the amount that nonresident individuals report on their Virginia nonresident income tax returns or that the PTE reports on behalf of its nonresident owners, and the amount for which the PTE may be required to withhold from Virginia income. See the PTE Guidelines (P.D. 15-240) for more information.

A corporate owner of a PTE may be required to include its share of the PTE’s property, payroll, and sales in the corporation’s own apportionment factors. (See P.D. 95-19, 95-263, and 99-76.) If the PTE meets the requirements of a certified company, it may use certified company apportionment under the same conditions applicable to corporations.

The corporate owners would include in their factors only their share of the PTE’s factors for the applicable taxable year.

Documentation and Record Keeping

A certified company must include with its income tax return information regarding the amounts subtracted from the numerators of the relevant apportionment factors. The

Virginia Department of Taxation - 11 - January 7, 2019

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Certified Company Apportionment Guidelines for Business Conducted in Certain Disadvantaged Localities

Department must use such information to compute the fiscal savings to such companies and must report annually by the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations, the House Committee on Finance, and the Senate Committee on Finance:

 The number of returns processed during the prior fiscal year for certified companies that used certified company apportionment;

 The estimated revenue impact of certified company apportionment.

Certified companies may be required to provide information and documentation to the Department regarding the modification of its apportionment method as deemed necessary.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online under the Laws, Rules and Decisions section of the Department’s website, located at http://www.tax.virginia.gov/. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 12 - January 7, 2019

International Trade Facility Tax Credit GuidelinesDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

Original: 5,622 words
Condensed: 4,903 words
Reduction: 12.8%

Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines **These Guidelines supersede the International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines that were issued by the Department on April 17, 2012 and December 7, 2012 (Public Documents 12-45 and 12-205).

Introduction

During the 2011 session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 1136 (2011 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 49), which established the International Trade Facility Tax Credit. This is an individual and corporate income tax credit for either capital investment in an “international trade facility” (as defined by Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:06(A)) or increasing jobs related to such facility. The amount of the credit is equal to either $3,000 per qualified full-time employee that results from increased qualified trade activities by the taxpayer or two percent of the capital investment made by the taxpayer to facilitate the increased qualified trade activities.

Two additional port tax credits were enacted during the 2011 General Assembly session: the Barge and Rail Usage Tax Credit (Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:09) and the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit (Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:10). These credits provide separate tax incentives for certain companies that use Virginia port facilities. Although all three credits offer incentives for port-related activities, each credit is mutually exclusive, and separate definitions and requirements apply to each credit. Taxpayers may claim the International Trade Facility Tax Credit in the same taxable year that they claim the Barge and Rail Usage Tax Credit and/or the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit.

During the 2012 session, the General Assembly enacted House Bill 1183 and Senate Bill 578 (2012 Acts of Assembly, Chapters 846 and 849), which increased the jobs portion of the International Trade Facility Tax Credit from $3,000 to $3,500 per qualified full-time employee that results from increased qualified trade activities by the taxpayer.

As this legislation became effective July 1, 2012, the increased credit amount may be claimed beginning in Taxable Year 2012.

During the 2014 session, the General Assembly enacted House Bill 873 (2014 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 423), which: (i) reduces from 10 percent to 5 percent the annual increase in cargo transported through a Virginia maritime port necessary to qualify as an international trade facility; (ii) expands the type of cargo that qualifies for the credit to include noncontainerized cargo and roll-on/roll-off cargo; (iii) increases the amount of annual International Trade Facility Tax Credits that the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) may issue in any fiscal year from $250,000 to $1.25 million; (iv) eliminates additional tax credits for international trade facilities that create new jobs or make capital investments in a tobacco dependent locality; and (v) requires the Department to annually provide information to the Virginia Port Authority regarding the International Trade Facility Tax Credits issued.

These guidelines are issued by the Department to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the International Trade Facility Tax Credit. These guidelines are exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) Virginia Department of Taxation 1 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines according to the provisions outlined in Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:06. These Guidelines supersede the International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines issued by the Department on April 17, 2012 and December 7, 2012 (Public Documents 12-45 and 12-205). As necessary, additional guidelines will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines are contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835 and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

Requirements for an International Trade Facility

For purposes of the International Trade Facility Tax Credit, an “international trade facility” is defined as a company that:

 Is engaged in port-related activities;  Uses any publicly or privately owned maritime port facilities located in Virginia; and  Transports at least 5 percent more cargo through any publicly or privately owned cargo facility located within the Commonwealth through which cargo is transported during the taxable year than was transported by the company through such facilities during the preceding taxable year.1

For purposes of this credit, the term “international trade facility” refers to the company itself, rather than the facility where port-related activities are being conducted by the company. Each company that qualifies as an international trade facility will calculate one base year amount and one credit amount each year, regardless of the number of facilities owned or the number of projects undertaken by that company. Accordingly, if the amount of cargo transported through one particular maritime port facility in Virginia does not increase by at least 5 percent, this may affect whether the company meets the 5 percent volume increase requirement, even if the company increases the number of qualifying containers transported through other facilities.

Example 1: Computing Maritime Port Cargo Volume Increases Company A is a company that is engaged in port-related activities and uses two different maritime port facilities located in Virginia (“Facility 1” and “Facility 2”).

During the 2013 taxable year, Company A transports 100 20-foot equivalent marine containers through Facility 1 and 200 20-foot equivalent marine containers through Facility 2. During the 2014 taxable year, Company A

1 See Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:06(A). Note that prior to Taxable Year 2014, the applicable percentage was 10 percent.

Virginia Department of Taxation 2 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines transports 106 20-foot equivalent marine containers through Facility 1 and 203 20-foot equivalent marine containers through Facility 2. Company A’s increase in maritime port cargo volume is computed as follows:

ሺ106 + 203ሻ - (100 + 200) (100 + 200) = 3% Although Company A has increased the amount of cargo that it transported through Facility 1 by 6 percent, it has only increased the total amount of cargo transported through all maritime facilities by 3 percent. Because Company A has not increased the total amount of cargo transported through all maritime facilities in Virginia by at least 5 percent, it does not qualify as an international trade facility and cannot claim the International Trade Facility Tax Credit during the 2014 taxable year.

The definition of an “international trade facility” for purposes of this credit is different than the definition of an “international trade facility” for purposes of the Barge and Rail Usage Tax Credit. Accordingly, each definition should be applied separately for each credit.

“Port-related activities” include, but are not limited to, warehousing, distribution, freight forwarding and handling, and goods processing.

For purposes of determining the amount of cargo transported through public or private maritime port facilities in Virginia, one 20-foot equivalent marine container is equivalent to 16 net tons of noncontainerized cargo. One net ton is equivalent to one short ton, or 2,200 pounds. Moreover, for purposes of determining the amount of cargo transported through maritime port facilities in Virginia, one 20-foot equivalent marine container is equivalent to one unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo.

For purposes of determining the number of 20-foot equivalent marine containers transported through Virginia maritime facilities, only a full container load qualifies. A full container load (FCL) is a standard 20-foot, 40-foot, or 45-foot container that is loaded and discharged under the account of one shipper and is intended for one consignee.

For cargo shipped in 40-foot or 45-foot marine containers, one full container load is equivalent to two 20-foot equivalent marine containers.

A less than container load (LCL) is cargo that is insufficient in either weight or volume to qualify for the freight rates that apply to a standard shipping container and is therefore combined with cargo owned by other shippers or with cargo intended for at least one other consignee. An LCL does not qualify as a 20-foot equivalent marine container for purposes of this credit.

Virginia Department of Taxation 3 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines Criteria for Qualified Full-Time Employees

For Taxable Year 2012 and thereafter, the jobs portion of the International Trade Facility Tax Credit is equal to $3,500 per qualified full-time employee that results from increased qualified trade activities by the taxpayer. A “qualified full-time employee” is an employee filling a new, permanent full-time position in an international trade facility in Virginia. To qualify as a “new, permanent full-time position,” the position filled by the employee must be either:

 A job of indefinite duration, created by the company after establishing or expanding an international trade facility in Virginia, requiring a minimum of 35 hours of employment per week for each employee for the entire normal year (defined as at least 48 weeks in a calendar year) of the company’s operations, or  A position of indefinite duration that requires a minimum of 35 hours of employment per week for each employee for the portion of the taxable year in which the employee was initially hired for, or transferred to, the international trade facility in Virginia.

Only employees filling permanent full-time positions qualify for this credit. Accordingly, employees filling seasonal or temporary positions do not qualify for this credit.

Additionally, positions that are ancillary to the principal activities performed by the employees at the international trade facility do not qualify for this credit. Such positions include jobs in building and grounds maintenance and security positions.

Jobs created when a job function is shifted from an existing location in Virginia to the international trade facility do not qualify for this credit. However, otherwise qualifying jobs that are created when a job function is shifted from an existing location in another state to an international trade facility located in Virginia are eligible for the credit.

Related Party Rules

An international trade facility may not claim a credit for certain employees who were previously employed by a related party or a business under common control. Examples of employees that do not qualify for purposes of this credit include the following:

 An employee for whom an International Trade Facility Tax Credit was previously earned by a related party or by a trade or business under common control;  An employee who was previously employed in the same job function in Virginia by a related party or by a trade or business under common control;  An employee whose job function was previously performed at a different location in Virginia by an employee of the taxpayer, by a related party, or by a trade or business under common control; and Virginia Department of Taxation 4 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines  An employee whose job function previously qualified for an International Trade Facility Tax Credit at a different major business facility (as defined in Va. Code § 58.1-439(C)), on behalf of the taxpayer, by a related party, or by a trade or business under common control.

For purposes of these limitations, “related party” means a related party as defined in IRC § 267(b). A “trade or business under common control” means a trade or business under common control as defined for purposes of the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit in IRC § 52(b).

Criteria for Capital Investments

The capital investment portion of the International Trade Facility Tax Credit is equal to 2 percent of the amount of capital investment made by the taxpayer to facilitate increased qualified trade activities. For Taxable Year 2014 and thereafter, “qualified trade activities” are defined as the completed exportation or importation of at least (i) one International Organization for Standardization ocean container with a minimum 20-foot length (ii) 16 tons of noncontainerized cargo, or (iii) one unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo through any publicly or privately owned cargo facility located within Virginia through which the cargo is transported. Export cargomust be loaded on a barge or ocean-going vessel at such facility and import cargo must be discharged from a barge or ocean-going vessel at such facility.

For purposes of this credit, “capital investment” is defined as the amount properly chargeable to a capital account for improvements to rehabilitate or expand depreciable real property placed in service during the taxable year and the cost of machinery, tools, and equipment used in an international trade facility directly related to the movement of cargo. Capital investment includes the following:

 Expenditures associated with any exterior, structural, mechanical, or electrical improvements necessary to expand or rehabilitate a building for commercial or industrial use;  Expenditures associated with excavations, grading, paving, driveways, roads, sidewalks, landscaping, or other land improvements; and  The cost of machinery, tools, and equipment placed in service by the international trade facility on and after January 1, 2011.

For purposes of this credit, “machinery, tools, and equipment” does not include the following:

 Property for which an International Trade Facility Tax Credit was previously granted;  Property previously placed in service by the taxpayer, a related party as defined in IRC § 267(b), or a trade or business under common control as defined in IRC § 52(b); or Virginia Department of Taxation 5 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines  Property previously in service in Virginia that has a basis in the hands of the person acquiring it, determined in whole or in part by reference to the basis of such property in the hands of the person from whom acquired or IRC § 1014(a).

The following are not considered capital investments for purposes of this credit:

 The cost of acquiring any real property or building;  The cost of furnishings;  Any expenditure associated with appraisal, architectural, engineering, or interior design fees;  Loan fees, points, or capitalized interest;  Legal, accounting, realtor, sales and marketing, or other professional fees;  Closing costs, permit fees, user fees, zoning fees, impact fees, and inspection fees;  Bids, insurance, signage, utilities, bonding, copying, rent loss, or temporary facilities costs incurred during construction;  Utility hook-up or access fees;  Outbuildings; and  The cost of any well or septic system.

Computation and Carryover of Credits

For Taxable Year 2011, taxpayers may claim a credit equal to either $3,000 per qualified full-time employee that results from increased qualified trade activities by the taxpayer or two percent of the capital investment made by the taxpayer to facilitate the increased qualified trade activities. For Taxable Year 2012 and thereafter, the jobs portion of the credit is equal to $3,500 per qualified full-time employee that results from increased qualified trade activities by the taxpayer. In cases where a qualified full-time employee works in Virginia for less than 12 months during the credit year, the credit for this employee is computed by multiplying the credit amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full months the employee works for the international trade facility in Virginia during the credit year and the denominator of which is 12.

The amount of credit claimed by a taxpayer cannot exceed 50 percent of the tax imposed on that taxpayer for the taxable year. Any remaining credit amount may be carried forward for the next ten taxable years. If a taxpayer is also allowed another tax credit or has a credit carryforward from a preceding taxable year, the taxpayer is considered to have first utilized any credit that does not have a carryforward provision, and then any credit carried forward from a preceding year, before using any of the International Trade Facility Tax Credit for that year.

Because an international trade facility is a company, rather than a physical location, the provisions of this credit apply at the company level, rather than on a per-project basis.

Accordingly, each company may only claim either the jobs tax credit or the investment Virginia Department of Taxation 6 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines tax credit each year, regardless of the number of facilities owned by the company or the number of projects undertaken each year.

Example 2: Computation of International Trade Facility Tax Credits Company B is an international trade facility that expanded its operations in 2011 to facilitate increased qualified trade activities. As a result of this expansion, in 2012, Company B hires twenty qualified full-time employees and incurs capital investment expenses of $2 million. Company B is entitled to claim either a jobs tax credit or a capital investment tax credit.

If Company B elects to claim a jobs tax credit, the credit amount is computed as follows:

(20 jobs created) x ($3,500 per job) = $70,000

If Company B elects to claim the capital investment tax credit, the credit amount is computed as follows:

($2,000,000 capital investment) x (2%) = $40,000

Company B can elect to claim either the job credit or the capital investment credit, but cannot claim both for the same year, even if the costs are incurred as a result of separate projects.

Example 3: Credit Computation and Carryover Assume the same facts as Example 2 and also assume that Company B elects to claim the jobs tax credit in an amount equal to $70,000. Company B’s tax liability for the 2012 taxable year is $40,000 and the company does not claim any other credits for the 2012 taxable year. Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:06(D) limits the amount of credit claimed to 50 percent of the tax imposed for the taxable year.

Accordingly, Company B can only use $20,000 of the International Trade Facility Tax Credit for the 2012 taxable year. It can then carry forward the remaining $50,000 credit through the 2022 taxable year.

Example 4: Credit Computation for Fractional Employees Assume the same facts as Example 2, except that ten of the employees hired by Company B during 2012 do not begin working until September 1, 2012. These employees still qualify for the credit. The portion of the $3,500 credit earned with respect to each fractional employee must be determined as follows:

($3,500 credit) x (4 months/12) = $1,166.67

The total jobs tax credit amount is then computed as follows

(10 jobs created) x ($3,500 per job) = $35,000 (10 jobs created) x ($1,166.67 per job) = $11,667 Virginia Department of Taxation 7 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines Total jobs tax credit = $46,667

Example 5: Application of the Credit Election Rules Company C is an international trade facility that is engaged in port-related activities at two different maritime port facilities in Virginia (“Facility 1” and “Facility 2”). As a result of its increased qualified trade activities, Company C decides to expand two buildings, one located at Facility 1 (“Building 1”) and the second located at Facility 2 (“Building 2”). To implement the expansion, Company C makes a capital investment of $2 million in Building 1 and a capital investment of $10 million in Building 2 during Taxable Year 2012.

Also as a result of its increased qualified trade activities, Company C decides to hire 100 additional employees to work at Facility 1 and 50 additional employees to work at Facility 2 during Taxable Year 2012.

Company C can elect to claim either the job tax credit or the capital investment tax credit. However, it can only elect one of the two credits for all projects – it cannot elect the job tax credit for Facility 1 and the capital investment tax credit for Facility 2.

If Company C elects to claim the capital investment tax credit, it could apply for a credit of $240,000, computed as follows:

($2,000,000 + $10,000,000) x (2%) = $240,000

If Company C elects to claim the jobs tax credit, it could apply for a credit of $525,000, computed as follows:

(100 jobs + 50 jobs) x ($3,500) = $525,000

Recapture of Certain Credits

Part or all of the jobs tax credit may be recaptured if employment levels fall below certain threshold amounts in any of the five years following the year for which the credit was earned. There are two situations in which recapture may occur. In both situations, any recapture will first reduce any credit carryforward amounts before increasing a taxpayer’s tax liability.

The first situation occurs when the number of qualified full-time employees in any of the five years succeeding the credit year falls below the average number of qualified full-time employees employed during the credit year. In this situation, all or part of the credit will be recaptured by (i) recalculating the credit which would have been earned for the original credit year using the decreased number of qualified full-time employees and (ii) subtracting the recomputed credit amount from the amount of credit previously earned.

Virginia Department of Taxation 8 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines The second recapture situation occurs when the average number of qualifying full-time employees employed at an international trade facility in any of the five taxable years succeeding the credit year falls below the amount employed by the taxpayer prior to claiming any credits. If this occurs, all credits earned with respect to the international trade facility must be recaptured.

Example 6: Partial Recapture of Credits – Applied Against Carryover Company D is an international trade facility that expanded its operations in 2011 to facilitate increased qualified trade activities. As a result of this expansion, Company D hires 20 qualified full-time employees in 2012 and is granted a jobs tax credit equal to $70,000. Company D’s tax liability for the 2012 taxable year is $40,000. Company D claims a jobs tax credit equal to $20,000 on its 2012 income tax return and carries forward the remaining $50,000 credit.

Company D employed an average of 100 qualified full-time employees during the 2011 taxable year and an average of 120 qualified full-time employees during the 2012 taxable year. During the 2013 taxable year, Company D only employs an average of 110 qualified full-time employees. Part of Company D’s credit must be recaptured pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:06(H). The recapture amount is computed as follows:

Recomputed credit amount: (10 jobs created) x ($3,500 per job) = $35,000

Difference: ($70,000 claimed) – ($35,000 recomputed credit) = $35,000

$35,000 worth of credit must be recaptured. Because Company D has a carryforward amount equal to $50,000, this amount is reduced to $15,000 and Company D will not be assessed any additional taxes.

Example 7: Partial Recapture of Credits – Additional Tax Assessed Assume the same facts as Example 6, except that Company D’s tax liability for the 2012 taxable year is $150,000 and it claims a jobs tax credit equal to $70,000 on its 2012 income tax return. In this case, Company D will be assessed additional income taxes in an amount equal to $35,000.

Example 8: Recapture of the Entire Credit Amount Company E is an international trade facility that expanded its operations in 2011 to facilitate increased qualified trade activities. As a result of this expansion, it hires 20 qualified full-time employees in 2012 and is granted a jobs tax credit equal to $70,000. Company E’s tax liability for the 2012 taxable year is $40,000.

It claims a jobs tax credit equal to $20,000 on its 2012 income tax return and carries forward the remaining $50,000 credit.

Company E employed an average of 100 qualified full-time employees during the 2011 taxable year and 120 qualified full-time employees during the 2012 taxable Virginia Department of Taxation 9 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines year. During the 2013 taxable year, Company E employs an average of 90 qualified full-time employees. The average number of employees during 2013 was less than the average number of employees employed by Company E in 2011 (prior to claiming any credits), so the entire $70,000 credit amount must be recaptured. Because Company E has a $50,000 credit carryover, the carryover amount will be reduced to $0 and the company will be assessed additional income taxes in an amount equal to $20,000.

Treatment of Affiliated Companies

Two or more affiliated companies may elect to aggregate the number of jobs created for qualified full-time employees or the amount of capital investments as the result of establishment or expansion by the individual companies in order to qualify for the International Trade Facility Tax Credit. For purposes of this credit, “affiliated companies” means two or more companies related to each other so that (i) one company owns at least 80 percent of the voting power of the other or others or (ii) the same interest owns at least 80 percent of the voting power of two or more companies.

If two or more affiliated companies elect to aggregate the number of jobs or amount of capital investments, the taxpayers must compute the original credit amount based on the companies’ combined number of jobs and amount of capital investment. In order to aggregate the number of jobs or capital investments, corporate taxpayers must file a combined or consolidated Virginia income tax return.

Once an election has been made to aggregate the companies’ employment figures, the companies must then continue to aggregate their figures for purposes of determining any applicable recapture amount.

Example 9: Computation and Redemption of Credits by Affiliated Companies Company F and Company G are affiliated companies and both companies are international trade facilities for purposes of the International Trade Facility Tax Credit. For the 2011 taxable year, Company F had an average of 50 employees and Company G had an average of 100 employees.

In 2011, Company F expands its operations to facilitate increased qualified trade activities. As a result of this expansion, Company F hires 20 qualified full-time employees in 2012. Company G also expands its operations in 2011 to facilitate increased qualified trade activities and, as a result of this expansion, hires 30 qualified full-time employees in 2012.

The two companies elect to aggregate the number of jobs created for purposes of the International Trade Facility Tax Credit and file a consolidated Virginia income tax return. Accordingly, the aggregate average number of employees for the 2011 taxable year is 150 and the average number of employees for the 2012 taxable year is 200. The aggregate number of jobs created during the 2012 Virginia Department of Taxation 10 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines taxable year is 50. For the 2012 taxable year, the companies can apply for a $175,000 International Trade Facility Tax Credit.

Example 10: Carryover of Credit Amounts by Affiliated Companies Assume the same facts as Example 9, but also assume that the two companies have a consolidated income tax liability of $50,000 for the 2012 taxable year.

Assuming that the companies are allocated the full $175,000 credit, they may claim a $25,000 International Trade Facility Tax Credit on their 2012 consolidated corporate income tax return. The remaining $150,000 credit can be carried forward through the 2022 taxable year.

Example 11: Recapture of Credit Amounts by Affiliated Companies Assume the same facts as Example 9, but also assume that, in 2013, Company F has an average number of 80 qualified full-time employees and Company G has an average number of 120 qualified full-time employees. For the 2013 taxable year, Company G’s average number of qualified full-time employees is less than the average number of qualified full-time employees during the credit year. However, because Company F and Company G have elected to aggregate the number of jobs created for full-time employees, the aggregate average number of qualified full-time employees in 2013 is equal to 200 and no recapture is required.

Example 12: Recapture of Credit Amounts by Affiliated Companies Assume the same facts as Example 9, but also assume that the companies have sufficient tax liability to use the full credit amount during the 2012 taxable year.

In 2013, Company F has an average number of 80 qualified full-time employees and Company G has an average number of 110 qualified full-time employees.

For the 2013 taxable year, the companies’ aggregate average number of qualified full-time employees is equal to 190. Because this is less than the companies’ aggregate average number of qualified full-time employees for the credit year, part of the credit amount must be recaptured. The recapture amount is computed as follows:

Recomputed credit amount: (40 jobs created) x ($3,500 per job) = $140,000

Difference: ($175,000 credit claimed) – ($140,000 recomputed credit) = $35,000

The recapture amount is $35,000. If the companies have already claimed the full $175,000 credit, they will be assessed additional income taxes in an amount equal to $35,000. Otherwise, the carryforward amount will be reduced by up to $35,000, and any remaining amount will be assessed.

Virginia Department of Taxation 11 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines Administration of the Credit

To receive the International Trade Facility Tax Credit, taxpayers must apply to the Department by completing Form ITF. Every taxpayer that applies for the International Trade Facility Tax Credit must verify containers or cargo shipped through Virginia Port Authority-operated port facilities on the Virginia Port Authority’s website (www.portofvirginia.com). A validation summary must then be attached to Form ITF. If any containers were shipped through non-Virginia Port Authority owned facilities, these containers should be listed on a schedule that must be attached to Form ITF.

Taxpayers claiming the jobs portion of the International Trade Facility Tax Credit must also complete the International Trade Facility Port Job Creation Schedule. Form ITF and all required validation summaries, schedules, and supporting documentation must be completed and mailed no later than April 1 of the year following the taxable year during which credits were earned.

For Taxable Years 2011 through 2013, the total amount of International Trade Facility Tax Credits granted could not exceed $250,000 per calendar year. For Taxable Year 2014 and thereafter, the total amount of International Trade Facility Tax Credits granted cannot exceed $1.25 million in any calendar year. If the amount of credits applied for exceeds $1.25 million, the Department will allocate the credits proportionately among all qualified taxpayers. The Department will review all applications for completeness and notify taxpayers of any errors by June 1 of the calendar year in which Form ITF was submitted. If any additional information is needed, it must be provided no later than June 15 of that year to be considered for the tax credit. The Department will notify all eligible taxpayers of the amount of allocated credits by June 30 of the calendar year in which Form ITF was submitted.

Upon receiving notification of the allowable credit amount, taxpayers may claim this amount on the applicable Virginia income tax return.

Example 13: Applying for the International Trade Facility Tax Credit Company J is a calendar year filer that qualifies as an international trade facility (as defined by Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:06(A)). In 2014, Company J hires twenty qualified full-time employees and wishes to claim the jobs tax credit in an amount equal to $70,000.

To receive this credit, Company J must submit Virginia Form ITF to the Department on or before April 1, 2015. On or before June 1, 2015, the Department will notify Company J of the amount of credit received. If the total amount of International Trade Facility Tax Credits requested by all taxpayers on applications received by April 1, 2015 is $2.5 million, then all taxpayers will be allocated a credit equal to 50 percent of the requested amount. In this case, Company J would be allocated a credit equal to $35,000.

Company J can then claim the amount of credit issued on its 2014 income tax return. If Company J files its income tax return for the 2014 taxable year before it Virginia Department of Taxation 12 September 5, 2014 Updated International Trade Facility Tax Credit Guidelines receives notification from the Department, it can claim the International Trade Facility Tax Credit by filing an amended return for the 2014 taxable year.

Taxpayers claiming the credit must keep all supporting documentation, including Virginia Port Authority verification summaries and any additional supporting documentation demonstrating base year port cargo volume and the amount of cargo transported through maritime port facilities in Virginia during the taxable year.

Taxpayers claiming the jobs portion of the International Trade Facility Tax Credit must retain employment records for at least five years for recapture purposes. Taxpayers claiming the capital investment portion of the credit must retain documentation of capital expenditures, including receipts, invoices, and project plans. Any supporting documentation must be provided by the taxpayer upon request.

Effective for credits issued for Taxable Year 2014, the Department is required to annually provide information to the Virginia Port Authority regarding the International Trade Facility Tax Credits issued.

Interaction of Port-Related Tax Credits

For Taxable Years 2011 through 2013, a taxpayer could qualify for more than one port-related tax credit in the same taxable year, but could not claim multiple port-related tax credits for the same activity or activities. For Taxable Year 2014 and thereafter, however, a taxpayer may claim both the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit and the Barge and Rail Usage Tax Credit for the same containers, noncontainerized cargo, or roll-on/roll-off cargo, provided such taxpayer meets the criteria of both tax credits.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online in the Tax Policy Library section of the Department’s website, located at www.policylibrary.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037 or the Virginia Port Authority at (800) 446-8098. For assistance with the container and cargo verification process, contact the Virginia Port Authority at (757) 391-6235 or helpdesk@vit.org.

Approved: _______ Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner Virginia Department of Taxation 13 September 5, 2014

Maryland Tax Law Changes and Virginia ImpactDoc ID: Agreements

Original: 360 words
Condensed: 324 words
Reduction: 10.0%

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Aas

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

Richmond, Virginia 23282

August 14, 1992

NOTICE TO NORTHERN VIRGINIA

TAX OFFICIALS

MARYLAND LAW CHANGE

Maryland has recently amended it tax law to eliminate its reciprocity with Virginia except

for Virginia residents who earn wages in Maryland. The law change is effective for

taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 1992.

In addition, Maryland now requires partnerships and S corporations to make estimated

tax payments on behalf of their nonresident partners and shareholders.

Due to the

elimination of the out-of-state credit, such partners and shareholders are now required to

pay Maryland income tax on their Maryland source business income.

Impact on Taxpayers

Prior to the Maryland law change, Virginia residents who earned any type of income from

Maryland sources were entitled to claim a credit against their Maryland tax liability for the

taxes paid to Virginia on the Maryland source income.

Virginia residents who are no longer entitled to claim the Maryland out-of-state credit on

Maryland source non-wage income will be entitled to the Virginia out-of-state credit for

taxes paid to Maryland on such income.

As a result of Maryland's denial of the out-of-state credit to Virginia residents, Maryland

residents will no longer be entitled to the Virginia out-of-state credit on non-wage Virginia

source income and will, therefore, have to pay income taxes to Virginia on such income.

--- Page 2 ---Virginia residents who are partners or shareholders of a partnership or S corporation with

Maryland source income may reduce their Virginia estimated tax Payments by an amount

that corresponds to the credit that such individuals will be entitled to claim for having to

Pay taxes to Maryland on the Maryland source income.

Maryland and Virginia are currently finalizing the terms of the written agreement which

will memorialize the wage earner reciprocity. Under the terms of the agreement, individuals will not have to pay taxes or file an income tax return to the nonresident state

on earnings from such employment. | will furnish you with copies of the final agreement

upon its signature by the Maryland Comptroller.

W. H. Forst

Tax Commissioner

c. Northern Virginia Legislators

Virginia Communications Tax GuidelinesDoc ID: Communications

Original: 11,682 words
Condensed: 11,518 words
Reduction: 1.4%

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CT-2 Guidelines and Rules for the Virginia Communications Taxes

November 1, 2006

2006 House Bill 568 (Acts of Assembly 2006, Chapter 780) replaces many of the current state and local communications taxes and fees with a centrally administered communications sales and use tax and a uniform statewide E-911 tax on landline telephone service beginning January 1, 2007. Additionally, House Bill 568 imposes a public rights-of-way use fee on cable television providers beginning January 1, 2007. These guidelines and rules are published by the Department of Taxation (“TAX”) to provide guidance to taxpayers and local governments regarding the new law. TAX has worked with affected taxpayers and local governments to develop these guidelines and rules. As necessary, additional guidelines and rules will be published and posted on TAX’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov

Background Repeal of Current Taxes on Communications Services Prior to January 1, 2007, specific communications services are subject to one or more of the following Effective January 1, 2007, the new law repeals the state and local taxes and fees in Virginia: following state and local taxes and fees:

  • Local consumer utility tax on landline and wireless • Local consumer utility tax on landline and wireless telephone service authorized by Code of Va. § telephone service; 58.1‑3812. • Local E-911 tax on landline telephone service;
  • Local E-911 tax on landline telephone service • Virginia Relay Center surcharge; authorized by Code of Va. § 58.1‑3813.1.
  • The portion of the local BPOL tax on the gross
  • State E-911 surcharge on wireless telephone service receipts of telephone and telegraph companies imposed pursuant to Code of Va. § 56‑484.17. exceeding .5% currently billed to customers in
  • Virginia Relay Center surcharge on landline some grandfathered localities pursuant to Acts of telephone service for the costs of a telephone relay Assembly 1972, Chapter 858, Enactment Clause 3; service for the hearing impaired imposed pursuant • Local video programming excise tax; and to Code of Va. § 56‑484.6.
  • Local consumer utility tax on cable television.
  • The local business, professional, and occupational (Source: Acts of Assembly 2006, Chapter 780, license (BPOL) tax on telephone and telegraph Enactment Clauses 2, 3 and 6). companies authorized by Code of Va. § 58.1–3731 Bills issued by providers prior to January 1, 2007 should and Acts of Assembly 1972, Chapter 858, Enactment reflect the taxes and fees in effect until January 1, 2007 Clause 3. and providers should remit all local consumer utility
  • Local cable television franchise fees authorized by taxes, E-911 taxes on landline telephone service, BPOL Code of Va. § 15.2‑2108. taxes, and video programming excise taxes appearing
  • Local video programming excise tax authorized by on these bills to the appropriate locality, even if the Code of Va. § 58.1‑3818.3. taxes are not collected from customers until after
  • Local consumer utility tax on cable television January 1, 2007. The Virginia Relay Center surcharge authorized by local charter. reflected on such bills should be remitted to the State
  • State and local public rights-of-way use fee on Corporation Commission (“SCC”) (see “Transition to landline telephone service imposed pursuant to New Taxes”).

Code of Va. § 56‑468.1. Any repealed taxes and fees that remain unpaid as Satellite television and satellite radio providers are of January 1, 2007 will be subject to payment and generally not subject to these taxes. Cable television collection in accordance with any administrative operators subject to a local cable franchise fee are or judicial remedies existing prior or subsequent to exempted from the state and local public rights-of-way January 1, 2007. Any bad debt associated with such use fees. taxes and fees that occurs after January 1, 2007 will be offset against revenues collected from the new communications sales and use tax. (Source: Acts of Assembly 2006, Chapter 780, Enactment Clause 4).

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New Communications Tax Structure Transition to New Taxes

Effective January 1, 2007, the repealed taxes and fees For purposes of the transition to the new communications will be replaced with a new state communications tax structure, bills issued by providers prior to January sales and use tax (“communications sales tax”) and a 1, 2007 must reflect the taxes and fees in effect on new state E-911 tax (“landline E-911 tax”) on landline December 31, 2006, even if the bills include charges for telephone service. Additionally, a public rights-of-way communications services to be provided after December use fee (“cable rights-of-way use fee”) will be imposed 31, 2006. Bills issued by providers on and after January on cable television providers, effective January 1, 1, 2007 must reflect the new communications taxes, 2007. Revenues from the communications sales tax, even if the communications services were provided the landline E-911 tax and the cable rights-of-way prior to January 1, 2007. use fee (“communications taxes”) will be collected Standard Language and Terminology and remitted monthly by communications services TAX has worked with providers to develop standard providers (“providers”) to TAX and deposited into the terminology for the new taxes. When referring to each Communications Sales and Use Tax Trust Fund (“the of the new taxes, providers shall use the following Fund”). Moneys in the Fund will be distributed to terminology or similar variations thereof to avoid localities on a monthly basis after payment customer confusion: (1) to TAX for the direct costs of administering the

  • The communications sales and use tax shall be communications taxes; referred to as either the “communications sales and (2) to the Virginia Department for the Deaf and use tax” or the “communications sales tax;” Hard-of-Hearing (VDDHH) for the costs of the
  • The E-911 tax on landline telephone service shall Virginia Relay Center for the hearing impaired; be referred to as the “landline E-911 tax” or the and “E-911 tax;” (3) to localities for any cable television franchise fees
  • The public rights-of-way use fee imposed on cable due. television providers shall be referred to as the “cable The state E-911 surcharge on wireless telephone rights-of-way use fee” or the “rights-of-way use service, the state and local public right-of-way use fee fee.” on landline telephone service and the local BPOL tax Together, the new taxes shall be referred to as the on telephone and telegraph companies not exceeding “communications taxes.” TAX will post general .5% will remain in effect. information regarding the new communications tax Cable franchise agreements entered into or renegotiated structure on its web site, www.tax.virginia.gov. after January 1, 2007 will not include a franchise fee. Customer inquiries regarding the new taxes or the Cable franchise agreements in effect as of January transition should be answered by providers. 1, 2007 will remain in effect until their expiration.

New Communications Sales And Use Tax Cable providers will not bill or otherwise collect from customers any cable franchise fees accruing on or Effective January 1, 2007, the communications sales after January 1, 2007. Instead of paying franchise fees tax will be a state tax administered by TAX. The to localities, cable providers will include with their communications sales tax will be imposed on customers monthly communications sales tax return a report of communications services at the rate of 5% of the listing by locality the franchise fees that accrued that sales price of the services. The new tax will appear as month. On a monthly basis, TAX will pay the accrued a line item on customers’ bills and will be collected and franchise fees to localities from the communications remitted to TAX by providers. sales tax, landline E-911 tax and cable rights-of-way Definitions use fee revenues deposited in the Fund (see “Cable Terms used in the communications sales tax have the Franchise Fee”). same meaning as those used in the retail sales and use tax, unless defined otherwise, as follows: “Bundled transaction” means a transaction that includes communications services subject to the communications sales tax and consists of distinct and identifiable properties, services, or both, sold for one nonitemized charge for which the tax treatment of the distinct properties and services is different.

CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 2 --- Page 3 ---

“Cable service” means the one-way transmission to “Customer channel termination point” means the subscribers of (1) video programming as defined in location where the customer either inputs or receives 47 U.S.C. § 522 20 or (2) other programming service, the private communications service. (Source: Code of and subscriber interaction, if any, which is required Va. § 58.1-647) for the selection of such video programming or other “Information service” means the offering of a capability programming service. Cable service does not include for generating, acquiring, storing, transforming, any video programming provided by a commercial processing, retrieving, using, or making available mobile service provider as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 332 information via communications services for purposes d and any direct-to-home satellite service as defined in other than the electronic transmission, conveyance, or 47 U.S.C. § 303 v. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-647) routing. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-647) “Call-by-call basis” means any method of charging “Internet access service” means a service that enables for telecommunications services where the price is users to access content, information, electronic mail, or measured by individual calls. (Source: Code of Va. § other services offered over the Internet, and may also 58.1-647) include access to proprietary content, information, and “Coin-operated communications service” means a other services as part of a package of services offered communications service paid for by means of inserting to users. “Internet access service” does not include coins in a coin-operated telephone. (Source: Code of telecommunications services, except to the extent Va. § 58.1-647) telecommunications services are purchased, used, or “Communications services” means the electronic sold by a provider of Internet access to provide Internet transmission, conveyance, or routing of voice, data, access. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-647) audio, video, or any other information or signals, “Place of primary use” means the street address including cable services, to a point or between or among representative of where the customer’s use of the points, by or through any electronic, radio, satellite, communications services primarily occurs, which must cable, optical, microwave, or other medium or method be the residential street address or the primary business now in existence or hereafter devised, regardless of the street address of the customer. In the case of mobile protocol used for the transmission or conveyance. The communications services, the place of primary use shall term includes, but is not limited to, (1) the connection, be within the licensed service area of the home service movement, change, or termination of communications provider. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-647) services; (2) detailed billing of communications “Postpaid calling service” means the communications services; (3) sale of directory listings in connection with service obtained by making a payment on a call-by-call a communications service; (4) central office and custom basis either through the use of a credit card or payment calling features; (5) voice mail and other messaging mechanism such as a bank card, travel card, debit services; and (6) directory assistance. (Source: Code card, or by a charge made to a telephone number that of Va. § 58.1-647) is not associated with the origination or termination

“Communications services provider” means every of the communications service. (Source: Code of Va. person who provides communications services to § 58.1-647) customers in the Commonwealth and is or should be “Prepaid calling service” means the right to access registered with TAX as a provider. (Source: Code of exclusively communications services, which must be Va. § 58.1-647) paid for in advance and which enables the origination “Cost price” means the actual cost of the purchased of calls using an access number or authorization code, communications service computed in the same manner whether manually or electronically dialed, and that is as the sales price. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-647) sold in predetermined units or dollars that decrease in “Customer” means the person who contracts with number with use. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-647) the seller of communications services. If the person “Private communications service” means a who utilizes the communications services is not communications service that entitles the customer or the contracting party, the person who utilizes the user to exclusive or priority use of a communications services on his own behalf or on behalf of an entity channel or group of channels between or among channel is the customer of such service. “Customer” does not termination points, regardless of the manner in which include a reseller of communications services or the such channel or channels are connected, and includes mobile communications services of a serving carrier switching capacity, extension lines, stations, and any under an agreement to serve the customer outside the other associated services that are provided in connection communications service provider’s licensed service with the use of such channel or channels. (Source: Code area. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-647) of Va. § 58.1-647)

CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 

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“Retail sale” or a “sale at retail” means a sale of • 800 number services; communications services for any purpose other than • Telegraph, telegram, telex and teletypewriter for resale or for use as a component part of or for the services; integration into communications services to be resold

  • Cable television (including but not limited to basic, in the ordinary course of business. (Source: Code of extended, premium, pay-per-view, video on demand, Va. § 58.1-647) digital, high definition, video recorder, music “Sales price” means the total amount charged in money services and fees for additional outlets); and or other consideration by a provider for the sale of the
  • Satellite television and satellite radio. right or privilege of using communications services in Taxable communications services also include, but are the Commonwealth, including any property or other not limited to charges for: services that are part of the sale. The sales price of communications services shall not be reduced by any • Connection, reconnection, termination, movement, separately identified components of the charge that or change of communications services, including constitute expenses of the provider, including but not Internet services; limited to, sales taxes on goods or services purchased • Detailed billing; by the provider, property taxes, taxes measured by net
  • Sale of directory listings in connection with a income, and universal-service fund fees. (Source: Code communications service; of Va. § 58.1-647)
  • Central office and custom calling features (including “Service address” means (1) the location of the but not limited to call waiting, call forwarding, telecommunications equipment to which a customer’s caller identification, distinct ringing, speed dialing, call is charged and from which the call originates or voice activated dialing, and three-way calling); terminates, regardless of where the call is billed or
  • Voice mail, text messaging, picture messaging and paid. If the location is not known in clause (1), “service other messaging services; address” means (2) the origination point of the signal of the telecommunications system or in information • Directory assistance; received by the seller from its service provider, where • Access (excluding Internet access service charges) the system used to transport such signals is not that of and line charges; the seller. If the location is not known in clauses (1)
  • Early termination fees; and (2), the service address means (3) the location of
  • Fees for changing long distance providers; the customer’s place of primary use. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-647) • Universal service charges;
  • Regulatory, administrative and other cost recovery Taxable Communications Services charges; and Communications services are the electronic transmission, conveyance, or routing of voice, data, audio, video, • Local number portability charges. or any other information or signals, including cable (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-647) services, to a point or between or among points, by or Non-Taxable Communications Services through any electronic, radio, satellite, cable, optical, The charges for the following services are not subject microwave, or other medium or method, regardless of to the communications sales tax: the protocol used for the transmission or conveyance.
  • Information services (including electronic Communications services subject to the communications publishing services, web hosting services, 900 sales tax include, but are not limited to: number services, alarm monitoring services, check
  • Landline, wireless, and satellite telephone services guaranty services, credit card guaranty services and (including, but not limited to local, intrastate, database search services); interstate and international service) including Voice
  • Live operator answering services;

Over Internet Protocol;

  • Installation or maintenance of wiring or equipment
  • Teleconferencing services; on a customer's premises and wire maintenance
  • Private communications services; fees;
  • “Push to talk” services;
  • The sale or rental of tangible personal property and
  • Pager and beeper services; any sales tax resulting from the sale or rental of
  • Automated or partially automated answering tangible personal property; services; • The sale of advertising, including but not limited
  • Facsimile services; to, directory advertising;

CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page  --- Page 5 ---

  • Security deposits; • A fee or assessment levied by the United States
  • Bad check and late payment charges; or any state or local government, including but not limited to, regulatory fees and emergency
  • Billing and collection services; telephone surcharges, that is required to be added
  • Internet access service, electronic mail service, to the price of service if the fee or assessment is electronic bulletin board service, or similar separately stated (including E-911 fees and public services that are incidental to Internet access, rights-of-way fees); such as voice-capable e-mail or instant messaging
  • Coin-operated communications services; (however, charges for connection, reconnection, termination, movement, or change of such services • Sale or recharge of a prepaid calling service are subject to the tax); (including prepaid wireless telephone service);
  • Digital products delivered electronically, such as • Provision of air-to-ground radiotelephone services, software, downloaded music, ring tones and reading as that term is defined in 47 C.F.R. § 22.99; materials; • A provider’s internal use of communications
  • Over-the-air radio and television service broadcast services in connection with its business of providing without charge by an entity licensed for such purposes communications services; by the Federal Communications Commission; • Charges for property or other services that are not
  • Communications services purchased by and billed part of the sale of communications services, if the to transients by any hotel, motel, inn, tourist charges are stated separately from the charges for camp, tourist cabin, camping grounds, club, or communications services; any other place in which rooms, lodging, space, • Sales for resale; and or accommodations are regularly furnished to • Charges for communications services to the transients for a consideration. This does not relieve Commonwealth, any political subdivision of the the obligation of the facility to pay communications Commonwealth, and the federal government sales tax to its provider (or to remit communications and any agency or instrumentality of the federal use tax if services are purchased from a provider who government. lacks nexus and is not registered for the collection (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-648 B) of the tax) on its purchases of communications Bundled Transactions services; and A bundled transaction is a transaction that includes
  • Communications services purchased by and billed communications services subject to the communications to tenants by their landlord. This does not relieve the sales tax and consists of distinct and identifiable obligation of the landlord to pay communications properties, services, or both, sold for one nonitemized sales tax to its provider (or to remit communications charge for which the tax treatment of the distinct use tax if services are purchased from a provider who properties and services is different. If the charge is lacks nexus and is not registered for the collection attributable to services that are taxable and services that of the tax) on its purchases of communications are nontaxable, the portion of the charge attributable services. to the nontaxable services will be subject to tax unless (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-648 C) the provider can reasonably identify the nontaxable Nontaxable Amounts portion from its books and records kept in the regular For purposes of the communications sales tax, the sales course of business and not created and maintained for price will not include the following amounts: tax purposes. Books and records will be considered to
  • Excise, sales or similar taxes levied by the be maintained for tax purposes when such books and United States or any state or local government records identify taxable and nontaxable portions of the on the purchase, sale, use or consumption of any price while other books and records are maintained communications services that are permitted or that identify different prices attributable to the distinct required to be added to the sales price of such products included in same bundled transaction. For service, if the tax is stated separately (including the purposes of example only, books and records kept federal excise tax on telephone service); in the regular course of business that are acceptable include financial statements, general ledgers, invoicing and billing systems and reports and tariffs and other regulatory reports. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-650) CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 

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Exemption Certificates Exempt Entities All sales of communications services are subject to Any entity that was exempted from the local consumer the tax until the contrary is established. A provider utility taxes (LCUT) by any city, county or town in is required to collect the communications sales tax Virginia on January 1, 2006 will be exempt from unless the provider receives a properly executed the communications sales tax. (Source: Code of Va. exemption certificate from the purchaser stating that § 58.1-648 C) On January 1, 2006, under state law, the service is exempt from the communications sales localities had the option of providing exemptions for: tax. The exemption certificate will relieve the provider

  • Public safety answering points. (Source: Code of who obtains it from any liability for the payment or Va. § 58.1-3812 E) collection of the tax, except upon notice from TAX that
  • Any subscriber to individual telephone service the certificate is no longer acceptable. In the event that who resides in a nursing home or similar adult care a provider fails to collect the communications sales tax facility. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-3813.1 C) due on the sale of taxable communications services, the provider is liable for the payment of the tax. The • Any utilities consumed on property designated or exemption certificate must: classified as exempt from property taxes pursuant to Article X, Section 6 a 2 of the Constitution of
  • Be signed, manually or electronically, by the Virginia) (real estate and personal property owned purchaser; and exclusively occupied or used by churches or
  • Bear the name and address of the purchaser; religious bodies for religious worship or for the
  • Indicate the number of the registration certificate, residences of their ministers) or Article X, Section if any, issued to the purchaser; 6 a 6 of the Constitution of Virginia (property used
  • Indicate the general character of the communications by its owner for religious, charitable, patriotic, services sold or to be sold under a blanket exemption historical, benevolent, cultural, or public park certificate; and and playground purposes, as may be provided by classification or designation by an ordinance
  • Be substantially in the form prescribed by TAX. adopted by the local governing body). This (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-657) exemption did not apply to the local E-911 tax on If a purchaser who holds an exemption certificate makes landline telephone service. Any locality providing any use of the service other than an exempt use while an exemption for the local consumer utility tax holding the communications service for resale in the on consumers of landline telephone service was regular course of business, such use will be deemed a required to provide the telephone account numbers taxable sale by the purchaser as of the time the service is of all exempted organizations to all service providers first used by the purchaser, and the cost of the property required to collect the tax. (Source: Code of Va. § to the purchaser will be deemed the sales price of such 58.1-3816.2) retail sale. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-657) Additionally, the City of Manassas was authorized to In the case of a provider of Internet access service provide an exemption for any church or religious body that purchases a communications service to provide entitled to an exemption pursuant to Code of Va. § Internet access, the Internet access provider must give 58.1-3650 et seq. The City of Manassas was required to the communications service provider a certificate of use provide the telephone account numbers of all exempted containing its name, address and signature, manually churches and religious bodies to all service providers or electronically, of an officer of the Internet access required to collect the tax. (Source: Code of Va. § service provider. The certificate of use must state 58.1-3812 F) that the purchase of communications service is being A provider will not be liable for the payment or made in its capacity as a provider of Internet access collection of the communications sales tax with respect in order to provide such access. Upon receipt of the to any entity that it allowed an LCUT exemption on certificate of use, the provider will be relieved of any January 1, 2006 if the provider documents that the liability for the communications sales tax related to the entity was allowed an LCUT exemption on January 1, sale of communications service to the Internet access 2006 by maintaining a list of all such exempt entities service provider named in the certificate. In the event or maintaining a notation in its records stating that the the Internet access provider uses the communications entity was allowed an LCUT exemption on January 1, service for any taxable purpose, the provider of Internet 2006 along with the name of the provider that allowed access will be liable for and pay the communications the exemption and the entity’s account number. sales tax directly to the Commonwealth in accordance with § 58.1-658. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-657) CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 6

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A provider will not be liable for the payment or Sourcing Rules collection of the communications sales tax regarding For purposes of determining those services subject to any entity that any other communications services the Virginia communications sales tax, communications provider allowed an LCUT exemption on January 1, services will be sourced as follows: 2006 if the provider verifies and documents that the

  • In general, the sale of communications service entity was allowed an LCUT exemption on January 1, sold on a call-by-call basis will be sourced to the 2006 in the following manner: Commonwealth when the call (1) originates and
  • The provider shall require the entity to submit a terminates in the Commonwealth or (2) either copy of a bill from a provider that reflects that the originates or terminates in the Commonwealth and the entity was allowed an LCUT exemption on January service address is also located in the Commonwealth. 1, 2006 or from the communications sales tax (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-649 A) thereafter. The provider shall maintain a copy of
  • In general, a sale of communication services sold the bill or maintain a notation in its records stating on a basis other than a call-by-call basis, will be that it received such a bill along with the name of sourced to the customer's place of primary use. the provider that allowed the exemption and the (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-649 B) entity’s account number;
  • Subject to the definitions and exclusions of the
  • The provider shall require the entity to submit a federal Mobile Telecommunications Sourcing Act, copy of a local ordinance or resolution or other 4 U.S.C. § 116, a sale of mobile communication written verification from the locality that granted services will be sourced to the customer’s place of the exemption that the entity was allowed an LCUT primary use. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-649 C 1) exemption on January 1, 2006. The provider shall maintain a copy of the written verification or • A sale of postpaid calling service will be sourced maintain a notation in its records stating that it to the origination point of the communications received such written verification; or signal as first identified by either (1) the seller's communications system, or (2) information received
  • The provider shall contact the local government by the seller from its service provider, where the that granted the LCUT exemption and obtain system used to transport such signals is not that of verification that the entity was allowed an LCUT the seller. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-649 C 2) exemption on January 1, 2006. The provider shall maintain a copy of the verification in its records. • A sale of a private communications service will be sourced as follows: In the event that TAX, the locality in which the entity was located on January 1, 2006, or the provider o Service for a separate charge related to a determines that the entity was not entitled to an LCUT customer channel termination point will be exemption on January 1, 2006, the provider shall sourced to the state in which such customer remove the entity from its list of exempt entities and channel termination point is located. the entity shall be subject to the communications sales o Service where all customer termination points tax on a prospective basis. Such provider shall be held are located entirely within one state will be harmless for the communications sales tax for prior sourced to such state in which the customer periods unless it is determined that the provider failed channel termination points are located. to comply with the requirements set forth above. o Service for segments of a channel between two Governmental Exemption customer channel termination points located in Charges for communications services provided to different states and which segments of a channel the Commonwealth, any political subdivision of the are separately charged will be sourced 50% Commonwealth, and the federal government and any to each state in which the customer channel agency or instrumentality of the federal government termination points are located. are not subject to the communications sales tax. o Service for segments of a channel located in As this governmental exemption is the same as the more than one state and which segments are not governmental exemption applicable to the repealed separately billed will be sourced in each state taxes, providers should allow a communications based on a percentage determined by dividing sales tax exemption for charges to any governmental the number of customer channel termination customers that were exempt from the repealed local points in each state by the total number of consumer utility taxes. customer channel termination points. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-649 C 3) CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 

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Registration of Providers • Owns tangible personal property that is rented or leased to a consumer in the Commonwealth, or The communications sales tax will be collected by all offers tangible personal property, on approval, to providers with sufficient contact, or nexus, with the consumers in the Commonwealth. (Source: Code Commonwealth to be subject to the tax using the same of Va. § 58.1-651) rules that apply to the retail sales and use tax. A provider shall be deemed to have sufficient activity within the Each provider must apply to TAX for a certificate of Commonwealth to require registration if it does any of registration for the communications sales tax using Form the following activities: R-1, Business Registration Application. A provider must complete a Form R-1 even if it has already registered

  • Maintains or has within the Commonwealth, with TAX for other taxes. Each application must set directly or through an agent or subsidiary, an office, forth the name under which the applicant intends to warehouse, or place of business of any nature. transact business, the location of its place of business,
  • Solicits business in the Commonwealth by and such other information as TAX may require. Each employees, independent contractors, agents or other cable provider will also be required to list all localities representatives. in which it is liable for a cable franchise fee (see “Cable
  • Advertises in newspapers or other periodicals printed Franchise Fees”). TAX will issue to each applicant a and published within this Commonwealth, on registration certificate that is not assignable and is valid billboards or posters located in the Commonwealth, or only for the provider in whose name it is issued and through materials distributed in the Commonwealth for the transaction of the business designated therein. by means other than the United States mail. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-653)
  • Makes regular deliveries of tangible personal Whenever a provider fails to comply with the provisions property within the Commonwealth by means other of the communications sales and use tax, these than common carrier. A person shall be deemed to Guidelines and Rules, or any communications sales and be making regular deliveries hereunder if vehicles use tax regulations promulgated by TAX, TAX, upon other than those operated by a common carrier enter a hearing after giving the noncompliant provider 30 the Commonwealth more than twelve times during days’ notice in writing, specifying the time and place a calendar year to deliver goods sold by him. of the hearing and requiring him to show cause why
  • Solicits business in the Commonwealth on a his certificate of registration should not be revoked continuous, regular, seasonal, or systematic basis or suspended, may revoke or suspend the registration by means of advertising that is broadcast or relayed certificate held by that provider. The notice may be from a transmitter within the Commonwealth personally served or served by registered mail directed or distributed from a location within the to the last known address of the noncompliant provider.

Commonwealth. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-653)

  • Solicits business in the Commonwealth by mail, if Any provider who engages in business as a provider the solicitations are continuous, regular, seasonal, without obtaining a registration certificate, or after a or systematic and if the dealer benefits from any registration certificate has been suspended or revoked, banking, financing, debt collection, or marketing is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor as is each officer of a activities occurring in the Commonwealth or corporation that engages in business as an unregistered benefits from the location in the Commonwealth provider. Each day’s continuance in business thereafter of authorized installation, servicing, or repair constitutes a separate offense. (Source: Code of Va. facilities. § 58.1-653)
  • Is owned or controlled by the same interests which If the holder of a registration certificate ceases to conduct own or control a business located within the his business, the certificate shall expire upon cessation Commonwealth. of business, and the certificate holder shall inform TAX
  • Has a franchisee or licensee operating under in writing within 30 days after he has ceased to conduct the same trade name in the Commonwealth if business. If the holder of a registration certificate desires the franchisee or licensee is required to obtain to change his place of business, he must inform TAX in a certificate of registration under Code of Va. writing and his certificate will be revised accordingly. § 58.1‑613. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-653) CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 

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Collection of Tax Direct Payment Permits Every provider must separately state the amount of the Persons who use taxable communications services tax and add that tax to the sales price of the service. within the Commonwealth may apply to TAX to pay Thereafter, the tax will be a debt from the customer to the communications sales tax directly to TAX and waive the provider until paid and recoverable at law in the collection of the tax by the provider. No such authority same manner as other debts. All sums collected by a will be granted or exercised except upon application to provider will be held in trust for the Commonwealth. TAX and issuance by TAX of a direct payment permit. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-651) The revenues collected If a direct payment permit is issued, then payment of the must be remitted monthly by each provider to TAX communications sales tax on taxable communications when the provider files its Form CT-75, Virginia services must be made directly to TAX by the permit Communications Taxes Return (see “Communications holder. On or before the twentieth day of each month Taxes Return”). every permit holder must file with TAX a return for In the event that a provider lacks nexus and is not the preceding month, in a form prescribed by TAX, registered for the collection of the tax, the purchaser is showing: liable for the use tax (see “Use Tax” below). (Source: • The total value of the taxable communications Code of Va. § 58.1-648) services used;

In the event that a provider collects the communications • The amount of tax due from the permit holder, sales tax on exempt or non-taxable transactions, which amount must be paid to TAX with the the provider must remit the erroneously or illegally submitted return; and collected tax to TAX unless or until the provider can • Any other information TAX deems necessary. affirmatively show that the tax has been refunded to TAX, upon written request by the permit holder, may the customer or credited to his account. A provider who grant a reasonable extension of time for filing returns intentionally neglects, fails or refuses to collect the tax and paying the tax. Interest on the tax will be chargeable on a taxable sale of communications services is liable on every extended payment at the rate determined in for and must pay the tax himself. Any provider who accordance with Code of Va. § 58.1‑15. intentionally neglects, fails or refuses to pay or collect A direct payment permit will continue to be valid until the tax is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (Source: surrendered by the holder or cancelled for cause by TAX.

Code of Va. § 58.1-659) A person holding a direct payment permit that has not Use Tax been cancelled will not be required to pay the tax to the Generally, the communications sales tax is collected provider. Such persons must notify each provider from and remitted by providers even though the tax is whom purchases of taxable communications services imposed on the customer. However, when a customer are made of their direct payment permit number and that purchases taxable communications services from an the tax is being paid directly to TAX. Upon receipt of out-of-state provider who is not registered and is not notice, a provider will be absolved from responsibility required to remit the communications sales tax, the for the collection and remittance of the tax with respect customer is required to remit the tax directly to TAX to sales of taxable communications services to the direct using Form CT-7, Virginia Communications Taxes payment permit holder. Providers who make sales upon Consumer Use Return. Form CT-7 and instructions which the tax is not collected because the purchaser are available on-line in the Download Forms section of holds a direct payment permit must maintain records TAX’s web site, located at www.tax.virginia.gov. Form in a manner that the amount involved and identity of CT-7 should be used by both business and residential each purchaser may be ascertained. customers. No prior registration with TAX is required Upon the cancellation or surrender of a direct payment for taxpayers filing a Form CT-7. permit, the communications sales tax will thereafter Providers should report any taxable personal use of apply to the former direct payment permit holder, and communications services when filing their Form CT-75, that person must promptly notify in writing providers Virginia Communications Taxes Return. Providers from whom purchases of taxable communications should not use Form CT-7. services are made of the cancellation or surrender of the direct payment permit. Upon receipt of such a notice, the provider must collect the communications sales tax with respect to all sales of taxable communications services thereafter made to the former direct payment permit holder. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-658) CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page  --- Page 10 ---

Bad Debts Sale of Business Every provider will be allowed a credit against the Any provider who sells or quits its business, shall make tax shown to be due on the return for the amount of a final return and payment within 15 days after the tax previously paid on accounts that are owed to the date of selling or quitting the business. The Provider’s provider and that have been found to be worthless successors or assigns, if any, shall withhold a sufficient within the period covered by the return. The credit, amount of the purchase money to cover taxes, penalties, however, cannot exceed the amount of the uncollected and interest due and unpaid until the former owner payment determined by treating prior payments on each produces a receipt from TAX showing that all taxes, debt as consisting of the same proportion of payment, penalties, and interest have been paid or a certificate communications sales tax, and other nontaxable charges stating that no taxes, penalties, or interest are due. If as in the total debt originally owed to the provider. The the purchaser fails to withhold the purchase money as amount of accounts for which a credit has been taken required, the purchaser will be personally liable for the that are thereafter in whole or in part paid to the provider payment of the taxes, penalties and interest due and must be included in the first return filed after collection. unpaid that were incurred by the business operation of (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-655) the former owner. In no event, however, may the tax, penalties and interest due by the purchaser be more Dealer Discount than the purchase price paid for the business or stock Every provider holding a certificate of registration will of goods. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-660) be allowed a dealer discount for accounting for and remitting the communications sales tax if the amount Customer Remedy Procedures for Billing Errors due was not delinquent at the time of payment. The If a customer believes that an amount of tax or an discount will be allowed in the form of a deduction on assignment of place of primary use or taxing jurisdiction each return. The discount will be allowed on the first included on a billing is erroneous, the customer must three percent of the communications sales tax in the notify the provider in writing. See “Sourcing Rules” to following percentages: determine when communications services are subject Monthly Taxable Sales Percentage to the Virginia communications sales tax. The customer must include in this notification the following: $0 to $62,500 4%

  • The street address for the customer's place of $62,501 to $208,000 3% primary use; $208,000 and above 2%
  • The account name and number for which the The discount will be computed according to this customer seeks a correction; schedule, regardless of the number of certificates of
  • A description of the error asserted by the customer; registration held by the provider. (Source: Code of Va. and § 58.1-656)
  • Any other information that the provider requires to The dealer discount on the communications sales tax process the request. will become effective on the first day of the month following 60 days after the Auditor of Public Accounts Within 15 days of receiving notice in its billing dispute (“APA”) certifies that the revenues collected in the most office, the provider must review its records, within an recent fiscal year from the communications taxes are at additional 15 days, to determine the customer's taxing least equal to the revenues from the taxes and fees that jurisdiction. If this review shows that the amount of are amended or repealed by the new law for the fiscal tax or assignment of place of primary use or taxing year ending June 30, 2006 at the tax rates that were jurisdiction is in error, the provider must correct the adopted on or before January 1, 2006 plus the annual error and refund or credit the amount of tax erroneously cost to TAX of administering the communications sales collected from the customer for a period of up to tax. The APA certification will be completed within 60 two years. If this review shows that the amount of days after the end of the fiscal year. (Source: Acts of tax or assignment of place of primary use or taxing Assembly 2006, Chapter 780, Enactment Clause 7). jurisdiction is correct, the provider must provide a TAX will notify providers at such time as the dealer written explanation to the customer. discount becomes effective. These procedures are the first course of remedy available to customers seeking correction of assignment of place of primary use or taxing jurisdiction or a refund of or other compensation for taxes erroneously collected by the provider. No cause of action based upon a dispute arising from such taxes will accrue until the customer has exercised these rights and procedures. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-652) CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 10

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Compliance Provisions E-911 Tax On Landline Telephone Service The retail sales and use tax compliance provisions set Effective January 1, 2007, a new landline E-911 tax forth in Code of Va. §§ 58.1-630 through 58.1-637 will be imposed on the end users of landline telephone and applicable Retail Sales and Use Tax Regulations service. The new landline E-911 tax will be state tax will apply to the communications sales tax, except as administered by TAX and will be imposed on the specifically provided in the communications sales tax. end user of each access line at the rate of $0.75 per Whenever the term “dealer” is used in these sections, access line. The new tax will appear as a line item on the term “communications services provider” shall be customers’ bills. Providers will be allowed a dealer substituted: discount of three percent of the amount of the landline

  • Code of Va. § 58.1-630 Dealer Bonds;

E-911 tax revenues. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-1730)

  • Code of Va. § 58.1-631 Jeopardy Assessments; The revenues collected will be remitted monthly to TAX
  • Code of Va. § 58.1-632 Memoranda of Lien; by each provider when it files its Form CT-75, Virginia Communications Taxes Return (see “Communications
  • Code of Va. § 58.1-633 Recordkeeping Taxes Return”).

Requirements;

When a customer purchases landline telephone services

  • Code of Va. § 58.1-634 Period of Limitations; from an out-of-state provider that is not registered and
  • Code of Va. § 58.1-635 Failure to File Return; is not required to remit the landline E-911 tax, the Fraudulent Returns; Civil Penalties (and Interest); customer will be required to remit the tax directly to
  • Code of Va. § 58.1-636 Penalty for Failure to File TAX using Form CT-7, Virginia Communications Taxes Return or Making False Return; and Consumer Use Return. Form CT-7 and instructions are
  • Code of Va. § 58.1-637 Bad Checks. available on-line in the Download Forms section of TAX’s web site, located at www.tax.virginia.gov. Form (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-661) CT-7 should be used by both business and residential Exceptions to Taxpayer Confidentiality customers. No prior registration with TAX is required TAX is authorized to provide to any commissioner of the for taxpayers filing a Form CT-7. revenue, director of finance, or any other officer of any The tax will not be imposed on federal, state and county, city, or town performing any or all of the duties local government agencies or on consumers of CMRS of a commissioner of the revenue and to any provider (mobile telecommunications service as defined in the registered for the collection of the communications federal Mobile Telecommunications Sourcing Act, sales tax, a list of the names, business addresses, and 4 U.S.C. § 124). Customer remedy procedures for dates of registration of all providers registered for such billing errors for the E-911 tax are the same as those tax. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-3 C) for the communications sales tax. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1-1730) The penalty for failure to file a return or pay the tax is 5 percent of the tax due, or if the failure to pay in full was fraudulent, a penalty of 100 percent of the tax due.

For late payment of the tax, interest shall be assessed at the rate established in Internal Revenue Code § 6621, plus 2%. (Source: Code of Va. §§ 58.1‑1812 and § 58.1-15) Definitions For purposes of the E-911 tax, the following definitions are applicable: “Access lines” are defined to include residence and business telephone lines and other switched (packet or circuit) lines connecting the customer premises to the public switched telephone network for the transmission of outgoing voice-grade-capable telecommunications services. Centrex, PBX or other multistation telecommunications services will incur an E-911 tax charge on every line or trunk (Network Access Registrar or PBX trunk) that allows simultaneous unrestricted outward dialing to the CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 11 --- Page 12 ---

public switched telephone network. ISDN Primary “PBX trunk” means a connection of the customer’s Rate Interface services will be charged five E-911 tax PBX switch to the central office. charges for every ISDN Primary Rate Interface network “Public safety answering point” or “PSAP” means a facility established by the customer. Other channelized communications facility equipped and staffed on a services in which each voice-grade channel is controlled 24–hour basis to receive and process 911 calls. by the provider will be charged one tax for each line that allows simultaneous unrestricted outward dialing Public Rights-of-Way Use Fee to the public switched telephone network. Access lines Effective January 1, 2007, cable television providers do not include local, state, and federal government lines; that use the public rights-of-way will be required to access lines used to provide service to users as part of the collect a state public rights-of-way use fee similar Virginia Universal Service Plan; interstate and intrastate to that currently imposed on providers of landline dedicated WATS lines; special access lines; off-premises telephone service. On a monthly basis, each cable extensions; official lines internally provided and television provider will collect the fee from its used by providers of telecommunications services for subscribers and remit the fee to TAX when it files its administrative, testing, intercept, coin, and verification Form CT-75, Virginia Communications Taxes Return purposes; and commercial mobile radio service. (see “Communications Taxes Return”). “Automatic location identification” or “ALI” means a The amount of the fee will be the same as the public telephone network capability that enables the automatic rights-of-way use fee imposed on providers of landline display of information defining the geographical location telephone service, which is calculated annually by the of the telephone used to place a wireline 9-1–1 call. Department of Transportation (VDOT). By January “Automatic number identification” or “ANI” means a 15 of each year, VDOT informs telephone providers telephone network capability that enables the automatic of any change in the fee, which takes effect beginning display of the telephone number used to place a wireline each July 1. 9-1-1 call. An entity, or entities which are members of an “Centrex” means a business telephone service offered affiliated group of entities, providing both local by a local exchange company from a local central office; telecommunications service and cable service to the a normal single line telephone service with added same ultimate end user may collect only one public custom calling features including but not limited to rights-of-way use fee from that ultimate end user intercom, call forwarding, and call transfer. based on (1) the local telecommunications service “Communications services provider” has the same if the locality in which the ultimate end user resides meaning as it does for the communications sales tax. has imposed a public rights-of-way use fee on local telecommunications service or (2) cable service if the “Enhanced 9-1-1 service” or “E-911” means a service locality in which the subscriber resides has not imposed a consisting of telephone network features and PSAPs public rights-of-way use fee on local telecommunications provided for users of telephone systems enabling service. Information regarding the public rights-of-way users to reach a PSAP by dialing the digits “9-1-1.” use fee on local telecommunications service is available Such service automatically directs 9-1-1 emergency from the Virginia Department of Transportation at telephone calls to the appropriate PSAPs by selective www.vdot.virginia.gov/business/row-usefee.asp. routing based on the geographical location from which the emergency call originated, and provides the The fee will, when billed, be stated as a distinct item capability for ANI and ALI features. separate and apart from the monthly charge for local telecommunications service and cable service. Until “ISDN Primary Rate Interface” means 24 bearer the ultimate end user pays the fee to the cable operator, channels, each of which is a full 64,000 bits per second. the fee will be a debt of the consumer to TAX. If any One of the channels is generally used to carry signaling ultimate end user or subscriber refuses to pay the fee, the information for the 23 other channels. cable operator will notify TAX. All fees collected will “Network Access Register” means a central office be deemed to be held in trust by the cable operator until register associated with Centrex service that is required remitted to TAX. (Source: Code of Va. § 56-468.1) in order to complete a call involving access to the public The penalty for failure to file a return or pay the tax is switched telephone network outside the confines of that 5 percent of the tax due, or if the failure to pay in full Centrex company. Network Access Register may be was fraudulent, a penalty of 100 percent of the tax due. incoming, outgoing, or two-way.

For late payment of the tax, interest shall be assessed “PBX” means public branch exchange and is telephone at the rate established in Internal Revenue Code switching equipment owned by the customer and § 6621, plus 2%. (Source: Code of Va. § 58.1‑1812 and located on the customer’s premises. § 58.1-15) CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 12 --- Page 13 ---

Definitions 3. Two or more entities if such entities satisfy the requirements in subdivision 1 or 2 of this definition For purposes of the public rights-of-way use fee, the as if they were corporations and the ownership following definitions are applicable: interests therein were stock. “Affiliated group” means: “Cable operator” means any person or group of

  1. One or more chains of corporations subject to persons that (1) provides cable service over a cable inclusion connected through stock ownership with a system and directly or through one or more affiliates common parent corporation which is a corporation owns a significant interest in a cable system or (2) subject to inclusion if: otherwise controls or is responsible for, through any a. Stock possessing at least eighty percent of arrangement, the management and operation of a cable the voting power of all classes of stock and system, whether or not the operator has entered into a at least eighty percent of each class of the franchise agreement with a locality. Cable operator does nonvoting stock of each of the corporations not include a provider of wireless or direct-to-home subject to inclusion, except the common parent satellite transmission service. (Source: Code of Va. corporation, is owned directly by one or more

§ 15.2-2108.1:1 A) of the other corporations subject to inclusion; “Cable system” or “cable television system” means and any facility consisting of a set of closed transmission b. The common parent corporation directly owns paths and associated signal generation, reception, and stock possessing at least eighty percent of control equipment that is designed to provide cable the voting power of all classes of stock and service that includes video programming and that is at least eighty percent of each class of the provided to multiple subscribers within a community, nonvoting stock of at least one of the other except that such definition shall not include: subject to inclusion corporations. As used in this

  • A system that serves fewer than 20 subscribers; subdivision, the term “stock” does not include
  • A facility that serves only to retransmit the television nonvoting stock which is limited and preferred signals of one or more television broadcast as to dividends; the phrase “corporation subject stations; to inclusion” means any corporation within the affiliated group irrespective of the state • A facility that serves only subscribers without using or country of its incorporation; and the term any public right-of-way; “receipts” includes gross receipts and gross • A facility of a common carrier that is subject, in income. whole or in part, to the provisions of Title II of the
  1. Two or more corporations if five or fewer persons Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. § 201 et who are individuals, estates or trusts own stock seq., except that such facility shall be considered a possessing: cable system to the extent such facility is used in the transmission of video programming directly to a. At least eighty percent of the total combined subscribers, unless the extent of such use is solely voting power of all classes of stock entitled to to provide interactive on-demand services; vote or at least eighty percent of the total value of shares of all classes of the stock of each • Any facilities of any electric utility used solely for corporation; and operating its electric systems; b. More than fifty percent of the total combined • Any portion of a system that serves fewer than 50 voting power of all classes of stock entitled subscribers in any locality, where such portion is to vote or more than fifty percent of the total a part of a larger system franchised in an adjacent value of shares of all classes of stock of each locality; or corporation, taking into account the stock • An open video system that complies with § 653 of ownership of each such person only to the extent Title VI of the Communications Act of 1934, as such stock ownership is identical with respect amended, 47 U.S.C. § 573. (Source: Code of Va. to each such corporation. § 15.2-2108.1:1 A) When one or more of the corporations subject “Subscriber” means a person who receives video to inclusion, including the common parent programming, as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 522 20, corporation, is a nonstock corporation, the term distributed by a cable operator, as defined in Code of “stock” as used in this subdivision shall refer Va. § 15.2-2108.1:1 A, and does not further distribute to the nonstock corporation membership or it. (Source: Code of Va. § 56-468.1) membership voting rights, as is appropriate to the context.

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Cable Franchise Fees Communications Taxes Return

Cable franchise agreements entered into or renegotiated Every provider will be required to file a monthly after January 1, 2007 will not include a franchise fee. Form CT-75, Virginia Communications Taxes Return Cable franchise agreements in effect as of January 1, and remit the communications taxes due on or before 2007 will remain in effect until their expiration. Cable the twentieth day of the month following the month providers will not bill or collect from customers any in which the tax is billed. A return must be filed by cable franchise fees accruing after January 1, 2007. each registered provider even though the provider is Instead of paying franchise fee payments directly to not liable to remit any tax for the period covered by localities, each franchisee will include with its monthly the return. The communications taxes for each period communications sales tax return a report listing by become delinquent on the twenty-first day of the locality the franchise fees that accrued that month (see succeeding month if not paid. (Source: Code of Va. “Communications Taxes Return”). Although each § 58.1-654) franchise fee will be reported on an accrual basis, in all Providers will be required to report the communications other respects the amount of the franchise fee will be sales tax, landline E-911 tax and cable rights-of-way use determined in accordance with the franchise agreement. fee due as separate line items on Form CT-75. Providers TAX will pay the accrued franchise fees to localities will also be required to report gross sales and personal from the Fund on a monthly basis after deducting use of taxable communications services by type of its administrative costs and the costs of the Virginia service. Form CT-75 will include separate lines for Relay Center but prior to making other calculations landline telephone, wireless telephone, cable television, and distributions from the Fund. Localities will retain satellite television, satellite radio and an additional line the right to audit cable franchisees and to otherwise for all other communications services. enforce franchise agreements. (Source: Code of Va.

Additionally, cable providers will be required to report, § 15.2-2108.1:1 C) by locality, cable franchise fees accruing from unexpired Definitions cable franchise agreements in effect on January 1, For purposes of cable franchise fees, the following 2007 on Form CT-75B, Virginia Cable Franchise Fee definitions are applicable: Schedule. Cable providers may use the Form CT-75B “Cable operator” has the same meaning as set forth provided by TAX or a reproduction approved by TAX. above for the cable rights-of-way use fee. (Source: Code In the event that a cable provider needs to add or remove of Va. § 15.2-2108.1:1 A) a locality from the list of localities in which it is subject to a cable franchise fee subsequent to registration with “Cable service” has the same meaning as set forth TAX, the cable provider will be required to file Form above for the communications sales tax. (Source: Code CT-1, Franchise Agreement Report with TAX. These of Va. § 15.2-2108.1:1 A) forms and instructions are available on-line in the “Cable system” or “cable television system” Download Forms section of TAX’s web site, located has the same meaning as set forth above for the at www.tax.virginia.gov. cable rights-of-way use fee (Source: Code of Va. § 15.2-2108.1:1 A) Virginia Relay Center “Franchise” means an initial authorization, or renewal TAX will disburse funding for the costs of the Virginia thereof, issued by a franchising authority, including Relay Center for the hearing impaired. Any funds held a locality or the Commonwealth Transportation by the State Corporation Commission (SCC) for the Board, whether such authorization is designated Virginia Relay Center as of January 1, 2007 will be as a franchise, permit, license, resolution, contract, transferred to the Fund. (Source: Acts of Assembly certificate, agreement, or otherwise, that authorizes 2006, Chapter 780, Enactment Clause 5). the construction or operation of a cable system, a telecommunications system, or other facility in the public rights-of-way, including either a negotiated cable franchise or an ordinance cable franchise. (Source: Code of Va. § 15.2-2108.1:1 A) CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 1 --- Page 15 ---

Auditor of Public Accounts Report Communications Sales and Use Tax Trust Fund

The APA is required to determine the amount of The revenues from the communications sales tax, the revenues received by every locality for Fiscal Year landline E-911 tax and the cable rights-of-way use fee 2006, at rates adopted on or before January 1, 2006, will be collected and remitted monthly by providers for each of the following taxes and fees: to TAX and deposited into the Communications Sales

  • Local consumer utility tax on landline and wireless and Use Tax Trust Fund (“Fund”). After transferring telephone service; moneys from the Fund to TAX to pay for the direct costs of administering the communications sales tax,
  • Local E-911 tax on landline telephone service; the moneys in the Fund will be allocated and distributed
  • The portion of the local BPOL tax on public to localities after payment (1) to VDDHH to fund service companies exceeding .5% currently billed the Virginia Relay Center and (2) any franchise fee to customers in some grandfathered localities; amount due to localities in accordance with any cable
  • Cable television franchise fees; television franchise agreements in effect as of January
  • Local consumer utility tax on cable television; 1, 2007. Each locality’s share of the net revenue will and be distributed as soon as practicable after the end of the month based on the locality’s share of total local
  • Video programming excise tax on cable television revenues received from the following taxes and fees services. in Fiscal Year 2006 from local tax rates adopted on or (Source: Acts of Assembly 2006, Chapter 780, before January 1, 2006: Enactment Clause 8)
  • Local consumer utility tax on landline and wireless Based on each locality’s percentage of the total Fiscal telephone service;

Year 2006 receipts from these sources, the APA will

  • Local E-911 tax on landline telephone service; calculate each locality’s percentage share of future distributions from the Fund. Local governments and • The portion of the local BPOL tax on public service providers must cooperate with the APA and service companies exceeding .5% currently billed provide requested information. Every town with a to customers in some grandfathered localities; population of less than 3,500, and any other locality • Cable television franchise fees; whose annual audited financial statement cannot be
  • Video programming excise tax on cable television completed by October 1, 2006, must provide to the APA services; and by that date a statement of its receipts during Fiscal
  • Consumer utility tax on cable television.

Year 2006 from such sources, verified in writing by an independent certified public accountant. Any locality An amount equal to the cable franchise fee paid to each that fails to furnish the information required to make locality with a cable franchise existing on January 1, this calculation in a timely manner will not be entitled 2007 at the rate in existence on January 1, 2007 will be to participate in the distribution of the communications subtracted from the amount owed to such locality prior taxes, and its percentage share will be disregarded in to the distribution of moneys from the Fund. calculating the distribution to other localities. The Any errors made in any distribution, or adjustments that APA and his agents are prohibited from divulging any are otherwise necessary, will be made in the distribution information acquired by him in the performances of his for the next month or for subsequent months. Any funds duties that may identify specific service providers. The remaining in the Fund at the end of a biennium will not APA will report his findings on a tax-by-tax basis to the revert to the general fund but will remain in the Fund. chairmen of the House and Senate Finance Committees Interest earned on the funds will be credited to the Fund. and TAX no later than December 1, 2006. (Source: Acts (Source: Code of Va. § 56-662) of Assembly 2006, Chapter 780, Enactment Clause 8) Additionally, on an annual basis, the APA is required to collect from local governments and providers any data necessary to determine changes in (1) market area and number of customers served, (2) types of services available, (3) population, and (4) possible local reimbursement. The APA is required to make an annual report of his findings to the chairmen of the House and Senate Finance Committees no later than December 1 each year. (Source: Acts of Assembly 2006, Chapter 780, Enactment Clause 8) CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 1 --- Page 16 ---

Example 1: Example 2: Total state communications taxes collected for the Same facts, except that the accrued cable franchise month are $40,000,000. TAX has administrative payment was $400,000. costs of $100,000. VDDHH has costs of $1,000,000.

Total state communications The APA has determined that Locality X’s share of taxes revenues: $40,000,000 the net communications taxes revenue is 1 percent Less (1) TAX costs: $100,000 (.01). The cable provider for Locality X reports an (2) VDDHH costs: $1,000,000 <$1,100,000> accrued monthly cable television franchise fee of $350,000. Locality X’s distribution for the month Net revenues available for would be determined as follows: distribution to localities: $38,900,000 Total state communications Locality X would be entitled to a cable franchise taxes revenues: $40,000,000 fee distribution of $400,000.

Less: 1. TAX costs: $100,000 Locality X’s percentage share of the net communications taxes revenues is: .01 x $38,900,000

  1. VDDHH costs: $1,000,000 < $1,100,000> = $389,000.

Net revenues available for As Locality X’s percentage share of the net revenues distribution to localities: $38,900,000 must be reduced by the amount of the cable Locality X would be entitled to a cable franchise franchise fee distribution it would not be entitled fee distribution of $350,000. Additionally, Locality to a distribution based on its percentage share: X would be entitled to a distribution based on its Percentage share of distribution: $389,000 percentage share of the net communications taxes revenues: .01 x $38,900,000 = $389,000. Less cable franchise fee distribution:< $400,000> The distribution based on the percentage share must <$11,000> be reduced by the amount of the cable franchise fee Locality X’s total distribution for the month would distribution: be limited to the $400,000 cable franchise fee Percentage share of distribution: $389,000 distribution. As the cable franchise fee distribution to Locality X exceeded its percentage share of Less cable franchise fee distribution: <$350,000> the Fund by $11,000, the total revenues available $39,000 for distribution to all localities based on their Locality X’s total distribution for the month would APA determined percentage would be reduced be $350,000 + 39,000 = $389,000. by $11,000. Although the total amount paid from the Fund to Locality X and other localities which receive their entire distribution as a cable franchise fee distribution would not be affected, the amount distributed to localities entitled to a distribution based on their APA determined percentage would be proportionately reduced based on their APA determined percentage. This reduction will have no effect on distributions in subsequent months.

Additional Information These guidelines and rules are available on-line in the Tax Policy Library section of TAX’s web site, located at www.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Office of Customer Services at (804) 367-8037.

Approved: _____ Janie E. Bowen Tax Commissioner November 1, 2006 CT-2 W REV 11/06 Page 16

Virginia Home Accessibility Tax Credit Guidance Doc ID: Individual

Original: 959 words
Condensed: 716 words
Reduction: 25.3%

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te ak Ti

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Department of Taxation

MEMORANDUM

6h? ot

TO: James Ingraham Capped Credit Unit Office of Customer Services

FROM: Howard T. Macrae, Jr.

Assistant Tax Commissioner Office of Tax Policy

SUBJECT: Capped Credits Unit Questions-Home Accessibility Features for the Disabled Tax Credit (Code of Virginia § 58.1-339.7)

DATE: September 29, 2000

Cathy Early and you have requested the assistance of this office on several questions that have arisen in the Capped Credit Unit’s processing of applications, under the above-referenced legislation, for a retrofitting expense tax credit for qualified expenses incurred in taxable year 2000:

Question No. 1.

Section 58.1-339.7 (A) uses the terms “a residence”, and does not include a restrictive modifier such as “a principal residence.” Is the intent to allow this tax credit for the retrofitting of more than one residence?

A. Yes. However, Section 58.1-339.7 (B) limits the amount of the tax credit that may be taken in the taxable year in which the home accessibility features are completed to $ 500 or the total amount of income tax liability, whichever is less, regardless of the number of residences an individual may retrofit in a taxable year.

Question No. 2

Suppose an individual other than the individual owning or maintaining the residence completes the retrofitting, whether by himself or by hiring a third party, and pays that retrofitting expense. Would that individual be eligible to claim the tax credit?

A. Yes. The individual does not have to be a resident of the retrofitted residence in order to claim the tax credit for the work completed and the related expense.

However, this tax credit is designed to be claimed by individual taxpayers only,

Memorandum

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Page 2

and is not available Memorandum to a business taxpayer.

The contractor, in the example Cathy Early and George Parsons discussed by

telephone, who, at his firm’s own expense, volunteers to complete this type work

in homes maintained by elderly members of his church who have insufficient

financial means to pay for the work themselves on their homes would not qualify

as an eligible taxpayer to claim this credit for the retrofitting expenses his firm

incurs.

Question No. 3

Assume an individual incurs total qualified retrofitting expenses of $ 10,000 in completing

the work in a taxable year. What amount of tax credit may he claim for that taxable year

and for any carryover years?

A

Section 58.1-339.7(A) entitles that individual to a $2,500 credit (25% x $ 10,000).

But Section 58.1-339.7(B) allows such an individual to earn and claim on his return

for the taxable year in which the work is completed a maximum $ 500 credit.

Question No. 4

How is the proration computed in the event applications for the credit exceed $ 1 million

in any taxable year?

A

Section 58.1-339.7(C)’s proration procedure operates in basically the same manner

as the proration procedure in Section 58.1-339.4(G) for the Qualified Equity and

Subordinated Debt Investments Tax Credit, but there are significant differences.

The small business investment legislation provides for proration in the event the

amount of credits for which requests are made exceeds the available amounts of

credits ($5 million) in any one calendar year. The home accessibility features

legislation, by contrast, provides that “

the total amount of tax credits granted

under this section shall not exceed $1 million” (emphasis supplied).

EXAMPLE NO. 1

SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT CREDIT

In a small business investment credit scenario, assume investor Smith makes a

$100,000 gross investment in a calendar year in a qualified business, and has Virginia

income tax payable of $ 20,000. 50% of the gross $100,000 investment, or $ 50,000,

is allowed investor Smith as a requested credit. If the total of all such requested

credits is $10.5 million ( the maximum available credits being $5 million), investor

Smith receives 47.6% of the requested credit, or $ 23,800, as the prorated credit. In

like manner, all other approved applicants in that proration pool receive 47.6% of their

_ requested credits.

Memorandum

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EXAMPLE NO.2

HOME ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES PRORATION

Assume that applicant Jones’s total retrofitting expenses incurred in a taxable year amount to $ 3,000, and Virginia income tax payable is $ 3,000. Applicant Jones is entitled to a credit of 25% of total retrofitting expenses, or $ 750, as an allowable credit. If the total of all such allowable credits of all applicants is $1.5 million (the maximum total credits to be granted being $1 million), the applicant receives 66.67% of the $500 maximum allowable credit, or $335, as a prorated credit. All other approved applicants in the proration pool receive 66.67% of the maximum $500 credit or their 25% allowable credit amount, whichever is less.

If proration were not required (maximum total credits granted having been less then $1 million), applicant Jones would receive a credit of $ 500 (the maximum). All other approved applicants would receive a credit of $500 or their 25% allowable credit amount, whichever is less.

Question No. 5 May an individual completing qualified retrofitting work and incurring the related expense on a residence owned or maintained by a relative apply for the tax credit?

A. Yes. Section 58.1-339.7 does not disqualify such an individual, related by blood or

marriage to any person owning or maintaining the residence that is retrofitted by

the individual, from applying for the tax credit.

lf you and Cathy Early would find it helpful to have a meeting to discuss these answers to your questions, please let us know, and we can arrange a convenient time.

C. Cathy Early

Capped Credit Unit

Lawrence E. Durbin

William J. White

Virginia R&D Expenses Tax Credit GuidelinesDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

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Condensed: 2,837 words
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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Introduction

During the 2016 Session, the General Assembly enacted House Bill 884 (2016 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 661) and Senate Bill 58 (2016 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 300), which established the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit. This is an individual and corporate income tax credit for certain taxpayers that incur Virginia qualified research and development expenses in excess of $5 million during a taxable year.

These guidelines are published by the Department to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va.

Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov. These guidelines are separate from the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines. Those guidelines are contained in a separate document.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va.

Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

General Overview

Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, Virginia allows an individual and corporate income tax credit for incurring more than $5 million of Virginia qualified research and development expenses during a taxable year. The amount of the credit is equal to 10 percent of the difference between:

 The Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year; and

 50 percent of the average Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer for the three taxable years immediately preceding the taxable years.

If a taxpayer did not pay or incur Virginia qualified research and development expenses in

any one of the three taxable years immediately preceding the taxable year for which the credit is being determined, the credit is equal to 5 percent of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the relevant taxable year.

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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

The credit is allowed for the same calendar year in which qualified research and development expenses are reported on the federal income tax return (“the credit year”), in accordance with the taxpayer’s accounting method.

Annual Credit Cap

The credit is capped at $20 million per taxable year. If total eligible credit requests exceed $20 million, each taxpayer will be granted a pro rata amount of credits as determined by the Department. The prorated credit amount will be determined by multiplying the amount of credits requested by an eligible taxpayer for the taxable year by a fraction, the numerator of which is the $20 million credit cap, and the denominator of which is the total amount of credits requested by all eligible taxpayers for such taxable year.

Annual Credit Limitation and Carryover Credits

The credit amount claimed by a taxpayer cannot exceed 75 percent of the taxpayer’s Virginia income tax liability for the taxable year. Any credit not usable for the taxable year for which the credit was first allowed may be carried over for credit against the income taxes of the taxpayer in the next 10 succeeding taxable years, or until the total amount of the credit has been taken, whichever is sooner.

Requirements to Qualify for the Tax Credit

Research Must Meet the Federal Definition for “Qualified Research”

The research of a taxpayer applying for the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit must meet the federal definition of qualified research under IRC § 41(d) to qualify for the credit. Under IRC § 41(d), qualified research means research:

 With expenditures that qualify as expenses under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) § 174 (i.e. such expenditures must be incurred in connection with the taxpayer’s trade or business and represent a research and development cost in the experimental or laboratory sense);

 That is undertaken for the purpose of discovering information which is technological in nature;

 The application of which is intended to be useful in the development of a new or improved business component of the taxpayer; and

 Substantially all of the activities of which constitute elements of a process of experimentation for a new or improved function, performance, or reliability or quality.

To be considered “qualified research,” the taxpayer must establish that the research being performed meets each of the above requirements.

Qualified research generally does not include the following

 Research conducted after the beginning of commercial production;

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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

 Research adapting an existing product or process merely to meet customer specifications (unless the adaptation is carried out under experimental or laboratory conditions in order to improve the product or process, or to develop a new use for the product or process);

 Duplication of an existing business activity;

 Surveys, studies or routine activities, including: testing, or inspection of materials or products for quality control; environmental analysis; testing of samples for chemical or other content; operations research; feasibility studies; efficiency surveys; management studies; consumer surveys; economic surveys; research in the social sciences; market research including advertising and promotions; and routine data collection;

 Research in the social sciences, arts, or humanities;

 Research conducted outside the United States, Puerto Rico, or a United States possession;

 Research of computer software for internal use (except if the software development contributes to Virginia qualified research and development); or

 Any research and development that is already funded by a grant, contract or another entity, including a governmental entity.

Expenses Must Meet the Federal Definition for “Qualified Research Expenses”

Virginia research and development expenses must meet the federal definition of qualified research expenses under IRC § 41(b) to qualify for the credit. Under IRC § 41(b), qualified research expenses are defined as amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business of the taxpayer for:

 In-house expenses; and

 Contract research expenses.

Under IRC § 41(b)(2), in-house expenses consist of the following

 Wages, as defined in IRC § 3401(a) or earned income, as defined in 401(c)(2), paid or incurred to an employee, except for wages used to determine the federal work opportunity credit under IRC § 51(a);

 Amounts paid or incurred for supplies used in the conduct of qualified research, except for land or land improvements and property that is subject to depreciation, that are used in research and development; and

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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

 Amounts paid or incurred to another person or business for the right to use computers in the conduct of qualified research.

Under IRC § 41(b)(3), contract research expenses consist of the following

 65 percent of any amount paid or incurred by a taxpayer to a person (other than an employee of the taxpayer) for qualified research;

 75 percent of any amount paid or incurred by a taxpayer to a qualified research consortium for qualified research; and

 100 percent of any amount paid or incurred to an eligible small business, an institution of higher education (as defined in IRC § 3304(f)), or an organization that is a federal laboratory (as defined in IRC § 3304(f)).

See IRC § 41 and the regulations thereunder for additional requirements regarding qualified research expenses.

Example 1: Computation of Contract Research Expenses, Part I

Taxpayer A paid $10,000,000 to a contractor to conduct qualified research in Virginia. Therefore, Taxpayer A has Virginia qualified research and development expenses equal to:

65% x $10,000,000 = $6,500,000

This amount can then be used by Taxpayer A in computing its Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit.

Example 2: Computation of Contract Research Expenses, Part II

Taxpayer B paid $5,000,000 to a contractor to conduct qualified research in Virginia.

Taxpayer B has no other Virginia qualified research and development expenses.

Therefore, Taxpayer B has Virginia qualified research and development expenses equal to:

65% x $5,000,000 = $3,250,000

Because Taxpayer B’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses do not exceed $5 million, it may not claim the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit. Taxpayer B may instead claim the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit to the extent it qualifies for such credit.

Research Must be Conducted in Virginia

A taxpayer applying for the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit must ensure that the research and development expenses it uses toward the credit are attributable to research conducted in Virginia. Research is conducted in Virginia to the extent that it is conducted at a research laboratory, office, plant, or other facility located in

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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Virginia, regardless of whether the organization conducting the research is organized under the laws of Virginia or another jurisdiction. If research is conducted jointly at research facilities located within and outside of Virginia, the research and development expenses include only the payments attributable to the portion of the qualified research conducted within Virginia. Only the wages paid for research that was conducted in Virginia may be included as wages that qualify for the credit.

Disqualified Research Expenses

Research and development expenses that are paid or incurred for research conducted in Virginia on human cells or tissue derived from induced abortions or from stem cells obtained from embryos do not qualify for the credit. Research and development expenses that are paid or incurred for research conducted in Virginia on nonhuman embryonic stem cells may qualify for the credit.

Interaction with Other Virginia Tax Credits

Research and development expenses that are used as the basis for claiming Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credits may not be used as the basis for claiming any other Virginia income tax credit. However, a taxpayer may be allowed to use the same research and development expenses that were used as the basis for claiming the federal credit for increasing research activities under IRC § 41 to claim the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit. No taxpayer may claim both the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit and the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit for the same taxable year.

Computation of the Credit

The procedure for computing the credit amount is derived from the procedure for determining the federal alternative simplified credit for increasing research activities under IRC § 41(c)(5). The credit is determined as follows:

Step 1 Determine the total amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year.

a. If such expenses are in excess of $5 million, go to Step 2.

b. If such expenses are equal to or less than $5 million, stop. The taxpayer may not claim the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit. The taxpayer may instead claim the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit to the extent that it qualifies for such credit.

Step 2 Determine whether the taxpayer paid or incurred Virginia qualified research and development expenses in each of the three immediately preceding taxable years.

c. If the taxpayer paid or incurred such expenses for each of the three preceding taxable years, determine the average of such amounts and multiply the result by 50%. Then go to Step 3.

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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

b. If the taxpayer did not pay or incur such expenses in any one of the three preceding taxable years, go to Step 5.

Step 3 From the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses determined in Step 1, subtract the amount computed in Step 2a.

c. If zero or less than zero, stop. You do not qualify for the credit.

b. If greater than zero, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4 If determined in Step 2a that the taxpayer paid or incurred Virginia qualified research and development expenses in each of the three preceding taxable years, the credit is equal to 10 percent of the amount determined in Step 3.

Step 5 If the taxpayer determined in Step 2b that the taxpayer did not pay or incur Virginia qualified research and development expenses in each of the three preceding taxable years, the credit is equal to 5 percent of the amount determined in Step 1.

If the total eligible credit requests exceed $20 million, the amount of credits granted to each taxpayer will be prorated.

Example 3: Computation of the Credit, Part I

Taxpayer D has $8 million in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in Taxable Year 2016. Taxpayer D’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are: $6 million in Taxable Year 2013, $7 million in Taxable Year 2014, and $5 million in Taxable Year 2015.

Following Step 2a above, Taxpayer D must determine the average amount of the Virginia research and development expenses it incurred for the three preceding taxable years, and multiply the result by 50 percent:

$6 million + $7 million + $5 million = $18 million

1 million x 50 illion

Following Step 3 above, subtract the amount determined in Step 2a from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$8 million - $3 million = $5 million

Following Step 4 above, Taxpayer D may claim a credit equal to

10% of $5 million = $500,000.

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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Example 4: Computation of the Credit, Part II

Taxpayer E has $12 million in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in 2016. Taxpayer E’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years: $0 in Taxable Year 2013, $11.5 million in Taxable Year 2014, and $11 million in Taxable Year 2015.

Because Taxpayer E did not pay or incur Virginia qualified research and development expenses in each of the three preceding taxable years, following Step 5 above, Taxpayer E may claim a credit equal to:

5% of $12 million = $600,000.

Example 5: Proration of Credit Amounts

Assume the same facts as in Example 4, except the Department receives $25 million in eligible credit requests for Taxable Year 2016. Because the total amount of eligible credit requests exceeds the $20 million credit cap, the credit Taxpayer E may claim for Taxable Year 2016 must be proportionately reduced as follows:

($20 million / $25 million) x $600,000 = $480,000.

Short Taxable Year

The method for computing the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit when the credit year or any relevant preceding taxable year is a short taxable year is derived from the procedure for computing the federal alternative simplified credit for increasing research activities under Treas. Reg. § 1.41-9(c)(3)(i). In the case of a short taxable year, only the Virginia research and development expenses from the taxable year encompassed in the short taxable year return may be taken into account for that taxable year. This procedure only applies to taxpayers that paid or incurred Virginia qualified research and development expenses in each of the three taxable years immediately preceding the credit year. It does not apply if the taxpayer did not pay or incur Virginia qualified research and development expenses in any one of the three immediately preceding taxable years.

If the credit year is a short taxable year, then the average amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three years preceding the credit year must be modified by multiplying that amount by the number of days in the short taxable year and dividing the result by 365 (366 in a leap year). Treas. Reg. § 1.41-9(c)(3)(i).

If one or more of the three taxable years preceding the credit year is a short taxable year, then the Virginia qualified research and development expenses for such year must be modified by multiplying that amount by 365 (366 in a leap year) and dividing the result by the number of days in the short taxable year. Treas. Reg. § 1.41-9(c)(3)(i).

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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Example 6: Credit Computation When Credit Year is a Short Taxable Year

Taxpayer F has $4 million in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in a short taxable year beginning on January 1, 2017 and ending on June 30, 2017.

Taxpayer F’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are: $9 million in Taxable 2014, $8 million in Taxable Year 2015, and $7 million in Taxable Year 2016.

Following Step 2a above, Taxpayer F must determine the average amount of the Virginia research and development expenses it incurred for the three preceding taxable years, and multiply the result by 50%:

$9 million + $8 million + $7 million = $24 million

2 million x 50 illion

Because the credit year is a short taxable year, Taxpayer F must modify the average amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years by multiplying that amount by, 273, the number of days in the short taxable year, and dividing the result by 365:

$4 million x (181/365) = $1,983,562

Following Step 3 above, subtract the amount determined in Step 2a from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$4 million - $1,983,562 = $2,016,438

Following Step 4 above, Taxpayer F may claim a credit equal to

10% of $2,016,438 = $201,644

Example 7: Credit Computation When Prior Year is a Short Taxable Year

Taxpayer G has $15 million in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in 2016. Taxpayer G elected to compute the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Taxpayer G’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three immediately preceding taxable year are: $4 million in a short taxable year beginning on October 1, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2013, $10 million in Taxable Year 2014, and $12 million in Taxable Year 2015.

For purposes of determining the average amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses Taxpayer G incurred for the three preceding taxable years, the amount of Virginia research and development expenses it incurred during the

short taxable year must be modified by multiplying that amount by 365 and dividing the result by 92, the number of days in the short taxable year:

Virginia Department of Taxation - 8 - April 19, 2017

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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

million x 65 2

Following Step 2a above, Taxpayer G must determine the average amount of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses it incurred for the three preceding taxable years, and multiply the result by 50%:

$15,869,565 + $10 million + $12 million = $37,869,565

7, 6 ,565 x 50

Following Step 3 above, subtract the amount determined in Step 2a from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$15 million - $6,311,594 = $8,688,406

Following Step 4 above, Taxpayer G may claim a credit equal to the lesser of

10% of $8,688,406 = $868,841

Combining the Activities of Entities

Neither the Virginia qualified research and development expenses nor the gross receipts of two or more separate pass-through or corporate entities may be combined for purposes of determining the amount of the credit. Each corporation in a group of affiliated corporations that files a combined or consolidated return is required to compute the credit separately.

The total amount of credits allowed to each corporation in a group of affiliated corporations may be aggregated on a combined or consolidated return. The Virginia qualified research and development expenses and gross receipts of a disregarded entity may be combined with the Virginia qualified research and development expenses and gross receipts of its parent entity for purposes of determining the amount of the credit.

Corporate Restructuring

A taxpayer that acquires or disposes of a trade or business or a separate unit of a trade or business in the credit year, or in any relevant preceding taxable year, must compute the credit using the procedures set forth in IRC § 41(f)(3)(ii).

Application and Filing Requirements

An eligible taxpayer must submit an Application for the Major Research and Development

Expenses Tax Credit, Form MRD, and any supporting documentation to the Department no later than July 1 of the year following the credit year. The Department will review all applications for completeness and notify taxpayers of any errors by September 1. If any additional information is required, it must be provided to the Department no later than September 15 to be considered for the credit. All eligible taxpayers will then be notified as to the amount of credits that they may claim.

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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Upon receiving notification of the credit amount from the Department, the taxpayer must claim the credit on the appropriate Virginia income tax return. In the event that a taxpayer does not receive notification of the allowable credit amount before its Virginia income tax return is due, the taxpayer may file the return during the extension period, or it may file the original return without claiming the credit and then file an amended tax return once notification of the allowable credit amount is received.

Fiscal Year Filers

A taxpayer is a fiscal year filer if its taxable year consists of any period other than a calendar year (January 1 to December 31). A fiscal year filer is required to claim the credit for the calendar year in which its taxable year ends (“the credit year”). When determining its Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year, a fiscal year filer must include such expenses incurred during the calendar year in which its taxable year ends. Such amount will include Virginia qualified research and development expenses from portions of two taxable years. When determining the amount of the credit, a fiscal year filer must determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses it incurred during the three preceding taxable years, beginning with the taxable year ending in the calendar year immediately preceding the credit year.

Example 8: Credit Computation for Fiscal Year Filers

Taxpayer H is a fiscal year filer with a taxable year that begins on August 1, and ends on July 31. Taxpayer H had $25 million in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in Calendar Year 2016. Taxpayer H’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years beginning with its taxable year ending in the first calendar year prior to the credit year are: $18 million in Taxable Year 2012; $21 million in Taxable Year 2013; and $27 million in Taxable Year 2014.

Following Step 2a above, Taxpayer H must determine the average amount of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses it incurred for the three preceding taxable years, and multiply the result by 50%:

$18 million + $21 million + $27 million = $66 million

66 million x 50 illion

Following Step 3 above, subtract the amount determined in Step 2a from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$25 million - $11 million = $14 million

Following Step 4 above, Taxpayer H may claim a credit equal to

10% of $14 million = $1.4 million

Virginia Department of Taxation - 10 - April 19, 2017

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Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Pass-Through Entities

A pass-through entity that is granted Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credits is required to submit a completed Form PTE to the Department allocating credits to its partners, members, or shareholders in proportion to their ownership interest in the entity, or in accordance with a written agreement entered into by such individual partners, members, or shareholders.

Documentation and Record Keeping

A taxpayer must attach documentation to the application that outlines the type of research conducted in Virginia and substantiates the calculation of the credit. Further, a taxpayer that is headquartered outside of Virginia, but has employees in Virginia or contracts with an entity conducting research in Virginia, must attach documentation to the application regarding where the research was conducted, how much time was spent conducting the research, and the type of research that was conducted.

On request, a taxpayer paying wages to individuals performing Virginia qualified research on its behalf may be required to provide adequate documentation that substantiates the allocation of wages for Virginia qualified research and development expenses. Such documentation includes, but is not limited to, name, taxpayer identification number, detailed job description, gross Virginia wages, time cards, internal written documents that verify the percentage of time devoted to Virginia qualified research, and a detailed description of each department or business unit performing Virginia qualified research and the nature of the research performed.

In order to verify that its research and development expenses qualify for the credit, a taxpayer may be required to provide proofs of purchase such as invoices, receipts, cancelled checks, bank statements, or credit card statements to the Department on request.

Taxpayers applying for the credit may be required to provide additional documentation to the Department as deemed necessary.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online under the Laws, Rules and Decisions section of the Department’s website, located at http://www.policylibrary.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Approved

________ Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation - 11 - April 19, 2017

Virginia Business Interest Limitation GuidelinesDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

Original: 2,779 words
Condensed: 1,749 words
Reduction: 37.1%

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Guidelines Regarding the Business Interest Limitation

During the 2019 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted budget language (Item 272(E) of the 2019 Appropriation Act (House Bill 1700, Chapter 854)) that requires the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to publish guidelines regarding how taxpayers are required to account for the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) § 163(j) federal limitation on the deductibility of business interest (“the business interest limitation”) for Virginia income tax purposes. This also requires the Department to convene a working group by June 1, 2019 to study the impact of the limitation of interest expense on businesses that are part of an affiliated group and file a Virginia combined or consolidated return. On May 20, 2019, the Department held a working group meeting and solicited comments from affected parties regarding the application of this limitation for Virginia income tax purposes.

These guidelines are published by the Department to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the determination of the federal business interest limitation, as required by Item 272(E) of the 2019 Appropriation Act. These guidelines are not rules or regulations

subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines complement the Department’s existing Individual Income Tax Regulation (23 Virginia Administrative Code (“VAC”) 10-110-20 et seq.) and Corporation Income Tax Regulation (23 VAC 10-120-10 et seq.). To the extent that there is a conflict between the Department’s existing guidance and 2019 Acts of Assembly, Chapters 17 and 18, the provisions of those laws, as interpreted by these guidelines, supersede existing guidance.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision

of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845.

On November 26, 2018 the U.S. Department of the Treasury published proposed regulations regarding the business interest limitation. It is unclear when the final regulations will be published and whether such regulations will include substantial changes. Because of uncertainties regarding these regulations, the Department has refrained from addressing the application of business interest limitation to individuals and pass-through entities at this time. The Department anticipates addressing such issues in future guidance.

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Guidelines Regarding the Business Interest Limitation

General Overview of the Business Interest Deduction

Federal Interest Deduction and Business Interest Limitation

Prior to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the TCJA”), interest was generally deductible for federal income tax purposes in the year it was paid or accrued. On December 22, 2017, Congress enacted the TCJA, which included a provision that limited the deductibility of business interest for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.

See IRC § 163(j). Under this limitation, the deduction for business interest for a taxable year generally may not exceed the aggregate of the following amounts:

  • The taxpayer’s business interest income for the taxable year;
  • 30 percent of the taxpayer’s adjusted taxable income (“ATI”) for the taxable year;

plus

  • The taxpayer’s floor plan financing for the taxable year.

Pursuant to IRC § 163(j)(8), ATI is defined as the taxable income of the taxpayer:

  • Computed without regard to: o Any item of income, gain, deduction, or loss which is not properly allocable to a trade or business, o Any business interest or business interest income, o The amount of any net operating loss deduction under IRC § 172, o The amount of any deduction allowed under IRC § 199A, and o In the case of taxable years beginning before January 1, 2022, any deduction allowable for depreciation, amortization, or depletion, and

  • Computed with such other adjustments as provided by the Secretary of the

Treasury.

Any business interest that is disallowed because of the business interest limitation is treated as business interest paid or accrued in the following taxable year, and may be carried forward indefinitely, subject to certain restrictions.

For additional information regarding the federal business interest limitation and any exceptions that may apply, please see IRC § 163(j), Prop. Treas. Reg. §§ 1.163(j)-1 through 1.163(j)-11, and www.irs.gov.

Virginia Treatment of Interest Deduction and Business Interest Limitation

During the 2019 Session, the General Assembly enacted legislation that generally conforms Virginia to the TCJA, including the limitation on the deductibility of business interest. See House Bill 2529 (2019 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 17) and 2019 Senate Bill

1372 (2019 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 18). Therefore, the limitation applies for Virginia income tax purposes to the extent a taxpayer’s deduction for business interest is limited

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Guidelines Regarding the Business Interest Limitation

on its federal income tax return and such deduction impacts federal adjusted gross income (“FAGI”) for individuals or federal taxable income (“FTI”) for corporations.

Taxpayers that do not claim a federal deduction for business interest or are provided an exception are not subject to the limitation for Virginia income tax purposes.

Because the deduction for interest is allowed as a component of FAGI or FTI, taxpayers may carry forward and deduct business interest for Virginia income tax purposes. A taxpayer that becomes subject to Virginia income tax will receive the tax benefit of reduced FAGI or FTI from an interest deduction carryforward claimed on its federal return, even if the taxpayer was not subject to Virginia income tax during the prior year in which the interest expense was paid or accrued. Similarly, a taxpayer that is no longer subject to Virginia income tax will not receive the tax benefit attributable to any business interest that is in excess of the business interest limitation and that is carried forward to a year when the taxpayer is not subject to Virginia income tax, even if the taxpayer was subject to Virginia income tax during the prior year in which the interest expense was paid or

accrued.

In addition, Virginia allows a corporate and individual income tax deduction equal to 20 percent of the amount of business interest that is disallowed as a deduction for federal income tax purposes pursuant to the business interest limitation. This will accelerate the deduction of business interest for Virginia income tax purposes by allowing a larger deduction during the year in which interest expense is paid or accrued than is allowed on the federal return. However, in future taxable years, taxpayers will be required to reconcile this acceleration on their Virginia income tax returns. The Department will publish more information regarding this process in upcoming form instructions.

Virginia Corporate Filings and the Business Interest Limitation

For federal income tax purposes, an affiliated group of corporations has the option of filing a consolidated return in lieu of separate returns for each corporation. If a consolidated return is filed, the affiliated group members are treated as one entity and their financial

activities are combined for purposes of computing their federal income tax liability. A corporation generally meets the federal requirements for affiliation if it possesses at least 80 percent of the total voting power and at least 80 percent of the total value of a corporation’s stock.

Virginia Code § 58.1-442 allows members of an affiliated group of corporations with Virginia nexus to elect to file on the following bases regardless of how they file federally:

  • Separately;
  • Consolidated; or
  • Using a Virginia combined return.

A corporation generally meets the Virginia requirements for affiliation if each corporation included in the group is itself subject to Virginia income tax and if:

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Guidelines Regarding the Business Interest Limitation

  • A corporation owns at least 80 percent of the voting stock of the other(s); or
  • At least 80 percent of the voting stock of two or more of the corporations is owned by the same interests.

Virginia affiliated groups may differ from federal affiliated groups primarily because each corporation in the group must have nexus with the state and the members in a Virginia affiliated group may elect to file on a different bases than how they opted to file federally. If a Virginia affiliated group files its federal and Virginia returns on a different basis, included different members in its filings, or both, then FTI must be re-computed.

Re-computed FTI must be used to determine the amount of deductions allowable for the current year, the amount of deductions to be carried forward to future years, and the amount of deduction carryforwards to be used in such future years. See 23 VAC 10-120-

320 through 23 VAC 10-120-326. Virginia has consistently applied this treatment to federal deductions with carryforwards, including the federal charitable contribution deduction and the federal net operating loss deduction.

Virginia Code § 58.1-442 and 23 VAC 10-120-320 through 23 VAC 10-120-326 also apply to the federal deduction for business interest and its 30 percent annual limitation. In particular, if the affiliated group files a consolidated Virginia return, see 23 VAC 10-120-320(D)(1)(a).

Example 1 . An affiliated group of five corporations has filed a consolidated federal return. In Year 1, the affiliated group has $100 of ATI and $40 of business interest expense. In Year 1, the affiliated group’s business interest limitation is 30 percent of its ATI, or $30 ($100 x 30 percent), as shown below:

CONSOL A B C D E

ATI 100 20 20 20 30 10 Limitation 30 -- -- -- -- --

Business Interest Expense 40 3 3 25 6 3

Deductible Business Interest 30 -- -- -- -- --

Carryforward 10 -- -- -- -- --

Thus, the affiliated group has $30 of deductible business interest expense and $10 of carryforward.

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Guidelines Regarding the Business Interest Limitation

During Year 1, none of these corporations had fixed date conformity modifications, and A, B, C, and E were subject to tax in Virginia. D was not subject to tax in Virginia. If the group elects to file a consolidated Virginia return, the affiliated group’s business interest limitation is 30 percent of its ATI, or $21 ($70 x 30 percent), as shown below:

CONSOL A B C E

ATI 70 20 20 20 10

Limitation 21 -- -- -- --Business Interest

Expense 34 3 3 25 3 Deductible

Business Interest 21 -- -- -- --Carryforward 13 -- -- -- --

Thus, it has $21 of deductible business interest expense and $13 of carryforward.

If the affiliated group files a separate or Virginia combined return, see 23 VAC 10-120-320(D)(b)-(c), as applicable.

Example 2. Same as Example 1, but assume that the group elects to file separate Virginia returns. If so, each corporation would compute its separate business interest limitation, separate deductible business interest expense, and separate carryforward amount, as shown below:

TOTAL A B C E

ATI -- 20 20 20 10 Limitation -- 6 6 6 3

Business Interest -- 3 3 25 3 Expense Deductible 15 3 3 6 3 Business Interest Carryforward 19 0 0 19 0

Note that the total in the "TOTAL" column is provided for convenience. There is no consolidation or combination for Virginia separate return filers.

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Guidelines Regarding the Business Interest Limitation

Example 3. Same as Example 2, but assume that the group elects to file a Virginia combined return. If so, the amount reported as the separate deductible business interest for each affiliate (for purposes of the combined return) is deemed to be computed as if separate federal returns were filed for each corporation. The years to which deductible business interest are carried and the amounts used each year for Virginia purposes are deemed to be computed as if separate federal returns were filed, regardless of the type of federal returns actually filed in the carryover year. Thus, A has $3 of deductible business interest expense and no carryforward, B has $3 of deductible business interest expense and no carryforward, C has $6 of deductible business interest expense and $19 of carryforward, and E has $3 of deductible business interest expense and no carryforward.

Fixed Date Conformity Modifications

While Virginia generally conforms to the IRC, there are specific exceptions. Virginia deconforms from (1) bonus depreciation allowed for certain assets under federal income taxation; (2) five‐year carry back of certain net operating losses (“NOLs”) generated in Taxable Years 2008 and 2009; (3) tax exclusions related to cancellation of debt income; and (4) tax deductions related to the application of the applicable high yield debt obligation rules. These are referred to as “fixed date conformity modifications.” Fixed date conformity modifications are not considered to be Virginia modifications. Rather, these exceptions identified in Va. Code § 58.1-301 are added to or subtracted from a corporation’s FTI as computed under the IRC in order to determine its FTI for Virginia income tax purposes.

To the extent that a corporation is subject to fixed date conformity modifications, it must re-compute its FTI and ATI for Virginia purposes before determining its business interest limitation for Virginia purposes. The formula for determining FTI for Virginia purposes (“Virginia FTI”) is as follows:

FTI +/- Fixed date conformity modifications = Virginia FTI

Adjusted taxable income for Virginia purposes (“Virginia ATI”) equals Virginia FTI plus the net of:

  • Any additions required by IRC § 163(j)(8) or the regulations thereunder to the extent otherwise excluded or deducted in computing Virginia FTI, and

  • Any subtractions required by IRC § 163(j)(8) or the regulations thereunder to the extent included in and not otherwise subtracted in computing Virginia FTI.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 6 - December 26, 2019

[TABLE 6-1] | Fixed date conformity modifications are not considered to be Virginia modifications. Rather, these | exceptions identified in Va. Code § 58.1-301 are added to or subtracted from a | corporation’s FTI as computed under the IRC in order to determine its FTI for Virginia | income tax purposes. |

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 6-2] To the extent that a corporation is subject to | it must re-compute its FTI and ATI for Virginia purposes before determining its business interest | limitation for Virginia purposes. The formula for determining FTI for Virginia purposes | (“Virginia FTI”) is as follows: |

[/TABLE]

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Guidelines Regarding the Business Interest Limitation

A corporation’s business interest limitation for Virginia purposes will equal the sum of business interest income, 30 percent of Virginia ATI, and floor plan financing interest.

Similar re-computations must be made to FAGI for individuals.

Example 4. Corporation A has filed a federal return for Taxable Year 2018 reporting $900 of FTI, including $110 in depreciation deductions, $100 of which is attributable to bonus depreciation. On its Virginia return, Corporation A has only $10 in depreciation deductions because Virginia does not conform to bonus depreciation. To reflect the difference in its federal and Virginia depreciation deduction amounts, Corporation A reports a fixed date conformity addition of $100 ($110-$10=$100), and Virginia FTI of $1,000 ($900+$100).

Because IRC § 163(j)(8)(v) authorizes taxpayers to addback depreciation deductions in computing ATI, Corporation A has ATI of $1,010 ($900+$110), and a business interest limitation of $303 ($1,010 X 30 percent). For Virginia purposes,

Corporation has Virginia ATI of $1,010 ($1,000+$10), and a business interest limitation of $303.

Example 5. Same as Example 4, except that the taxable year is 2022. Because IRC § 163(j)(8)(v) does not apply in the case of taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2022, Corporation A may not addback depreciation deductions in computing its ATI. This means that, for federal purposes, Corporation A will have ATI of $900 ($900+$0), and a business interest limitation of $270 ($900 X 30 percent). However, for Virginia purposes, Corporation A will have Virginia ATI of $ 1,000 ($1,000+$0), and a business interest limitation of $300 ($1,000 X 30 percent).

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website, located at https://townhall.virginia.gov, and on the Guidance Documents section of the

Department’s website, located at http://tax.virginia.gov/guidance-documents. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 7 - December 26, 2019

Guidelines for Cigarette Resale Tax ExemptionDoc ID: Sales

Original: 3,577 words
Condensed: 2,304 words
Reduction: 35.6%

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GUIDELINES FOR THE RETAIL SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE

FOR STAMPED CIGARETTES PURCHASED FOR RESALE

August 21, 2017

The General Assembly recently enacted House Bill 1913 and Senate Bill 1390 (2017 Acts of Assembly, Chapters 112 and 453). The new law mandates the use of a new exemption certificate on and after January 1, 2018 for all purchases of cigarettes bearing Virginia revenue stamps for resale exempt from the Retail Sales and Use Tax.

Retailers and other dealers who purchase stamped cigarettes for resale will be required to use the new exemption certificate, which will be issued by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to each qualifying business.

These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the

Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

As necessary, additional information will be published on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

Definitions

As used in these Guidelines, unless the context clearly shows otherwise, the term or phrase:

“Affiliate” means any entity that is a member of the same affiliated group, as such term is defined in Va. Code § 58.1-3700.1.

“Form ST-10” or “resale exemption certificate” means the exemption certificate for use by Virginia dealers to purchase tangible personal property for resale exempt from the Retail Sales and Use Tax. After December 31, 2017, this certificate is not valid for the purchase of cigarettes bearing Virginia revenue stamps.

“Form ST-10C” or “cigarette resale exemption certificate” means the exemption certificate for use by Virginia dealers to purchase cigarettes bearing Virginia revenue stamps for resale exempt from the Retail Sales and Use Tax on and after January 1, 2018.

1

[TABLE 1-1] The General Assembly recently enacted House Bill 1913 and Senate Bill 1390 (2017 Acts of Assembly, Chapters 112 and 453). The new law mandates the use of a new exemption certificate on and after January 1, 2018 for all purchases of cigarettes bearing Virginia revenue stamps for resale exempt from the Retail Sales and Use Tax.

Retailers and other dealers who purchase stamped cigarettes for resale will be required to use the new exemption certificate, which will be issued by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to each qualifying business.

These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

As necessary, additional information will be published on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

[/TABLE]

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate for Stamped Cigarettes Purchased for Resale August 21, 2017

Overview of the Sales Tax Resale Exemption Certificate

In general, all sales or leases of tangible personal property are subject to the Retail Sales and Use Tax until the contrary is established. The burden of proving that a sale, distribution, lease, or storage of tangible personal property is not taxable is upon the

dealer unless he takes from the purchaser a certificate to the effect that the sale of the property is exempt. A completed and valid exemption certificate will relieve the dealer of liability for the payment or collection of the tax, except upon notice that the certificate is no longer acceptable. The certificate must be signed by and bear the name and address of the purchaser; indicate the number of the certificate of registration, if any, issued to the taxpayer; indicate the general character of the tangible personal property sold, distributed, leased, or stored, or to be sold, distributed, leased, or stored under a blanket exemption certificate; and must be substantially in such form as prescribed by the Department. Currently, retailers and wholesalers are permitted to use the resale exemption certificate, Form ST-10, to purchase stamped cigarettes and other tangible personal property for resale exempt of the Retail Sales and Use Tax. See Va. Code § 58.1-623.

New Sales Tax Resale Exemption Certificate for Cigarettes

All sales of cigarettes bearing Virginia revenue stamps are subject to the Retail Sales and Use Tax, unless such cigarettes are purchased for resale or other exempt purpose.

Under the new law, for transactions on and after January 1, 2018, a dealer must use the new cigarette resale exemption certificate, Form ST-10C, to purchase stamped cigarettes exempt from the Retail Sales and Use Tax. On and after this date, the current resale exemption certificate, Form ST-10, will no longer be valid for purchases of stamped cigarettes. The new certificate is not valid for the purchase of cigarettes that will be taken out of Virginia. See Va. Code § 58.1-623.2.

Obtaining the New Exemption Certificate

The Department will issue the new cigarette resale exemption certificate, Form ST-10C, to qualifying dealers purchasing cigarettes for resale in Virginia, who apply for it and pass a background investigation. There will also be two expedited processes available to qualifying dealers.

Fast-Track Expedited Process

The first expedited process is the “fast-track process.” Dealers qualifying for the fast-track process will not need to apply for the new exemption certificate and will automatically receive a Department-issued certificate. The only dealers who qualify for this fast-track process are those that the Department is able to identify as meeting all of the following requirements: 1) current customers of a licensed stamping agent; 2) who pay for all cigarettes on a basis other than cash; and 3) with all such cigarettes being delivered to the dealer’s place of business by or on behalf of the stamping agent.

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate for Stamped Cigarettes Purchased for Resale August 21, 2017

The Department will provide each dealer qualifying under the fast-track process with a Form ST-10C cigarette resale exemption certificate. Qualifying dealers will not be required to file an application, pay an application fee, or be subject to the 30-day waiting period or the background investigation. If a dealer does not receive a Form ST-10C

certificate by October 1, 2017, the dealer should complete an application for the cigarette resale exemption certificate as explained below under the “Expedited Process” and “Full Application Process” sections.

Expedited Process

A dealer qualifies for the expedited process to receive a Form ST-10C cigarette resale exemption certificate if it possesses (i) an active license, in good standing, issued by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control pursuant to Title 4.1 of the Virginia Code; (ii) an active tobacco products tax distributor’s license, in good standing, issued by the Department of Taxation; or (iii) an active Retail Sales and Use Tax registration for a fixed place of business in Virginia, issued by the Department and in good standing with the Department for five years or more.

Any dealer qualifying for the expedited process must apply for the cigarette resale exemption certificate using the application that will be available on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov, on October 1, 2017. The dealer will not be required to

pay an application fee or be subject to a background check or waiting period. Any applicant who applies for a cigarette exemption certificate prior to December 1, 2017, will be issued or denied the cigarette exemption certificate prior to January 1, 2018.

Every dealer who purchases cigarettes for resale in Virginia must submit an application.

A dealer who purchases cigarettes at only one location, but has multiple physical places of business where cigarettes are sold should only complete one application. However, all physical places of business in Virginia that sell cigarettes for the dealer must be listed on the application. The dealer will be issued a cigarette exemption certificate for each qualifying location and is authorized to purchase cigarettes and resell them only at the locations listed on the certificate.

Full Application Process

Any dealer that does not qualify for either the fast-track process or the expedited process may apply for the cigarette resale exemption certificate using the application

that will be available on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov, on October 1, 2017. The dealer, or an authorized representative of the dealer, must submit a $50 application fee with the application in order for the application to be processed. The application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied. The Department will not issue a cigarette resale exemption certificate to an applicant until at least 30 days after the date that the application was submitted. Any applicant who applies for a

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate for Stamped Cigarettes Purchased for Resale August 21, 2017

cigarette exemption certificate prior to December 1, 2017, will be issued or denied the cigarette exemption certificate prior to January 1, 2018.

Every dealer who purchases cigarettes for resale in Virginia must submit an application.

A dealer who purchases cigarettes at only one location, but has multiple physical places

of business where cigarettes are resold should only complete one application.

However, all physical places of business in Virginia that sell cigarettes for the dealer must be listed on the application. The dealer will be issued a cigarette exemption certificate for each qualifying location and is authorized to purchase cigarettes and resell them only at the location listed on each certificate.

If the dealer intends to change any of the required information relating to the physical places of business contained in the application for the cigarette exemption certificate, the dealer must file an amendment to the application at least 30 days in advance of such change.

Applicants will be subject to background checks. Applicants must be registered as Retail Sales and Use Tax dealers or wholesale dealers and be in good standing with the Department. The Department, however, will not deny a cigarette resale exemption certificate solely because the applicant is 30 days or less delinquent in filing a Retail Sales and Use Tax return or remitting the tax, or has entered into an installment agreement.

The applicant must have a physical place of business in the Commonwealth. The Department will inspect each location listed in the application and verify that any location that purchases cigarettes for resale meets the following requirements:

  1. Is where a substantial portion of the sales activity of the retail cigarette sales activity of the business is routinely conducted;

  2. Satisfies all local zoning regulations;

  3. Has sales and office space of at least 250 square feet in a permanent, enclosed building not used as a house, apartment, storage unit, garage, or other building other than a building zoned for retail business;

  4. Houses all records required to be maintained regarding the purchase, sale, storage, handling, or transporting of cigarettes pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-

1007;

  1. Is equipped with office equipment, including but not limited to, a desk, a chair, a point of sale system, filing space, a working telephone listed in the name of the taxpayer or his business, working utilities, including electricity and provisions for space heating, and an Internet connection and email address;

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate for Stamped Cigarettes Purchased for Resale August 21, 2017

  1. Displays a sign and business hours and is open to the public during the listed business hours; and

  2. Does not occupy the same physical place of business as any other taxpayer who has been issued a cigarette exemption certificate.

Additionally, the applicant must possess a local business license for each locality in which the applicant has a physical place of business, if one is required by the locality.

The applicant must have a copy of its (i) corporate charter and articles of incorporation, in the case of a corporation, (ii) partnership agreement, in the case of a partnership, or (iii) organizational registration from the Virginia State Corporation Commission, in the case of a limited liability company. Such documents must be provided by the applicant to the Department upon request.

Cigarette Resale Exemption Certificate

A cigarette resale exemption certificate will be issued to each dealer for each physical place of business where cigarettes are purchased and sold and will bear the address of the place of business. The dealer will be authorized to purchase and resell cigarettes only at the locations listed on the application. A dealer is responsible for all purchases made using its Form ST-10C. The cigarette resale exemption certificate is non-transferable. If the dealer moves or closes its business, or if the exemption certificate is

lost or stolen, the dealer must notify the Department’s Tobacco Unit at (804) 371-0730 or tobaccounit@tax.virginia.gov.

The cigarette resale exemption certificate must not be displayed by any taxpayer in any physical place of business where a substantial portion of the retail cigarette sales activity of the business is routinely conducted.

Moving a Physical Place of Business

In the event that a dealer intends to move the physical place of business listed on a certificate to a new location, the dealer must file an amendment to the application at least 30 days in advance of the move. The Department will inspect the new physical place of business and, if such place of business meets all of the requirements, issue a new exemption certificate bearing the updated address. A dealer will not be required to pay a fee to the Department for the issuance of the new certificate. The certificate with the original address will become invalid upon the issuance of the new certificate, or 30

days after notice of the move is provided to the Department, whichever occurs sooner.

Authorized Representatives

The cigarette resale exemption certificate may be used by any authorized representative of the dealer. An authorized representative is an individual who has an ownership interest in or is a current employee of the dealer who possesses a valid

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate for Stamped Cigarettes Purchased for Resale August 21, 2017

cigarette exemption certificate. The dealer may be held liable for any violation of the Retail Sales and Use Tax or Cigarette Tax statutes or related guidelines by such authorized representative.

Denial and Revocation of Exemption Certificates

The Department will deny an application for a cigarette resale exemption certificate and will suspend or revoke a cigarette resale exemption certificate previously issued to an applicant, if the Department determines that:

  1. The taxpayer is a person who is not 18 years of age or older;

  2. The taxpayer is a person who is physically unable to carry on the business or has been adjudicated incapacitated;

  3. The taxpayer has not resided in the Commonwealth for at least one year immediately preceding the application, unless in the opinion of the Department, good cause exists for the dealer to have not resided in the Commonwealth for the immediately preceding year;

  4. The taxpayer has not established a physical place of business in the Commonwealth;

  5. A court or administrative agency has found that the taxpayer’s physical place of business does not conform to the requirements of the Commonwealth or the local governing body in which the business is located;

  6. The physical place of business occupied by the taxpayer is not constructed, arranged, or illuminated so as to allow access to and reasonable observation of any room or area in which cigarettes are to be sold;

  7. The taxpayer is not an authorized representative of the business;

  8. The taxpayer made a material misstatement or material omission in the application;

  9. The taxpayer has defrauded, or attempted to defraud, the Department or any federal, state, or local government, by making, maintaining or filing reports,

documents, tax returns or business records that are fraudulent or contain a false representation of material fact;

  1. The Tax Commissioner has determined that the taxpayer has misused the certificate;

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate for Stamped Cigarettes Purchased for Resale August 21, 2017

  1. The taxpayer has knowingly and willfully allowed any individual, other than an authorized representative, to use the certificate;

  2. The taxpayer has failed to comply with the Retail Sales and Use Tax or Cigarette Tax statutes, regulations, rules, guidelines, forms, or other

administrative guidance, or has been convicted under such statutes, however, no certificate will be denied or revoked on the basis of a failure to file a Retail Sales and Use Tax return or remit the tax unless the taxpayer is more than 30 days delinquent in any filing or payment and has not entered into an installment agreement; or

  1. The taxpayer has been convicted under the laws of any state or of the United States of (i) any robbery, extortion, burglary, larceny, embezzlement, gambling, perjury, bribery, treason, racketeering, money laundering, a crime involving fraud under Chapter 6 of Title 18.2, possession of tax-paid cigarettes with the intent to distribute or possession of unstamped cigarettes for the purpose of evading the tax pursuant to Va. Code §§ 58.1-1017 and 58.1-1017.1 or any crime with similar elements, or (ii) a felony.

If a taxpayer has been denied a cigarette resale exemption certificate or has had a cigarette resale exemption certificate revoked, the taxpayer may not re-apply for a cigarette resale exemption certificate until 6 months after the date of the denial or

revocation has passed.

Revocations

A list of all cigarette resale exemption certificates that have been revoked will be available on the Department’s website. To determine if a particular cigarette resale exemption certificate is valid, stamping agents or dealers may contact the Department’s Tobacco Unit at (804) 371-0370. Additionally, dealers registered for the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax may login to the Department’s website and look up the account number listed on a purchaser’s Form ST-10 or Form ST-10C to verify that the account is currently registered.

Renewal of Cigarette Exemption Certificate

The cigarette resale exemption certificate will be valid for five years from the date of issuance. At the end of the five-year period, the exemption certificate issued to a dealer

who qualifies for the fast-track or expedited process will be automatically renewed and no fee will be required. Dealers receiving their exemption certificate through the application process must apply to the Department to renew the cigarette resale exemption certificate and pay the $50 application fee. However, the 30-day waiting period is not applicable to exemption certificate renewals.

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Guidelines for the Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate for Stamped Cigarettes Purchased for Resale August 21, 2017

Authorized Holders

A person may not possess more than 25 cartons of stamped cigarettes with the intent to distribute unless such person is an “authorized holder.” Under the new law, retail

dealers and wholesale dealers, or their affiliates, must possess a valid cigarette resale exemption certificate in order to be an authorized holder. See Va. Code §§ 58.1-1000 and 58.1-1017.1.

Penalties for Using a Forged or Invalid Exemption Certificate

Any person who purchases 5,000 or fewer cigarettes using a forged or invalid Cigarette Resale Exemption Certificate is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 6 felony for a second or subsequent offense. Any person purchasing more than 5,000 cigarettes is guilty of a Class 6 felony for a first offense and a Class 5 felony for a second or subsequent offense.

In addition, the use of a forged or invalid cigarette resale exemption certificate to purchase cigarettes is subject to civil penalties of i) $2.50 per pack, but not less than $5,000, for a first offense; ii) $5 per pack, but not less than $10,000, for a second offense committed within a 36-month period; and iii) $10 per pack, but not less than $50,000, for a third or subsequent offense committed within a 36-month period. The

civil penalties will be assessed and collected by the Department of Taxation as other taxes are collected. See Va. Code § 58.1-1017.3.

Additional Information

These Guidelines are available online in the Laws, Rules & Decisions section of the Department’s website, located at www.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

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Virginia Debt Buyer Apportionment GuidelinesDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

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Debt Buyer Apportionment Guidelines

Introduction

During the 2018 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 798 (2018 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 807), which requires multistate debt buyers to apportion their income to Virginia using a special method of apportionment (“Debt Buyer Apportionment”). Under Debt Buyer Apportionment, debt buyers are required to use a single factor method of apportionment based on sales and market-based sourcing methods to source certain sales that consist of money recovered on debt.

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the apportionment method and market-based sourcing methods that apply to debt buyers, as required by the second enactment clause of House Bill 798. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published

in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202.

As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov. These guidelines complement the Department’s existing Corporation Income Tax Regulations (23 Virginia Administrative Code (“VAC”) 10-120-10, et seq.). To the extent that there is a conflict between the Department’s existing regulations and Va. Code §§ 58.1-416 and 58.1-422.3, the provisions of those sections of the Code of Virginia, as interpreted by these guidelines, supersede the existing regulations.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question

regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

Companies Required to Use Debt Buyer Apportionment

For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, a company that qualifies as a debt buyer is required to use Debt Buyer Apportionment when apportioning income to Virginia. No company may utilize Debt Buyer Apportionment unless it qualifies as a debt buyer.

For purposes of Debt Buyer Apportionment, “debt buyer” is an entity and its affiliated entities that purchase nonperforming loans from unaffiliated commercial entities that are in default for at least 120 days or in bankruptcy proceedings. “Debt buyer” does not include an entity that provides debt collection services for unaffiliated entities. “Affiliated” means the same as the term is defined in Va. Code § 58.1-302.

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Example 1

Taxpayer A provides debt collection services to Bank B, an unaffiliated entity.

Taxpayer A assists Bank B in collecting defaulted consumer debt but does not buy such debt from Bank B. Taxpayer A may not use Debt Buyer Apportionment and is not a debt buyer simply because it provides debt collection services.

Example 2

Taxpayer A purchases nonperforming loans from Taxpayer B and does not purchase nonperforming loans from any other entity. At the time that these loans were purchased, they were in default for at least 120 days. Taxpayer A is a fully-owned subsidiary of Taxpayer B. Taxpayer A may not use Debt Buyer Apportionment because a taxpayer cannot qualify as a debt buyer on the basis of

purchasing nonperforming loans from entities with which it is affiliated.

If the corporation’s business is composed of both debt buying and business that is not debt buying, separate accounting and the application of Debt Buyer Apportionment only to the debt buying portion of the corporation’s business is not permitted. See Commonwealth of Virginia v. Lucky Stores, Inc., 271 Va. 121 (1976). The application of Debt Buyer Apportionment is required to be determined for the corporation as a whole based upon the majority of the corporation’s business. The majority of a corporation’s business constitutes debt buying when more than 50 percent of the corporation’s revenues from the current taxable year are from its debt buying business. Therefore, if debt buying business constitutes a majority of the corporation’s business, the corporation is considered a debt buyer that is required to use Debt Buyer Apportionment. If debt buying business does not constitute a majority of the corporation’s business, the corporation is not considered a debt buyer and may not use Debt Buyer Apportionment.

Example 3

During Taxable Year 2019, Taxpayer A earned $900,000 of revenue by collecting on nonperforming loans that it had purchased from unaffiliated commercial entities.

At the time that these loans were purchased, they were in default for at least 120 days. Taxpayer A also earned $80,000 of revenue from service fees and $20,000 in interest income. Taxpayer A’s total revenues are as follows:

Revenues Percentage of Revenues Collections from eligible nonperforming loans $900,000 90% Service fees $80,000 8% Interest income $20,000 2% Total revenues $1,000,000 100%

Because a majority of Taxpayer A’s revenues for Taxable Year 2019 come from collecting on eligible nonperforming loans, Taxpayer A’s debt buying business is a

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[TABLE 2-1] | Revenues | Percentage of Revenues Collections from eligible nonperforming loans | $900,000 | 90% Service fees | $80,000 | 8% Interest income | $20,000 | 2% Total revenues | $1,000,000 | 100%

[/TABLE]

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majority of its business. As a result, Taxpayer A is considered a debt buyer that is required to use Debt Buyer Apportionment for Taxable Year 2019.

Example 4

During Taxable Year 2019, Taxpayer A earned $450,000 of revenue by collecting on nonperforming loans that it had purchased from unaffiliated commercial entities.

At the time that these loans were purchased, they were in default for at least 120 days. Taxpayer A also earned $550,000 of revenue by providing debt collection services to unaffiliated entities. Taxpayer A’s total revenues are as follows:

Revenues Percentage of Revenues

Collections from eligible nonperforming loans $450,000 45% Debt collection service fees $550,000 55% Total revenues $1,000,000 100%

Because a majority of Taxpayer A’s revenues for Taxable Year 2019 do not come from collecting on eligible nonperforming loans, Taxpayer A’s debt buying business is not a majority of its business. As a result, Taxpayer A is not considered a debt buyer and may not use the Debt Buyer Apportionment for Taxable Year 2019.

If a debt buyer is part of an affiliated group consisting of non-debt buyer corporations and files a Virginia consolidated return, then the affiliated group must follow the mixed apportionment factors method under 23 VAC 10-120-326.

Virginia Code § 58.1-418 requires that a financial corporation use a single factor method

of apportionment based on the percentage of its total business that is in Virginia. Because of how the term “financial corporation” is defined by Virginia law, a debt buyer will not generally be considered a financial corporation. See, e.g., Public Document (“P.D.”) 04-167. However, to the extent that a debt buyer is also considered a financial corporation, the Debt Buyer Apportionment provisions of Va. Code §§ 58.1-416 and 58.1-422.3, as interpreted by these guidelines, will apply rather than Va. Code § 58.1-418.

Overview of Debt Buyer Apportionment

Debt buyers are required to use a single sales factor method of apportionment and market-based sourcing methods for assigning certain sales under such method of apportionment.

Single Sales Factor Method of Apportionment for Debt Buyers

The Virginia taxable income of a multistate corporation, other than dividends, is apportioned to Virginia by multiplying such income by an apportionment percentage.

Under Virginia’s standard apportionment method, the apportionment percentage is generally calculated by adding together a property factor plus a payroll factor, plus twice

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[TABLE 3-1] | Revenues | Percentage of Revenues Collections from eligible nonperforming loans | $450,000 | 45% Debt collection service fees | $550,000 | 55% Total revenues | $1,000,000 | 100%

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a sales factor, and then dividing such sum by four. In addition to its standard apportionment method, Virginia has specialized apportionment methods for calculating the apportionment percentage of multistate manufacturing companies, retail companies, companies with enterprise data center operations, motor carriers, railway companies, financial corporations, and construction companies.

A corporation subject to Debt Buyer Apportionment is required to use a single factor method of apportionment based on sales. Therefore, a debt buyer is required to apportion its Virginia taxable income to Virginia by multiplying such income by its sales factor only.

Dividends will continue to be allocated pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-407 and 23 VAC 10-120-140.

Market-Based Sourcing Methods for Sourcing Certain Sales of Debt Buyers

For apportionment purposes, the sales factor consists of a fraction, the numerator of which is the total sales of the corporation in Virginia during the taxable year, and the denominator of which is the total sales of the corporation everywhere during the taxable year. To be included in the sales factor, the sales must be used to produce Virginia taxable income and be effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States, where the income from such conduct is includable in federal taxable income.

According to Va. Code § 58.1-416(A), sales of tangible personal property are generally deemed in Virginia and must be included in the sales factor numerator if the tangible personal property is delivered to a location in Virginia. In contrast, sales other than sales of tangible personal property are generally deemed in Virginia and must be included in the sales factor numerator if:

  • The income-producing activity is performed in Virginia; or

  • The income-producing activity is performed both in and outside of Virginia and a

greater proportion of the income-producing activity is performed in Virginia than in any other state, based on costs of performance.

Debt Buyer Apportionment provides a limited exception to these rules by requiring a debt buyer to source sales that consist of money recovered on debt (“debt receipts”) using market-based sourcing. Pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-416(B), debt receipts will be deemed in Virginia and will be required to be included in the sales factor numerator if they are collected from a person who is a resident of Virginia or an entity that has its commercial domicile in Virginia

Virginia Code § 58.1-414 and 23 VAC 10-120-210 continue to apply to a debt buyer’s sales, including the determination of whether its debt receipts are to be included on a gross or net basis. In addition, the rules set forth in Va. Code § 58.1-415, Va. Code § 58.1-416(A), 23 VAC 10-120-220, and 23 VAC 10-120-230 continue to apply to a debt

buyer’s sales that do not consist of debt receipts.

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Example 5

The majority of Taxpayer A’s business involves purchasing of nonperforming loans from unaffiliated commercial entities and recovering on such loans. At the time that it purchases such loans, they were in default for at least 120 days. As a result, Taxpayer A is a debt buyer. As a small component of its business, Taxpayer A also provides debt collection services to banks. In these arrangements, Taxpayer A assists banks in collecting defaulted consumer debt but does not buy such debt from these banks.

Because Taxpayer A is a debt buyer, Taxpayer A must use market-based sourcing to source all debt receipts from the nonperforming loans that it has purchased.

However, Taxpayer A must use the income-producing activity rule to source any

receipts from fees that it charges to provide debt collection services to its bank customers. This is so, even if such fees are structured as a percentage of the recoveries that Taxpayer A earns for the banks on their defaulted consumer debt.

Market-Based Sourcing Methods

In determining whether debt receipts are in Virginia under Va. Code § 58.1-416(B), various sourcing methods are provided below that apply sequentially in a hierarchy. For each sale consisting of debt receipts, a debt buyer must make a reasonable effort to apply the primary sourcing method before seeking to apply the next sourcing method in the hierarchy. For example, the primary sourcing method requires a taxpayer to determine the state or states of assignment, and if the taxpayer cannot do so, the secondary method requires the taxpayer to reasonably approximate the state or states of assignment. In these cases, the taxpayer must attempt to determine the state or states of assignment (e.g., apply the primary method in the hierarchy) in good faith and with reasonable effort before it may reasonably approximate the state or states.

Primary Sourcing Method. If the necessary information is available to allow the debt buyer to determine the debtor’s actual state of residence or actual state of commercial domicile, as applicable, it is required to assign debt receipts received from that debtor to such state or states.

Secondary Sourcing Method. If the necessary information is not available for the debt buyer to determine the debtor’s actual state of residence or actual state of commercial domicile, as applicable, the taxpayer may reasonably approximate such state using the debtor’s mailing address from which such debts are collected, provided that:

  • The estimate has been undertaken in good faith,
  • The estimate is a reasonable approximation of the amount of debt receipts attributable to Virginia, and
  • In using an estimate the debt buyer did not have as a principal purpose the

avoidance of Virginia income tax.

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However, in any instance in which the debt buyer derives more than 5 percent of its debt receipts from a person or entity, the debt buyer is required to identify the person’s actual state of residence or the entity’s actual commercial domicile and assign the debt receipts to that state.

For purposes of the Secondary Sourcing Method, “mailing address” means the location indicated in the books and records of the debt buyer as the primary mailing address relating to the debtor’s account as of the time of the transaction, as kept in good faith, in the normal course of business, and not for tax avoidance purposes.

Related Member Transactions. In the case of debt receipts received from a related member, the debt buyer may not use the Secondary Sourcing Method. For this purpose, “related member” means “related member,” as defined in Va. Code § 58.1-302.

Example 6

Debt Buyer A collects money from individual debtors who are residents of Virginia and of other states. Debt Buyer A knows the state of primary residence for some of the debtors from which it collects and, where it does not know this state of primary residence, it knows the debtors’ mailing address. Debt Buyer A does not derive more than 5 percent of its debt receipts from any one debtor.

For those debt receipts where Debt Buyer A knows the debtor’s state of primary residence, it must assign debt receipts to that state. For those debt receipts where Debt Buyer A does not know the debtor’s state of primary residence, but rather knows the debtor’s mailing address, it may assign debt receipts to that state.

General Principles of Application; Contemporaneous Records

In order to satisfy the requirements in the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section, a debt buyer’s assignment of debt receipts must be consistent with the following principles:

Principle 1: A debt buyer must apply the methods set forth in the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section based on objective criteria and must consider all sources of information reasonably available to the debt buyer at the time of its tax filing including, without limitation, the debt buyer’s books and records kept in the normal course of business. A debt buyer must determine its method of assigning debt receipts in good faith, and apply it consistently with respect to similar transactions and year to year. A debt buyer must retain contemporaneous records that explain the determination and application of its method of assigning its debt receipts, including its underlying assumptions, and must provide those records to the Department upon request.

Principle 2: The “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section provides various sourcing methods that apply sequentially in a hierarchy. For each debt receipt to which a hierarchical method applies, a debt buyer must make a reasonable effort to apply the

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primary method applicable to the sale before seeking to apply the next method in the hierarchy. For example, the applicable method first requires a debt buyer to determine the actual state or states of assignment, and if the debt buyer cannot do so, the method requires the debt buyer to reasonably approximate the state or states. In these cases, the debt buyer must attempt to determine the actual state or states of assignment (i.e., apply the primary method in the hierarchy) in good faith and with reasonable effort before it may reasonably approximate the state or states.

Principle 3: A debt buyer’s method of assigning its debt receipts, including the use of a method of approximation, where applicable, must reflect an attempt to obtain the most accurate assignment of debt receipts consistent with the standards set forth in the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section, rather than an attempt to lower the debt buyer’s tax liability. A method of assignment that is reasonable for one debt buyer may not necessarily be reasonable for another debt buyer, depending upon the applicable

facts.

Applying the Method of Reasonable Approximation

In general, the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section establishes uniform methods for determining whether and to what extent debt receipts are in Virginia. The section also sets forth a method of reasonable approximation, which applies if the actual state or states of assignment cannot be determined.

Approximation Based Upon Known Debt Receipts: In an instance where, applying the applicable methods set forth in the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section, a debt buyer can ascertain the state or states of assignment of a substantial portion of its debt receipts from substantially similar transactions with debtors, but not all of those debt receipts, and the debt buyer reasonably believes, based on all available information, that the geographic distribution of some or all of the remainder of debt receipts generally tracks that of the assigned debt receipts, it must include debt receipts which it believes tracks

the geographic distribution of the assigned debt receipts in its sales factor in the same proportion as its assigned debt receipts.

Related Member Debt Receipts and Information Imputed from Debtor to Taxpayer: Where a debt buyer receives debt receipts from a related member debtor, information that the debtor has that is relevant to the sourcing of debt receipts is imputed to the debt buyer. For this purpose, “related member” means “related member,” as defined in Va.

Code § 58.1-302.

Exclusion of Sales from the Sales Factor: In a case in which a debt buyer cannot ascertain the state or states to which a debt receipt is to be assigned pursuant to the applicable methods set forth in the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section (including through the use of a method of reasonable approximation, where relevant) using a reasonable amount of effort undertaken in good faith, the Department will require that such sale be excluded from both the numerator and denominator of the debt buyer’s sales

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factor pursuant to its authority under Va. Code § 58.1-416(D) to adopt remedies and corrective procedures.

Changes in Methodology; Department’s Review

General Methods Applicable to Original Returns

In any case in which a taxpayer files an original return for a taxable year in which it properly uses the single sales factor method of apportionment and properly assigns its debt receipts using market-based sourcing methods, including a method of reasonable approximation, in accordance with the methods stated in the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section, the application of such method of apportionment and sourcing will be deemed to be a correct determination by the debt buyer. In those cases, neither the Department nor the taxpayer may modify the debt buyer’s methodology as applied for

apportioning income and for sourcing debt receipts for the taxable year. However, the Department and the taxpayer may each subsequently correct factual errors or calculation errors with respect to the taxpayer’s application of its filing methodology.

Authority to Adjust a Taxpayer’s Return

The Department’s ability to review and adjust a taxpayer’s return (1) for the use of, or failure to use, the single sales factor method of apportionment includes, but is not limited to, its authority under Va. Code § 58.1-446, and (2) for the assignment of debt receipts to more accurately assign debt receipts consistently with the methods or standards of the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section, includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • In a case in which a taxpayer fails to properly assign debt receipts in accordance with the methods set forth in the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section, including the failure to properly apply a hierarchy of methods, the Department may adjust the assignment of debt sales in accordance with the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods”

section.

  • In a case in which a taxpayer uses a method of approximation to assign its debt receipts and the Department determines that the method of approximation employed by the taxpayer is not reasonable, the Department may substitute a method of approximation that the Department determines is appropriate or may exclude the debt receipts from the taxpayer’s numerator and denominator, as appropriate.

  • In a case in which the Department determines that a taxpayer’s method of approximation is reasonable, but has not been applied in a consistent manner with respect to similar transactions or year to year, the Department may require that the taxpayer apply its method of approximation in a consistent manner.

  • In a case in which a taxpayer excludes debt receipts from the denominator of its sales

factor on the theory that the assignment of the debt receipts cannot be reasonably approximated, the Department may determine that the exclusion of those receipts is

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not appropriate, and may instead substitute a method of approximation that the Department determines is appropriate.

  • In a case in which a taxpayer fails to retain contemporaneous records that explain the determination and application of its method of assigning its debt receipts, including its underlying assumptions, or fails to provide those records to the Department upon request, the Department may treat the debt buyer’s assignment of debt receipts as unsubstantiated, and may adjust the assignment of the debt receipts in a manner consistent with the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section.

  • In a case in which the Department concludes that a debtor’s mailing address was selected by the taxpayer for tax avoidance purposes, the Department may adjust the

assignment of debt receipts in a manner consistent with the “Market-Based Sourcing Methods” section.

The Department may adopt other remedies and corrective procedures as well, such as sourcing debt receipts based upon reliance on the location of income-producing activity and direct costs of performance or making adjustments based upon Va. Code § 58.1-446, if applicable.

Debt Buyer Authority to Change a Method of Assignment on a Prospective Basis

A debt buyer that seeks to change its method of assigning its debt receipts must disclose, in the original return filed for the year of the change, the fact that it has made the change.

If a debt buyer fails to adequately disclose the change, the Department may disregard the debt buyer’s change and substitute an assignment method that the Department determines is appropriate.

Authority to Change a Method of Assignment on a Prospective Basis

The Department may direct a debt buyer to change its method of assigning its debt receipts in tax returns that have not yet been filed, including changing the debt buyer’s method of approximation, if upon reviewing the debt buyer’s filing methodology applied for a prior tax year, the Department determines that the change is appropriate to reflect a more accurate assignment of the debt buyer’s debt receipts, and determines that the change can be reasonably adopted by the debt buyer. The Department will provide the debt buyer with a written explanation as to the reason for making the change. In a case in which a debt buyer fails to comply with the Department’s direction on subsequently filed returns, the Department may deem the debt buyer’s method of assigning its debt sales on those returns to be unreasonable, and may substitute an assignment method that the Department determines is appropriate.

Treatment of Pass-through Entities

Pass-through entities (“PTE”) are required to use corporate apportionment to determine

the portion of their income that is from Virginia sources for purposes of allocating a share

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Debt Buyer Apportionment Guidelines

of that income to nonresident individuals. This will affect the amount that the nonresident individuals report on their Virginia nonresident income tax return or that the PTE reports on behalf of its nonresident owners, and the amount for which the PTE may be required to withhold from Virginia income. See the PTE Guidelines (P.D. 15-240) for more information.

A corporate owner of a PTE may be required to include its share of the PTE’s property, payroll, and sales in the corporation’s own apportionment factors. (See P.D. 95-19, 95-263, and 99-76.) If the PTE is a debt buyer, it must use Debt Buyer Apportionment. The corporate owners would include in their factors only their share of the PTE’s factors for the applicable taxable year.

Inapplicability of Virginia’s Administrative Extension of Public Law 86-272

A taxpayer is not subject to Virginia corporate income tax to the extent that federal or state law exempts the taxpayer from such tax. One federal law, Public Law (“P.L.”) 86-272, prohibits a state from imposing a net income tax where the only contacts with the state are a narrowly defined set of activities constituting solicitation of orders for sales of tangible personal property. While P.L. 86-272 itself only relates to sales of tangible personal property, the Department has an administrative policy of generally extending this federal law to sales other than sales of tangible personal property. See P.D. 93-75.

Because debt receipts are a type of sales other than sales of tangible personal property, a debt buyer would generally be exempt from Virginia corporate income tax to the extent that its only sales in Virginia were debt sales protected under this administrative policy.

However, Va. Code § 58.1-416(C) asserts nexus over debt buyers with debt receipts attributable to Virginia to the maximum extent permitted under the Constitutions of Virginia and the United States and federal law. This provision of Virginia law supersedes the Department’s administrative extension of P.L. 86-272. As a result, a debt buyer is not eligible for an exemption from taxation on the basis that its debt receipts would be protected under the Department’s administrative policy. Note that Va. Code § 58.1-416(C)

only supersedes the Department’s administrative policy. It does not remove any exemption from taxation afforded to taxpayers, including debt buyers, under P.L. 86-272 itself. To the extent that a debt buyer’s only sales in Virginia are sales of tangible personal property protected under P.L. 86-272, the debt buyer will continue to be exempt from Virginia corporate income tax.

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Debt Buyer Apportionment Guidelines

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website, located at https://townhall.virginia.gov, and on the Guidance Documents section of the Department’s website, located at http://tax.virginia.gov/guidance-documents. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 11 - February 6, 2020

Virginia Tire Recall and Tax ImplicationsDoc ID: Sales

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COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

MEMORANDUM

TO

Larry Durbin, Asst. Tax Commissioner, Office of Customer Services

Ron Holt, Asst. Tax Commissioner, Office of Compliance

FROM

Mike Melson, Office of Tax Policy M

DATE

July 31, 2001

SUBJECT

Retail Sales and Use Tax; Virginia Tire Tax

Recall of Firestone Tires by Ford Motor Co.

The purpose of this memorandum is to address the application of the Retail Sales and

Use Tax and the Virginia Tire Tax to Ford Motor Company's tire replacement program. The

memorandum is intended to address questions that might be raised by Virginia tire retailers and

Virginia customers.

Ford Motor Co. recently announced that it would replace 13 million Firestone tires

installed on certain Ford vehicles. Ford is notifying its customers to bring their vehicles to Ford

dealerships or to tire centers for free replacements. Ford estimates that this replacement

program will take up to nine months to complete. Further, Ford indicates that the exchange of

tires will take place under two scenarios, referred to as the “designated manufacturer” scenario

and the “independent retailer” scenario.

Designated manufacturer scenario

This scenario involves major tire manufacturers, such as Goodyear, General Tire, and

Michelin, who have entered into agreements with Ford. Under this scenario, the customer will

bring its vehicle to the tire retailer (or Ford dealer). The retailer will remove the Firestone tires

and install the new tires. No charge will be made to the customer. Instead, the tire retailer will

invoice the manufacturer for the following eligible charges: (1) the cost of the replacement tires

(2) mounting, balancing, valve stems and weights needed to install the replacement tires, (3)

disposal fees and state and local environmental impact fees, and (4) state and local taxes (if

applicable). The manufacturer will reimburse the tire retailer for the cost of the replacement

tires and other eligible charges. The manufacturer will then get reimbursed by Ford for the

costs incurred. Ford anticipates that this “designated manufacturer” scenario will account for

the bulk of the exchanges.

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Larry Durbin and Ron Holt July 31, 2001

Page 2

Retail Sales and Use Tax: The retail sales and use tax will not apply to the exchange of tires under this scenario. Title 23 of the Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) 10-210-10 provides:

When any taxable article is returned to the dealer for adjustment, replacement or

exchange and the consumer is given a new article free or at a reduced price under a

warranty or guarantee, the sale or use tax must be computed on the actual additional

amount, if any, paid to the dealer for the new article.

Under this scenario, and provided that the customer does not pay any additional amount to the tire retailer, the tire retailer is not required to charge and collect sales tax from the customer. This is because there is a zero sales price associated with this exchange transaction. In other words, computing the retail sales and use tax on a zero sales price results in a zero sales tax.

Virginia Tire Tax: The tire tax does apply to this transaction. Title 23 VAC 10-250-21 provides that:

Under original manufacturers’ warranties, the [tire] tax is applicable in those instances in

which a retailer requires a payment from a customer to replace a defective tire.

However, the [tire] tax is not applicable in those instances in which a retailer allows the

exchange of a defective tire for a new tire without an additional charge to the customer.

In this case, the exchange is not pursuant to the manufacturer’s (Firestone) warranty.

Further, it does not appear that the tires are defective. Ford is exchanging tires on certain of its vehicles because Ford believes the tires may be unsafe when installed on specific vehicles (such as the Ford Explorer). Further, Firestone vigorously denies that the tires are defective.

Accordingly, there does not appear to be any exemption that would exempt the tire retailers from paying the tire tax on the replacement tires provided to customers, and the tire tax will be imposed on the tire retailer under the “designated manufacturer’ scenario. Ford will subsequently reimburse the tire retailer for the tire tax.

Independent retailer scenario

Under this scenario, the customer will pay for the new tires and all associated costs. The customer will then apply to Ford for a refund. Like the “designated manufacturer” scenario, Ford will pay for the new tires, installation charges, and the other eligible charges (including

state and local taxes).

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Memorandum Larry Durbin and Ron Holt July 31, 2001 Page 3

Retail Sales and Use Tax: Under the “independent retailer” scenario, the tire retailer is required to charge and collect the retail sales and use tax on the sale of the replacement tires and any taxable charges associated with the sale. Assuming that Ford approves the customer's refund application, Ford will reimburse the customer for the retail sales and use tax paid to the tire retailer.

The tax is due in this scenario because there is a charge to the customer for the new tires. This differs from the transaction in the “designated manufacturer” scenario whereby the customer simply exchanges tires but pays no additional amount to the tire retailer.

Virginia Tire Tax: The tire retailer is liable for the tire tax on the replacement tires sold to customers. As addressed in 23 VAC 10-250-30, the tire retailer may pass the tire tax on to the ultimate consumer. In some instances, tire retailers recoup the tax as a separately stated item on invoices to customers. In other instances, the tire tax is included in the selling price of the tire. In either case, the tire retailer is responsible for remitting the tire tax to the department.

Additional information

For additional information regarding the recall program, Virginia tire retailers and Virginia customers should be directed to the Ford Motor Company website at www.ford.com or to Ford’s toll-free tire exchange hotline at (866) 300-1226. m:\tx-pl\tire recall

Virginia R&D Tax Credit GuidelinesDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Introduction

During the 2011 Session, the General Assembly enacted House Bill 1447 (2011 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 742) and Senate Bill 1326 (2011 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 745), which established the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit. This is an individual and corporate income tax credit for certain taxpayers that incur Virginia qualified research and development expenses. During the 2014 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 1220 (2014 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 227) and Senate Bill 623 (2014 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 306), which increased the annual credit cap, increased the thresholds for computing the credit, allowed pass-through entities to elect to claim the credit at the entity level, and imposed certain reporting requirements. During the 2016 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 884 (2016 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 661) and Senate Bill 58 (2016 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 300), which further increase the annual credit cap and thresholds for computing the credit, and allow a taxpayer to elect to determine the credit using an alternative simplified method.

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide updated guidance regarding the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit

for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. For guidance regarding the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2016, see Public Document 15-1 (January 7, 2015). These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code §

  1. 2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov. The 2016 legislation also enacted the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit. The guidelines for that credit are contained in a separate document.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va.

Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

General Overview

The Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is a refundable individual and corporate income tax credit for conducting qualified research and development in Virginia.

The credit is allowed for the same calendar year in which qualified research and development expenses are reported on the federal income tax return (“the credit year”), in accordance with the taxpayer’s accounting method. The Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is comprised of a base credit and a supplemental credit that is

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

available only to the extent that the total amount of base credits granted for a fiscal year is less than the annual credit cap. A taxpayer may compute the base credit using the primary

method for determining the credit or elect to compute the base credit using the alternative simplified method (“simplified method”) for determining the credit.

Base Credit Amount - Primary Method

The base credit for a taxpayer using the primary method is equal to: (i) 15 percent of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the credit year (up to a $45,000 credit), or (ii) 20 percent of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the credit year if the Virginia qualified research was conducted in conjunction with a Virginia public or private college or university (up to a $60,000 credit), to the extent such expenses exceed the taxpayer’s Virginia base amount.

Base Credit Amount - Simplified Method

The base credit for a taxpayer that elects to utilize the simplified method is equal to 10

percent of the difference between

 The Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year; and

 50 percent of the average Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer for the three immediately preceding taxable years.

If a taxpayer did not pay or incur Virginia qualified research and development expenses in any one of the three preceding taxable years, the base credit is equal to 5 percent of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the relevant taxable year. The annual base credit amount allowed may not exceed (i) $45,000 or (ii) $60,000 if the Virginia qualified research was conducted in conjunction with a Virginia public or private college or university.

Annual Credit Cap

For Taxable Year 2016 and thereafter, the annual credit cap is $7 million. If total eligible credit requests exceed the $7 million credit cap, each taxpayer will be granted a pro rata amount of base credits as determined by the Department. The prorated base credit amount will be determined by multiplying the amount of credits requested by an eligible taxpayer for the taxable year by a fraction, the numerator of which is the $7 million credit cap, and the denominator of which is the total amount of credits requested by all eligible taxpayers for such taxable year.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Supplemental Credit Amount

If the total amount of approved tax credits is less than the $7 million credit cap, the Department will allocate the remaining amount, on a pro rata basis, to taxpayers already approved for the credit that were subject to the $45,000 and $60,000 credit limitations.

Supplemental credits will be in the following amounts

 If a taxpayer elected the primary method for determining the credit, an amount equal to 15 percent of the second $300,000 in qualified research expenses, or an amount equal to 20 percent of the second $300,000 in such expenses if the taxpayer’s base credit was based on Virginia qualified research that was conducted in conjunction with a Virginia public or private college or university; or

 If the taxpayer elected the alternative simplified method for determining the credit, in an amount equal to the excess of the applicable limitation to the base credit amount.

Refundability of the Credit

The Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is generally a refundable credit.

Therefore, if the amount of credit that a taxpayer is allowed to claim exceeds the taxpayer’s tax liability for the taxable year, then the excess amount of credit will be refunded to the taxpayer.

Research and development expenses that are paid or incurred for research conducted in Virginia on human cells or tissue derived from induced abortions or from stem cells obtained from embryos do not qualify for the credit. However, if a taxpayer engaged in research in Virginia on human cells or tissue derived from induced abortions or from stem cells obtained from human embryos, it may receive a nonrefundable credit for other Virginia qualified research and development expenses. If the amount of nonrefundable credit that a taxpayer is allowed to claim exceeds the taxpayer’s tax liability for the taxable year, then the excess amount of credit will not be refunded to the taxpayer and cannot be carried over to future taxable years. Research and development expenses that are paid or incurred for

research conducted in Virginia on nonhuman embryonic stem cells may qualify for the credit.

Requirements to Qualify for the Tax Credit

Research Must Meet the Federal Definition for “Qualified Research”

The research of a taxpayer applying for the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit must meet the federal definition of qualified research under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) § 41(d) to qualify for the credit. Under IRC § 41(d), qualified research means research:

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

 With expenditures that qualify as expenses under IRC § 174 (i.e. such expenditures must be incurred in connection with the taxpayer’s trade or business and represent a research and development cost in the experimental or laboratory sense);

 That is undertaken for the purpose of discovering information which is technological in nature;

 The application of which is intended to be useful in the development of a new or improved business component of the taxpayer; and

 Substantially all of the activities of which constitute elements of a process of experimentation for a new or improved function, performance, or reliability or quality.

To be considered “qualified research,” the taxpayer must establish that the research being

performed meets each of the above requirements.

Qualified research generally does not include the following

 Research conducted after the beginning of commercial production;

 Research adapting an existing product or process merely to meet customer specifications (unless the adaptation is carried out under experimental or laboratory conditions in order to improve the product or process, or to develop a new use for the product or process);

 Duplication of an existing business activity;

 Surveys, studies or routine activities, including: testing, or inspection of materials or products for quality control; environmental analysis; testing of samples for chemical or other content; operations research; feasibility studies; efficiency surveys; management studies; consumer surveys; economic surveys; research in the social sciences; market research including advertising and promotions; and routine data collection;

 Research in the social sciences, arts, or humanities;

 Research conducted outside the United States, Puerto Rico, or a United States possession;

 Research of computer software for internal use (except if the software development contributes to Virginia qualified research and development); or

 Any research and development that is already funded by a grant, contract or another entity, including a governmental entity.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Expenses Must Meet the Federal Definition for “Qualified Research Expenses”

Virginia research and development expenses must meet the federal definition of qualified research expenses under IRC § 41(b) to qualify for the credit. Under IRC § 41(b), qualified research expenses are defined as amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business of the taxpayer for:

 In-house expenses; and

 Contract research expenses.

Under IRC § 41(b)(2), in-house expenses consist of the following

 Wages, as defined in IRC § 3401(a) or earned income, as defined in 401(c)(2), paid

or incurred to an employee, except for wages used to determine the federal work opportunity credit under IRC § 51(a);

 Amounts paid or incurred for supplies used in the conduct of qualified research, except for land or land improvements and property that is subject to depreciation, that are used in research and development; and

 Amounts paid or incurred to another person or business for the right to use computers in the conduct of qualified research.

Under IRC § 41(b)(3), contract research expenses consist of the following

 65 percent of any amount paid or incurred by a taxpayer to a person (other than an

employee of the taxpayer) for qualified research;

 75 percent of any amount paid or incurred by a taxpayer to a qualified research consortium for qualified research; and

 100 percent of any amount paid or incurred to an eligible small business, an institution of higher education (as defined in IRC § 3304(f)), or an organization that is a federal laboratory (as defined in IRC § 3304(f)).

See IRC § 41 and the regulations thereunder for additional requirements regarding qualified research expenses.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Example 1: Computation of Contract Research Expenses

Taxpayer A paid $100,000 to a contractor to conduct qualified research in Virginia.

Therefore, Taxpayer A has Virginia qualified research and development expenses equal to:

65% x $100,000 = $65,000

This amount can then be used by Taxpayer A in determening his Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit.

Research Must be Conducted in Virginia

A taxpayer applying for the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit must ensure that the research and development expenses it uses toward the credit are attributable to research conducted in Virginia. Research is conducted in Virginia to the extent that it is conducted at a research laboratory, office, plant, or other facility located in Virginia,

regardless of whether the organization conducting the research is organized under the laws of Virginia or another jurisdiction. If research is conducted jointly at research facilities located within and outside of Virginia, the research and development expenses include only the payments attributable to the portion of the qualified research conducted within Virginia.

Only the wages paid for research that was conducted in Virginia may be included as wages that qualify for the credit.

Criteria for Virginia Qualified University Expenses

A taxpayer that conducts Virginia qualified research in conjunction with a college or university may qualify for an enhanced credit equal to 20% of its Virginia qualified research and development expenses, provided that the academic institution is a Virginia public or private college or university included on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s list of Virginia public and private colleges and universities. If a taxpayer has contracted with a public or private college or university in Virginia that conducts research in multiple states, only the expenses from research and development conducted in Virginia may qualify for the

credit.

A taxpayer applying for the credit using Virginia qualified university expenses must provide evidence of contracting with the academic institution to the Department when applying for the credit. Evidence of contracting with a Virginia public or private college or university includes a formal agreement that outlines the type of research to be conducted and is signed by the taxpayer, or an authorized officer of the taxpayer, and a qualified person from the academic institution. The taxpayer must also provide evidence to the Department of payments made or incurred by the taxpayer to the academic institution when applying for the credit.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Interaction with Other Virginia Tax Credits

Research and development expenses that are used as the basis for claiming Research and Development Expenses Tax Credits may not be used as the basis for claiming any other Virginia income tax credit. However, a taxpayer may be allowed to use the same research and development expenses that were used as the basis for claiming the federal credit for increasing research activities under IRC § 41 to claim the Virginia Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit. No taxpayer may claim both the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit and the Major Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit for the same taxable year.

Computation of the Credit - Primary Method

The primary method for computing the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is derived from the procedure for determining the federal credit for increasing research activities under IRC § 41(a). Such computation is as follows:

Step 1 Determine the total amount of Virginia qualified research and development

expenses for the credit year.

Step 2 Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year that are from Virginia qualified research conducted in conjunction with a Virginia public or private college or university (“Virginia qualified university expenses”).

Step 3 Determine the fixed-base percentage

a. Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three immediately preceding taxable years. If the taxpayer has been in business for fewer than three taxable years, but at least one taxable year, use the Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the taxable years it has been in business.

b. Determine the amount of gross receipts for the three immediately preceding

taxable years. If the taxpayer has been in business for fewer than three taxable years, but at least one taxable year, use the total amount of gross receipts for the taxable years it has been in business.

c. Calculate the fixed-base percentage by dividing the amount determined in Step 3a by the amount determined in Step 3b.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Step 4 Determine the Virginia base amount

a. Determine the average amount of gross receipts for the four immediately preceding taxable years. If the taxpayer has been in existence for fewer than four taxable years, but at least one taxable year, determine the average amount of gross receipts for the number of years it has been in existence.

b. Multiply the fixed-base percentage in Step 3c by the amount determined in Step 4a.

c. The Virginia base amount is the greater of

i. The amount determined in Step 4b or

II. 50% of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses determined in Step 1.

Step 5 From the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses

determined in Step 1, subtract the Virginia base amount computed in Step 4c.

a. If zero or less than zero, stop. You do not qualify for the credit using the primary method.

b. If greater than zero and you have Virginia qualified university expenses (see Step 2), proceed to Step 6. If greater than zero and you do not have Virginia qualified university expenses (see Step 2), proceed to Step 7.

Step 6 Determine the amount of Virginia qualified university expenses in excess of the Virginia base amount.

c. Compute the percentage of expenses attributable to Virginia qualified university expenses by dividing the amount of Virginia qualified university expenses from Step 2 by the total amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses from Step 1.

b. Multiply the percentage from Step 6a by the Virginia base amount determined in Step 4c.

c. From the amount of Virginia qualified university expenses determined in Step 2, subtract the amount computed in Step 6b.

Step 7 The base credit is the greater of

d. 15% times the lesser of (i) the amount computed in Step 5 or (ii) $300,000; or

b. 20% times the lesser of (i) the amount determined in Step 6c or (ii) $300,000.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Example 2: Computation of Fixed-Base Percentage

Taxpayer B has $850,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in Taxable Year 2016. Taxpayer B’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are: $450,000 in Taxable Year 2013, $500,000 in Taxable Year 2014, and $550,000 in Taxable Year 2015. Taxpayer B’s total gross receipts for the four preceding taxable years are: $10 million in Taxable Year 2012, $12 million in Taxable Year 2013, $14 million in Taxable Year 2014, and $16 million in Taxable Year 2015.

Following Step 3 above, Taxpayer B’s fixed-base percentage is computed as follows:

a. Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years:

$450,000 + $500,000 + $550,000 = $1.5 million

b. Determine the amount of gross receipts for the three preceding taxable years:

$12 million + $14 million + $16 million = $42 million

c. Calculate the fixed-base percentage by dividing the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years by the amount of gross receipts for the three preceding taxable years:

$1.5 million $42 million

Example 3: Computation of Virginia Base Amount

Assume the same facts as in Example 2. Following Step 4 above, Taxpayer B’s Virginia base amount is computed as follows:

d. Determine the average amount of gross receipts for the four preceding taxable years:

$10 million $12 million 14 million 16 million illion 4 b. Multiply the fixed-base percentage determined in Step 3 (see Example 1) by the average amount of gross receipts determined in Step 4a:

  1. 57% x 13 million = $464,100

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

c. The Virginia base amount is equal to the greater of

$464,100 or

50% x $850,000 = $425,000

Taxpayer B’s Virginia base amount is $464,100.

Example 4: Computation of the Credit

Using the fixed-base percentage and Virginia base amount computed in Examples 2 and 3, Taxpayer B’s Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is computed by following Steps 5 and 7:

d. Subtract the Virginia base amount from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$850,000 - $464,100 = $385,900

b. The base credit is equal to 15% of the lesser of $385,000 or $300,000

15% of $300,000 = $45,000

Example 5: Computation of Credit Amount for University Research, Part I

Assume the same facts as in Example 4, except that $150,000 of Taxpayer B’s $850,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses were Virginia qualified university expenses. Following Step 6 above, the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses in excess of the Virginia base amount that are attributable to Virginia qualified university expenses is determined as follows:

c. Divide the Virginia qualified university expenses by the total amount of

Virginia qualified research and development expenses

$150,000/$850,000 = 17.65%

b. Multiply the percentage determined in Step 6a by the Virginia base amount determined in Step 4c to determine the excess amount attributable to Virginia qualified university expenses:

  1. 65% x $464,100 = $81,914

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

c. Subtract the amount computed in Step 6b from the amount of Virginia qualified university expenses determined in Step 2

$150,000 - $81,914 = $68,086

Following Step 7 above, Taxpayer B may claim a base credit equal to the greater of:

15% of the lesser of $385,900 or $300,000 = 15% x $300,000 = $45,000 or

20% of the lesser of $68,086 or $300,000 = 20% x $68,086 = $13,617

Therefore, Taxpayer B’s base credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $45,000.

Example 6: Computation of Credit Amount for University Research, Part II

Assume the same facts as in Example 4, except that $600,000 of Taxpayer B’s $850,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses were Virginia qualified university expenses. Following Step 6 above, the amount of Virginia

qualified research and development expenses in excess of the Virginia base amount that are attributable to Virginia qualified university expenses is computed as follows:

d. Divide the Virginia qualified university expenses by the total amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$600,000/$850,000 = 70.59%

b. Multiply the percentage determined in Step 6a by the Virginia base amount determined in Step 4c to determine the excess amount attributable to Virginia qualified university expenses:

  1. 59% x $464,100 = $327,608

c. Subtract the amount computed in Step 6b from the amount of Virginia qualified university expenses determined in Step 2

$600,000 - $327,608 = $272,392

Following Step 7 above, Taxpayer B may claim a base credit equal to the greater of:

15% of the lesser of $385,900 or $300,000 = 15% x $300,000 = $45,000 or

20% of the lesser of $272,392 or $300,000 = 20% x $272,392 = $54,478

Therefore, Taxpayer B’s base credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $54,478.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Example 7: Computation of Supplemental Credit Amount

Assume the same facts as in Example 4, and that the Department approved $6 million in base credits for Taxable Year 2016. Because the total amount of approved base credits was less than the $7 million credit cap, the Department will allocate supplemental credits of up to $1 million, on a pro rata basis, to taxpayers that are already approved for the base credit. Assume that, before proration, taxpayers are eligible for supplemental credits totaling $3 million for Taxable Year 2016.

Taxpayer B had $385,900 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in excess of its Virginia base amount (see Example 3). $300,000 was used in computing Taxpayer B’s base credit. Therefore, the amount of Virginia qualified research expenses that Taxpayer B may use toward the supplemental credit is computed as follows:

$385,900 - $300,000 = $85,900

Because Taxpayer B’s base credit was equal to 15 percent of its Virginia qualified research and development expenses, it will be allowed a supplemental credit computed as follows:

15% x $85,900 = $12,885

Because taxpayers are eligible for supplemental credits totaling more than $1 million, Taxpayer B’s allocation of supplemental credits must be reduced proportionately as follows:

($1 million / $3 million) x $12,885 = $4,295

Therefore, Taxpayer B’s supplemental credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $4,295.

When Taxpayer B’s $4,295 supplemental credit is combined with its $45,000 base credit, its total credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $49,295.

Example 8: Proration of Base Credit Amounts

Assume the same facts as in Example 4, except the Department received $9 million in eligible base credit requests for Taxable Year 2016. Because the total amount of eligible base credit requests exceeds the $7 million credit cap, the base credit Taxpayer B may claim for Taxable Year 2016 must be proportionately reduced as follows:

($7 million / $9 million) x $45,000 = $35,000.

Because eligible base credit requests for Taxable Year 2016 exceeded the $7 million credit cap, taxpayers are ineligible for supplemental credits.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Short Taxable Year

The method for computing the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit when the credit year or any relevant preceding taxable year is less than 12 months (“short taxable year”) is derived from the federal procedure for computing the federal credit for increasing research activities under Treasury Regulation (“Treas. Reg.”) § 1.41-3(b). In the case of a short taxable year, only the total gross receipts and Virginia research and development expenses from the taxable year encompassed in the short taxable year return may be taken into account for that taxable year.

If the credit year is a short taxable year, then the Virginia base amount must be modified by multiplying that amount by the number of months in the short taxable year, and dividing the result by 12. See Treas. Reg. § 1.41-3(b)(1). This modification may not be used to reduce the Virginia base amount to less than 50 percent of the taxpayer’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year.

For purposes of determining the Virginia base amount, if any of the preceding taxable years

that must be accounted for when computing the credit is a short taxable year, the gross receipts for such year(s) are deemed to be equal to the gross receipts actually derived in that year, multiplied by 12, and divided by the number of months in that year. See Treas.

Reg. § 1.41-3(b)(2).

No adjustment to the computation of a taxpayer’s fixed-base percentage may be made to account for a short taxable year. See Treas. Reg. § 1.41-3(b)(3).

Example 9: Credit Computation When Credit Year is a Short Taxable Year

Taxpayer C had $250,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in a short table year beginning on January 1, 2016 and ending on October 31, 2016.

Taxpayer C’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are $100,000 in Taxable Year 2013, $200,000 in Taxable Year 2014, and $300,000 in Taxable Year 2015. Taxpayer C’s total gross receipts for the four preceding taxable years are $11 million in Taxable Year 2012, $12

million in Taxable Year 2013, $14 million in Taxable Year 2014, and $10 million in Taxable Year 2015.

Following Step 3 above without making modifications to account for the short taxable year, Taxpayer C’s fixed-base percentage is computed as follows:

a. Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years:

$100,000 + $200,000 + $300,000 = $600,000

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

b. Determine the amount of gross receipts for the three preceding taxable years:

$12 million + $14 million + $10 million = $36 million

c. Calculate the fixed-base percentage by dividing the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years by the amount of gross receipts for the three preceding taxable years:

$600,000 $36 million

Following Step 4 above, Taxpayer C’s Virginia base amount is computed as follows:

d. Determine the average amount of gross receipts for the four preceding taxable years:

$11 million $12 million $14 million $10 million illion 4 b. Multiply the fixed-base percentage determined in Step 3 by the average amount of gross receipts determined in Step 4a:

  1. 67% x $11.75 million = $196,225

c. The Virginia base amount is equal to the greater of

$196,225 or

50% x $250,000 = $125,000

Taxpayer C’s Virginia base amount is $196,225.

Because the credit year is a short taxable year, Taxpayer C’s Virginia base amount must be modified, but cannot be reduced below $125,000 because such modification may not be used to reduce the Virginia base amount to less than 50 percent of the taxpayer’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year:

$196,225 x (10/12) = $163,521

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Taxpayer C’s Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is then computed as follows:

a. Subtract the Virginia base amount from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$250,000 - $163,521 = $86,479

b. The credit is equal to 15% of the lesser of $86,479 or $300,000

15% x $86,479 = $12,972

Example 10: Credit Computation When Prior Year is a Short Taxable Year

Taxpayer D had $250,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in Taxable Year 2016. Taxpayer D’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are $100,000 in Taxable Year 2013, $200,000 in Taxable Year 2014, and $300,000 in Taxable Year 2015. Taxpayer D’s

total gross receipts for the four preceding taxable years are $4 million in a short taxable year beginning on August 1, 2012 and ending on December 31, 2012, $12 million in Taxable Year 2013, $14 million in Taxable Year 2014, and $10 million in Taxable Year 2015.

Following Step 3 above without making modifications to account for the short taxable year, Taxpayer D’s fixed-base percentage is computed as follows:

c. Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years:

$100,000 + $200,000 + $300,000 = $600,000

b. Determine the amount of gross receipts for the three preceding taxable years:

$12 million + $14 million + $10 million = $36 million

c. Calculate the fixed-base percentage by dividing the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years by the amount of gross receipts for the three preceding taxable years:

$600,000 $36 million

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

For purposes of determining Taxpayer D’s Virginia base amount ONLY, its gross receipts for the short taxable year beginning on August 1, 2012 and ending on

December 31, 2012 must be annualized as follows

$4 million x 12 months illion 5 months Following Step 4 above, Taxpayer D’s Virginia base amount is computed as follows:

a. Determine the average amount of gross receipts for the four preceding taxable years:

$9.6 million $12 million $14 million $10 million illion 4 b. Multiply the fixed-base percentage by the average gross receipts determined

in Step 4a

  1. 67% x $11.4 million = $190,380

c. The Virginia base amount is equal to the greater of

$190,380 or

50% x $250,000 = $125,000

Taxpayer D’s Virginia base amount is $190,380

Taxpayer D’s Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is then computed as follows:

d. Subtract the Virginia base amount from the Virginia qualified research and

development expenses

$250,000 - $190,380 = $59,620

b. The credit is equal to 15% of the lesser of $59,620 or $300,000

15% x $59,620 = $8,943

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Computation of the Credit - Simplified Method

The procedure for computing the amount of the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit using the simplified method is derived from the procedure for determining the federal alternative simplified credit for increasing research activities under IRC § 41(c)(5). For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, the simplified method for determining the credit is as follows:

Step 1 Determine the total amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year.

Step 2 Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year that are Virginia qualified university expenses.

Step 3 Determine whether the taxpayer paid or incurred Virginia qualified research and development expenses in each of the three immediately preceding taxable years.

a. If the taxpayer paid or incurred such expenses for each of the three preceding taxable years, determine the average of such amounts and multiply the result by 50%. Then go to Step 4.

b. If the taxpayer did not pay or incur such expenses in any one of the three preceding taxable years, go to Step 7.

Step 4 From the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses determined in Step 1, subtract the amount computed in Step 3a.

c. If zero or less than zero, stop. You do not qualify for the credit using the simplified method.

b. If greater than zero and you have Virginia qualified university expenses, proceed to Step 5. If greater than zero and you do not have Virginia qualified university expenses, proceed to Step 6.

Step 5 Determine the amount of Virginia qualified university expenses in excess of 50 percent of the average amount of expenses for the three preceding taxable years.

c. Compute the percentage of expenses that are attributable to Virginia qualified university expenses by dividing the amount of Virginia qualified university expenses from Step 2 by the total amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses from Step 1.

b. Multiply the percentage from Step 5a by the amount determined in Step 3a.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

c. From the amount of Virginia qualified university expenses determined in Step 2, subtract the amount computed in Step 6b.

Step 6 If determined in Step 3a that the taxpayer paid or incurred Virginia qualified research and development expenses in each of the three preceding taxable years, compute the base credit as follows:

d. Multiply the amount determined in Step 4 by 10 percent.

b. Multiply the amount determined in Step 5 by 10 percent.

c. The base credit is the greater of

 The lesser of the amount determined in Step 6a or $45,000; or

 The lesser of the amount determined in Step 6b or $60,000.

Step 7 If determined in Step 3b that the taxpayer did not pay or incur Virginia qualified research and development expenses in each of the three preceding taxable years, the base credit will be determined as follows:

d. Multiply the amount determined in Step 1 by 5 percent.

b. Multiply the amount determined in Step 2 by 5 percent.

c. The base credit is the greater of

 The lesser of the amount determined in Step 7a or $45,000; or

 The lesser of the amount determined in Step 7b or $60,000.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Example 11: Computation of the Credit, Part I

Taxpayer E has $400,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in Taxable Year 2016. Taxpayer E’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are: $400,000 in Taxable Year 2013, $200,000 in Taxable Year 2014, and $300,000 in Taxable Year 2015. Taxpayer E elected to utilize the simplified method for determining the credit.

Following Step 3a above, Taxpayer E must determine the average amount of the Virginia research and development expenses it incurred for the three preceding taxable years, and multiply the result by 50%:

$400,000 + $200,000 + $300,000 = $900,000

$900,000 x 50 3

Following Step 4 above, subtract the amount determined in Step 3a from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$400,000 - $150,000 = $250,000

Following Step 6 above, Taxpayer E may claim a credit equal to the lesser of

10% of $250,000 or $45,000 = $25,000

Therefore, Taxpayer E’s base credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $25,000.

Example 12: Computation of Credit Amount for University Research, Part I

Assume the same facts as in Example 11, except that $300,000 of Taxpayer E’s $400,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses were Virginia qualified university expenses.

Following Step 5 above, the amount of Virginia qualified university expenses in excess of 50 percent of the average amount of expenses for the three preceding years is computed as follows:

a. Divide the Virginia qualified university expenses by the total amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$300,000 $400,000

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

b. Multiply the percentage determined in Step 5a by the average amount of expenses determined in Step 3a:

75% x $150,000 = $112,500

c. Subtract the amount computed in Step 5b from the amount of Virginia qualified university expenses determined in Step 2:

$300,000 - $112,500 = $187,500

Following Step 6 above, Taxpayer E may claim a base credit equal to the greater of:

The lesser of 10% of $250,000 or $45,000 = $25,000 or

The lesser of 10% of $187,500 or $60,000 = $18,750.

Therefore, Taxpayer E’s base credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $25,000.

Example 13: Computation of the Credit, Part II

Taxpayer F has $2 million in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in Taxable Year 2016. Taxpayer F’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are: $0 in Taxable Year 2013, $500,000 in Taxable Year 2014, and $1.5 million in Taxable Year 2015. Taxpayer F elected to utilize the simplified method for determining the credit.

Because Taxpayer F did not pay or incur Virginia qualified research and development expenses in each of the three preceding taxable years, following Step 7 above, Taxpayer F may claim a base credit equal to the lesser of:

5% of $2 million or $45,000 = $45,000

Therefore, Taxpayer F’s base credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $45,000.

Example 14: Computation of Credit Amount for University Research, Part II

Assume the same facts as in Example 13, except that $1 million of Taxpayer F’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses were Virginia qualified university expenses. Following Step 7 above, Taxpayer F may claim a base credit equal to the greater of:

The lesser of 5% of $2 million or $45,000 = $45,000 or

The lesser of 5% of $1 million or $60,000 = $50,000.

Therefore, Taxpayer F’s base credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $50,000.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Example 15: Computation of Supplemental Credit Amounts

For Taxable Year 2016, the Department approved $6 million in base credits.

Because the total amount of approved base credits was less than the $7 million credit cap, the Department will allocate supplemental credits of up to $1 million, on a pro rata basis, to taxpayers that are already approved for the base credit. Assume that, before proration, taxpayers are eligible for supplemental credits totaling $2 million for Taxable Year 2016.

When computing its Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit for Taxable Year 2016 using the simplified method for determining the credit, Taxpayer G was eligible for $80,000 in credits. However, such amount was subject to the $45,000 base credit cap. Therefore, Taxpayer G has $35,000 of excess credits that may be used toward the supplemental credit.

Because taxpayers are eligible for supplemental credits totaling more than $1 million, Taxpayer G’s allocation of supplemental credits must be reduced

proportionately as follows

($1 million / $2 million) x $35,000 = $17,500

Therefore, Taxpayer G’s supplemental credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $17,500.

When Taxpayer G’s $17,500 supplemental credit is combined with its $45,000 base credit, its total credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $62,500.

Example 16: Proration of Base Credit Amounts

Assume the same facts as in Example 15, except the Department receives $8 million in eligible base credit requests for Taxable Year 2016. Because the total amount of eligible base credit requests exceeds the $7 million credit cap, the base credit Taxpayer G may claim for Taxable Year 2016 must be proportionately reduced as follows:

($7 million / $8 million) x $45,000 = $39,375.

Because eligible base credit requests for Taxable Year 2016 exceeded the $7 million credit cap, taxpayers are ineligible for supplemental credits.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Short Taxable Year - Simplified Method

The method for computing the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit when the credit year or any relevant preceding taxable year is a short taxable year for a taxpayer that has elected to utilize the simplified method for determining the credit is derived from the procedure for computing the federal alternative simplified credit for increasing research activities under Treas. Reg. § 1.41-9(c)(3)(i). In the case of a short taxable year, only the Virginia research and development expenses from the taxable year encompassed in the short taxable year return may be taken into account for that taxable year.

If the credit year is a short taxable year, then the average amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three immediately preceding taxable years must be modified by multiplying that amount by the number of days in the short taxable year and dividing the result by 365 (366 in a leap year). Treas. Reg. § 1.41-9(c)(3)(i).

If one or more of the three immediately preceding taxable years is a short taxable year, then the Virginia qualified research and development expenses for such year must be modified by multiplying that amount by 365 (366 in a leap year) and dividing the result by

the number of days in the short taxable year. Treas. Reg. § 1.41-9(c)(3)(i).

Example 17: Credit Computation When Credit Year is a Short Taxable Year

Taxpayer H has $200,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in a short taxable year beginning on January 1, 2017 and ending on September 30, 2017. Taxpayer H’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are: $150,000 in Taxable Year 2014, $200,000 in Taxable Year 2015, and $250,000 in Taxable Year 2016. Taxpayer H elected to utilize the simplified method for determining the credit.

Following Step 3a above, Taxpayer H must determine the average amount of the Virginia research and development expenses it incurred for the three preceding taxable years, and multiply the result by 50%:

$150,000 + $200,000 + $250,000 = $600,000

$600,000 x 50 3 Because the credit year is a short taxable year, Taxpayer H must modify the average amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years by multiplying that amount by, 273, the number of days in the short taxable year, and dividing the result by 365:

$100,000 x (273/365) = $74,795

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Following Step 4 above, subtract the amount determined in Step 3a from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$200,000 - $74,795 = $125,205

Following Step 6 above, Taxpayer H may claim a base credit equal to the lesser of:

10% of $125,205 or $45,000 = $12,521

Therefore, Taxpayer H’s base credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $12,521.

Example 18: Credit Computation When Prior Year is a Short Taxable Year

Taxpayer J has $400,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in Taxable Year 2016. Taxpayer J’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are: $80,000 in short taxable year beginning on October 1, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2013, $200,000 in Taxable Year 2014, and $300,000 in Taxable Year 2015. Taxpayer J elected to

utilize the simplified method for determining the credit.

For purposes of determining the average amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses Taxpayer J incurred for the three preceding taxable years, the amount of Virginia research and development expenses it incurred during the short taxable year must be modified by multiplying that amount by 365 and dividing the result by 92, the number of days in the short taxable year:

$ 0,000 x 365 92

Following Step 3a above, Taxpayer J must determine the average amount of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses it incurred for the three preceding taxable years, and multiply the result by 50%:

$317,391 + $200,000 + $300,000 = $817,391

$ 17,391 x 50 3 Following Step 4 above, subtract the amount determined in Step 3a from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$400,000 - $136,232 = $263,768

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Following Step 6 above, Taxpayer J may claim a base credit equal to the lesser of:

10% of $263,768 or $45,000 = $26,377

Therefore, Taxpayer J’s base credit for Taxable Year 2016 is $26,377.

Combining the Activities of Entities

Neither the Virginia qualified research and development expenses nor the gross receipts of two or more separate pass-through or corporate entites may be combined for purposes of determining the amount of the credit. Each corporation in a group of affiliated corporations that files a combined or consolidated return is required to determine the credit separately.

The total amount of credits allowed to each corporation in a group of affiliated corporations may be aggregated on a combined or consolidated return. The Virginia qualified research and development expenses and gross receipts of a disregarded entity may be combined with the Virginia qualified research and development expenses and gross receipts of its parent entity for purposes of determining the amount of the credit.

Corporate Restructuring

A taxpayer that acquires or disposes of a trade or business or a separate unit of a trade or business in the credit year, or in any relevant preceding taxable year, must determine the credit using the procedures set forth in IRC §41(f)(3).

Application and Filing Requirements

An eligible taxpayer must submit an Application for the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit, Form RDC, and any supporting documentation to the Department no later than July 1 of the year following the credit year. The Department will review all applications for completeness and notify taxpayers of any errors by September 1. If any additional information is required, it must be provided to the Department no later than September 15 to be considered for the credit. All eligible taxpayers will then be notified as to the amount of credits that they may claim.

Upon receiving notification of the credit amount from the Department, the taxpayer must claim the credit on the appropriate Virginia income tax return. In the event that a taxpayer does not receive notification of the allowable credit amount before its Virginia income tax return is due, the taxpayer may file the return during the extension period, or it may file the original return without claiming the credit and then file an amended tax return once notification of the allowable credit amount is received.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Fiscal Year Filers

A taxpayer is a fiscal year filer if its taxable year consists of any period other than a calendar year (January 1 to December 31). A fiscal year filer is required to claim the credit for the calendar year in which its taxable year ends (“the credit year”). When determining its Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year, a fiscal year filer must include such expenses incurred during the calendar year in which its taxable year ends. Such amount will include Virginia qualified research and development expenses from portions of two taxable years.

When computing its fixed-base percentage, a fiscal year filer utilizing the primary method for determining the credit must determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses and gross receipts it incurred during the three immediately preceding taxable years beginning with the taxable year ending in the calendar year immediately preceding the credit year. When computing its Virginia base amount, such fiscal year filer must determine the amount of gross receipts it incurred during the four immediately preceding taxable years, beginning with the taxable year ending in the

calendar year immediately preceding the credit year.

A fiscal year filer utilizing the simplified method must determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses it incurred during the three immediately preceding taxable years beginning with the taxable year ending in the calendar year immediately preceding the credit year.

Example 19: Credit Computation for Fiscal Year Filers - Primary Method

Taxpayer K is a fiscal year filer with a taxable year that begins on July 1, and ends on June 30. Taxpayer K had $500,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in Calendar Year 2016. Taxpayer K’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are: $300,000 in Taxable Year 2012; $250,000 in Taxable Year 2013; and $400,000 in Taxable Year 2014. Taxpayer K’s total gross receipts for the four preceding taxable years are: $8 million in Taxable Year 2011, $6 million in Taxable Year 2012, $10

million in Taxable Year 2013, and $8 million in Taxable Year 2014.

Taxpayer K’s fixed-base percentage is computed as follows

a. Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years:

$300,000 + $250,000 + $400,000 = $950,000

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b. Determine the amount of gross receipts for the three preceding taxable years:

$6 million + $10 million + $8 million = $24 million

c. Calculate the fixed-base percentage by dividing the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years by the amount of gross receipts for the three preceding taxable years:

$950,000 $24 million

Taxpayer K’s Virginia base amount is computed as follows

d. Determine the average amount of gross receipts for the four preceding taxable years:

$ million $6 million $10 million $ million illion 4 b. Multiply the fixed-base percentage determined by the average amount of gross receipts:

  1. 96% x $8 million = $316,800

c. The Virginia base amount is equal to the greater of

$316,800 or

50% x $500,000 = $250,000

Taxpayer K’s Virginia base amount is $316,800

Taxpayer K’s base credit is computed as follows

d. Subtract the Virginia base amount from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses for Calendar Year 2016:

$500,000 - $316,800 = $183,200

b. The base credit is equal to 15% of the lesser of $183,200 or $300,000

15% x $183,200 = $27,480

Therefore, the credit amount that Taxpayer K may claim for Taxable Year 2015 is $27,480.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Example 20: Credit Computation for Fiscal Year Filers - Simplified Method

Taxpayer L is a fiscal year filer with a taxable year that begins on August 1, and ends on July 31. Taxpayer L had $300,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in Calendar Year 2016. Taxpayer L’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years are: $200,000 in Taxable Year 2012; $150,000 in Taxable Year 2013; and $100,000 in Taxable Year 2014. Taxpayer L elected to utilize the simplified method for determining the credit.

Taxpayer L must determine the average amount of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses it incurred for the three preceding taxable years, and multiply the result by 50%:

$200,000 + $150,000 + $100,000 = $450,000

$450,000 x 50 3

Taxpayer L must then subtract the average amount of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses it incurred for the three preceding taxable years from its Virginia qualified research and development expenses for Calendar Year 2016:

$300,000 - $75,000 = $225,000

Taxpayer L may claim a credit equal to the lesser of

10% of $225,000 or $45,000 = $22,500

Therefore, the credit amount that Taxpayer L may claim for Taxable Year 2015 is $22,500.

Pass-Through Entities

A pass-through entity that is granted Research and Development Expenses Tax Credits is generally required to submit a completed Form PTE to the Department allocating credits to its partners, members, or shareholders in proportion to their ownership interest in the entity, or in accordance with a written agreement entered into by such individual partners, members, or shareholders. A pass-through entity is permitted to claim Research and Development Expenses Tax Credits at the entity level in lieu of allocating such credits to the individual partners, members, or shareholders. If a pass-through entity wishes to claim this credit at the entity level without allocating the credit to its owners, the pass-through entity must enter the amount of credit available on Form 502.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Documentation and Record Keeping

A taxpayer must attach documentation to the application that outlines the type of research conducted in Virginia and substantiates the calculation of the credit, including its Virginia fixed-base percentage and Virginia base amount. Further, a taxpayer that is headquartered outside of Virginia, but has employees in Virginia or contracts with an entity conducting research in Virginia, must attach documentation to the application regarding where the research was conducted, how much time was spent conducting the research, and the type of research that was conducted.

On request, a taxpayer paying wages to individuals performing Virginia qualified research on its behalf may be required to provide adequate documentation that substantiates the allocation of wages for Virginia qualified research and development expenses. Such documentation includes, but is not limited to, name, taxpayer identification number, detailed job description, gross Virginia wages, time cards, internal written documents that verify the percentage of time devoted to Virginia qualified research, and a detailed description of each department or business unit performing Virginia qualified research and the nature of the research performed.

A taxpayer that applies for credits based on Virginia qualified university expenses must attach any documentation that substantiates such research, including contracts or agreements between the taxpayer and the Virginia public or private college or university, and an account of the expenses that have been paid or incurred.

In order to verify that its research and development expenses qualify for the credit, a taxpayer may be required to provide proofs of purchase such as invoices, receipts, cancelled checks, bank statements, or credit card statements to the Department on request.

The Department is required to collect, aggregate, and summarize certain information regarding the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit, and provide that information to the Governor and any member of the General Assembly on request, regardless of the number of taxpayers that apply for the credit in a taxable year. In order for the Department to fulfill those requirements, a taxpayer that is applying for the credit

must also attach documentation to the application setting forth

 The number of full-time employees employed by the taxpayer in the Commonwealth during the credit year;

 The taxpayer’s sector or sectors according to the 2012 edition of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) as published by the United States Census Bureau; and

 A brief description of the area, discipline, or field of Virginia qualified research performed by the taxpayer.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning on or After January 1, 2016)

Taxpayers applying for the credit may be required to provide additional documentation to the Department as deemed necessary.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online under the Laws, Rules and Decisions section of the Department’s website, located at http://www.policylibrary.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 786-2992.

Approved

______ Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation - 29 - April 19, 2017

Worker Classification Guidelines Virginia 2023Doc ID: Withholding

Original: 2,170 words
Condensed: 1,096 words
Reduction: 49.5%

--- Page 1 ---

Guidelines for the Classification of Workers (Updated July 31, 2023)

During the 2020 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 1407 (2020 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 681) and Senate Bill 744 (2020 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 682), which sets forth the Virginia standard for classifying workers performing services for remuneration as employees or independent contractors. In addition, this legislation imposes civil penalties and debarment on certain employers that fail to properly classify an individual as an employee. 2023 House Bill 1684 (2023 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 518. and Senate Bill 1354 (2023 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 519) clarify the procedures under which an employer may be debarred from public contracts for misclassification of workers.

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the classification of workers, as required by the second enactment clause of 2020 House Bill 1407 and 2020 Senate Bill 744. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the requirement that the Tax Commissioner publish these guidelines pursuant to the second enactment clause of 2020 House Bill 1407 and 2020 Senate Bill 744, as well as the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information regarding these procedures will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated

as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845.

Generally, these guidelines are effective for determinations of worker misclassification made on or after July 1, 2023. For determinations of worker misclassification prior to July 1, 2023, taxpayers should follow the Worker Misclassification Guidelines that were issued by the Department on September 30, 2021 (Public Document 21-133). However, the portion of these guidelines relating to debarment clarify existing law and, therefore, are effective as if included in Public Document 21-133.

Classification of Workers

If an individual performs services for another person or entity for remuneration, such individual is considered an employee of the party that pays such remuneration. To overcome this presumption, the individual worker or the party that pays such remuneration is required to demonstrate that such individual is an independent contractor.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 1 - July 31, 2023

--- Page 2 ---

Guidelines for the Classification of Workers (Updated July 31, 2023)

The applicable standard for making such a determination is Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) guidance that is designed to help ascertain whether an individual is an employee or an independent contractor. To make a determination pursuant to such guidance, the relationship of the worker and the business must be examined. In any employee-independent contractor determination, all information that provides evidence of the degree of control the business has over the worker and the degree of independence the worker has in performing the work must be considered. Facts that provide evidence of the degree of control and independence fall into three categories: behavioral control, financial control, and the type of relationship of the parties. For more information

regarding this IRS guidance and how to apply it, see IRS Publication 15-A and IRS Topic No. 762 Independent Contractor vs. Employee. Before making any determination of worker misclassification, the Department will request information from the employer relating to its relationship to its workers, and allow reasonable time for the employer to provide such information. Such information could include business records as well as speaking to the employer or its workers about its business practices. The Department will consider all such information carefully in making any determination and will prepare an audit report that considers the application of the standard to the employer’s unique facts and circumstances. However, if requests are not responeded to fully in a reasonable amount of time, the Department may make a determination without such information.

Civil Penalties for Misclassifying Employees

Any employer, or any officer or agent of the employer, that fails to properly classify an individual as an employee and fails to pay taxes required to be paid with respect to an employee will be subject to monetary penalties. Such penalties are as follows:

  • Up to $1,000 per misclassified individual for instances of misclassification that the Department finds during its first audit of an employer;
  • Up to $2,500 per misclassified individual for instances of misclassification that the Department finds during its second audit of an employer; and
  • Up to $5,000 per misclassified individual for instances of misclassification that the Department finds during its third audit of an employer and on any subsequent audits of such employer.

During each audit that finds instances of misclassification, the amount of the penalty will be determined by the employer’s total number of workers and the number of workers that were found to be misclassified. The following table provides the penalty amounts:

Virginia Department of Taxation - 2 - July 31, 2023

--- Page 3 ---

Guidelines for the Classification of Workers (Updated July 31, 2023)

Penalty per Penalty per Penalty per Penalty per Misclassified Misclassified Misclassified Misclassified Worker for Worker for Worker for Worker for Misclassified Employers Employers Employers Employers Offense with with with with 1-50 51-100 101-499 Over 500 Employees Employees Employees Employees First Audit $250 $500 $750 $1,000 Second Audit $1,750 $2,000 $2,250 $2,500 Third and Subsequent $4,250 $4,500 $4,750 $5,000 Audits However, in cases where the Department determines that an employer has misclassified an employee for tax avoidance purposes and not in good faith in the normal course of business, the Department may assess the full penalty amounts of $1,000 for the first offense, $2,500 for the second offense, and $5,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.

Example

The taxpayer treated 45 workers as employees who were issued Forms W-2 and 11 workers as independent contractors who were issued Forms 1099. Five workers who were issued Forms 1099 were found to be employees. An additional worker who did not receive a Form 1099 or Form W-2 was identified when reviewing the Casual Labor general ledger account, and that worker was determined to have been an employee. For purposes of calculating the penalty, the total number of employees would be 51, six of whom were misclassified:

W-2 Employees 45 Misclassified 1099 Workers 5 Unreported Misclassified Worker 1 Total Workers 51

The Department did not determine that the misclassifications above were done for tax

avoidance purposes. As a result, if the misclassified workers were discovered on the first audit, the penalty amount would be:

$500 X 6 misclassified workers = $3,000

If the misclassified workers were discovered during the second audit, the penalty amount would be:

$2,000 X 6 misclassified workers = $12,000

Virginia Department of Taxation - 3 - July 31, 2023

[TABLE 3-1] Misclassified Offense | Penalty per Misclassified Worker for Employers with 1-50 Employees | Penalty per Misclassified Worker for Employers with 51-100 Employees | Penalty per Misclassified Worker for Employers with 101-499 Employees | Penalty per Misclassified Worker for Employers with Over 500 Employees First Audit | $250 | $500 | $750 | $1,000 Second Audit | $1,750 | $2,000 | $2,250 | $2,500 Third and Subsequent Audits | $4,250 | $4,500 | $4,750 | $5,000

[/TABLE]

--- Page 4 ---

Guidelines for the Classification of Workers (Updated July 31, 2023)

If the misclassified workers were discovered during the third or subsequent audits, the penalty amount would be:

$4,500 X 6 misclassified workers = $27,000

If, during any of the audits, the employer is found to have misclassified workers as employees for the purpose of tax avoidance, the penalty amount would be the full penalty amount allowed under Virginia law.

Debarment for Misclassifying Employees

If the Department determines during its first audit of an employer that such employer failed to properly classify an individual as an employee and fails to pay taxes required to be paid with respect to an employee, the Department is required to notify the employer of the determination. Such employer is entitled to administrative and judicial appeal of any such determination pursuant to Va. Code §§ 58.1-1821 and 58.1-1825.

If the Department finds instances of misclassification on subsequent audits and after all rights of administrative and judicial appeals have been exhausted or the time period for bringing such appeals has expired, the Department must provide notice to all public bodies and covered institutions of the name of such employer. All public bodies and covered institutions are then prohibited from awarding a contract to such employer and to any firm, corporation, or partnership in which the employer has an interest in the following manner:

  • For a period of 1 year from the date of the notice for offenses found during a second

audit; or

  • For a period of 3 years from the date of the notice for offenses found during a third audit or any subsequent audits.

For purposes of applying such debarment provisions, “covered institution” means a public institution of higher education operating:

  • Subject to a management agreement set forth in Article 4 (Va. Code § 23.1-1004 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of Title 23.1;
  • Under a memorandum of understanding pursuant to Va. Code § 23.1-1004; or
  • Under the pilot program authorized in the Appropriation Act.

Prohibited Actions by Employers

No employer is permitted to require or request that an individual enter into an agreement or sign documentation that results in misclassification of the individual as an independent contractor or otherwise does not accurately reflect the individual’s relationship with the employer. In addition, it is unlawful for an employer or any other party to discriminate in

Virginia Department of Taxation - 4 - July 31, 2023

--- Page 5 ---

Guidelines for the Classification of Workers (Updated July 31, 2023)

any manner or take adverse action against any person in retaliation for exercising rights with respect to their classification as an employee or independent contractor.

Exchange of Information with Other State Agencies

Unless an exception applies, Virginia’s law provides that the Tax Commissioner, commissioner of the revenue, treasurer, and their staff may not divulge any information acquired in the performance of their duties with respect to the transactions, property, including personal property, income or business of any person, firm or corporation. It is

also unlawful for any person to disseminate any confidential tax document which he knows or has reason to know is a confidential tax document. Any person who violates these provisions is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. See Va. Code § 58.1-3.

2020 House Bill 1407 and 2020 Senate Bill 744 include an exception to this general disclosure prohibition that allows the Department to work with certain state agencies to identify employers who fail to properly classify individuals as employees and to enforce the laws regarding the classification of workers. Such agencies include the Department of Labor and Industry, the Virginia Employment Commission, the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, the Department of General Services, the Workers’ Compensation Commission, and the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. See Va. Code § 58.1-3.4.

In addition, if any such agency has reason to believe that an employer has failed to properly classify individuals as employees, it is required to notify the Department. Except as otherwise provided by law, such agencies are required to share any information with the Department that may assist in enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the

classification of workers.

Reporting Requirement

The Department is required to report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly information regarding compliance with and enforcement of these worker classification requirements. The Department’s report is required to include information regarding the following:

  • Number of investigated reports of worker misclassification;
  • Findings of such reports;
  • Amount of combined tax, interest, and fines collected;
  • Number of referrals to the Department of Labor and Industry, Virginia Employment

Commission, Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, and Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; and

  • Number of notifications of failure to properly classify to all public bodies and institutions.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 5 - July 31, 2023

--- Page 6 ---

Guidelines for the Classification of Workers (Updated July 31, 2023)

The annual report is due on or before December 30.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website, located at https://townhall.virginia.gov, and on the Guidance Documents section of the Department’s website, located at http://tax.virginia.gov/guidance-documents. For additional information, please see the Department’s website at

https://tax.virginia.gov/worker-misclassification or contact the Department at misclassificationofworkers@tax.virginia.gov.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation - 6 - July 31, 2023

Taxability of Conrail Title VII BenefitsDoc ID: Individual

Original: 476 words
Condensed: 463 words
Reduction: 2.7%

--- Page 1 ---ea Ie

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COMA ONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

Richmond, lirginia

~~

23282

./

MEMORANDUM

TO

William J. West, Supervisor

Technical Services Section

DATE

April 22, 1985

RE

Taxability of Title VII Benefits (Conrail Benefits and

Termination Allowances)

This will reply to your memorandum of April 10,

1985 in which you wish

to determine whether benefits received under Tit

Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 are subject tot

le VII of the Regional

he Virginia income tax.

Subchapter VII of the Re

gional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 (the

act), found at 45 U.S.C.

797, provides various benefits for the

protection of employees of the Conso

lidated Rail Corporation (Conrail).

These benefits include allowances fo

because of Conrail's takeover of cer

r employees deprived of employment

tain private railroads, moving

expenses for employees who must relo

cate to continue employment,

retraining expenses for employees se

termination allowances, and health a

eking employment in new areas,

nd welfare insurance premiums.

A thorough review of Subcha

against the federal or stat

pter VII of the act reveals no prohibition

e taxation of such benefits.

Further, a

review of Subchapter V of the act (enacted in 1973, but r

epealed and

replaced by Subchapter VII in 1981) and the legislative h

istory of the

act reveals no indication that such benefits were to be e

xempted from

tax in any way.

Neither does an exemption seem to be

available under the federal

prohibition found at 45 U.S.C. 231m

against state taxation of Railroad

Retirement Board annuities or supple

mental annuities.

Federal law at 45

U. S.C. 797d(b) does provide that "

any benefits received by an employee

(of Conrail) under an agreement en

any determination allowance receiv

tered into pursuant to section 797...and

ed under section 797a...shall be

considered compensation solely for

purposes of...the Railroad Retirement

Act of 1974,

However, employee "compensation"

base for compu

ting Railroad Retir

is merely used in the

ement Board annuities and supplemental

annuities, so Conrail benefits ca

nnot be classified in any way as exempt

annuities or supplemental annuiti

es it seems,

Such a conclusion seems

only logical since the exempted Railroad Retire

ment benefits are in the

nature of retirement and Social Security benefi

ts while the Conrail

benefits in question are provided to active or

employees,

recently terminated

--- Page 2 ---

MEMORANDUM

Page 2

April 22, 1985

In conclusion, I find no basis under federal law to preclude taxation of

Title VII Conrail benefits by the states.

Inasmuch as such benefits are

apparently included in the federal adjusted gross income of their

recipients, they should be included in Virginia taxable income.

-

. low.

a

Danny M. Payne, Director

Tax Policy Division

—_

APPROVED

mn ae

ed

We HY Force

Tax Commissioner

Federal Withholding Payment and Reimbursement GuidelinesDoc ID: Withholding

Original: 539 words
Condensed: 450 words
Reduction: 16.5%

--- Page 1 ---} ACCELERATED FEDERAL WITHHOLDING PAYMENTS ISSUE: For Social Security taxes and withheld federal income taxes required to be deposited after July 31, 1990, employers currently subject to eighth-monthly withholding wili be required to make deposits of federal income tax withholding and FICA taxes on the first banking day after any day that they have $100,000 or more in federal income tax withholding and FICA taxes to deposit. For 1991, they will have two banking days to make the deposit, for 1992, they will have 3 banking days. For 1993 and 1994, they will have one banking day. After 1994, the time limitations may be set by requlation.

RECOMMENDATION: Virginia filina days are tied to the federal filing periods. Therefore, if a Virginia employer is required to make a federal payment for a period other than one of the eighth-monthly periods, because his federal combined FICA tax and income tax withholding is $100,000 or more, a Virginia payment should be required within three banking days from the day that the federal accumulated taxes are $100,000 or more.

Janie E. Bowen, Director Date TaxX/ Policy Division _ APPROVED: J LEST 22 T LL PAL ZO W. H. Forst Date Tax Commissioner ‘ | i | i . i

--- Page 2 ---

WITHHOLDING FROM EMPLOYEE BUSINESS EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS

RECEIVED AFTER JULY 1, 1990

ISSUE 1

ISSUE: Pursuant to Federal Temporary Regulation Section 31.3401(a)-2T, the appropriate tax treatment of employee business expense reimbursements received after 1988 depends upon whether the reimbursements were received under an accountable or nonacccountable plan, as defined by the regulations. Reimbursements made under a nonaccountable plan on or after July 1, 1990, for expenses paid or incurred after that day, are included in wages and are subject to withholding taxes when paid.

RECOMMENDATION: Based on the following considerations. conformity to the federal changes is recommended:

¢ Virginia Code § 58.1-460, defining wages subject income tax withholding does not provide an exclusion for such income.

¢ Conforming to the federal change would make the administration of income tax withholding easier for employers, i.e., by not requiring a separate set of payroll records for Virginia withholding purposes.

\A »y - 7 Janie E. Bowen, Director Date

Tax Policy Division

    • f APPROVED: LL c —> 5 LEE y W. H. Fors ~ Date

Tax Commissioner

--- Page 3 ---

WITHHOLDING FROM EMPLOYEE BUSINESS EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS

RECEIVED AFTER JULY 1, 1990

ISSUE 2

ISSUE: IRS withholding regulations pertaining to supplemental wage payments provide an employer with the option of using a flat 20% rate, without allowance for exemptions and without reference to any regular payment of wages.

Should Virginia follow the federal approach?

RECOMMENDATION: Previous policy with respect to lottery winnings imposed a flat rate of Virginia withholding of 4% when the federal withholding rate of 20% applied. Therefore, for consistency and ease of administration, the use of a 4% flat rate, without allowance for personal exemptions and without reference to any regular payment of wages, should be used as an alternative to the withholding tables when the 20% federal withholding rate is used.

te TEV (Ane R126 [<e° Janie E. Bowen, Director Date Tax] Policy Division

APPROVED: ge L/ a, - fee

W. H. Forst Date Tax Commissioner

Virginia Vehicle Rental and Peer-to-Peer Sharing Tax GuidelinesDoc ID: MV

Original: 7,713 words
Condensed: 4,156 words
Reduction: 46.1%

--- Page 1 ---

Guidelines for the Motor Vehicle Rental and Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing Tax

Effective July 1, 2012, 2011 Acts of Assembly, Chapters 405 and 639 transferred administration of the MVRT from the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) to the Department of Taxation (the “Department”). The Department published Guidelines for the Motor Vehicle Rental Taxes and Fee (Public Document 12-101) on June 25, 2012 to provide guidance to persons who rent motor vehicles subject to the MVRT. The Department amended the Guidelines on July 1, 2013 (Public Document 13-109) to reflect legislative changes and is now amending the Guidelines to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the tax law changes applicable to peer-to-peer vehicle sharing.

2020 Senate Bill 735 (2020 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 1266) created the Virginia Motor Vehicle Rental and Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing Tax (the “Rental Tax”) effective October

1, 2020. Peer-to-peer (“PTP”) vehicle sharing is subject to the new Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing Tax (“PTP Tax”) component of the Rental Tax. Prior to the law change, passenger vehicle rental and peer-to-peer vehicle sharing were both treated as the rental of passenger vehicles for purposes of the Motor Vehicle Rental Tax and Fee (“MVRT”) and the two activities were taxed at the same rate. The law change does not affect the tax laws applicable to traditional passenger vehicle rental

These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or

regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

Tax on Vehicle Rentals

The MVRT is comprised of a tax, an additional tax, and a fee assessed on passenger vehicle rentals. A four percent tax is imposed on the gross proceeds from the rental, for a period of less than 12 months, of motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combined weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less. An additional tax is imposed on the rental of every motor vehicle regardless of the weight, except for motorcycles and manufactured homes, at a rate of four percent of the gross proceeds. A two percent fee is also levied on the gross proceeds from the rental of motor vehicles, except for

Virginia Department of Taxation 1 Effective August 26, 2020

--- Page 2 ---

motorcycles and manufactured homes. Most passenger vehicles that are rented are subject to the MVRT at a combined rate of 10 percent of the gross proceeds.

Tax on Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing

2020 Senate Bill 735 imposes the PTP Tax on peer-to-peer vehicle sharing beginning October 1, 2020. For PTP vehicle owners that list no more than ten different vehicles on any combination of vehicle sharing platforms at any one time, the PTP Tax will be levied at a rate of 6.5 percent of the gross proceeds collected from the shared vehicle driver.

The rate of the PTP Tax will increase to 7.0 percent beginning July 1, 2021. (See Va.

Code § 58.1-1736(D)(1) and (2))

PTP vehicle owners that list more than ten different shared vehicles on any combination of vehicle sharing platforms at any one time will have their vehicle sharing transactions

subject to the PTP Tax at the rate of the MVRT otherwise imposed on the rental of a motor vehicle and daily rental vehicle rather than the lower rate (6.5 percent prior to July 1, 2021 and 7 percent beginning July 1, 2021). The higher rate will apply for so long as they continue to list more than ten different vehicles and regardless of whether more than ten vehicles are actually shared or rented at any given time. The act of listing more than ten vehicles as available for sharing triggers the application of the higher rate regardless of whether more than ten of those vehicles are actually rented at one time. (See Va. Code

§ 58.1-1736(D)(3))

Prior to registering any vehicle for sharing on a PTP vehicle sharing platform, and on a continuing and ongoing basis, PTP vehicle owners have an obligation to certify to all PTP vehicle sharing platforms on which they currently list vehicles for sharing, including the platform upon which they are about to register such vehicle, whether the PTP vehicle owner or any affiliates have registered more than ten different shared vehicles on any combination of platforms at any one time, or whether the inclusion of the vehicle about to be registered would cause that PTP vehicle owner to exceed ten or more different shared

vehicles. Failure by the PTP vehicle owner to provide a PTP vehicle sharing platform with such certification will result in the PTP vehicle owner having to pay the taxes due and any applicable penalties until such notification is given and affirmed by the PTP vehicle sharing platform. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1736(E))

PTP vehicle sharing platforms must require this certification and clearly indicate both how to certify and how PTP vehicle owners may receive acknowledgment of such certification.

Definitions

Terms used in the Rental Tax have the same meaning as those used in the Retail Sales and Use Tax, unless defined otherwise, as follows:

“Daily rental vehicle” means a motor vehicle used for rental as defined herein and for the transportation of persons or property, whether on its own structure or by drawing another vehicle or vehicles, except (i) a motorcycle or a manufactured home as defined in Va.

Virginia Department of Taxation 2 Effective August 26, 2020

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Code § 46.2-100 or (ii) a shared vehicle as defined in Va. Code § 46.2-1408. (See Va.

Code § 58.1-1735)

“Gross proceeds” means the charges made or voluntary contributions received for the rental or peer-to-peer sharing of a motor vehicle where the rental, lease, or vehicle sharing platform agreement is for a period of less than 12 months. This includes charges for any services that are part of the rental agreement or any separate charges relating to the agreement as well as charges for collision coverage or waiver of property damage, public liability, or other forms of potential liability for the customer. However, gross proceeds does not include: 1) cash discounts allowed and actually taken on a rental contract or vehicle sharing platform agreement; 2) finance charges, carrying charges, service charges, or interest from credit given on a rental contract or vehicle sharing agreement;

  1. charges for motor fuels; 4) charges for optional accidental death insurance, unless the charge contains other taxable charges which are not separately stated; 5) Motor Vehicle

Sales and Use Tax; 6) charges for violations, citations, or fines and related penalties and fees; 7) delivery charges, pickup charges, recovery charges, or drop charges; 8) pass-through charges; 9) transportation charges; 10) third-party service charges; 11) refueling surcharges; and 12) the Rental Tax. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735)

“Manufactured home” means a structure, subject to federal regulation, transportable in one or more sections, which in the traveling mode is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. (See Va.

Code § 46.2-100)

“Mobile office” means an industrialized building unit not subject to federal regulation, which may be constructed on a chassis for the purpose of towing to the point of use and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation, for commercial use and not

for residential use; or two or more such units separately towable but designed to be joined together at the point of use to form a single commercial structure, and which may be designed for removal to, and installation or erection on, other sites. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735)

“Motor vehicle” means every vehicle, except for a mobile office as herein defined, that is self-propelled or designed for self-propulsion and every vehicle drawn by or designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle, including manufactured homes as defined in Va. Code § 46.2-100 and every device in, upon, and by which any person or property is, or can be, transported or drawn upon a highway, but excepting devices moved by human or animal power, devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks, and vehicles, other than manufactured homes, used in the Commonwealth but not required to be licensed by the Commonwealth. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735)

Virginia Department of Taxation 3 Effective August 26, 2020

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“Peer-to-peer vehicle sharing” means the authorized use of a shared vehicle by a shared vehicle driver through a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform. (See Va. Code § 46.2-1408.

“Peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform” means an online-enabled application, website, or system that connects vehicle owners with drivers to enable the sharing of peer-to-peer shared vehicles for financial consideration. (See Va. Code § 46.2-1408)

“Rental” means the transfer of the possession or use of a motor vehicle, whether or not the motor vehicle is required to be licensed by the Commonwealth, by a person for a consideration, without the transfer of the ownership of such motor vehicle, for a period of less than 12 months. Any fee arrangement between the holder of a permit issued by DMV for taxicab services and the driver or drivers of such taxicabs shall not be deemed a rental for purposes of the Rental Tax. Any fee arrangement between a licensed driver training

school and a student in that school, whereby the student may use a vehicle owned or leased by the school to perform a road skills test administered by DMV shall not be deemed a rental for purposes of the Rental Tax. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735)

“Rental in the Commonwealth” means any rental where a person received delivery of a motor vehicle within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The term “Commonwealth” shall include all land or interest in land within the Commonwealth owned by or conveyed to the United States of America. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735)

“Rentor” means a person engaged in the rental of motor vehicles for consideration. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735). For purposes of this Guidance, “Rentor” also includes any PTP shared vehicle owners and PTP shared vehicle platforms required to collect the PTP Tax.

“Shared vehicle” means a motor vehicle that has been made available for sharing through a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform. “Shared vehicle” does not include a daily rental vehicle as defined in Va. Code § 58.1-1735. (See Va. Code § 46.2-1408)

“Shared vehicle driver” means an individual who has been authorized to operate a shared vehicle by the shared vehicle owner under a vehicle sharing platform agreement. (See Va. Code § 46.2-1408)

“Shared vehicle owner” means the registered owner, or a person or entity designated by the registered owner, of a vehicle made available for sharing to shared vehicle drivers through a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform. (See Va. Code § 46.2-1408)

“Vehicle sharing platform agreement” means the terms and conditions applicable to a shared vehicle owner and a shared vehicle driver that govern the use of a shared vehicle through a peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform. (See Va. Code § 46.2-1408)

Virginia Department of Taxation 4 Effective August 26, 2020

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Taxable Rentals

The Rental Tax is levied on the gross proceeds from the rental or sharing of motor vehicles in Virginia.

The taxes applicable to the rental of vehicles are comprised of a four percent tax as well as a four percent additional tax and two percent fee on daily rental vehicles. The four percent tax is a state tax and is levied on the gross proceeds from the rental in Virginia of all motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or a gross combination weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less. Both the four percent additional tax and the two percent fee are levied on the gross proceeds from the rental in Virginia of any daily rental vehicle. The four percent additional tax and the two percent fee are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the four percent tax.

The tax applicable to peer-to-peer sharing of all motor vehicles is a 6.5 percent tax (7.0 percent beginning July 1, 2021) levied on the gross proceeds paid by the shared vehicle driver.

The following table is provided to clarify the tax and fee structure by listing certain types of vehicles and the taxes that apply:

Tax on Rental Activity and Tax on Peer-to-Peer Type of Vehicle Peer-to-Peer Sharing Activity Sharing Activity of 10 of More than 10 Vehicles Vehicles or Fewer Motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross 4.0% tax, the 4.0% additional tax 6.5% tax (7.0% combination weight rating of and 2.0% fee effective July 1, 2021) 26,000 pounds or less

Motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross 6.5% tax (7.0%

  1. 0% additional tax and 2.0% fee combination weight of 26,001 effective July 1, 2021) pounds or more
  2. 5% tax (7.0% Manufactured homes 4.0% tax effective July 1, 2021)

Mobile Offices No tax or fee No tax or fee

  1. 5% tax (7.0% Motorcycles 4.0% tax effective July 1, 2021)

Virginia Department of Taxation 5 Effective August 26, 2020

[TABLE 5-1] Type of Vehicle | Tax on Rental Activity and Peer-to-Peer Sharing Activity of More than 10 Vehicles | Tax on Peer-to-Peer Sharing Activity of 10 Vehicles or Fewer Motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less | 4.0% tax, the 4.0% additional tax and 2.0% fee | 6.5% tax (7.0% effective July 1, 2021) Motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more | 4.0% additional tax and 2.0% fee | 6.5% tax (7.0% effective July 1, 2021) Manufactured homes | 4.0% tax | 6.5% tax (7.0% effective July 1, 2021) Mobile Offices | No tax or fee | No tax or fee Motorcycles | 4.0% tax | 6.5% tax (7.0% effective July 1, 2021)

[/TABLE]

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Nontaxable Transactions

Charges for the following transactions are not subject to the Rental Tax and no exemption certificate is required:

  • Fee arrangements between the holder of a permit issued by DMV for taxicab services and the driver or drivers of such taxicabs. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735)
  • Fee arrangements between a licensed driver training school and a student in that school, whereby the student may use a vehicle owned or leased by the school to perform a road skills test administered by DMV. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735)
  • Rentals or vehicle sharing of self-contained mobile computerized axial tomography scanners to a nonprofit hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization as described in § 501(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1737)
  • Rentals or vehicle sharing of self-contained mobile units designed exclusively for

human diagnostic or therapeutic service to a nonprofit hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization established for research in, diagnosis of, or therapy for human ailments as described in § 501(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a nonprofit corporation as defined in § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, established for research in, diagnosis of, or therapy for human ailments. (See Va.

Code § 58.1-1737)

  • Rentals or vehicle sharing to private nonprofit institutions of learning for the sole purpose of use in driver education instruction that is a part of such institution's curriculum for full-time students. (See 24 VAC 20-100-210)
  • Rentals or vehicle sharing to the United States, the Commonwealth or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth for their exclusive use if the purchases are pursuant to required official purchase orders to be paid for out of public funds. A United States government credit card or a Commonwealth of Virginia credit card may also be used if the credit of the federal or state government is bound and billings are sent directly to and paid by the government. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1737.
  • Rentals or vehicle sharing to any person for the purpose of re-rental or re-sharing.

The person who will be re-renting or re-sharing the vehicle must have a valid rental or sharing certificate of registration in order for a transaction to qualify for this exemption and the Rentor must keep adequate documentation of such certificate of registration. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735)

  • Rentals of a truck, tractor truck, trailer, or semitrailer (except trailers and semitrailers not designed or used to carry property and certain vehicles registered pursuant to Va. Code § 46.2-700) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination rating of 26,001 pounds or more are exempt from the tax imposed pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1 – 1736(A)(1). (See Va. Code § 58.1-1737(5))

No other transactions are specifically exempt from the Rental Tax.

Gross Proceeds

For purposes of computing the Rental Tax applicable to vehicle rental and peer-to-peer

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vehicle sharing, gross proceeds is defined as the charges made or voluntary contributions received for the rental or sharing of a motor vehicle where the rental, lease agreement, or vehicle sharing platform agreement is for a period of less than 12 months. This includes charges for any services that are part of the lease or agreement or any separate charges relating to the agreement as well as charges for collision coverage or waiver of property damage, public liability, or other forms of potential liability for the customer. However, the following amounts are excluded from gross proceeds:

  • Cash discounts allowed and actually taken on a rental contract or vehicle sharing platform agreement.
  • Finance charges, carrying charges, service charges, or interest from credit given on a rental contract or vehicle sharing platform agreement.
  • Charges for motor fuels.
  • Charges for optional accidental death insurance, unless the charge contains other

taxable charges which are not be separately stated.

  • Charges for violations, citations, or fines and related penalties and fees.
  • Delivery charges, pickup charges, recovery charges, and drop charges.
  • Pass through charges.
  • Transportation charges.
  • Third-party service charges.
  • Refueling surcharges
  • Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax and the Rental Tax. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735)

Example 1

A customer rents or shares a motor vehicle for $100 with $50 collision coverage as part of the rental contract or vehicle sharing platform agreement, for a total of $150. Gross proceeds for purposes of the Rental Tax would include the charges for renting or sharing the motor vehicle and for the collision coverage. The Rentor would collect the Rental Tax on gross proceeds of $150.

Example 2

A customer rents a motor vehicle for $100 with both $50 collision coverage and $25 optional accidental death coverage as part of the rental contract, for a total of $175. Gross proceeds for purposes of the Rental Tax would include the charges for renting the motor vehicle and for the collision coverage, and would exclude the charges for the optional accidental death coverage. The Rentor would collect the Rental Tax on gross proceeds of $150.

Charge or Credit Card Sales

Any Rentor receiving payment for rentals or sharing transactions through charge or credit cards must report the total selling price and pay the applicable tax for the taxable period in which the rented or shared motor vehicle is returned by the customer or shared vehicle driver.

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Example 3

A customer takes delivery of a rented or shared motor vehicle and returns the vehicle to the Rentor in July and presents a credit card as payment. The Rentor must report and pay the tax on the July return, due August 20, even if reimbursement from the credit card company has not been received.

Sourcing Rules

As a portion of the Rental Tax is distributed back to the locality wherein the shared vehicle driver or customer received delivery of the PTP shared vehicle or daily rental vehicle, the entity collecting the applicable tax must allocate the gross proceeds and tax due to the applicable locality. Regardless of the location where the rental or sharing agreement is

written, where the rental or sharing terminates, or where the vehicle is surrendered, the Rental Tax should be sourced to the county, city, or town wherein the vehicle was delivered for use or picked up by the rental customer or shared vehicle driver. (See Va.

Code § 58.1-1741)

Example 4

A customer places an order for the rental or sharing of a motor vehicle at a business location outside of the Commonwealth and the motor vehicle is delivered within the Commonwealth to a location in County A. The transaction would be subject to the Rental Tax and sourced to County A.

Example 5

A customer places an order for the rental or sharing of a motor vehicle at a business location in County A and the motor vehicle is delivered outside of the Commonwealth.

The transaction would not be subject to the Rental Tax.

Example 6

A customer places an order for the rental of a motor vehicle at a business location in County A and takes possession of the motor vehicle at the business location. The rental is sourced to County A.

Example 7

A shared vehicle driver places an order for the sharing of a motor vehicle online while at home in County A and takes possession of the motor vehicle at a location within County B. The transaction is sourced to County B.

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Example 8

A customer places an order for the rental of a motor vehicle at a business location in County A and has the motor vehicle delivered to his home in Town B, but surrenders the vehicle at the business location in County A. The rental is sourced to Town B.

Example 9

A shared vehicle driver places an order for the sharing of a motor vehicle online while at a business location in County A and has the motor vehicle delivered to his home in Town B, but surrenders the vehicle at the business location in County A. The transaction is sourced to Town B. The transaction would be sourced to Town B whether the vehicle was delivered to Town B for the specific transaction or if it was already located there to be

picked up by the shared vehicle driver.

Example 10

A customer places an order for the rental or sharing of a motor vehicle at a business location in County A. The motor vehicle is delivered outside of the Commonwealth, but is surrendered at the business location in County A. The transaction would not be subject to the Rental Tax.

Registration of Rentors

Every Rentor engaged in the rental or sharing of motor vehicles in the Commonwealth is required to file an application for a Certificate of Registration with the Department for collection and payment of the Rental Tax. This includes every person outside Virginia that is liable to collect the Rental Tax and is engaged in renting or sharing motor vehicles delivered to a customer within the Commonwealth. Such Rentors must file returns and perform all other duties required of Rentors in this state. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1735)

Rentors that are liable to collect the Rental Tax should apply for a Certificate of Registration online at the Department's website at www.tax.virginia.gov. A separate application for a Certificate of Registration is required for each place of business.

The Department will review and approve an application for registration and issue the Rentor an official Certificate of Registration. The Certificate of Registration is not transferable and is valid only for the designated Rentor. A copy of the Certificate of Registration must always be displayed conspicuously at each place of business and on all websites and online applications operated by peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platforms that are registered to collect the Rental Tax .

If a Rentor ceases to conduct his business, the certificate immediately expires. Changes in ownership or corporate structure may require that the business apply for and obtain a

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new Certificate of Registration. For more information regarding the sale or quitting of a business, please see the “Sale of Business” section below.

Registration and Licensing of Vehicles

Rentors should contact DMV for more information on the registration and licensing of motor vehicles.

The PTP Tax shall apply to a PTP shared vehicle regardless of the state for which a certificate of title for such shared vehicle is required. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1738 B)

Filing of Monthly Returns and Payment of Tax

Every Rentor registered or required to be registered for the Rental Tax is required to file

Form MVR-420, Rental Tax Return, or Form P2P, Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing Tax Return, on or before the 20th day of the month following each reporting period. No form is due for a reporting period in which no tax is due. Unless specifically waived, every Rentor registered or required to be registered for the MVRT must also include Schedule MVR-420B, Local Rental Tax Schedule when filing Form MVR-420, and every Rentor registered or required to be registered for the PTP Tax must also include Schedule P2P-B and P2P-S, Schedule of Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing Tax for Large Fleets and Schedule of Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing Tax for Small Fleets, as needed based on such Rentor’s collections.

At the time of filing Form MVR-420, Rental Tax Return, or Form P2P, Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing Tax Return, the Rentor must pay the amount of tax due. Transactions should be reported in the period in which the vehicles were returned. The return for each period becomes delinquent on the twenty-first day of the succeeding month if not paid. In the case of Rentors regularly keeping books and accounts on the basis of an annual period that varies from 52 to 53 weeks, reporting consistent with such accounting period

is acceptable, provided a satisfactory explanatory statement is attached to the Rentor's first return filed under such annual accounting period. Rentors should retain Form MVR-420A, Rental Tax Return Worksheet, or Form P2PA, Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing Tax Return Worksheet, for their records.

A Rentor may apply in writing to the Department for an extension of time for filing a Form MVR-420 or Form P2P and paying the tax. The request must be made before the return becomes due and must state the necessity for additional time. An extension may be granted to the end of the calendar month in which the return is due, or for a period not exceeding 30 days. Penalty and interest will not be charged during the period of extension, except that interest will accrue on the tax at the rate prescribed in § 6621 of the Internal Revenue Code plus two percent where the extension is granted beyond the end of the calendar month in which the return is due. Any Rentor who fails to file the return within the extended time and to pay the full amount required will be treated as if no extension had been granted. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1738)

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Collection of the Rental Tax

The Rental Tax must be collected from the rental customer or shared vehicle driver, and must be separately stated for rentals as taxes and a fee, and for sharing transactions, as a tax, and added to the rental or sharing price on the rental contract or vehicle sharing agreement or contract. Transactions should be reported in the period in which the rental or shared vehicles were returned. The taxes and the fee are debts from the rental customer or shared vehicle driver to the Rentor until paid, and are recoverable in an action at law in the same manner as other debts. The MVRT must be remitted to the Department and reported on each Rentor’s Form MVR-420, Rental Tax Return and the PTP Tax must be remitted to the Department and reported on each Rentor’s Form P2P, Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing Tax Return. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1738)

In the event that a Rentor collects the Rental Tax on exempt or non-taxable transactions, the Rentor must remit the erroneously or illegally collected tax to the Department unless or until the Rentor can affirmatively show that the tax has been refunded to the customer or credited to his account. A Rentor who intentionally neglects, fails or refuses to collect the Rental Tax is liable for and must pay the tax himself. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1738)

Who is Required to Collect the Rental Tax

The MVRT is to be collected by the rentor of the motor vehicle at the time that the vehicle is rented to the customer. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1738 A)

The PTP Tax is to be collected by the peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platform if such platform is required to or voluntarily agrees to collect the tax. In the absence of such voluntary or mandatory collection by the platform, the shared vehicle owner must collect the tax. The shared vehicle owner is not permitted to collect the PTP Tax in the event that the PTP Tax is collected by the PTP vehicle sharing platform. (See Va. Code § 58.1-1738

B.

The PTP Tax shall be collected by all PTP vehicle sharing platforms that have established sufficient contact with the Commonwealth by meeting at least one requirement in each of subdivisions C 1, 2, and 3 of Va. Code 58.1-612.1, mutatis mutandis. Accordingly, a PTP vehicle sharing platform will establish sufficient contact with the Commonwealth by:

  1. Engaging, either directly or indirectly, through a commonly controlled person as defined in subsection D of Va. Code § 58.1-612 in any of the following activities:

a. Transmitting or communicating an offer or acceptance between a purchaser and a marketplace seller; b. Owning or operating the infrastructure, whether electronic or physical, or technology that brings purchasers and marketplace sellers together; or

c. Providing a virtual currency that purchasers are allowed or required to use to purchase products from the marketplace seller;

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  1. Engaging in any of the following activities with respect to a shared vehicle owner’s shared vehicle: a. Payment processing;

b. Fulfillment or storage;

c. Listing vehicles for sharing; d. Setting prices;

e. Branding shared transactions as those of the PTP vehicle sharing platform; or

f. Providing customer service or accepting or assisting with returns or exchanges; and

  1. Establishing economic nexus through either of the following activities: a. Facilitating sharing transactions in Virginia that, in the aggregate, generate more than $100,000 in gross revenue, or other minimum amount as may be required by federal law, for such PTP vehicle sharing platform.

A PTP vehicle sharing platform may exceed this threshold based on

transactions for either the previous or current calendar year. In determining gross revenues, the transactions conducted by all commonly controlled persons, as defined in subsection D of Va. Code § 58.1-612, shall be aggregated; or b. Facilitating 200 or more separate sharing transactions, or other minimum amount as may be required by federal law, in the Commonwealth in the previous or current calendar year. In determining the total number of sharing

transactions attributable to a PTP vehicle sharing platform, the transactions conducted by all commonly controlled persons, as defined in subsection D of Va. Code § 58.1-612, shall be aggregated. (See Va. Code § 58.1-612.1

C.

For purposes of determining whether a PTP vehicle sharing platform meets the $100,000 gross revenue or 200 transaction thresholds, the sharing transactions conducted by all commonly controlled persons will be aggregated and the sharing transactions of commonly controlled persons will be attributed to all members of its corporate group that are also PTP vehicle sharing platforms. A “commonly controlled person” is any person that is a member of the same “controlled group of corporations,” as defined in Internal Revenue Code § 1563 (a), as the dealer or any other entity that bears the same relationship to the dealer as a corporation that is a member of the same “controlled group of corporations.” (See Va. Code § 58.1-612 D).

Timing of Registration

If a previously unregistered PTP vehicle sharing platform establishes sufficient contact with the Commonwealth and, therefore, must register to begin collecting the PTP Tax, the

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platform is required to register with the Department no later than 30 days from the day that the platform establishes sufficient contact with the Commonwealth. Platforms that establish economic nexus 30 or more days prior to October 1, 2020 must register to begin collecting the tax for transactions occurring on or after October 1, 2020.

PTP vehicle sharing platforms that have nexus with Virginia and shared vehicle owners collecting and remitting the Rental Tax on their own behalf must register for collection by checking the box on the Form R-1 indicating that they are registering to collect the “Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing Tax” during registration.

A platform that is registered to collect the PTP Tax may cease collection of the tax on January 1 of the year following any year in which the platform fails to meet the $100,000 gross revenue or 200 transaction thresholds. However, if and for so long as the platform is still engaging in or facilitating vehicle sharing transactions to Virginia customers, the

platform maintains the obligation to begin collecting the PTP Tax within 30 days of re-establishing economic nexus with the Commonwealth. In the event that a platform intends to cease collection of the Rental Tax for any reason, such platform must provide written notice to all shared vehicle owners on behalf of whom they collect the tax at least 30 days in advance of the date upon which such platform intends to cease collection of the tax. Such written notice must clearly notify the shared vehicle owner of their obligation to register for collection of the Rental Tax as of the date that the platform ceases to collect.

Such notice should also direct the shared vehicle owner to these Guidelines.

Example 11

A PTP vehicle sharing platform’s online application or website lists vehicles for peer-to-peer sharing on behalf of the vehicle owners in exchange for a fee. The application or website allows shared vehicle drivers to find suitable shared vehicles and arrange to take delivery of those vehicles for the purposes of vehicle sharing. In addition, the PTP vehicle sharing platform collects and processes the payments from the shared vehicle drivers.

The PTP vehicle sharing platform conducted $102,000 in sharing transactions for vehicles delivered to or picked up in Virginia on behalf of shared vehicle owners in 2019. Having met at least one requirement in each of subdivisions C 1, 2, and 3 of Va. Code § 58.1-612.1, the PTP vehicle sharing platform must register to collect the PTP Tax beginning October 1, 2020.

Example 12

Ride Co., a PTP vehicle sharing platform, did not exceed $100,000 in gross revenues or 200 in facilitated vehicle sharing transactions to Virginia customers for the 2019 calendar year. Ride Co. exceeds the $100,000 gross revenues threshold for the 2020 calendar year on March 1, 2020. Ride Co. would therefore be required to register for collection of the PTP Tax by October 1, 2020 and begin collecting the tax on October 1, 2020.

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Example 13

Platform Co. a PTP vehicle sharing platform, exceeded $100,000 in gross revenues in vehicle sharing transactions to Virginia customers during the 2019 calendar year and therefore registers to and begins to collect the PTP Tax on October 1, 2020. Platform Co. only receives gross revenues of $99,000 from 100 transactions during the 2020 calendar year and continues selling during all of 2021. Platform Co. may cease collection of the tax on January 1, 2021. However, since Platform Co. is still engaging in the facilitation of vehicle sharing transactions, it must restart collection of the tax within 30 days of reestablishing sufficient contact with Virginia in the future. The shared vehicle owners utilizing Platform Co.’s platform must collect the Rental Tax for all periods of time during which Platform Co. is not obligated to collect the tax. Platform Co. must provide such shared vehicle owners with sufficient notice of their obligation to collect. (Please refer to Timing of Registration section above for notice requirements.)

Example 14

Dealer LLC, a PTP vehicle sharing platform, exceeds the 200 transactions threshold on September 1, 2020. Dealer LLC is required to register for collection of the PTP Tax and begin collecting the tax on October 1, 2020.

For additional information on establishing sufficient contact with the Commonwealth and registration requirements related thereto, please refer to Public Document 20-43.

PTP Tax Rentor Liability Protection

A Rentor is relieved of liability for the incorrect collection or remittance of PTP Tax on transactions for which it acts as facilitator if the error is due to reasonable reliance on:

  • An invalid exemption certificate provided by the shared vehicle owner or shared

vehicle driver,

  • Incorrect or insufficient information provided by the Commonwealth, or
  • Incorrect or insufficient information provided by the shared vehicle owner or shared vehicle driver regarding the tax classification or proper sourcing of an item or transaction, provided the Rentor made a reasonable effort to obtain accurate information from the shared vehicle owner or driver.

This relief may not exceed the total amount of tax due from the Rentor on the incorrect transaction independent of penalties or interest that would have applied. (See Va. Code § 58.1-612.1 E) In addition, any Rentor that has collected an incorrect amount of Rental Tax is relieved from liability for such amount, including penalty or interest, if the error is a result of the remote seller’s reasonable reliance on information provided by the Commonwealth. (See Va. Code § 58.1-625 D(2)) Any deficiency resulting from incorrect information provided by the PTP vehicle owner shall be the liability of the PTP vehicle

owners.

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Local Motor Vehicle License Taxes and Fees

No county, city, or town shall impose any tangible personal property tax, license tax, license fee or the requirement of a license tag, sticker or decal upon any daily rental vehicle that is subject to the 4.0 percent additional tax. (See Va. Code § 46.2-755)

No such restriction applies to the local taxation of passenger vehicles used as PTP shared vehicles. PTP Shared vehicles continue to be subject to local tangible personal property tax as well as local tag, sticker, and decal requirements.

Bad Debt

Every Rentor will be allowed a credit against the tax shown to be due on the return for the amount of tax previously paid on accounts that are owed to the Rentor and that have

been found to be worthless within the period covered by the return. The credit, however, shall not exceed the amount of the uncollected sales price determined by treating prior payments on each debt as consisting of the same proportion of sales price, sales tax and other nontaxable charges as in the total debt originally owed to the Rentor. The amount of accounts for which a credit has been taken that are thereafter in whole or in part paid to the Rentor shall be included in the first return filed after such collection. (See Va.

Code § 58.1-621)

Penalties and Interest

Except with respect to fraudulent returns, the failure to file a timely return and make a timely and full payment of this tax will subject the Rentor to a specific penalty to be added to the tax in the amount of six percent if the failure is for not more than one month, with an additional six percent for each additional month, or fraction thereof, during which the failure continues, not to exceed thirty percent in the aggregate. In no case, however, shall the penalty be less than ten dollars and such minimum penalty shall apply whether or not any tax is due for the period for which such return was required. (See Va. Code § 58.1-

635 A)

In the case of a false or fraudulent return where willful intent exists to defraud the Commonwealth of this tax, or in the case of a willful failure to file a return with the intent to defraud the Commonwealth of this tax, a penalty of fifty percent of the amount of the proper tax shall be assessed. (See Va. Code § 58.1-635 A)

The rate of interest on omitted taxes and assessments is the “Underpayment Rate” established pursuant to § 6621(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code plus two percent. (See Va. Code § 58.1-15(A))

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Sale of Business

If any Rentor is liable for any tax, penalty or interest and sells his business or stock of goods or quits the business, he must make a final return and payment within 15 days after the date of selling or quitting the business. At that time, he must also return his Certificate of Registration to the Department and include a letter explaining the situation.

He must report on his final return the full name and address of any successor. (See Va.

Code § 58.1-629)

The Rentor's successors or assigns, if any, must withhold a sufficient portion of the purchase money to cover the amount of any taxes, penalties and interest due and unpaid until the former owner produces either a receipt from the Department showing that payment has been made or a certificate stating that no taxes, penalties or interest are due. If the purchaser of a business or stock of goods fails to withhold a sufficient portion

of the purchase money, he becomes personally liable for the payment of the taxes, penalties and interest due and unpaid by any former owner. (See Va. Code § 58.1-629)

A trustee, receiver, assignee, executor or administrator who continues to operate, manage or control a business engaged in renting motor vehicles must make application for a new Certificate of Registration except for a corporation which continues to exist as the same legal entity. The tax must be collected and paid like any other Rentor. It is immaterial that such officer or person may have been appointed by a court.

Compliance Provisions

The Retail Sales and Use Tax compliance provisions set forth in Va. Code §§ 58.1-630 through 58.1-637 and applicable Retail Sales and Use Tax Regulations will apply to the Rental Tax. Whenever the term “dealer” is used in these sections, the term “Rentor” shall be substituted:

  • Va. Code § 58.1-630 Dealer Bonds
  • Va. Code § 58.1-631 Jeopardy Assessments

  • Va. Code § 58.1-632 Memoranda of Lien

  • Va. Code § 58.1-634 Period of Limitations
  • Va. Code § 58.1-636 Penalty for Failure to File Return or Making False Return
  • Va. Code § 58.1-637 Bad Checks

(See Va. Code § 58.1-1738)

Records

Every dealer, and therefore every Rentor required to collect Rental Tax, is required to keep and preserve for three years adequate and complete records necessary to determine the amount of tax liability. Such records shall include: (1) a daily record of all cash and credit rentals by place of business, including rentals under any type of financing or installment plan in use, with indications of which rentals involved daily rental vehicles;

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(2) a copy of all rental contracts for each vehicle held for rental; and (3) a record of all deductions and exemptions claimed in filing tax returns, including bad debts, and documentation providing that all nontaxable transactions were valid.

Records must be open for inspection and examination at all reasonable hours of the business day by the Department. The Rentor may maintain such records on microfilm or in an electronic format. (See Va. Code § 58.1-633 B)

Rentors are subject to all obligations placed upon dealers.

Administrative Rulings

A Rentor may request that the Tax Commissioner issue a written ruling when there is a question about the application of the tax to a specific situation. The Rentor must provide

the Commissioner with all pertinent facts, including the names of individuals, firms or corporations involved; type, location and value of property; and any other relevant information. The Rentor may argue for the interpretation of the law most favorable to him.

A Rentor who acts on a written ruling that is later revoked or set aside by the courts or the Commissioner will have acted in good faith. A written ruling, however, becomes invalid if later changed by an amendment to the law, a court decision, or a rule or regulation issued by the Commissioner. (See 23 VAC 20-20-155)

Appeals

Taxpayers may appeal MVRT and PTP Tax assessments to the Department using the administrative appeals process applicable to other state taxes administered by the Department as set forth in Va. Code § 58.1-1820 et seq. and 23 VAC 20-20-165.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online under the Guidance Documents section of the Department’s website, located at http://tax.virginia.gov/guidance-documents. The Department will issue additional guidance regarding this law change if necessary. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation 17 Effective August 26, 2020

Virginia EFT Payment GuideDoc ID: Administration

Original: 9,866 words
Condensed: 9,114 words
Reduction: 7.6%

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT) GUIDE September 2003 6214236 Rev. 9/03

V I R G I N I A E F T G U I D E

September 2003

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. EFT GENERAL INFORMATION EFT Payment Methods ....................................................................................................... 2 Mandatory EFT Determination........................................................................................... 3 Tax Return Filing Requirements......................................................................................... 4 Payment Identification........................................................................................................ 5 Account Numbers and Tax Types...................................................................................... 5 Late Payment/Penalty and Interest Reporting .................................................................... 5 Timely Payment Recorded as Late Payment ...................................................................... 6 Due Dates, Weekends and Holidays................................................................................... 6 Changes to Original EFT Agreement ................................................................................. 7 EFT Assistance ................................................................................................................... 7

II. ACH DEBIT PAYMENT METHOD Data Collection Center........................................................................................................ 8 Personal Identification Number (PIN)................................................................................ 8 Payment Report Cancellation ............................................................................................. 8 Reporting Instructions......................................................................................................... 9 Reporting Your Payment by Telephone ............................................................................11 Reporting Your Payment by Personal Computer...............................................................11

III. ACH CREDIT PAYMENT METHOD

Payment Reporting Information ........................................................................................17 ACH Credit Tax Payment Format Specifications..............................................................17 Sending Multiple Records in a Single CCD+ File.............................................................17 ACH File Record Format for All Credit Entries................................................................18 ACH Credit Definitions.....................................................................................................22

IV. EFT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS..................................................................................24

LOCATED IN THE BACK OF THIS BOOKLET

EFT AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT FORM & INSTRUCTIONS

EFT CHANGE NOTIFICATION FORM & INSTRUCTIONS

ACH DEBIT CALL WORKSHEET

TOC-1

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER PROGRAM

This Guide provides information regarding the payment methods available for remitting certain taxes to the Virginia Department of Taxation (TAX) using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

I. EFT GENERAL INFORMATION

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) involves the transfer of funds from your bank account to the State's bank account. Two payment options exist for EFT. These options are offered through the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) system to electronically transfer tax payments. The ACH system is a nationwide network designed for this purpose and is the preferred transaction method for many financial institutions. The clearing facilities, delivery method, and settlement services operated by the Federal Reserve are used within this network to maintain security and increase the efficiency of transactions.

The two payment methods are ACH Debit and ACH Credit.

Effective July 1, 2004, all persons who act on behalf of 100 or more taxpayers to remit individual income tax withholding payments imposed pursuant to § 58.1-460 et seq. of the Code of Virginia are required to remit such withholding to the Virginia Department of Taxation using ACH Credit transactions. For further information, refer to § 58.1-202 et seq. of the Code of Virginia.

EFT Payment Methods

ACH Debit Method

If you select the ACH Debit method, after you register, your taxpayer and bank account information is provided by the Tax Department to a Data Collection Center (DCC). To initiate an ACH Debit to pay your taxes, you will contact the DCC by either telephone or using your Personal Computer. After you have contacted the DCC, your bank account will be debited and a deposit made to the state’s bank account. (See Section II for additional information on ACH Debit filing.)

ACH Credit Method

If you select the ACH Credit method, you will initiate the ACH Credit by contacting your bank. Your bank will then debit your bank account and credit the state’s bank account. Your bank will use the standard ACH Credit format as defined by the National Automated Clearinghouse Association (NACHA) to transfer funds between your bank and the state's bank. (See Section III for additional information on credit filing.)

Wire transfers are STRONGLY discouraged. Although your monies are wired to the state’s bank account, your tax account is NOT updated at the Tax Department! This type of transaction requires additional processing time, which ultimately delays crediting your tax account. In the event that you must wire your tax payment, fax all account information to (804) 367-2970. Account information consists of your Virginia account number, the type of tax you are paying (i.e. withholding) the tax period, and the amount(s) included for penalty and interest, if applicable. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

2 Mandatory EFT Determination

Section 58.1-202 et seq. of the Code of Virginia requires

  • Business taxpayers whose average monthly liability exceeds $20,000 must pay their state taxes by EFT; and
  • Effective July 1, 2004, all persons who act on behalf of 100 or more taxpayers (Payroll Service Providers / Bulk Filers) to remit individual income tax withholding payments must remit all such withholding payments by ACH Credit transactions.

The $20,000 average monthly tax liability applies to business taxpayers paying corporate income tax, retail sales and use tax, and withholding tax. The $20,000 average monthly tax liability applies separately to each tax. For example, if a taxpayer’s average monthly tax liability for withholding exceeds $20,000 but the taxpayer’s average monthly tax liability for corporate income tax does not, the taxpayer is only required to remit withholding taxes by EFT.

Taxpayers who are required to pay by EFT but continue to pay their tax by check are subject to penalties.

Withholding Tax

Withholding accounts are evaluated every November to identify taxpayers who must pay their withholding tax by EFT. Taxpayers identified as mandatory EFT filers are notified by TAX, and they must begin remitting such tax payments by EFT effective in January.

Each January, withholding taxpayers who pay semi-weekly will receive a coupon voucher booklet containing four VA-16 vouchers and one VA-6 annual reconciliation voucher. Monthly and quarterly filers will receive a letter containing two VA-5 vouchers, if needed, and a VA-6 reconciliation voucher to be filed in February with the W-2's.

Sales and Use Tax

Sales and use tax accounts are evaluated every May to identify taxpayers who must pay their sales and/or use tax by EFT. Taxpayers identified as mandatory EFT filers are notified by TAX, and they must begin remitting such payments by EFT in August for their July return. To determine the mandate for consolidated accounts, the account of the parent company reporting for its subsidiaries is evaluated.

Mandatory and voluntary EFT taxpayers will receive sales and use tax coupon booklets. Although the tax payment is remitted using EFT, the paper return and schedule must still be filed so that TAX can allocate the appropriate monies to the state and localities.

Corporate Income Tax

Corporate taxpayers who are calendar year filers are evaluated every January to identify taxpayers who must pay their corporation tax by EFT, with the first EFT payment becoming due in April. Fiscal corporate accounts will be evaluated each month with their first EFT payment becoming due three and one half months from their fiscal year end. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

3 Tax Return Filing Requirements

With the exception of Sales and Use Tax, you will be required to file fewer paper documents for the taxes you pay by EFT.

Employer Withholding Tax Return

If you currently file semi-weekly, you will file one VA-16, Employer's Quarterly Payments Reconciliation and Return, to reconcile the payments that were made throughout the quarter. You will no longer be required to file semi-weekly VA-15 vouchers, Employer's Payment of Virginia Income Tax Withheld. You will be sent a coupon booklet containing four VA-16 vouchers and oneVA-6 annual reconciliation form.

If you currently file monthly, you will make an EFT payment each month. When no payment is due because the tax liability is zero, you must report a ZERO liability to the Tax Department. You can do this by reporting a zero payment on your debit/credit EFT transaction. Otherwise, you will be subject to late filing penalties. At the beginning of each calendar year, we will mail to you the VA-6 annual reconciliation form that must be filed in February with your W-2 forms.

If you currently file quarterly, you will make an EFT payment each quarter. When no quarterly payment is due because the tax liability is zero, you must report a ZERO liability to the Tax Department.

You can do this by reporting a zero payment EFT transaction. Otherwise, you will be subject to late filing penalties. At the beginning of each calendar year, we will mail to you the VA-6 annual reconciliation form that must be filed in February with your W-2 forms.

Corporation Income Tax

Estimated Payment - You will not be required to file an estimated payment voucher 500-ES when you submit your estimated payment using EFT. Corporate estimated payments may also be submitted via TAX’s web site. Visit TAX at www.tax.state.va.us.

Extension Payment - You will not be required to submit an extension request, 500-E, when submitting your extension payment using EFT. If your calculations result in zero tax due, you must report a ZERO liability to the Tax Department. You can do this by reporting a zero extension payment when you submit your EFT transaction. Otherwise, you will be subject to late filing penalties. A unique code for this type of transaction is in the EFT Instructions (ACH Debit filers - Section II) and in the ACH Credit Tax Payment Format Specifications (ACH Credit filers - Section III). Corporate extension payments may also be submitted via TAX’s web site. Visit TAX at www.tax.state.va.us.

Return Payment - You will not be required to submit a 500-V payment voucher when you file your Virginia Corporation Income Tax Return (500) if you submit your tax payment by EFT.

Amended Return Payment - If you need to amend your return, you will need to file an Amended Corporate return, Form 500X. EFT cannot be used to submit payments due for amended returns. You must submit a check with your amended return. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

4 Sales and Use Tax Return

The applicable paper Sales and Use tax return (ST-6, ST-8, or ST-9) must be filed and the EFT payment must be received by the due date of the return. This requires that the EFT payment report be made by 3:45 p.m. on the previous business day. If you are a consolidated filer with businesses in multiple localities, the applicable ST-9B or ST-6B, Schedule of Local Taxes, must also be submitted with the return. You may NOT submit a zero tax due transaction through the EFT system for this tax type. Your zero tax liability would be noted on your return.

Consumer's Use Tax

EFT payments are currently not accepted for this tax type.

Payment Identification

ACH Debit filers will use a Personal Identification number (PIN) along with their VA Tax account number when making a payment report. ACH Credit filers will report the VA Tax account number in the ACH record. For tracking purposes, a trace number is assigned to all EFT payment transactions, both ACH Credit and ACH Debit.

Account Numbers and Tax Types

If you are reporting payments for more than one tax type, you must report each payment separately. For example, if you have a Virginia tax account number that includes both Sales and Use Tax and Employer Withholding tax, you must make two separate payment reports. You will be asked to identify the tax type for the payment: Employer Withholding, Sales and Use, or Corporation. For ACH Debit filers, this is the "Tax Type Code" as explained in Section II. For ACH Credit filers, this is the "Tax Type Code" in the Convention (record format) for ACH Credit, as outlined in Section III.

Late Payment/Penalty and Interest Reporting

If your EFT payment is made late, applicable penalty and interest will be assessed. You may calculate and include the penalty and interest as part of your payment transmission. If penalty and interest is not included with your tax payment, you will be billed for the applicable penalty and/or interest. (To pay your bill electronically, visit TAX’s web site at www.tax.state.va.us or submit the bill voucher with a check to TAX. Bill payments cannot be made using the ACH Debit or ACH Credit method described in this guide.)

ACH Debit filers must identify the payment type (tax, penalty and/or interest) and the amount when they make their payment report. ACH Credit filers must arrange for the correct code to appear on the payment transaction, as shown in Section III. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

5 Timely Payment Recorded as Late Payment

If your payment is delayed due to circumstances beyond your control, such as your bank delaying the transfer of your payment, the Tax Department will ask you to furnish the trace number assigned to the transaction as proof that you attempted to transfer the funds on time.

A taxpayer who is required by law to pay by EFT but mails his or her payment instead, regardless of whether the payment is mailed in a timely fashion, is subject to penalties prescribed by the Tax Department.

To report a payment that posted late due to circumstances beyond your control, call the Tax Department at (804) 367-8037.

Due Dates, Weekends and Holidays

To receive proper credit for an EFT payment, an ACH Debit payment call must be placed no later than 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time on the last business day prior to the tax due date. Check with your bank to determine when an ACH Credit payment must be initiated to ensure the transfer of funds occurs on or prior to, the tax due date. If a due date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the tax is due on the next business day after the weekend or holiday.

Due date examples

The tax is due on Saturday, the 20th. If you are an ACH Debit filer, place your call by 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, the 19th. The funds will be transferred on Monday, the 22nd. If you are an ACH Credit filer, you must ensure your credit transaction is initiated in enough time to allow for the transfer of funds by Monday, the 22nd.

If your tax payment is due the day after a holiday, you need to initiate your EFT payment on the business day before the holiday. For example, Monday, the 19th is a holiday and your payment is due on Tuesday the 20th. You must initiate your payment on Friday, the 16th. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

6 Changes to Original EFT Agreement

Submit an EFT Change Notification form to the Tax Department for the following conditions:

Payment Method Change - your payment method is changing from ACH Debit to ACH Credit or vice versa.

Business Partner or Officer Change - The partner or officer who signed the original authorization agreement form is no longer an approved officer of the company. Check the OTHER box on the EFT Change Notification form and promptly send or fax the form to the address/telephone number indicated.

Change of Bank/Bank Account Number - NOT APPLICABLE TO CREDIT FILERS*.

As an ACH Debit filer, your bank and/or bank account number has changed. Complete the front page of the EFT Change Notification form and promptly send or fax the form to the address/telephone number indicated.

  • It is imperative that ACH Credit filers ensure their chosen bank is capable of handling transactions in accordance with the standards in this Guide.

EFT Assistance

If you have questions or need help with EFT, call (804) 367-8037 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

7

II. ACH DEBIT PAYMENT METHOD

TO AVOID PENALTY AND INTEREST CHARGES, ALL TAX PAYMENTS MUST BE REPORTED BEFORE 3:45 p.m. EASTERN TIME ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE

TAX DUE DATE.

Data Collection Center

Your taxpayer and bank account information will be provided to the Tax Department’s Data Collection Center (DCC). Your call serves as an authorization for the funds to be deducted from your bank account(s) for deposit to the state’s bank account.

Notify your bank that the Department of Taxation is authorized to debit your bank account.

Some banks use a "filter", which prevents unauthorized debits against a customer's account to occur.

When your bank denies your EFT payment, the denial is handled like a returned check and late payment charges will apply.

The Commonwealth pays most of the costs of ACH Debit. Some banks may charge a small processing fee for handling the ACH Debit transaction. Contact your bank representative to determine if your bank charges this fee.

As an ACH Debit filer, you will be required to report your payments to an Audio Response Unit (ARU) using a touch-tone phone OR by entering the data into your personal computer using PROCOMM PLUS or other suitable software. (See page 11 for more information.)

Personal Identification Number

You will be assigned a 6-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the taxes you wish to pay by the ACH Debit method. You will be notified of your assigned PIN number. You must use your PIN and your Virginia Tax Account number to complete your payment report.

Payment Report Cancellation

You may cancel your payment report up to one business day PRIOR to the actual day that your account is scheduled to be debited. If you did NOT specify a future date for debiting your account when you entered your ACH Debit transaction, you must cancel your payment report by 3:45 p.m. on the same day you called in your report. Call 1-800-669-3110 and tell the operator "I wish to cancel my payment report. You will need to provide the operator with your PIN number and Va. Tax account number.

After the operator confirms that the payment report has been cancelled, you may instruct the operator to create a new payment report, if desired. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

8 Reporting Instructions

Please read and make sure you understand all information in this section before placing your ACH Debit call or before entering data online using the recommended software.

When using a touch-tone telephone, you must enter each * (star) and # (pound) character as indicated by the Audio Response Unit (ARU). When entering your data online using your PC, you will use the enter key in place of the # (pound) character and a period (.) in place of the * (star) character.

Please complete the ACH Debit Work Sheet (at the end of this booklet) to assist you in completing your payment transaction.

Tax Period

The ending Tax Period is always entered when making a tax payment or zero tax payment. This date is based on the last day of the period, not the date that you are reporting the payment. For example, if you are making a monthly withholding payment for December 2002, report the Tax Period as "12/31/02".

Verification Code

The Verification Code is a code you must calculate. Prior to making your ACH Debit call or entering the data online, calculate the verification code for EACH payment you are reporting. Calculating your Verification Code is easy. See the following example to illustrate how your verification code is calculated.

Tax payment = $8,215.17

Step 1. Add the sum total of all digits: 8 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 7 = 24

Step 2. Count the number of digits in the total tax payment amount. In this example, the total is 6,

8, 2, 1, 5, 1, 7 = 6

NOTE: If the payment figure is whole dollars (i.e. $8,215.00), be sure to add “2" for the two zeroes after the decimal.

Step 3. Add the amount in Step 1 to the amount in Step 2: 24 + 6 = 30

"30" is your Verification Code.

NOTE: If you are reporting a ZERO Tax Due payment, you will NOT need to calculate and report a verification code. You will, however, be given a trace number at the end of your call or PC transmission as proof of your transaction. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

9 Invalid Verification Code

The Verification Code you calculate must equal the verification code calculated by the provider or you will not be able to complete your payment report. The Audio Response Unit (ARU) or your PC software will inform you if your Verification Code is invalid and you will not be given a trace number.

If this should happen, recalculate the verification code and make the payment report again.

Payments Less than $1.00

If you report a payment less than $1.00, press 0 (for dollars), press , then enter the amount of cents, and press #. Thus, to report 67 cents, enter 067#

If you are reporting a zero tax due payment for either withholding tax or a corporation extension, you will be instructed to press certain keys.

Balancing Payment Amounts

The tax, penalty, and interest amount you enter must equal the total payment amount. If the amounts do not total, you will be prompted to re-enter all amounts.

Making payments from different bank accounts for the Same Tax Type

Tax payments may be made for the same tax type (i.e. Employer Withholding Tax) from two different bank accounts as long as both account numbers were reported to the Tax Department on your EFT Application form. When you report your payment, you will be asked to enter the last five digits of the bank account number from which your funds will be debited. If you must make payments from more than 2 different bank accounts, you will need to use the ACH Credit method of payment.

Problems Completing a Touch Tone Call

If you are having difficulty completing the payment report by touch-tone phone, hang up before receiving a trace number so that no transfer of funds will occur.

Settlement Date

You have the option of reporting your tax payment up to 31 calendar days in advance, which is referred to as “warehousing your payment”. Your tax payment will not be debited from your account until the settlement date you specify. This date cannot be less than one business day from the current date nor greater than 31 calendar days from the current date of your report. Prior to determining your settlement date, be sure to read the important information on page 6 regarding due dates falling on weekends or holidays. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

10 Trace Number

The DCC will provide you with a trace number at the end of your ACH Debit transaction as proof that you submitted your payment. It is important to record this information in event that it may be required for research purposes.

Making Multiple Payment Reports

To make multiple reports during the same call, record the trace number and take the appropriate action according to the last step of the instructions.

If you are disconnected before you are able to make your next payment report, call again to enter your payment information.

If you attempt to make an ACH Debit payment for a tax type that you did not register to pay by EFT, your payment report will be rejected and you will be advised to contact the Tax Department.

Reporting Your Payment by Telephone

When calling in your ACH Debit payment, you MUST use a touch-tone telephone. You will generally be allowed up to three attempts to make a valid entry for any prompt. What constitutes a valid entry varies from prompt to prompt. Unless a specific error is mentioned, the automated voice response unit (ARU) will respond, “invalid entry”. You will then be re-prompted for the current field. If you cannot enter a valid entry on your third attempt, the ARU will respond “retry limit exceeded - your call is being forwarded to an operator”. Wait on the line until an operator can assist you.

NOTE: Complete the ACH Debit Call Worksheet (at the end of the booklet) prior to placing your call.

Then follow the step-by-step instructions on the following pages to complete your ACH Debit transaction.

Reporting Your Payment by Personal Computer

To report ACH Debit payments using a personal computer, it is recommended that you use PROCOMM PLUS as your communications software. This software can be purchased from any retail software vendor. Hyper Terminal also works well for this purpose. Dialing instructions are included with the communication software. The access phone number is 1- (866) 883-7650.

After the modem CONNECTS, press your enter key twice. You will be presented with the following command:

Autonet Line 3130008032 (NOTE: This number will not always be the same.) Command:

At the word COMMAND: enter 11526,1002 and press enter.

When the word PASSWORD appears, enter 972 and press enter.

When the words LOCATION NUMBER appear, enter 9999,998,1 and press enter. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

11 You will then see a screen asking you if you would like to access the VA TAX entry script, to which you will press your “y” key.

The screen will prompt you to enter your Virginia Tax Account number and PIN. After you enter this information, you will see a list of command options: ADD, LIST, DELETE, DONE, OR EXIT.

To enter payment information for the entered Virginia Tax Account number, key ADD.

To view payment data already entered, key LIST.

To delete a payment transaction, key DELETE.

NOTE: Payment transactions must be deleted no later than 3:45 p.m. on the business day prior to the settlement date.

To enter payment information for another Virginia Tax Account number, key DONE.

To logoff, key EXIT.

Unlike entering information by telephone, the PC will not ask you to press any key(s) to verify whether the information that you entered is correct. If you find that you have entered a field incorrectly after pressing enter, press *** to exit/delete the transaction. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program

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interest) and tax, CODE ofFIELD payment interest. AMOUNT AMOUNT sum penalty PAYMENT the and Total Program AMOUNT EFT TOTAL NOTE: includes penalty, VERIFICATION TAX (excludes PENALTY INTEREST 9/03 Virginia 16 (Release) deleting number. number. key or entered, 111502#.) “R” just as account an ADD. account enter) tax DONE. transaction tax key either entered number press (PC). format: key is EXIT”. enter Virginia enter then to payment Virginia OR number, or 2002 Account number, the following 15, same asked different the 11/15/02, be the a DONE, Account Virginia for for AccountACTION (telephone) using will releasing the # November of DELETE. date you enter: report report DELETE, Virginia for to (Example: press Virginia key XXXXXXX. the option made field, is you LIST, SAME day,REQUIRED (Example: the call. enter enter. payment payment the a a been created, different report # DATE this action: have for a prompt “ADD, date, press just business have make make end year you records!) will then to to to under that future payment prompt day NEXT a appropriate and point, your sign, sign, sign, transaction this system the some for # # # get transaction the this reports SETTLEMENT for the on on the the the Month At will transaction take the by by by payment EXIT. funds funds number you payment MM/DD/YY number payment responds: key the this telephone, PC, payment the your your (Delete). a telephone: PC: a another a trace followed followed followed prompted, a a completing system 1, 2, 3, add add view delete logoff, debit debit “D” a using using Your (Retain LIST. To To or it. The If CCC If To To To When To To Using Using After

the due date holiday is greater the a due be tax specify from be your to date. If DATE cannot days cannot your holiday,FIELD or prior Program date and date. TRANSMISSION day NUMBER This calendar date settlement EFT 31 weekend weekend a your SETTLEMENT NOTE: than current or on business as TRACE ENDING 9/03 VirginiaIII. ACH CREDIT PAYMENT METHOD

Payment Reporting Information

ACH Credit involves the authorization of your financial institution to debit your bank account and credit the state's bank account. You are responsible for initiating the electronic payment with your financial institution so that funds are deposited into the state's bank account on or before the tax due date.

Contact your financial institution to determine what ACH origination services it offers and the associated costs. The Commonwealth does not pay these costs. To avoid late payment penalty and interest charges, initiate your ACH Credit transaction on or before the tax due date. Contact your financial institution to determine their cutoff time. For assistance, call the EFT line at (804) 786-3132.

Payroll Service Providers / Bulk Filers

Effective July 1, 2004, all persons who act on behalf of 100 or more taxpayers to remit individual income tax withholding payments are required to remit such withholding to the Virginia Department of Taxation using ACH Credit transactions. If you have not previously submitted ACH Credits to the Tax Department, a pre-note test is recommended.

ACH Credit Tax Payment Format Specifications

National Automated Clearinghouse Association (NACHA) Record Formats for CCD+ entries occur in the following order:

  • File Header Record
  • Company/Batch Header Record
  • Entry Detail Record
  • Addenda Record (Carries an 80 character Free Form Field)
  • Company/Batch Control Record
  • File Control Record

The following pages contain NACHA formats and explanations specifying how fields are used in conjunction with the TXP convention. See the NACHA rulebook for more detailed information on NACHA formats, specifications, and definitions.

Sending Multiple Records in a Single CCD+ File

To send multiple payments in a single CCD+TXP file, your bank must be able to transmit a file composed of a single File Header and Company/Batch Header Record, multiple Entry Detail and Addenda Records, and a single Company/Batch Control and File Control Record.

Virginia EFT Program 9/03

17 18

0 8 CODE 87-94 REFERENCE Alpha/Num

M 23 ORIGIN NAME 64-86 IMMEDIATE Alpha/Num

39 N/A blank 56-94 RESERVED

M 23 NAME 41-63 Alpha/Num IMMEDIATE DESTINATION

FILE

IN CREDIT DOLLAR M 12 M 1 1 44-55 CODE 40-40 FORMAT $$$$$$$$$$¢¢ TOTAL ENTRY AMOUNT

M 10 2 38-39Entries FACTOR BLOCKING FILE DEBIT IN DOLLAR M 12 3 M 094Credit SIZE 35-37 RECORD 32-43 TOTALAll ENTRY AMOUNT $$$$$$$$$$¢¢for Record ID FILE M 1 34 MODIFIER Alpha/Num M 10 22-31 ENTRY HASH Numeric RecordFormat Header TIME 30-33 HHMM TRANS- MISSION M 8 File 0 4 14-21 ENTRY/ COUNT Numeric Control ADDENDARecord DATE 24-29 FileFile TRANS- MISSION M 6 YYMMDD M 6 08-13 BLOCK COUNT Numeric

ACH

M 10 M 6 02-07 ORIGIN 14-23 BATCH COUNT Numeric IMMEDIATE bTTTTAAAAC

M 9 1 01 TYPE CODE RECORD M 10 04-13 IMMEDIATE DESTINATION bTTTTAAAAC Inclusion ELEMENT R 2 NAME Contents Length Position 02-03 CODE Requirement PRIORITY Numeric Field DATA

M 1 1 01 Program RECOR TYPED EFT DATA NAME Field Length Position Inclusion Contents ELEMENT Requirement Virginia 9/03 7 R 88-94 19 Numeric BATCH NUMBER R 7 88-94 BATCH NUMBER Numeric

DFI

ID M 8 80-87 ORIGIN- ATING TTTTAAAA

ID

DFI M 8 80-87 TTTTAAAA CODE ORIGINATING M 1 79 ORIGINATOR STATUS Alpha/Num

6 N/A blank 74-79 by ACH RESERVED (JULIAN) 3 76-78 Numeric Inserted SETTLEMENT DATE Receiving

DATE CODE 0 19 55-73 R 6 MESSAGE Alpha/Num 70-75 EFFECTIVE ENTRY YYMMDD AUTHENTICATION

DATE 0 6 ID R 10 64-69 45-54 COMPANY DESCRIP- TIVE Alpha/Num1 COMPANY Alpha/NumRecord Record (corporation).

M 10 54-63 CREDIT DOLLAR M 12 ENTRY 33-44 ControlHeader COMPANY DESCRIPTION Alpha/Num AMOUNT originator $$$$$$$$$$¢¢ TOTAL ENTRY the CLASS by M 3 CODE CCD 51-53 DEBIT M 12 STANDARD 21-32 ENTRY ENTRY DOLLAR AMOUNT TOTAL $$$$$$$$$$¢¢Company/Batch Company/Batch determined ID R 10 41-50 M 10 COMPANY Alpha/Num 11-20 be ENTRY HASH Numeric to is 0 20 M 6 field DATA 21-40 05-10 COUNT Numeric ENTRY/ COMPANY Alpha/Num ADDENDA DISCRETIONARY this in CODE M 3 M 16 02-04 05-20 Numeric NAME SERVICE Alpha/Num COMPANY CLASS Information SVC M 3 1 02-04 CODE CLASS CODE Numeric M 8 1 01 RECORD TYPE Program 5 1 01 RD M RECO TYPE EFT Inclusion DATA NAME Contents Length Position ELEMENT Requirement Field Field DATA NAME Length Position Inclusion Contents ELEMENT Requirement Virginia 9/03 20

M 15 80-94 TRACE NUMBER Numeric

M 1 79 RECORD Numeric ADDENDA INDICATOR payment. due

0 2 DATA 77-78 tax Alpha/Num DISCRETIONARY zero M 7 88-94 ENTRY DETAIL NUMBER Numeric SEQUENCE

R 22 NAME 55-76 Alpha/Num3 withholding INDIVIDUAL or M 4 84-87 NUMBER Numeric ADDENDA SEQUENCE 0 15 Alpha/Num2 extension INDIVIDUAL NUMBERID 40-54 (corporation).

Record 0 80 format. M 10 Record (TXP) 04-83 corporate 30-39 PAYMENT RELATED Alpha/Num4 a AMOUNT receiver. TXP $$$$$$$$$$¢¢ INFORMATION originatorDetail the the the by by in Addenda reporting M 05 2 R 17Entry DFI 02-03 if 13-29 TYPE CODE ACCOUNT NUMBER Alpha/Num ADDENDA “24” determined determined information M 1 M 7 1 01 code 12-12 TYPE CODE CHECK DIGIT Numeric be be RECORD Use

  • may may ID remittance DFI M 8 04-11 page. field field RECEIVING TTTTAAAA ELEMENT NAME FIELD the LENGTH POSITION INCLUSION CONTENTS DATA REQUIREMENT this this in in M 2 following carries CODE 02-03 N Numeric* the TRANSACTIO field see Information Information This M 6 1 01 2 3 4 TYPE CODE RECORD format, Program CCD+ Inclusion DATA NAME Contents Length Position EFT ELEMENT Requirement TXP Field the For Virginia 9/03Tax Payment (TXP) Addendum Convention for ACH Tax Payment

The following is the format necessary to initiate an ACH Credit tax payment. This convention is used with National Automated Clearinghouse Association's (NACHA) CCD+ application, as used by the Virginia Department of Taxation. See the Acceptable Codes on the next page for valid codes.

Field Name Requirement Contents Segment Identifier

M

TXP

Separator

  • TXP01 Taxpayer Identification

M

XXXXXXXXXX5

Separator

  • TXP02 Tax Type Code

M

XXXXX

Separator

  • TXP03 Tax Period End Date

M

YYMMDD

Separator

  • TXP04 Amount Type6

M

X

Separator

  • TXP05 Amount

M $$$$$$$$$$¢¢7

Separator

  • TXP06 Amount Type6

O

X

Separator

  • TXP07 Amount

C $$$$$$$$$$¢¢7

Separator

  • TXP08 Amount Type6

O

X

Separator

  • TXP09 Amount

C $$$$$$$$$$¢¢7

Separator

*

Taxpayer Verification

O

XXXXXX

Terminator

\ 5 10-digit Virginia tax account number, not FEIN. Place no hyphen between the account number and check digit.

Please note that in mid 2004, the Department of Taxation will implement a new integrated revenue and accounting system. At that time, all 10-digit Virginia account numbers will be converted to 15-character account numbers. To ensure a smooth transition, the 10-digit Virginia account number will be accepted for several months following implementation of the new system. 6 See next page for codes. 7 Do not enter dollar sign or decimal point. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program 21 Acceptable Codes

No other codes are accepted in the Tax Type and Amount Type fields of the Addenda Record other than the following codes:

Tax Type

Code Amount Type Code

Employer Withholding Tax

00011 Tax T or 1 Corporation Income Tax Estimated 00021 Penalty P or 2 Corporation Income Tax Return Payment 00022 Interest I or 3 Corporation Income Tax Extension 00023 Sales and/or Use Tax

00041

Notes: Information on the Commonwealth's receiving bank, such as account number and ABA Transit Routing Number will be provided when we receive your completed EFT Agreement Form.

If reporting a zero tax due payment for withholding tax or a corporate extension, be sure to indicate “24" as the Transaction Code in the Entry Detail Record, as shown on page 20.

ACH Credit Definitions

AN The string-type data element is symbolized by the letters “AN”. Contents of string-type data elements are a sequence of letters, digits, spaces and/or special characters. The contents must be left-justified. Trailing spaces should be suppressed unless they are necessary to satisfy a minimum length requirement.

AMOUNT The fields are used to carry the dollar amounts being paid. Only one amount field, TXP05, is required; the other two amount fields, TXP07 (penalty amount) and TXP09 (interest amount), are conditional based on the presence of the amount type fields, TXP06 (penalty) and TXP08 (interest) respectively. Thus, if TXP06 is not used, then TXP07 will not appear in the convention. When the amount field is used, it should always contain cents (¢¢). Do not enter decimal points or dollar signs.

AMOUNT TYPE The field used to identify the type of amount that follows. Accepted values for Virginia are “T” or “1” for Tax, “P” or “2” for Penalty, and “I” or “3” for Interest.

CONDITIONAL (C) The presence of this field is dependant on the value or presence of other fields in the convention.

DT The date-type field represented by the letters “DT”. Format for the date-type is YYMMDD. For example, November 29, 2002 is represented as “021129”.

DATA ELEMENT TYPE Identifies the type of information contained in the field. For example, “AN”, “ID”,

“DT”, "N2".

FIELD REQUIREMENT Indicates whether the field is mandatory (M), optional (O) or conditional (C).

ID The identifier-type data element represented by the letters “ID”. An identifier data element always contains a value from a predefined list of values. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program 22 MANDATORY (M) A field that must appear in the convention.

N2 The numeric-type field represented by “N2”. The “N” indicates numeric, the “2” indicates the decimal places to the right of a fixed, implied decimal point. The decimal point should not be entered. It is intended that this number will always be positive for the TXP application. In the TXP convention the amount fields are defined as N2 type data elements. Thus, “$1,200.00” would look like “120000”. For zero dollar amounts, this data element type may contain one character, /0.

OPTIONAL (O) These fields are available, when needed, to report an additional amount type, usually penalty and interest.

SEGMENT IDENTIFIER The name of the segment. The identifier occupies the first character positions of the segment and consists of two or three uppercase letters and/or digits.

SEGMENT TERMINATOR Denotes the end of the segment; the forward slash ().

SEPARATOR Used to separate fields within a segment. The asterisk (*) is used as the separator.

TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION Contains the taxpayer's 10-digit account ID number assigned by the Virginia Department of Taxation. Do not use Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN). Left justify. Do not zero fill.

Do not use a hyphen to separate the check digit from the account number. For example, an acceptable taxpayer identification number would be "1234567890".

TAX PERIOD END DATE - This is the ending tax period for the tax/zero payment report; not the date that the payment is being reported. The correct format is "YYMMDD".

TAX TYPE CODE The standardized code used to identify the type of tax being paid. Only the codes shown on the previous page will be accepted.

TAXPAYER VERIFICATION An optional field that can be used by the receiver to verify the taxpayer's transaction. Although this field is optional, we encourage its use to aid in locating your payment. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program 23

IV. EFT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. If I authorize the Department of Taxation to debit my account to pay my taxes by ACH Debit, can Taxation access my bank account for any other purpose?

A. No. The Department of Taxation will not have access to your bank account. Only you can authorize the transfer of funds from your bank account to the Commonwealth's bank account.

Q. When are funds actually withdrawn from my bank account?

A. The amount of time it takes for funds to be withdrawn from your bank account will vary, depending on your bank's location, its internal procedures, whether a holiday or weekend follows the day you initiate the payment, etc. If you are an ACH Debit filer and you do not indicate a specific settlement date during your ACH Debit payment report, your funds will be debited from your account no later than the following business day. If you entered a specific settlement date during your ACH Debit call, the provider will ensure that your account is debited on that day unless the day you specify falls on a weekend or holiday. See the next question for important information regarding weekends and holidays.

Q. What if the tax due date falls on a holiday or weekend?

A. When the tax due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is due on the first business day following the weekend or holiday. You must initiate the EFT transaction by the last banking day prior to the weekend or holiday.

Q. What if I don't make my EFT payment by the tax due date?

A. Your payment will be late and you will be subject to penalty and/or interest. Make your EFT payment as soon as possible after the due date. If you know you will be subject to a penalty and/or interest charge, calculate the penalty and interest and include it as part of your EFT payment report. If you don't include penalty and interest as part of your EFT payment, you will receive a bill for the penalty and interest due.

Q. What if I am not responsible for the late payment?

A. If a delay occurs for which you do not feel responsible, you will be asked to furnish the trace number assigned to your transaction. ACH Credit filers will need to obtain this trace number from their banks. If the Department determines that you attempted to make the payment timely, the appropriate adjustments will be made to your account.

Q. Why do you accept ZERO tax due reports for withholding tax and corporation extensions but not for sales and use tax?

A. When a zero tax due report is made, it becomes part of your accounting record with the Tax Department. The information required for Sales and Use tax, such as exempt sales and locality information, cannot be captured during the EFT payment process and therefore a paper tax return is required.

Q. Can I pay tax bills using EFT?

A. You cannot pay bills using the ACH Debit or ACH Credit methods described in this guide. However, you can make bill payments electronically by visiting our web site at www.tax.state.va.us. Otherwise, please pay the bill by check. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program 24 Q. If the tax due is an even dollar amount, for example $25, do I have to report the cents?

A. Yes, you are required to report the cents. Even zero cents must be reported.

Q. Is it possible to change previously reported EFT information?

A. The only way to change the reported information is to cancel the payment report in its entirety on the same day you initiated the transaction. After your payment report has been canceled, you may initiate another report.

If you are an ACH Credit filer, contact your bank the same day you initiated the transaction and request a change to your ACH Credit transaction.

If you cannot stop the transaction and you overpaid the tax, call our Customer Service Unit at (804) 367-8037 for assistance in getting the proper credit or refund of your overpayment.

Q. How are name and address changes handled?

A. To change information on your tax account, go to www.tax.state.va.us and download Form R-3, Registration Change Request. Follow the instructions on the form to submit to the Department. You can also call our Forms Unit at (804) 440-2541 and order the Form R-3.

Q. What if I want to ask for an extension on my Corporation Income Tax but no payment is due? Do I still have to mail a Form 500E, Application for Extension of Time?

A. No. You can report a ZERO tax due ACH Debit or ACH Credit transaction, whichever is your authorized payment method. Enter the appropriate extension payment code “23” as the tax type when you make your report. NOTE: If a tentative payment is due, you must submit your EFT payment by the extension due date in order for your extension to be valid.

Corporate extension payments can also be made electronically at www.tax.state.va.us.

Q. If I use the ACH Debit method, are funds debited from my account on the day that I specify as the “Settlement Date”?

A. Yes, as long as you enter a date within 31 calendar days of the current date of your payment report and the date that you specify is not on a weekend or holiday.

Q. What if I need assistance with EFT? Who do I call?

A. If you have questions or need help with EFT, we're available from 8:30 to 4:30 Eastern Time, Monday through Friday at (804) 367-8037. 9/03 Virginia EFT Program 25

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT

ALL TAXPAYERS AND PAYROLL SERVICE PROVIDERS, COMPLETE SECTION A.

A.

Legal Name of Business or Organization

P

A Y Primary EFT Contact: Phone ( )

E

R Entity Type – Circle One: Business Taxpayer Payroll Service Provider I N Email Address:_________ F

O Mailing Address for EFT Information

Street

-City State Zip

Note to Payroll Service Providers / Bulk Filers – you do not need to provide the Department with a list of your clients. Simply complete section A and mail or fax to the Department. We will then provide you with the state’s bank information. Also, if you provide an email address, the Department will add you to a tax professional mailing group and provide you with timely updates regarding EFT processing requirements and any form or legislative changes that may impact your clients.

IF CHOOSING THE DEBIT PAYMENT METHOD, COMPLETE THIS SECTION Tax Type Account Number (s) Bank Account Number(s) U to indicate Bank Routing & Transit B.

Account Type Number(s) D Checking Savings E 1) h h B (VA Tax Account Number) Withholding I h h T 2) (Federal ID Number - FEIN) E Checking Savings F 1) h h T Corporation (VA Tax Account Number) h h --- 2) B (Federal ID Number - FEIN) A Checking Savings N 1) h h K (VA Tax Account Number) Sales & Use h h

  1. I N (Federal ID Number - FEIN)

F

OVIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT (Page 2)

IF CHOOSING THE ACH CREDIT PAYMENT METHOD, COMPLETE THIS SECTION Check all tax types to be paid by EFT and enter Virginia Tax Account Number(s) and FEIN(s)

Corporation Income Tax ____ FEIN______ Va Tax Account Number Federal Employer ID Number

Employer Withholding Tax ____ FEIN_____

Va Tax Account Number Federal Employer ID Number

Sales & Use Tax ___ FEIN___ Va Tax Account Number Federal Employer ID Number

C.

C

R

E

D

I

T

E

F

T

ALL TAXPAYERS COMPLETE THIS SECTION By signing this form, I agree that I am responsible for accounting for and paying over the required taxes and that I will notify the Department of Taxation in the event that I am no longer responsible for accounting for and paying over the required taxes. My signature certifies that I understand the Electronic Funds transfer process; that I agree to file the tax payments designated above using EFT as outlined in the Virginia EFT Guide and that I will continue to make my tax payments to the Commonwealth of Virginia as described in Title 58.1 of the Code of VA.

Print Name of Business Owner/Partner/Officer

Owner/Partner/Officer Social Security Number

D.

S

I

G

N

A

T

U

R

E


S

S

N Signature of Business Owner/Partner/Officer: Date: FAX this form (and a voided check if you are an ACH Debit filer) to (804) 367-2603 OR make a copy of the form for your records and mail the original document(s) to:

Virginia Department of Taxation Registration Unit/EFT

Questions? Phone (804) 367-8037 P.O. Box 1114 Richmond, VA 23218-1114

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT) AGREEMENT FORM

INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION A - ALL TAXPAYERS and Payroll Service Providers

Enter the legal name of your business.

Enter the EFT contact name and the contact’s telephone number.

Indicate entity type and provide an email address, if available, for the EFT contact.

Enter the address for the EFT contact. Payroll Service Providers – complete Section A only.

SECTION B – ACH DEBIT FILERS

Enter your complete VA Tax Account Number(s), Federal Identification Number(s) (FEIN’s) and Bank Account Number(s), along with the bank Routing and Transit number(s). If your bank account is a savings account, enter a U in the column, where indicated.

Staple a voided check (NOT A DEPOSIT SLIP) from your bank account to the top of the form.

SECTION C – ACH CREDIT FILERS

Before submitting this form, check with your bank to ensure that the capability exists for initiating ACH Credits. Tell your bank representative that the bank must submit your credit payment in the CCD+TXP format8. This format is the only acceptable format that the Tax Department’s bank can use.

Check the tax type to be paid by EFT; Corporation Income, Employer Withholding, and/or Sales and Use Tax. Enter the Virginia Tax account and Federal Employer Identification Number ("FEIN").

SECTION D - ALL TAXPAYERS

Print or type the name of an Owner, Partner, Officer or other person responsible for the business.

Write the applicable social security number, where indicated. The responsible person must read and understand the statement, sign, and date the form. The Agreement Form cannot be signed by an agent of the business (i.e. hired bookkeeper). The form must be signed by an owner, partner, officer, or other person responsible for the business.

FAX the form and a voided check(s), if applicable, to the number shown on the form OR make a copy of the documents for your records and mail the original document(s) to the address shown on the form.

8 CCD+TXP is the file format standard set by the National Automated Clearinghouse Association (NACHA).

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION EFT Program P.O. Box 1114 Richmond, VA 23218-1114 Phone (804) 367-8037 EFT CHANGE NOTIFICATION Fax (804) 367-2603

Use this form for reporting changes to EFT information. Please read the EFT Change Notification Instructions before completing this form. Mail the completed form to the address above. (Do not use this form to report changes to your business name, address, etc. Request Form R-3, Registration Change Request, by calling the number or writing to the address above.)

Legal Name of Business/Organization: ________

Primary EFT Contact: Check here if new contact Telephone # ( )__ - ___

ACH DEBIT FILERS: CHANGE TO DEBIT/ CHANGE BANK INFORMATION/ ADD TAXES to EFT Bank Routing & Type of Change Tax Type Account Number (s) Bank Account Number(s) U to indicate Account Transit Type Number(s)

Checking Savings New Debit Account h 1) h h _ (VA Tax Account Number) Withholding New Bank 2) h h Account h (Federal ID Number - FEIN) Checking Savings New Debit Account h 1) h h _ (VA Tax Account Number) Corporation New Bank 2) h h Account h (Federal ID Number - FEIN) Checking Savings New Debit Account h 1) h h _ (VA Tax Account Number) Sales & Use New Bank 2) h h Account h (Federal ID Number - FEIN)ACH CREDIT FILERS: CHANGE TO CREDIT/ ADD TAXES TO EFT

Withholding

VA Account #

FEIN

Corporation

VA Account #

FEIN

Sales & Use

VA Account #

FEIN # OTHER CHANGE (Please be specific.)

By signing this form, I agree that I am responsible for accounting for and paying over the required taxes and that I will notify the Department of Taxation in the event that I am no longer responsible for accounting for and paying over the required taxes. My signature certifies that I understand the Electronic Funds transfer process; that I agree to file the tax payments designated above using EFT as outlined in the Virginia EFT Guide and that I will continue to make my tax payments to the Commonwealth of Virginia as described in Title 58.1 of the Code of VA.

Print Name of Business Owner/Partner/Officer Print Social Security Number of Owner/Partner/Officer Signature of Business Owner/Partner/Officer Date FAX the form and a voided check(s), if applicable, to (804) 367-2603 OR make a copy of the form for your records and mail the original document(s) to:

Virginia Department of Taxation EFT Program

Questions? Phone (804) 367-8037 P.O. Box 1114 Richmond, Virginia 23218-1114 EFT Change Notification Instructions

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE ALL INFORMATION EXCEPT SIGNATURES.

NOTES: This form is for reporting changes to EFT information only. Obtain Form R-3, Registration Change form for changes to your business name/address or to register additional taxes, etc.

You must already be registered with the Tax Department for the tax being paid by EFT.

If you file by ACH Credit, you do not need to advise us of changes to your bank or bank account information (unless you are changing to ACH Debit). However, you and your bank are responsible for ensuring tax payments continue to be made on time, regardless of bank changes.

  1. Enter the Legal Name of the business/organization.

  2. Enter the name and telephone number of the Primary EFT contact and enter a U if it is a new name/telephone number.

  3. If you are changing from the ACH Credit payment method to the ACH Debit payment method, changing banking information, or adding additional taxes to an existing ACH Debit account, complete the ACH DEBIT FILERS section.

Attach a voided check (NOT A DEPOSIT SLIP) from your bank account.

  1. If you are changing from the ACH DEBIT payment method to the ACH CREDIT payment method OR you are adding additional taxes to be paid by ACH Credit, complete the ACH CREDIT FILERS section.

CAUTION: Before changing from ACH Debit to ACH Credit payment method, check with your bank representative to ensure that the capability exists for initiating ACH Credits in the CCD+TXP format9. This format is the only acceptable format for the Tax Department’s bank. If your bank cannot use the CCD+TXP format, do not submit this form. You must continue to make your payments by ACH Debit or you must use a bank that accepts this format.

  1. If you are changing any other information about your EFT account that cannot be explained in the ACH DEBIT or ACH CREDIT filer section, such as a change in responsible officer/partner of the business, complete the “OTHER” section. Be specific when describing your change(s).

  2. Print or type the name of an Owner, Partner, Officer or other person responsible for the business.

Write the responsible person’s social security number in this section, where noted. The form must be signed and dated by an owner, partner, officer, or other person responsible for the business; not signed by an agent of the business (i.e. hired bookkeeper).

  1. Send or fax the form to the address/number noted at the bottom of the page 2 of the change form.

9 CCD+TXP is the file format standard set by the National Automated Clearinghouse Association (NACHA).

ACH DEBIT CALL WORKSHEET

You may find this worksheet helpful for record keeping. First, complete the fields that contain your standard information such as Account Number and PIN and then make a copy of the sheet. Next, when you are preparing to make your payment, fill-in the variable information in the applicable fields. If you experience any problem in completing the worksheet, contact the Tax Department at (804) 367-8037.

Telephone Access Number: 1-877-828-2937 Web site: www.networktwo.com

DATE

VA TAX ACCOUNT NUMBER

PERSONAL ID NUMBER (PIN)

TAX TYPE

TAX ENDING PERIOD

BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER

TOTAL PAYMENT AMOUNT

VERIFICATION CODE

(See page 10.)

TAX AMOUNT

PENALTY AMOUNT

INTEREST AMOUNT

SETTLEMENT DATE

(See page 10.)

TRACE NUMBER

(As provided by the ARU.)

You may cancel your EFT payment up to 3:45 p.m., one business day PRIOR to your payment settlement date.

If you did not specify a settlement date, cancel your EFT payment by 3:45 p.m. on the same day you called in your payment report. Call 1-800-669-3110 and tell the operator you need to cancel your payment report. You will need to provide the operator with your Va. Tax account number and your PIN. After the operator confirms that your payment report has been canceled, you may instruct the operator to create a new payment report, if desired.

Advertising Tax Exemption GuidelinesDoc ID: Sales

Original: 889 words
Condensed: 808 words
Reduction: 9.1%

--- Page 1 ---2 | ; e LIE | qf 3 » COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Department of Taxation Richmond, Virginia 23282

MEMORANDUM | TO: Russ Whitehead, Supervisor

Office Services Division

Wally Cordle, Director

Field Services Division | DATE: August 21, 1987 : SUBJECT: Advertising Regulation Training This responds to questions presented in the training recently provided by this division on the sales and use tax exemption for advertising.

  1. Must an advertising agency use a Certificate of Exemption (Form ST-10A), to support its non-taxable purchases of concept, writing, graphic design, mechanical art, photography, or production supervision for use in media advertising?

Yes. For an advertising agency's purchases of concept, writing, graphic design, mechanical art, photography or production supervision for use in media advertising to qualify for a exemption from the tax, it must provide its supplier with a certificate of exemption (Form ST-10A) indicating that such purchases are intended for placement in the media.

However, no certificate of exemption is required to support the non-taxable sale of a finished media ad campaign by an advertising agency to its client since the total charge for the campaign represents the charge for a professional service.

  1. What is mechanical art for purposes of the exemption? How is mechanical art distinguished from typesetting? -Based on the new exemption, the total charge for the production of mechanical artwork for placement in “media” advertising is not subject to the tax. However, by ruling dated June 2, 1987, the Commissioner determined that the total charge for typesetting purchased for use in media advertising is taxable.

Typesetting involves the setting and assembling of type, sometimes by hand, but more frequently through some mechanical means, according to a customer's specifications. Typesetting

--- Page 2 ---7 2 ; @ may be provided for use in the printing of books, articles, magazines, newspapers, Catalogs or pamphlets. The end product of typesetting, commonly called a "galley" sheet, is also used by graphic artists and designers to create what is referred to interchangeably as a "mechanical", “layout” or "“paste-up" of an- -advertisement, combining the typed elements, i.e., the words, of the advertisement, with the artistic, photographic, graphic, or other components of the ad. The "mechanical" produced by the graphic artist also contains instructions to the printer on how the ad should be printed, based on available Spacing, proper coloring, and any other variables.

  1. Are so called "specialty" advertising businesses which provide such items as buttons, Stickers, calendars. pens, and . similar promotional items, engaged in providing exempt media advertising services?

When a specialty advertising business is provided with a logo, trade name, or other design by a customer for imprinting on buttons, stickers, calendars, pens, and similar promotional items, they are engaged in making sales of tangible personal property the total charge for which is subject to the tax.

Similarly, when an advertising agency contracts with a specialty advertising business for the imprinting of a logo (designed by the advertising agency) onto promotional items, the total charge by the specialty ad business to the advertising agency is subject to the tax. (See, subsection 2(B) (3) of § 630-10-3 of the Sales and Use Tax Regulations) However, the charge by the advertising agency to its client to reimburse it for having purchased such promotional items, would not be taxable.

If a specialty advertising business goes beyond the mere imprinting of a customer provided logo onto promotional items, but also contracts to provide the concept, graphic design, and ser artwork necessary for the production of the logo, the total charge for the logo and the imprinted promotional items would be non-taxable. However, the specialty advertising businesses purchases of the blank buttons, stickers, calendars, pens, etc., to be personalized with the logo would be fully taxable.

  1. How should a supplier compute the tax in making bulk sales of supplies to advertising businesses when some of the supplies will be used and consumed by the ad business in providing exempt media advertising services and some will be resold to the advertising businesses clients in connection with its provision of non-media advertising?

Subsection 2(B)(1) of § 630-10-3 of the regulations provides that advertising businesses are the taxable users and consumers of all tangible personal property purchased, including administrative items, such as paper, ink, pencils, layout boards, blank audio and video tapes, etc. However, when making purchases of any items which it knows at the time of purchase will be resold to its client(s) subject to the tax in the form of non-media advertising, an advertising business may purchase such items exempt of the tax for resale, under Certificate of Exemption (Form ST-10).

--- Page 3 --- ° X i 7 2 ; . f

In addition, when an advertising business makes a bulk purchase of supplies, some of which will be used and consumed in providing exempt media advertising services, and some of which will be resold to clients, subject to the tax in providing non-media advertising, it may purchase all of such items exempt- ~-of the tax for resale, pursuant to a valid resale certificate of exemption (Form ST-10). However, whenever it withdraws any of such items from its inventory of supplies purchased for resale for use in providing media advertising services, it must report the use tax to the department based on the cost price of such items.

Danny ue Bane? Director

Tax Policy Division

gd

Virginia Food Donation Tax Credit GuidelinesDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

Original: 3,719 words
Condensed: 2,154 words
Reduction: 42.1%

--- Page 1 ---

Food Donation Tax Credit Guidelines (Updated October 17, 2023)

Introduction

During the 2016 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 1093 (2016 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 391) and Senate Bill 580 (2016 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 304), which established the Food Crop Donation Tax Credit. This was an individual and corporate income tax credit for certain persons engaged in the business of farming or growing food crops in the Commonwealth and donating such crops to a nonprofit food bank. It expired after Taxable Year 2022.

During the 2023 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 2445 (2023 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 165) and Senate Bill 1525 (2023 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 166), which converted Virginia’s Food Crop Donation Tax Credit that expired after Taxable Year 2022 into the Food Donation Tax Credit and made several changes to the

credit.

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide updated guidance to taxpayers regarding the Food Donation Tax Credit for Taxable Years 2023 and after. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question

regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

General Overview

Effective beginning with Taxable Year 2023, Virginia allows an individual and corporate income tax credit referred to as the Food Donation Tax Credit. Such credit is available for certain persons engaged in the business of farming that donate food crops grown or wholesome food produced by the person in the Commonwealth to a nonprofit food bank.

The amount of the credit is equal to 50 percent of the fair market value of such food. No taxpayer is permitted to claim more than $10,000 in credits for a taxable year. The credit is allowed only to the extent that the total amount of credits granted for a fiscal year does not exceed the annual $250,000 credit cap.

The amount of the credit claimed may not exceed the total amount of income taxes upon

Virginia Department of Taxation - 1 - October 17, 2023

--- Page 2 ---

Food Donation Tax Credit Guidelines (Updated October 17, 2023)

the person for the taxable year. Any credit not usable for the taxable year for which the credit was first allowed may be carried over for credit against the income taxes of the person in the next five succeeding taxable years or until the total amount of the tax credit has been taken, whichever is sooner.

For Taxable Year 2016 through Taxable Year 2022, the individual and corporate income tax credit was referred to as the Food Crop Donation Tax Credit. Unlike the Food Donation Tax Credit, the Food Crop Donation Tax Credit was limited to food crop donations only and was equal to 30 percent of the fair market value of the amount of donated food crops, not to exceed an aggregate credit of $5,000 for all such donations made during such year.

Definitions

“The business of farming” means “the business of farming” as defined in Treas. Reg.

§ 1.175-3.

“Donation” means a “contribution or gift” as that term is used in I.R.C. § 170(c).

“Food” means a nourishing substance that is fit for human consumption.

"Food crops" means grains, fruits, nuts, or vegetables.

“Grown or produced by the person” means that the donor was directly engaged in the growing or production of the qualifying food. The donor is directly engaged in the growing or production of the food when they have a profit interest in the growing or production of the food, assumes the risks incidental to the growing or production of the food, and his supervision and involvement in the growing or production of the food are substantial.

"Nonprofit food bank" means an entity located in the Commonwealth that is exempt from taxation under I.R.C. § 501(c)(3), as amended or renumbered, and organized with a

principal purpose of providing food to the needy.

“Wholesome food” means food that meets all quality standards imposed by federal, state, and local laws or regulations, including food that may not be readily marketable due to appearance, age, freshness, grade, surplus, or other condition.

“Providing food to the needy” means the distribution of food to the needy, either directly or through a network of other organizations.

“Qualifying food” means food crops, wholesome food, or both.

Determining Whether an Organization Is a Nonprofit Food Bank

To be considered a "nonprofit food bank," an entity must be organized with a principal purpose of providing food to the needy. An entity will generally be considered to be “organized with a principal purpose of providing food to the needy” if it is expressly

Virginia Department of Taxation - 2 - October 17, 2023

--- Page 3 ---

Food Donation Tax Credit Guidelines (Updated October 17, 2023)

organized for such purpose and is actually engaged primarily in providing food to the needy. Other facts and circumstances, however, may dictate whether an entity meets the principal purpose requirement, regardless of the purpose stated in its governing instrument. Organizations that are unsure of whether they qualify as nonprofit food banks may request a ruling from the Department.

Written Certification by Nonprofit Food Bank

In the case of any donation of qualifying food, a nonprofit food bank must prepare a written certification that identifies:

  • The donee nonprofit food bank. This must include the name of the nonprofit food bank, its employer identification number, its mailing address, its phone number,

and the date on which this certification was prepared. This must also include the name and signature of the individual completing the certification on behalf of the nonprofit food bank.

  • The donor. This must include the name of the person making the donation, their social security number or employer identification number, their mailing address, and their phone number.

  • The date of the donation.

  • The number of pounds and the fair market value of qualifying food donated. Fair market value must be determined by the nonprofit food bank according to the “Determining Fair Market Value” section below. The nonprofit food bank must also

identify the type of food donated.

The written certification must include a statement by the donee nonprofit food bank:

  • That it is an entity located in the Commonwealth that is exempt from taxation under I.R.C. § 501(c)(3) and is organized with a principal purpose of providing food to the needy,

  • That its use and disposition of the qualifying food complies with the requirements described under “Nonprofit Food Bank’s Use and Disposition of Qualifying Food” below, and

  • Whether the donee nonprofit food bank provided any goods or services in consideration for the donation, and if it did, a description and good-faith estimate

of their value or, if applicable, a statement pursuant to I.R.C § 170(f)(8)(B)(iii).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any goods or services disregarded for the purposes of Treas. Reg. § 1.170A-13(f)(8) shall also be disregarded for the purposes of the Food Donation Tax Credit and do not have to be described in the certification.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 3 - October 17, 2023

--- Page 4 ---

Food Donation Tax Credit Guidelines (Updated October 17, 2023)

The written certification must be prepared and furnished within 30 days after the donation was made.

A Virginia Food Donation Certification form, Form FCD-2 is available for nonprofit food banks to download from the Department’s website (www.tax.virginia.gov).

Determining Fair Market Value

The written certification prepared by the donee nonprofit food bank must determine the fair market value of the qualifying food donated. Fair market value must be determined pursuant to I.R.C. § 170, which generally requires a consideration of all the facts and circumstances connected with the donated food, including their desirability, use, and scarcity. The nonprofit food bank is required to ascertain the price that the donor would have received if they had sold such food in the usual market in which they customarily

sell, at the time and place of the donation and, in the case of a donation of crops in quantity, in the quantity donated. See Treas. Reg. § 1.170A-1(c)(2). However, in the case of any donation of apparently wholesome food that cannot or will not be sold solely by reason of internal standards of the donor, lack of market, or similar circumstances, or by reason of being produced by the donor exclusively for the purposes of transferring the food to a nonprofit food bank, the fair market value of such donation shall be determined pursuant to I.R.C. § 170(e)(3)(C)(v):

  • Without regard to such internal standards, such as lack of market or similar circumstances, or such exclusive purpose, and

  • By taking into account the price at which the same or substantially the same food items (as to both type and quality) are sold by the donor at the time of the donations (or, if not so sold at such time, in the recent past).

In no case may the fair market value calculated for the purposes of the Food Donation Tax Credit exceed the fair market value used to claim the federal charitable deduction with respect to a particular donation. However, the fair market value for the purposes of the Food Donation Tax Credit is not subject to the reductions contained in I.R.C. § 170(e).

Example 1

In Taxable Year 2024, Taxpayer A makes a donation of qualifying food with a fair market value of $1,000 on the date of the donation and an adjusted basis of $600.

Since the Food Donation Tax Credit is calculated before the reductions contained in I.R.C. § 170(e), Taxpayer A will be considered to have donated $1,000 of food for the purposes of this tax credit.

Because determining fair market value may be unduly burdensome on nonprofit food banks in some cases, the food bank may fulfill its obligation of certifying fair market value in one of the following ways:

Virginia Department of Taxation - 4 - October 17, 2023

--- Page 5 ---

Food Donation Tax Credit Guidelines (Updated October 17, 2023)

  • Accept the fair market value amount provided by the donor. If this option is elected, the donor must provide the nonprofit food bank with a copy of an invoice or other statement identifying the price received by the donor from the most recent sale of comparable qualifying food.

  • Determine fair market value based on the average wholesale market price published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Market News Service for the qualifying food donated in the nearest regional market during the month in which the donation is made. The average wholesale market price shall be determined without consideration of grade or quality of the food and as if the quantity of the donated food was marketable.

Where a donor transfers qualifying food to a nonprofit food bank in exchange for consideration that is less than the fair market value of the food, they are considered to have made a “bargain sale” for the purposes of the federal charitable deduction. A bargain sale is treated in part as a charitable contribution or gift and in part as a sale or exchange of property. The procedures for determining the federal charitable deduction for the gift portion and the gain or loss on the sale portion are commonly referred to as the “bargain sale rules.” To the extent the transfer is considered a charitable contribution or gift under federal bargain sale rules, it shall be considered a donation for purposes of this tax credit. Consequently, fair market value shall be determined only on that portion of the transferred food that are considered donated under the federal bargain sale rules.

Example 2

In Taxable Year 2024, Taxpayer B sells qualifying food to a nonprofit food bank for $200. Such food has a fair market value of $1,200 on the date of the donation and an adjusted basis of $600. Applying the federal bargain sale rules, Taxpayer B will

be considered to have donated $1,000 of food ($1,200 fair market value − $200 amount realized) for the purposes of this tax credit.

Although the donee nonprofit food bank is required to determine the fair market value of qualifying food donated for the purposes of the written certification, the donor is ultimately responsible to prove that they are eligible for this tax credit for the amount claimed on their application and on their Virginia income tax return. Therefore, the donor must retain timely and accurate records necessary to substantiate, among other things, the fair market value of any food donated. Donors will not be required to submit such records with their application or Virginia income tax return, but the Department may request such records when reviewing an application or auditing an income tax return.

Nonprofit Food Bank’s Use and Disposition of Qualifying Food

In order for the donation to qualify for the tax credit, the nonprofit food bank must certify that the following requirements will be met.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 5 - October 17, 2023

--- Page 6 ---

Food Donation Tax Credit Guidelines (Updated October 17, 2023)

Requirement That the Use of Donated Qualifying Food be Related to Providing Food to the Needy

The use of qualifying food must be related to providing food to the needy. To determine whether the food is being used in such a manner, the provisions of Treas. Reg. § 1.170A-4A(b)(2)(ii)(A) are applicable, except that:

  • The qualifying food must be used for providing food to the needy, and

  • The donee nonprofit food bank may not transfer the qualifying food for use outside Virginia.

For the purposes of this requirement, the definition of “the needy” in Treas. Reg. § 1.170A-4A(b)(2)(ii)(D) shall apply.

Prohibition on the Use of Donated Qualifying Food as Consideration for Services Performed or Personal Property Purchased

Generally, the donee nonprofit food bank (or any subsequent transferee) may not use donated qualifying food as consideration for services performed or personal property purchased. Nevertheless, the donated food may be transferred or sold by the nonprofit food bank to the needy, other nonprofit food banks, or organizations that intend to use the food to provide food to the needy. To the extent the food is sold, such sales must conform to the provisions of Treas. Reg. § 1.170A-4A(b)(3). If other nonprofit food banks or organizations receive or purchase the donated food, they shall be subject to all the restrictions on the use of the food as if they were the donee nonprofit food bank.

Administration of the Tax Credit

To receive the Food Donation Tax Credit, donors must apply to the Department by completing Form FCD-1, which is available to download from the Department’s website (www.tax.virginia.gov). This form and any supporting documentation must be completed and mailed no later than February 1 of the year following the taxable year during which the donations were made. No donor shall apply for more than $10,000 in credits for a taxable year. Every donor that applies for the Food Donation Tax Credit must obtain a written certification (Form FCD-2) from the donee nonprofit food bank. Such written certification (Form FCD-2) must then be attached to Form FCD-1.

The maximum amount of Food Donation Tax Credits for all qualifying taxpayers is limited to $250,000 for each fiscal year. If the amount of credits applied for exceeds $250,000, the Department will allocate all credits on a pro rata basis. The Department will review all applications for completeness and notify donors of any errors by March 1 of the calendar year in which Form FCD was submitted. If any additional information is needed, it must be provided no later than March 15 of that year to be considered for the tax credit.

The Department will notify all eligible donors of the amount of allocated credits by April 1

of the calendar year in which Form FCD was submitted.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 6 - October 17, 2023

--- Page 7 ---

Food Donation Tax Credit Guidelines (Updated October 17, 2023)

Upon receiving notification of the credit amount from the Department, the donor may claim the credit on their Virginia income tax return. In the event that a taxpayer does not receive notification of the allowable credit amount before their Virginia income tax return is due, the taxpayer may file the return during the extension period, or they may file the original return without claiming the credit and then file an amended tax return once notification of the allowable credit amount is received.

The amount of the credit claimed may not exceed the taxpayer’s income tax liability for the taxable year. However, to the extent that the amount of the credit granted to a taxpayer exceeds their income tax liability, they may carry over the credit against their income tax liability for the next five succeeding taxable years or until the total amount of the tax credit has been taken, whichever is sooner. Tax credits granted to a partnership, limited liability company, or electing small business corporation (S corporation) shall be

allocated to the individual partners, members, or shareholders, respectively, in proportion to their ownership or interest in such business entities.

Addition to Income

To the extent the Food Donation Tax Credit is allowed for a donation, an addition to federal adjusted gross income, in the case of individuals, or to federal taxable income, in the case of corporations, shall be required for any amount claimed as a federal income tax deduction for such donation.

Example 3

Taxpayer C is an individual taxpayer engaged in the business of farming who makes a donation of qualifying food in Taxable Year 2024. Such food has a fair market value of $1,000 on the date of the donation and an adjusted basis of $600.

Taxpayer C claimed a federal charitable contribution deduction of $800, after

taking into account the reductions in I.R.C. § 170(e). Since the Food Donation Tax Credit is calculated before the reductions contained in I.R.C. § 170(e), Taxpayer C is considered to have donated $1,000 of food for the purposes of this tax credit.

For Virginia income tax purposes, Taxpayer C was issued and claimed on his Taxable Year 2024 Virginia income tax return a credit equal to 50 percent of fair market value of their donation, $500 ($1,000 x 50%).

Thus, Taxpayer C will be required to report an addition to federal adjusted gross income on their Virginia income tax return equal to the amount of the federal charitable contribution deduction claimed for such donation, $800.

Example 4

Taxpayer D is an individual taxpayer engaged in the business of farming who makes a donation of qualifying food in Taxable Year 2024. Such food has a fair market value of $40,000 on the date of the donation and an adjusted basis of

Virginia Department of Taxation - 7 - October 17, 2023

--- Page 8 ---

Food Donation Tax Credit Guidelines (Updated October 17, 2023)

$24,000. On Taxpayer D’s Taxable Year 2024 federal income tax return, they claimed a federal charitable contribution deduction of $32,000, after taking into account the reductions in I.R.C. § 170(e). Since the Food Donation Tax Credit is calculated before the reductions contained in I.R.C. § 170(e), Taxpayer D is considered to have donated $40,000 of food for the purposes of this tax credit.

However, because no taxpayer is permitted to claim more than $10,000 in credits for a taxable year, Taxpayer D may only receive a credit for $20,000 of their donation (computed as follows: $20,000 x 50% = $10,000).

Taxpayer D must report an addition to federal adjusted gross income on their Virginia income tax return. However, they are only required to report an addition for the portion of their federal charitable deduction attributable to the $20,000 donation for which they also received a Virginia credit. Such addition is computed as follows:

20,000 $32,000 x = $16,000. 40,000 Therefore, Taxpayer D will be required to report an addition of $16,000 to their federal adjusted gross income.

Under federal income tax law, donors who are barred from claiming a charitable contribution deduction during the taxable year may be eligible to carry forward the deduction to subsequent taxable years. In such a case, the addition is required in the

taxable year or years during which the federal charitable contribution deduction attributable to the donation is claimed, regardless of the taxable year during which the donation was made.

Example 5

Assume the same facts as Example 3, except also assume that Taxpayer C claims a $200 deduction with respect to these contributions on their Taxable Year 2024 federal income tax return. The remaining $600 deduction is carried over and claimed on their Taxable Year 2025 federal income tax return. On their 2024 Virginia income tax return, Taxpayer C claims a credit equal to $300.

Since the federal deduction is claimed over two taxable years, Taxpayer C’s addition must also be reported on their Virginia income tax return over two taxable years. Therefore, Taxpayer C would be subject to an addition of $200 to their federal adjusted gross income in Taxable Year 2024 and an addition of $600 to

their federal adjusted gross income in Taxable Year 2025.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 8 - October 17, 2023

--- Page 9 ---

Food Donation Tax Credit Guidelines (Updated October 17, 2023)

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online in the Laws, Rules & Decisions section of the Department’s website, located at www.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 786-2992.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation - 9 - October 17, 2023

Virginia Financial Corporation Apportionment GuidanceDoc ID: Corporate

Original: 486 words
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Reduction: 9.9%

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23282

Richmond, Virginia

MEMORANDUM

TO

William Hamilton

Interstate Audit Supervisor

DATE

March 17,

1988

SUBJECT

Financial Corporation Apportionment Factor

In response tec your memorandum of January 15,

L988 ;

requesting

clarification of the financial corporation factor,

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offer the

tollowing

The financial corporation factor came into existence in 1975.

as 5 567151.050:]

and amended

1

was criginally enacted in 1976,

ete»

"business income" was required to be apportioned by a

fraction,

"the numerator of which is its business income from

sources

Within this state."

The section defined business

income from sources within this state as the sum of

fees,

commissions or other compensation for financial

services rendered within this state;

bonds or

cther

gross profits from trading in stocks,

securities managed within this state;

Interest and dividends received within this state;

etc.

Thus,

it is apparent that each item of income was to be

examined

separately to determine if it belonged in the numeratecr of the

factor.

In cases where an item of income was attributable

to

activity in Virginia and other states,

a determination had to be

made.

Section 58-151.050:1 contained no guidance for making

this determination and no reference to "costs of performance."

However,

in computing the sales factor for intangible income

under § 58-151.049, a similar type of analysis was performed.

Since the latter section referred to

"costs of performance"

i=

was a reasonable approach te adopt for purposes of computing the

financial corporation apportionment formula.

However,

this section was substantially rewritten in 1981.

The

section now requires all income of a financial corporation,

other than allocable dividends,

to be apportioned by a ratio.

The ratio is defined as being based on costs of performance in

The

the Commonwealth over costs of performance everywhere.

--- Page 2 ---William Hamilton | Page 2 March 17, 1988 section no longer refers to the sum of a list of particular types of income in defining the factor. The list is now relevant only to the test for whether a corporation is a : financial corporation.

In view of the substantive change to § 58-151.50:1 (now recodified as § 58.1-418) it appears that the intent of the General Assembly is to require the use of a single ratio based on costs of performance in the Commonwealth over costs of performance everywhere.

Field Services is using the correct method. The method used by Technical Services was proper until the law was substantially rewritten as part of the 1981 amendments to deal with the Champion case.

Danny M. Payne, Director Tax Policy Division ce: R. B. Postans

R. L. Holt

W. H. Reynolds

Enclosure

Taxability of Membership Fees in VirginiaDoc ID: Sales

Original: 215 words
Condensed: 190 words
Reduction: 11.6%

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COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

Richmond, Virginia 23282

MEMORANDUM

TO

John Neagle, Assistant Director

Field Services Division

DATE

January 11, 1991

RE

Membership Fees

This is in response to Bob Postans' questions on the taxability of membership

fees.

The dealer in this case offers memberships that simply convey the right to make

purchases from the dealer.

The dealer has been charging the sales tax on

membership fees on the basis of a previous department ruling relating to video

club membership fees.

Our earlier ruling held that membership fees would be taxable when the fee

entitles the member to tangible personal property free of charge.

It also held

that the fees would be taxable when they entitle members to purchase property at

a lower price than nonmembers.

The current situation apparently is not analogous

to either of these scenarios as members do not receive any free property and as

nonmembers are not eligible at all to make purchases from the dealer.

Based on the facts as I understand them, the dealer therefore should not be

charging the tax on its membership fees.

Janie E. Bowen

Tax Policy Director

a

APPROVED

W. H. Forst

Tax Commissioner

Cc

Max Beyer

Ron Holt

Disclosing Tax Information to Virginia Department of AviationDoc ID: Aircraft

Original: 1,566 words
Condensed: 1,044 words
Reduction: 33.3%

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COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

September 23, 2010

TO

Craig M. Burns

Acting Tax Commissioner

THROUGH

William J. White

Assistant Commissioner

FROM

Mark Haskins

Policy Development

SUBJECT: Disclosing Tax Information to Department of Aviation

Background

When an aircraft has been physically present in Virginia for 60 days or more

Virginia law requires the aircraft to be licensed. Under the Virginia aircraft sales and

use tax law an aircraft is subject to tax if it is required to be licensed. The Department

of Aviation has, by regulation, required proof that the tax has been paid before it will

license an aircraft

For many years an employee routinely gave the Department of Aviation

(“Aviation”) copies of our payment confirmation letters. Those letters included a lot of

taxpayer information, such as the taxpayer's SSN or FEIN, name, address, etc. When

another employee took over the duties upon the first employee's retirement, a

spreadsheet was developed that disclosed only information deemed necessary for

Aviation, i.e., the taxpayer's name, payment date and the plane's tail number and serial

number. This spreadsheet was supplied monthly in lieu of the copies of the payment

letters. In July TAX’s disclosure officer, Don Staples, was asked if providing Aviation

with the spreadsheet was authorized under the law and Don said that he could find no

authority for it. No information has been provided to Aviation since then

Relevant Laws and Requlation

Secrecy: Va. Code § 58.1-3 makes tax information confidential, but provides an

exception for: “Acts performed or words spoken or published in the line of duty

under the Jaw

--- Page 2 --- MEMORANDUM September 23, 2010 Page 2 of 4

Tax imposed: Va. Code § 58.1-1502 levies a tax on the sale or use in Virginia of

any aircraft required to be licensed.

Aircraft licensure

e Va. Code § 5.1-5 requires a license when an aircraft is physically present in

Virginia for 60 days or more within 12 months. e Aviation regulation 24 VAC 5-20-20 provides: “Except as provided below, the tax on the sale or use of an aircraft required to be licensed by this . Commonwealth shall be paid by the purchaser or user of such aircraft and collected by the Virginia Tax Commissioner prior to the time the owner applies to the Department of Aviation for, and obtains, such license.” Line of Duty Exception

There is no clear language within Virginia law that grants specific authority for TAX to share taxpayer information with Aviation. The issue is whether the exception for acts performed in the line of duty permits disclosure to Aviation. In this case both Aviation and TAX have duties with respect to the tax. Since the issue is whether an employee of TAX is authorized to disclose information, the application of the line of duty exception has to be tied to a duty imposed on TAX by law. That duty is obviously the assessment and collection of sales and use tax on aircraft.

The fact that Aviation has a duty to ensure that the tax is paid may authorize Aviation employees to do various things, but does not, by itself, authorize TAX to : disclose tax information to them. Aviation regulation 24 VAC 5-20-20 directs aircraft owners to contact TAX and pay the sales and use tax before applying to Aviation to license the aircraft. TAX issues a confirmation letter upon payment of the tax, which the taxpayer may then show to Aviation as proof of payment. No disclosure is required in order to collect the tax.

Compliance Function

Aviation has adopted a tax clearance requirement for aircraft licensure. TAX recently studied the potential impact of adopting a tax clearance requirement for a variety of professional and other licenses issued by the Commonwealth. Although concluding that the idea was not feasible for several reasons, the report noted that taxpayer confidentiality was a significant issue:

TAX considers the confidentiality of tax information to be vital to Virginia’s 7

reliance upon voluntary compliance by taxpayers. If we cannot maintain this

confidentiality, taxpayers may become less willing to disclose information related to their income and assets, which would make it very difficult for TAX

to ensure that taxpayers were fulfilling their tax obligations. Thus, exceptions

to taxpayer confidentiality should be tightly controlled.

Tax Clearance Study, Senate Document No. 7 (2008)

--- Page 3 --- MEMORANDUM September 23, 2010 | Page 3 of 4

If TAX decided to enhance their compliance audits with regards to the collection of sales and use tax on aircraft, TAX can obtain the licensing information from Aviation. see § 58.1-3 E. Therefore, from a compliance perspective it is not necessary for TAX to disclose information to Aviation.

Administrative Function

However, the administration of a tax involves far more than just issuing assessments and depositing payments. Staff has to handle telephone calls, walk-ins and letters related to the tax. Refusing to disclose information to Aviation could lead to avoidable work for TAX staff if an aircraft owner has paid the tax, but does not have a copy of the confirmation letter when applying for an aircraft license. In that case Aviation would tell the applicant to get a duplicate letter from TAX, and our staff would have to receive the request, research the accounting records to verify payment, and issue a duplicate letter. Providing Aviation with the spreadsheet would reduce such requests for TAX thereby improving the efficiency of TAX’s administration of the aircraft sales and use tax.

Improving the efficiency of tax administration is part of TAX’s duty. For example, Va. Code § 58.1-202 directs the Tax Commissioner to ascertain the best methods of reaching taxable state property, as well as measures that will promote harmony and cooperation among all officials connected with the revenue system of the .

Commonwealth. .

Va. Code § 58.1-3 requires us to analyze disclosure as it relates to TAX’s duties.

As long as there is some benefit to tax administration consistent with TAX’s duties then disclosure is authorized. The fact that disclosure may also be consistent with the duties of another agency is not relevant.

Other Agencies

Consideration must be given to whether disclosure would be authorized if other agencies adopted tax clearance requirements similar to Aviation’s that require proof of payment of one or more Virginia taxes before issuing a driver's license, a contractor's license, a license to practice law, medicine or accounting, etc. In this case a distinction must be drawn between two hypothetical situations:

e TAX asking the licensing agency to suspend or refuse to issue a license

because of a delinquent tax;

e The licensing agency seeking verification of a tax payment.

In the first case disclosure would be in TAX’s line of duty because it would be an action intended to assist in the collection of delinquent tax. In the second case, however, there is unlikely to be a clear link between the qualifications for a license and

--- Page 4 ---

~ MEMORANDUM.

September.23, 2010...

Page 4 of 4 , Be the payment of a tax. For example, a Virginia driver's license may be possessed by a person whose income is below the filing threshold for federal and Virginia income tax.

The exam required to become eligible for some professional licenses is so onerous that many professionals maintain their Virginia professional license even though they live and practice their profession in another state. Because some licensees may have no Virginia tax obligations, and licensure is not statutorily linked to a tax obligation, there is no clear link between the license and a tax. Nor is there a clear link between disclosure and improved tax administration. Therefore, disclosure would not be authorized. |

The link between Aviation and the aircraft sales and use tax is clear. Undeér Virginia law the same event, presence in the state for 60 days or more, triggers both the sales tax and the license requirement. Therefore, there is a much stronger case for coordinating the administration of aircraft sales and use tax and aircraft licensure.

Conclusion a Oo

Based on the benefit to TAX’s administration of the aircraft sales and use tax, disclosure to Aviation is authorized, but it is discretionary, not mandated. TAX retains the right to refuse to disclose the information if, in its discretion, the benefit to tax . administration is not of sufficient magnitude to justify disclosure. Moreover, TAX still has the duty to ensure that the recipient of the information will protect the confidentiality of the information, as required by Va. Code § 58.1-3 C. Concerns about the security of the information in the hands of another agency would justify refusing to disclose tax information even if disclosure would be authorized under the line of duty exception.

Recommendation Poe |

TAX shall disclose to the Department of Aviation such information relating to the payment of aircraft sales and use tax as TAX deems necessary to coordinate the licensure of aircraft with the payment of tax. Disclosure shall be conditioned upon assurance that the Department of Aviation will preserve the confidentiality of such information from further disclosure. At a minimum, information provided to Aviation shall include a notation that the document contains confidential tax information | protected from further disclosure by Va. Code §58.1-3.: |

M. Burns a : an Date. ._

ing Tax Commissioner

Guidelines for Calculating Late Payment PenaltiesDoc ID: Sales

Original: 240 words
Condensed: 225 words
Reduction: 6.2%

--- Page 1 ---ey

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COMMONWEAL-,

H - f VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

RICHMOND 23282

MEMORANDUM

a

-~

Lynn Snyder

Systems Development Project Team

DATE=

July 28, 1983

SUBJECT

-

Computation of Addfttonal Penalty When Minimum

Penalty Assessed

You have requested advice about computation. of additional penalty on

late payments of sales tax when the minimum penalty is assessed fnitially.

Under Sectfonm 58-441.27 of the Code, when: F dealer fatls-to pay the full

amount of sales tax due, @ five percent penalty is to be added to the

tax for fatlure to pay for not more tham one month, and am additional

five percent penalty t# to be added for each addittonal month, or fraction

of a month, not to exceed 25 percent fn the aggregate. There is, however,

a provision that there be added a mfinimm

of $10.00, whether or not any

tax ia due om a late-ffled return.

It is my opinion that the statute intends that the minimum penalty be

$10.00, and that in cases where $10.08 exceeds 25 percent of the tax,

that $10.00 is also the maximum penalty. Of course, interest would

accrue monthly on the initial tax and penalty.

(Aimy et

$d

gi

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anny M

ayne, Director

Tax Policy Division

pas

ce

Clayton Stewart

Raymond’ Dobyns

7/12/23

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Virginia Personal Exemptions for DependentsDoc ID: Individual

Original: 292 words
Condensed: 285 words
Reduction: 2.4%

--- Page 1 ---—_

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MEMORANDUM

TO

Ronald L. Holt,

Supervisor

Technical Services Section

1987

DATE

August 20,

SUBJECT: Personal Exemptions / Dependent Children

In your memorandum dated July 14, 1987, you request guidance in

the revision of the 1987 individual income tax forms and

instructions with respect to personal exemptions.

You are

concerned that as a result of the federal Tax Reform Act of

1986,

individuals claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer,

will not

be allowed a personal exemption for themselves on their

Virginia

return.

It is my

understanding that this issue has already been resolved

and that

the forms and instructions have been finalized.

However,

based upon your memorandum, it appears that there is

some confusion in this area.

I hope that the following

explanation will clear-up any remaining confusion.

Virginia Code § 58.1-321 D.2.a. allows a Virginia personal

exemption for each personal exemption allowable for federal

income tax purposes.

You state in your memorandum that "Section

151

(d)

(2), IRC, denies the exemption when an individual may be

claimed as a dependent on another's return."

Your statement is

not correct.

Under IRC § 151

(b)

each taxpayer is allowed "An

IRC § 151

exemption of the exemption amount for the taxpayer."

(d)

(2) provides that the exemption amount in the case of

Therefore,

these certain

certain dependents will be zero.

individuals are allowed their own personal exemption, however,

the amount that they are allowed to deduct for it is zero.

Based upon the above,

these individuals would be allowed a

federal personal exemption,

thus a Virginia personal exemption;

therefore,

the revised 1987 Instructions are correct.

Linn ‘4 J Bane &

1 4

Danny M. Payne, Director

Tax Policy Division

Electronic Filing Flexibility for Virginia Tax ReturnsDoc ID: Corporate

Original: 406 words
Condensed: 303 words
Reduction: 25.4%

--- Page 1 ---

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

ORDER TO ALLOW ELECTRONICALLY FILED RETURNS

TO OMIT ATTACHING A COPY OF THE FEDERAL RETURN

Whereas, Va. Code§ 58.1-202 requires the Department of Taxation ("Department") to prescribe the forms of books, schedules and blanks to be used in the assessment and collection of state taxes; and

Whereas, Va. Code§ 58.1-214 require the Department to design, prepare, print and . distribute all forms and instructions necessary for filing returns required by Subtitle I of Title 58.1 of the Code of Virginia; and

Whereas, Va. Code § 58.1-310 grants authority to the Department to examine the federal income tax returns or any copy thereof and to requires a taxpayer to provide

· · such return or a copy thereof and all statements, inventories, and schedules in support thereof; and

Whereas, pursuant to Va. Code§ 58.1-3 the Tax Commissioner and the Internal ·Revenue Service have entered into an information exchange agreement that allows the Department to obtain federal tax return information from the Internal Revenue Service; · and

Whereas, Va. Code§ 58.1-441 requires corporations to attach a copy of their federal income tax returns to their Virginia income tax return; and

. Whereas, regulations 23 VAC 10-120-321, 23 VAC 10-120-322, and 23 VAC 10-120-323 permit certain corporations to omit attaching a copy of the federal return provided that a complete copy is made available to the Department of Taxation upon request; and

Whereas, the Department has developed a simplified corporate income tax return for

electronic filing, and determined that an attached copy of the federal return is not needed for administration of the tax and would add to the cost of the Department and · taxpayers;

It is therefore ORDERED that the Department accept electronically filed simplified corporate income tax returns (currently designated Form 500-EZ) without an attached ·. copy ofthe federal income tax return and that taxpayers filing this form electronically be instructed to comply with Va. Code § 58.1-310 by keeping a complete copy ofthe federal return and making it available to the Department upon request.

Save Time, Go Online -Visit www.tax.virginia.gov

--- Page 2 ---

ORDER TO ALLOW ELECTRONICALLY FILED RETURNS

TO OMIT ATTACHING A COPY OF THE FEDERAL RETURN

Page 2

It is further ordered that this order shall be classified as a guidance document for . purposes of complying with Va. Code §§ 2.2-4008 and 2.2-41 03.

Yl'l? .

Cf , .).4ay 2014 Date

Annual Filing for Domestic Service WithholdingDoc ID: Withholding

Original: 380 words
Condensed: 291 words
Reduction: 23.4%

--- Page 1 ---

ORDER TO ALLOW ANNUAL FILING FOR STATE WITHHOLDING TAXES FOR

EMPLOYERS OF DOMESTIC SERVICE EMPLOYEES

Whereas, pursuant to 2007 Acts, ch. 426 (House Bill 964), employers are permitted to annually file payroll and tax reports and pay the unemployment tax required

by § 60.2-511 for domestic service employees effective for wages paid on and after January 1, 2009; and

Whereas this permission is restricted to instances in which the relevant employment consists exclusively of domestic service in the private home of the employer, as defined in §§ 31.3121 (a) (7)-1, 31.3306 (c) (2)-1, and 31.3401 (a) (3)-1 of the Employment Tax Regulations promulgated pursuant to §§ 3121, 3306, and 3401 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended; and

Whereas this permission is further restricted to employers who have a total payroll in each calendar quarter that does not exceed $5,000, regardless of the number of employees providing domestic services; and

Whereas Va. Code § 58.1-112 grants to the Tax Commissioner the authority to determine the frequency, form and manner with which returns must be filed; and in the case of any return or payment that is required to be filed or paid more often than

annually the Tax Commissioner may set thresholds or conditions in which taxpayers may file their returns less frequently; and

Whereas I find that an annual withholding filing for domestic service employers would create uniformity between the requirements imposed on such employers by the Virginia Employment Commission and the Virginia Department of Taxation and thus would aid in voluntary compliance and simplify tax filings by domestic service employers;

It is therefore ORDERED that these employers of domestic service employees be allowed the option to file on an annual basis. Furthermore, I order that an optional withholding tax form be created and administered for wages paid beginning January 1, 2009, to be reported in 2010; and

--- Page 2 ---

It is further ordered that this order shall be classified as a guidance document and preserved as required by Va. Code § 58.1-112 and that the modifying the forms and instructions for monthly withholding returns to reflect this order is adequate to inform the affected class so that no further publication is required.

_ __ 10/10/08 Janie E. Bowen, Tax Commissioner Date

Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax GuidanceDoc ID: MV

Original: 1,571 words
Condensed: 1,228 words
Reduction: 21.8%

--- Page 1 ---

MEMORANDUM

TO: James Mason Director of Field Audit

FROM: Mark C. Haskins Director of Policy Development

DATE: April 8, 2011

SUBJECT: Motor Fuels Disclosure, Refunds, and Heavy Motor Vehicles

This is in response to inquiries from audit staff as to 1) whether TAX can provide information regarding Motor Vehicle Fuel Sales Tax audits to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, 2) how dealers should provide refunds for exempt dyed diesel sales where the tax is included in the pump price, 3) whether certified pollution control equipment and facilities qualify for the Retail Sales and Use Tax exemption regardless of the actual

use of the tangible personal property, and 4) heavy vehicles that are exempt from the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax.

Disclosure of Information

Virginia Code § 58.1-3 provides that TAX may disclose to the Executive Directors of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission for their confidential use such tax information as may be necessary to facilitate the collection of the motor vehicle fuel sales tax. TAX also has a Memorandum of Agreement with the Transportation Boards regarding Offers in Compromise and Appeals. Under the agreement, TAX will "furnish the Designated Disclosure Officer with copies of the appeal and any papers submitted by the taxpayer in support of the appeal or offer in compromise; and with TAX's preliminary conclusion containing TAX's rationale for the proposed disposition. All such materials will be redacted to remove any confidential tax information not directly related to fuel tax."

TAX interprets the phrase "to facilitate the collection of the motor vehicle fuel sales tax" to mean that TAX may release to the Executive Directors information needed to facilitate the administration of the tax and not just delinquent collections matters. In order to comply with Va. Code § 58.1-3 and the memoranda of agreement, TAX may

--- Page 2 ---

Motor Fuels Disclosure, Refunds, and Heavy Motor Vehicles April 8, 2011 Page 2

provide the distributor name, address, FEIN, and amount of the audit assessment or revenue reallocation to the Executive Director of the respective commission or to his designee. As this information is considered confidential, materials released to the Transportation Commissions should contain a statement similar to the one below:

Please note that this information contains confidential taxpayer information.

Although TAX is authorized to release this information to you and your staff under Code of Va. § 58.1-3(C) for your confidential use as may be necessary to facilitate the collection of the motor vehicle fuel sales tax, it may not be divulged to other persons, including the members of the Transportation Commission.

Retail Sales and Use Tax Refunds for Certain Fuels

For exempt sales where the Retail Sales and Use Tax is included in the pump price, the dealer may either subtract out the amount of tax before accepting payment or refund the amount after the sale has been made. As stated in Tax Bulletin 10-9, 23 VAC 10-210-220 sets forth the bracket system used to determine the amount of tax included in the pump price for each gallon.

23 VAC 10-210-220 provides that the bracket system is used to eliminate fractions of $.01 and must be used to compute the tax on transactions of $5.00 or less.

On transactions over $5.00, the tax is computed at a straight 5.0%, with one half cent or

more treated as $.01. Any dealer who collects the tax in accordance with the bracket system set forth shall be deemed to not have over collected the tax. Below is the bracket system for the combined state and local tax of 5.0% on transactions of $5.00 or less:

Sales Price Tax Due Sales Price Tax Due

  1. 01 to 0.09 0 2.50 to 2.69 0.13
  2. 10 to 0.29 0.01 2.70 to 2.89 0.14

  3. 30 to 0.49 0.02 2.90 to 3.09 0.15

  4. 50 to 0.69 0.03 3.10 to 3.29 0.16
  5. 70 to 0.89 0.04 3.30 to 3.49 0.17
  6. 90 to 1.09 0.05 3.50 to 3.69 0.18
  7. 10 to 1.29 0.06 3.70 to 3.89 0.19
  8. 30 to 1.49 0.07 3.90 to 4.09 0.2
  9. 50 to 1.69 0.08 4.10 to 4.29 0.21
  10. 70 to 1.89 0.09 4.30 to 4.49 0.22

  11. 90 to 2.09 0.1 4.50 to 4.69 0.23

  12. 10 to 2.29 0.11 4.70 to 4.89 0.24
  13. 30 to 2.49 0.12 4.90 to 5.00 0.25

[TABLE 2-1] Sales Price | Tax Due

  1. 01 to 0.09 | 0
  2. 10 to 0.29 | 0.01
  3. 30 to 0.49 | 0.02
  4. 50 to 0.69 | 0.03
  5. 70 to 0.89 | 0.04
  6. 90 to 1.09 | 0.05
  7. 10 to 1.29 | 0.06
  8. 30 to 1.49 | 0.07
  9. 50 to 1.69 | 0.08
  10. 70 to 1.89 | 0.09
  11. 90 to 2.09 | 0.1
  12. 10 to 2.29 | 0.11
  13. 30 to 2.49 | 0.12

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 2-2] Sales Price | Tax Due

  1. 50 to 2.69 | 0.13
  2. 70 to 2.89 | 0.14
  3. 90 to 3.09 | 0.15
  4. 10 to 3.29 | 0.16
  5. 30 to 3.49 | 0.17
  6. 50 to 3.69 | 0.18
  7. 70 to 3.89 | 0.19
  8. 90 to 4.09 | 0.2
  9. 10 to 4.29 | 0.21
  10. 30 to 4.49 | 0.22
  11. 50 to 4.69 | 0.23
  12. 70 to 4.89 | 0.24
  13. 90 to 5.00 | 0.25

[/TABLE]

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Motor Fuels Disclosure, Refunds, and Heavy Motor Vehicles April 8, 2011 Page 3

In order to determine the amount of tax that should be subtracted out or refunded, the dealer can use the same bracket system, multiply by the number of gallons sold and round to the nearest $0.01. For example, if the customer bought 10 gallons at a pump price between $3.90 and $4.09, the tax would be $0.20 [from the bracket system above] multiplied by 10, or $2.00.

Alternatively, the dealer may calculate the amount of tax to be refunded using the total amount charged in the following manner. The dealer would multiply the total amount charged by (1-(1/1.05)) and rounding to the nearest $0.01. For example, if the customer bought $21 worth of gas, the tax would be $21 multiplied by (1-(1/1.05)), or $1.00.

Certified Pollution Control Equipment and Facilities

Virginia Code § 58.1-609.3(9) provides a Retail Sales and Use Tax exemption for "[c]ertified pollution control equipment and facilities as defined in § 58.1-3660, except for any equipment that has not been certified to the Department of Taxation by a state certifying authority pursuant to such section." Virginia Code § 58.1-3660 defines "certified pollution control equipment and facilities" and provides that the "state certifying agency" means the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy ("DMME") for coal, oil, and gas production, the State Water Control Board for water pollution, the State Air Pollution Control Board for air pollution, and the Virginia Waste Management Board for

waste disposal facilities. The Department of Environmental Quality ("DEQ") administers the environmental regulations approved by the three regulatory boards.

23 VAC 10-210-2090 provides that "any property which is certified as used for these purposes is not subject to the tax." Under this policy, regardless of whether the auditor disagrees with the certifying agency's finding that the property is used directly to abate pollution, if it has been certified as pollution control equipment by a state certifying agency, it is exempt from the Retail Sales and Use Tax.

Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax

Virginia Code § 58.1-2402 levies the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax upon the sale or use of all motor vehicles in the Commonwealth other than 1) vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or 2) a sale to or use by a person for rental as an established business or part of an established business or incidental or germane to such business.

Under current law, generally, if a motor vehicle is not subject to the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax, it is subject to the Retail Sales and Use Tax, unless another

--- Page 4 ---

Motor Fuels Disclosure, Refunds, and Heavy Motor Vehicles April 8, 2011 Page 4

exemption applies. However, this result was clearly not intended by the legislature when it passed the legislation exempting heavier vehicles from the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax. In 1997, the General Assembly enacted House Bill 2159 (Acts of Assembly 1997, Chapter 283) to provide for permanent trailer and tractor truck registration. The bill increased the registration fee for vehicles with a gross weight

rating exceeding 26,000 pounds and exempted the same vehicles from the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax. This legislation was also a recommendation of the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Taxation of Equipment of Motor Carriers, established by Senate Joint Resolution 366 (1995). There is no evidence that the Joint Subcommittee realized that exempting vehicles from the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax would result in them being subject to the Retail Sales and Use Tax.

Effective July 1, 2011, this issue will be fixed by House Bill 1945 and Senate Bill 1281, which provide that trucks, tractor trucks, trailers, and semitrailers with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more are subject to the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax at a zero percent rate. As these vehicles will be subject to the Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax, such vehicles are exempt from the Retail Sales and Use Tax. Policy Development recommends that no further assessments on this basis be made.

Virginia Tax Guidance on Federal Tax Forgiveness for Killed Military and Civilian EmployeesDoc ID: Individual

Original: 242 words
Condensed: 235 words
Reduction: 2.9%

--- Page 1 ---

J

P

——

La XS

es?

d

4

oe

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

Richmond, Virginia 23282

MEMORANDUM

Filing Instructions

(Check Proper Box)

58-1170

wu): Set

12

t

J. en

TO

William J. West, Supervisor

at hed: 'F { Ty L. L

Technical Services Section

Fy

ar

AF

ky

Office Services Division

thier,

———

Re

Lele

_

ee

FROM

Danny M. Payne, Director

Centr 3! Files

Subject

Tax Policy Division

0

58-1139

0

Se

DATE

December 28, 1984

Compromisas

ee

SUBJECT

Public Law 98-259 - Forgiveness of Federal Income Tax for

U. S. Military and Civilian Employees Killed in Terrorist

Action

Public Law 98-259 amended I.R.C. §692 to forgive from federal income tax

the income of U.S. military or civilian employees who die as the result

of wounds or injury incurred after 1979 in terroristic or military action

outside the United States.

The forgiveness applies to the year of death

and to any tax year falling within the one-year period preceding the

year of injury.

Federal tax returns are still required to be filed, with federal

adjusted gross income.

However, they must be marked "KITA" (killed in

terrorist action) to aid in processing to forgive the tax.

Because Virginia tax is based on federal adjusted gross income and not

federal tax, Virginia is unable to forgive tax for "KITA" taxpayers,

absent statutory authority to do so.

Ps

Approved

/)

Ray SS

W.

H. Forst

State Tax Commissioner

Tax Guidance on Leases Between Affiliated CorporationsDoc ID: Sales

Original: 137 words
Condensed: 125 words
Reduction: 8.8%

--- Page 1 ---a

-

g

4

a,

vw

s

7

"eR

ai

357

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

Richmond, Virginia 23282

MIB DANA Ll

TO

W. S. Cordle, Director

Field Services Division

DATE

Maxgust 31, 1989

RE

Leases Between Affiliated Corporations

The department is increasingly auditing dealers which make

taxable leases to affiliated corporations.

Typically, these

dealers paid tax to their suppliers at the time the property was

purchased, and have failed to collect tax on the lease payments

received from their affiliates.

In these cases, the department should assess the tax rightfully

due on the lease payments, but should give the dealer

dit for

purchased.

the tax paid to its suppliers at the time the property was

\esow

Janie E. Bowen, Director

Tax Policy Division

Tax Commissioner

cc

Ronald L. Holt

Russell C. Whitehead

Port Volume Increase Tax Credit GuidelinesDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

Original: 2,778 words
Condensed: 2,642 words
Reduction: 4.9%

Updated Port Volume Increase Tax Credit Guidelines **These Guidelines supersede the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit Guidelines that were issued by the Department on March 5, 2012 and July 1, 2013 (Public Documents 12-21 and 13-123).

Introduction

During the 2011 session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 2531 and Senate Bill 1481 (2011 Acts of Assembly, Chapters 831 and 872), which established the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit. This is an individual and corporate income tax credit for certain taxpayers that use Virginia port facilities and increase port cargo volume through these facilities. The amount of the tax credit is equal to $50 for each 20-foot equivalent unit (“TEU”) above the base year port cargo volume, or $50 for each TEU transported through a port facility during a major facility’s first calendar year. To receive this tax credit, taxpayers must apply to the Virginia Port Authority.

Two additional port-related tax credits were enacted during the 2011 General Assembly Session: the Barge and Rail Usage Tax Credit (Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:09) and the International Trade Facility Tax Credit (Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:06). These tax credits provide separate tax incentives for certain companies that use Virginia port facilities.

Although all three tax credits offer incentives for port-related activities, each tax credit is mutually exclusive, and separate definitions and requirements apply to each tax credit.

For Taxable Years 2011 through 2013, a taxpayer could qualify for more than one port-related tax credit in the same taxable year, but could not claim multiple port-related tax credits for the same activity or activities. For Taxable Year 2014 and thereafter, however, a taxpayer may claim both the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit and the Barge and Rail Usage Tax Credit for the same containers, noncontainerized cargo, or roll-on/roll-off cargo, provided such taxpayer meets the criteria of both tax credits.

During the 2013 session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 1824, which expanded the types of taxpayers that may claim the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit. Under prior law, the credit could be claimed by taxpayers engaged in the manufacturing of goods or the distribution of manufactured goods. Under 2013 House Bill 1824, the credit may be claimed by taxpayers that are agricultural entities, manufacturing-related entities, or mineral and gas entities.

During the 2014 session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 873 (2014 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 423), which, in part, expands the type of cargo that qualifies for the credit. Under prior law, qualifying taxpayers that increased their port cargo volume by a minimum of five percent in a qualifying calendar year would receive a $50 credit against the tax levied pursuant to §§ 58.1-320 and 58.1-400 for each “TEU” or “20-foot equivalent unit,” above their base year port cargo volume. Under 2014 House Bill 873, the credit was expanded to include roll-on/roll-off cargo and noncontainerized cargo. In addition, 2014 House Bill 873 allows taxpayers to claim the Barge and Rail Usage Tax Credit for the same cargo.

Virginia Department of Taxation 1 September 5, 2014 Updated Port Volume Increase Tax Credit Guidelines These guidelines are issued by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. These Guidelines supersede the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit Guidelines that were issued by the Department on March 5, 2012 and July 1, 2013 (Public Documents 12-21 and 13-123). As necessary, additional guidelines will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines are contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

Criteria for Claiming the Tax Credit

The Port Volume Increase Tax Credit is an individual and corporate income tax credit for certain taxpayers that use Virginia port facilities and increase port cargo volume through these facilities. To be eligible for Port Volume Increase Tax Credits, a taxpayer must:

 Be an agricultural entity, manufacturing-related entity, or mineral and gas entity;  Use port facilities in Virginia;  Increase its port cargo volume at these facilities by a minimum of 5 percent in a single calendar year over its base year port cargo volume; and  Own the cargo at the time that the port facilities are used.

For purposes of this tax credit, an “agricultural entity” is defined as a person that is engaged in growing or producing wheat, grains, fruits, nuts, crops; tobacco, nursery, or floral products; forestry products excluding raw wood fiber or wood fiber processed or manufactured for use as a fuel for the generation of electricity; or seafood, meat, dairy, or poultry products. A “manufacturing-related entity” is defined as a person engaged in the manufacturing of goods or the distribution of manufactured goods. A “mineral and gas entity” is defined as a person engaged in severing minerals or gases from the earth.

Virginia Department of Taxation 2 September 5, 2014 Updated Port Volume Increase Tax Credit Guidelines A taxpayer may only claim Port Volume Increase Tax Credits for cargo that was actually owned by the taxpayer at the time that the port facilities were used (including upon shipment or on delivery) and for which the taxpayer controlled the method of transportation. Ownership is determined by the terms of the shipping contract and is evidenced by the bill of lading. When cargo originates in Virginia, there is a presumption that the company exporting the cargo out of Virginia controls the method of transportation. When a shipment terminates in Virginia, there is a presumption that the company receiving the import in Virginia controls the method of transportation.

“Port cargo volume” is defined as the total amount of net tons of noncontainerized cargo, net units of roll-on/roll-off cargo, or containers measured in TEUs of cargo transported by way of a waterborne ship or vehicle through a port facility. “Base year port cargo volume” means the total amount of net tons of (i) noncontainerized cargo, (ii)TEUs of cargo, or (iii) units of roll-off cargo actually transported by way of a waterborne ship or vehicle through a port facility during the previous calendar year.

Base year port cargo volume must be recalculated each calendar year after the initial base year.

Example 1: Computing Base Year Port Cargo Volume Company A is an agricultural entity that uses port facilities in Virginia. During the 2012 calendar year, Company A actually transports 100 TEUs of cargo through Virginia port facilities. For the 2013 calendar year, Company A’s base year port cargo volume is 100 TEUs. If, during the 2013 calendar year, Company A transports 104 TEUs of cargo through Virginia port facilities, Company A would not qualify for Port Volume Increase Tax Credits because it did not increase port cargo volume by 5 percent. If, however, Company A transports 105 TEUs of cargo through Virginia port facilities during 2013, it would qualify for Port Volume Increase Tax Credits because it increased its port cargo volume by 5 percent. It could apply for tax credits equal to the increased number of TEUs multiplied by $50 per TEU, or $250.

To be eligible for this tax credit, the taxpayer’s base year port cargo volume must be a minimum of either 75 net (short) tons of noncontainerized cargo, ten loaded TEUs, or ten units of roll-on/roll-off cargo.

Computation and Carryover of Tax Credits

The Port Volume Increase Tax Credit is generally equal to $50 for each TEU, unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo, or sixteen net tons of noncontainerized cargo, as applicable, above the base year port cargo volume, or $50 for each TEU, unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo, or sixteen net tons of noncontainerized cargo, as applicable, transported through a port facility during a major facility’s first calendar year. For shipments of 40-foot or 45-foot containers, one full container load is equivalent to two TEUs. For purposes of calculating the amount of Port Volume Increase Tax Credits for taxpayers that ship noncontainerized cargo, one TEU is equivalent to 16 net tons of noncontainerized cargo. One net ton is equivalent to one short ton, or 2,200 pounds. Moreover, for Virginia Department of Taxation 3 September 5, 2014 Updated Port Volume Increase Tax Credit Guidelines purposes of calculating the amount of Port Volume Increase Tax Credits for taxpayers that ship roll-on/roll-off cargo, one TEU is equivalent to one unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo.

For purposes of determining port cargo volume, only a full container load qualifies as a TEU. A full container load (FCL) is a standard 20-foot, 40-foot, or 45-foot container that is loaded and discharged under the account of one shipper, and is intended for one consignee.

A less than container load (LCL) is cargo that is insufficient in either weight or volume to qualify for the freight rates that apply to a standard shipping container and is therefore combined with cargo owned by other shippers or with cargo intended for at least one other consignee. An LCL does not qualify as a TEU or as noncontainerized cargo or roll-on/roll-off cargo for purposes of this tax credit.

Example 2: Computing the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit Company B is a mineral entity that uses port facilities in Virginia. During the 2012 calendar year, Company B ships 100 TEUs, 320 net tons of noncontainerized cargo, and 100 units of roll-on/roll-off cargo through Virginia port facilities. During the 2013 calendar year, Company B ships 110 TEUs, 400 net tons of noncontainerized cargo, and 115 units of roll-on/roll-off cargo.

Company B’s base year port cargo volume is 220 TEUs, computed as follows: ሺ100 TEUsሻ + ൬320 tons 16 ൰+ (100 units) = 220 TEUs Company B may claim an amount of Port Volume Increase Tax Credits equal to $1,500, computed as follows: ൤ሺ110 TEUsሻ + ൬400 tons 16 ൰+ (115 units) - (220 TEUs)൨× $50 ൌሾሺ250 TEUsሻ - (220 TEUs)ሿ × $50

ൌ 30 TEUs × $50

ൌ $1,500

Special Rules for Major Facilities

Although taxpayers must generally increase port cargo volume by a minimum of five percent over base year port cargo volume to claim Port Volume Increase Tax Credits, this requirement may be waived for any taxpayer that qualifies as a major facility. For purposes of this tax credit, a “major facility” is defined as a new facility to be located in Virginia that is projected to import or export cargo through a port in excess of 25,000 TEUs in its first calendar year. The amount of tax credits for a major facility is equal to $50 for each TEU, unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo, or sixteen net tons of noncontainerized Virginia Department of Taxation 4 September 5, 2014 Updated Port Volume Increase Tax Credit Guidelines cargo, as applicable, transported through a port facility during the major facility’s first calendar year.

Allocation of Tax Credits in Excess of $250,000

The maximum amount of Port Volume Increase Tax Credits for all qualifying taxpayers is limited to $3.2 million for each calendar year. Generally, a qualifying taxpayer may not receive more than $250,000 worth of Port Volume Increase Tax Credits for each calendar year. However, if on March 15 of each year, the $3.2 million amount of tax credits has not been fully allocated among all qualifying taxpayers, then those taxpayers who have been allocated tax credits for the prior year shall be allowed a pro rata share of the remaining allocated tax credits, up to $3.2 million total. In this case, a qualifying taxpayer may receive an amount of tax credits that is greater than $250,000.

Administration of the Tax Credit

To be granted tax credits, taxpayers must submit Form PVI to the Virginia Port Authority by March 1 of the year after the calendar year in which the increase in port cargo volume occurs. Each taxpayer must attach a schedule to Form PVI that contains the following information:

 A description of how the base year port cargo volume and the increase in port cargo volume were determined; and  The amount of the increase in port cargo volume for the taxable year stated both as a percentage increase and as a total increase in net tons of noncontainerized cargo, TEUs of cargo, and units of roll-on/roll-off cargo, as applicable.

Every taxpayer that applies for Port Volume Increase Tax Credits must verify containers or cargo that moved through a Virginia Port Authority-operated marine facility on the Virginia Port Authority’s website (www.portofvirginia.com). A tax year verification summary sheet must then be attached to Form PVI. If containers or cargo were moved through another facility in Virginia, the taxpayer must provide additional schedules with information regarding base year and current year cargo volume. Taxpayers must also provide any other information requested by the Virginia Port Authority or the Department.

If, on March 15 of the year after the calendar year in which the increase in port cargo volume occurs, the cumulative amount of tax credits requested by qualifying taxpayers for the prior year exceeds $3.2 million, then tax credits will be prorated among the qualifying taxpayers who requested the tax credit.

Virginia Department of Taxation 5 September 5, 2014 Updated Port Volume Increase Tax Credit Guidelines The Virginia Port Authority will review all applications for completeness and notify taxpayers of any errors by April 5 of the calendar year in which the tax credit application was submitted. If any additional information is needed, it must be provided no later than May 5 of that year to be considered for the tax credit. All eligible taxpayers will be notified of the amount of allocated tax credits by May 30.

To actually claim the tax credit, a taxpayer must claim the granted amount of tax credits on its income tax return. Any tax credit amount that exceeds the taxpayer’s tax liability for the taxable year may be carried forward for five taxable years.

Example 3: Applying for Port Volume Increase Tax Credits Company K is a manufacturing-related entity that has increased its port cargo volume over its base year cargo volume by 100 TEUs. Accordingly, Company K wants to apply for Port Volume Increase Tax Credits equal to $5,000 for 2013.

To receive this tax credit, Company K must apply to the Virginia Port Authority on or before March 1, 2014. If, on March 15, 2014, the cumulative amount of tax credits requested by qualifying taxpayers for the 2013 calendar year is $6.4 million, then all taxpayers will be allocated tax credits equal to 50 percent of the requested amount. In this case, Company K would be allocated tax credits equal to $2,500.

Company K can then claim the amount of tax credits issued on its 2013 income tax return. If Company K files its income tax return for the 2013 taxable year before it receives notification from the Virginia Port Authority, it can claim Port Volume Increase Tax Credits by filing an amended return for the 2013 taxable year.

Interaction of Port-Related Tax Credits

For Taxable Years 2011 through 2013, a taxpayer could qualify for more than one port-related tax credit in the same taxable year, but could not claim multiple port-related tax credits for the same activity or activities. For Taxable Year 2014 and thereafter, however, a taxpayer may claim both the Port Volume Increase Tax Credit and the Barge and Rail Usage Tax Credit for the same containers, noncontainerized cargo, or roll-on/roll-off cargo, provided such taxpayer meets the criteria of both tax credits.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online in the Laws, Rules and Decisions section of the Department’s website, located at www.policylibrary.tax.virginia.gov. For additional Virginia Department of Taxation 6 September 5, 2014 Updated Port Volume Increase Tax Credit Guidelines information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037 or the Virginia Port Authority at (800) 446-8098. For assistance with the container and cargo verification process, contact the Virginia Port Authority at (757) 391-6235 or helpdesk@vit.org.

Approved: _______ Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner Virginia Department of Taxation 7 September 5, 2014

Virginia ABLE Account Tax Deduction GuidelinesDoc ID: Individual

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Virginia ABLE Account Deduction Guidelines

Introduction

During the 2016 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted budget language (Item 3-5.11 of the 2016 Appropriation Act (House Bill 30, Chapter 780)) that established an individual income tax deduction for contributions to a Virginia Achieving a Better Life Experience (“ABLE”) account effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. Under the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014, Congress authorized states to establish tax-advantaged ABLE savings trust accounts to assist individuals and families in saving for the qualified disability expenses of individuals who are disabled or blind prior to age 26. House Bill 2306 (2015 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 311) and Senate Bill 1404 (2015 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 227) established Virginia ABLE savings trust accounts to be administered by the Virginia College Savings Plan (“Virginia529”). On December 19, 2016, Virginia529 opened the first ABLE savings trust account program, called the “ABLEnow program.” For

additional information about establishing or making contributions to an ABLE savings trust account under ABLEnow, please visit the program website, www.able-now.com .

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the deduction for ABLE Act contributions.

These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202.

As necessary, additional information regarding the individual income tax deduction will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be

treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

General Overview

Effective for Taxable Year 2016, Virginia allows an individual income tax deduction for the amount contributed during the taxable year to an ABLE savings trust account entered into with Virginia529. The amount of the deduction on any individual income tax return in any taxable year is generally limited to $2,000 per ABLE savings trust account . If the contribution by any person to an ABLE savings trust account exceeds $2,000, the remainder may be carried forward and deducted in future taxable years.

However, a contributor to an ABLE savings trust account who has attained age 70 is not subject to the annual $2,000 limitation. Such contributor is allowed a deduction for the

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full amount contributed to an ABLE savings trust account, less any amounts previously deducted.

For the purposes of all examples in these Guidelines, assume that the ABLE savings trust account is an account entered into with Virginia529 that is set up for the benefit of a designated beneficiary, as defined under federal tax law.

Contributors Eligible to Claim the Deduction

The deduction may be claimed by an individual who makes a contribution during the taxable year to an ABLE savings trust account entered into with Virginia529. An individual is considered a contributor entitled to claim this deduction to the extent he contributes money to an ABLE savings trust account, regardless of whether he is listed as the owner of the savings trust account. To be eligible for the deduction, the

contributor must own the assets contributed prior to making the contribution.

Example 1

Taxpayer A filed a Taxable Year 2016 Virginia income tax return, claiming a deduction for contributions made to an ABLE savings trust account. The contributions were derived from cash in Taxpayer A’s bank account. Because Taxpayer A owned the assets that were contributed to the ABLE savings trust account, Taxpayer A would be considered to be the contributor and would be eligible to claim the deduction for contributions made to the ABLE savings trust account for Taxable Year 2016.

Example 2

Parent made contributions to a custodial account created under the Uniform Gift to Minors Act (“UGMA”) or the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (“UTMA”) for the

benefit of Son. Subsequently, some of the assets contained in the custodial account were used to make contributions to an ABLE savings trust account, also set up for the benefit of Son.

Because the contributions made to the ABLE savings trust account were made from Son’s UGMA/UTMA account, Son was the owner of the assets contributed to the ABLE savings trust account. Parent did not own the assets for which the contributions were disbursed and, therefore, would not be eligible to claim the deduction for such contributions. Rather, Son would be considered to be the contributor, and he would be eligible to claim the deduction for contributions made to his ABLE savings trust account for the taxable year.

In some cases, a taxpayer may ask or direct that a third party make a contribution to an ABLE savings trust account on his behalf. Because of Virginia’s conformity to federal tax law, Virginia will look to federal law to determine whether the person considered to

Virginia Department of Taxation - 2 - September 21, 2017

[TABLE 2-1] | An individual is considered a contributor entitled to claim this deduction to the extent he | contributes money to an ABLE savings trust account, regardless of whether he is listed | as the owner of the savings trust account. |

[/TABLE]

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have made the contribution is the taxpayer or a third party acting on his behalf.

However, that person may only claim the deduction if he is an individual.

Example 3

Spouse A filed a Taxable Year 2016 Virginia income tax return, claiming a deduction for contributions made to an ABLE savings trust account. Spouse A filed his Virginia income tax return using the married, filing separately, status.

His wife, Spouse B, made such contributions from her separate bank account to the ABLE savings trust account. Spouse A asserts that he may claim the deduction because his wife made the contribution on his behalf due to his illness.

Under federal income tax law, Spouse B’s contribution generally will not be recast as a contribution by Spouse A. Because Virginia conforms to the federal

tax treatment, Spouse B (and not Spouse A) would generally be entitled to the deduction on her Virginia income tax return.

Example 4

Taxpayer A transferred cash to a trust that is a “grantor trust” for federal income tax purposes. Subsequently, the grantor trust contributed $1,000 of cash to an ABLE savings trust account.

Under federal income tax law, the income and deductions attributable to a grantor trust are generally reported by the grantor on his income tax return. See I.R.C. § 671. Therefore, Taxpayer A would generally be entitled to the deduction on his Virginia income tax return.

Example 5

Taxpayer A transferred cash to a trust that is not a “grantor trust” for federal income tax purposes. Subsequently, the trust contributed $1,000 of cash to an ABLE savings trust account.

Under federal income tax law, the income and deductions attributable to a non-grantor trust are not generally reported by the grantor on his income tax return.

Therefore, Taxpayer A would generally not be entitled to the deduction on his Virginia income tax return. Since the trust is not an individual, it is not entitled to claim the deduction either.

Example 6

Taxpayer A was a resident of Virginia who died in Taxable Year 2016. Pursuant to his will, Taxpayer A directed that his estate contribute $1,000 of cash to a specified ABLE savings trust account.

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Under federal income tax law, the income and deductions attributable to an estate are not generally reported by the decedent individual on his income tax return. Therefore, Taxpayer A would generally not be entitled to the deduction on his Virginia income tax return. Since the estate is not an individual, it is not entitled to claim the deduction either.

Computing the Deduction for Contributors Under Age 70

For a contributor to an ABLE savings trust account who has not attained age 70, the amount of the deduction on any individual income tax return in any taxable year is limited to $2,000 per ABLE savings trust account. If the contribution to an ABLE savings trust account exceeds $2,000 in a taxable year, the remainder may be carried forward and deducted in future taxable years until the ABLE savings trust contribution has been fully deducted.

Example 7

Taxpayer A contributed $2,000 to an ABLE savings trust account during Taxable Year 2016 for the benefit of Son. Taxpayer A also contributed $2,000 to a separate ABLE savings trust account during Taxable Year 2016 for the benefit of Daughter. Taxpayer A will be entitled to claim the full $4,000 deduction for his contributions on his Taxable Year 2016 Virginia income tax return.

Example 8

Taxpayer A and Taxpayer B, who file Virginia income tax returns as single individuals, each contributed $2,000 to the same ABLE savings trust account during Taxable Year 2016. Each taxpayer will be entitled to deduct $2,000 on his or her Taxable Year 2016 income tax return.

Example 9

Taxpayer A contributed $10,000 to an ABLE savings trust account during Taxable Year 2016 for the benefit of Son. On Taxpayer A’s Taxable Year 2016 Virginia income tax return, he claimed a deduction of $2,000 for his contribution and carried forward the remaining $8,000. During Taxable Year 2017, he changed the designated beneficiary of the ABLE savings trust account to Daughter, who was also an eligible individual. Taxpayer A can continue to carry forward the remaining balance and claim a deduction of $2,000 on his Taxable Year 2017 Virginia income tax return. This is true, even though the ownership of the account changed during the taxable year.

Computing the Deduction for Contributors Age 70 and Over

A contributor to an ABLE savings trust account who has attained age 70 is not subject to the annual $2,000 limitation. A contributor is considered to have attained age 70 for

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the taxable year if he has attained age 70 on or before December 31 of that taxable year. Such contributor is allowed a deduction for the full amount contributed to an ABLE savings trust account up to his total Virginia taxable income for the taxable year, less any amounts previously deducted. To the extent that a contribution exceeds a contributor’s Virginia taxable income, the contributor may carry forward the remainder to future taxable years.

Example 10

During Taxable Year 2016, Taxpayer A, who was age 70, contributed $14,000 to an ABLE savings trust account. Taxpayer A is entitled to claim the full $14,000 deduction on his Taxable Year 2016 Virginia income tax return. If Taxpayer A’s Virginia taxable income is not sufficient to use the full $14,000 deduction, he may carry forward the remainder and deduct it in future taxable years.

Example 11

Taxpayer A contributed $10,000 to an ABLE savings trust account during Taxable Year 2016. He contributed $5,000 to the same account during Taxable Year 2017. He was 69 as of December 31, 2016, and attained the age of 70 during Taxable Year 2017.

In Taxable Year 2016, Taxpayer A would be entitled to deduct $2,000. In Taxable Year 2017, Taxpayer A would entitled to carry forward and claim the remaining $8,000 deduction from Taxable Year 2016. In addition, he would be entitled to claim the $5,000 deduction from Taxable Year 2017. If Taxpayer A’s Virginia taxable income is not sufficient to use the full $13,000 deduction during Taxable Year 2017, he may continue to carry forward the remaining deduction until the full amount has been claimed.

Recapture of the Deduction

Notwithstanding the statute of limitations on assessments contained in Va. Code § 58.1-312, any deduction previously claimed is subject to recapture in the taxable year or years in which a nonqualified distribution is made. For the purposes of applying the recapture provision, any payment made from an ABLE savings trust account is considered a distribution if it meets the applicable federal definition of “distribution.” Under Prop. Treas. Reg. § 1.529A-1(b)(6), a program-to-program transfer is not considered a distribution and, therefore, would not trigger recapture of the Virginia deduction.

To the extent that a distribution is made, it will trigger recapture if it is nonqualified. A distribution is nonqualified if the distribution is made for any reason other than to pay qualified disability expenses, as defined in I.R.C. § 529A, or the beneficiary's death. No deduction may be recaptured more than once. Recapture must reduce deductions

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earned but not yet claimed, and deductions carried forward, before the contributor’s income must be increased.

As a general rule, a contributor is required to recapture deductions during the taxable year or years in which a nonqualified distribution is made. A contributor who is a nonresident taxpayer is only subject to Virginia taxation to the extent he has Virginia source income. See Va. Code § 58.1-302. Any amount recaptured is not Virginia source income. Therefore, although a nonresident would be required to recapture the deduction in a year in which a nonqualified distribution takes place, if the nonresident has no Virginia source income during that taxable year, the recapture would not result in a tax liability.

Example 12

Taxpayer A contributed $6,000 to an ABLE savings trust account during Taxable Year 2016. On Taxpayer A’s Taxable Year 2016 Virginia income tax return, he claimed a $2,000 deduction. During Taxable Year 2017, a $1,000 nonqualified distribution from the ABLE savings trust account was made.

Taxpayer A is required to recapture $1,000 of his $2,000 deduction previously claimed. Since he has a carry forward of $4,000 available, Taxpayer A must reduce his total carry forward amount by $1,000. Therefore, he would be entitled to deduct $2,000 in Taxable Year 2017 and $1,000 in Taxable Year 2018.

In cases where there are multiple contributors to the same ABLE savings trust account, a contributor must determine the portion of the nonqualified distribution attributable to him. A contributor’s share of the nonqualified distribution is equal to the product of the nonqualified distribution and the following fraction:

 The numerator is the contributor’s contributions for all taxable years, minus the contributor’s share of nonqualified distributions from all prior taxable years and

 The denominator is total contributions to the account by all contributors for all taxable years minus total nonqualified distributions from all prior taxable years.

Generally, a contributor’s recapture amount equals his share of the nonqualified distribution. However, a contributor will not be required to recapture any amount to the extent that such amount would exceed the sum of all deductions previously claimed against his tax liability. If a contributor does not have sufficient information to calculate the amount of his recapture, he must contact the designated beneficiary or an individual with signature authority over the account.

Example 13

The following taxpayers made contributions to the same ABLE savings trust account in the following amounts:

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 Taxpayer A contributed $2,000 during Taxable Year 2016.  Taxpayer B and Taxpayer C contributed $2,000 in aggregate during Taxable Year 2017.

On his Taxable Year 2016 Virginia income tax return, Taxpayer A claimed a $2,000 deduction for the amount contributed during the taxable year to the ABLE savings trust account.

During Taxable Year 2018, a nonqualified distribution from the ABLE savings trust account was made in the amount of $1,000.

The portion of the nonqualified distribution attributable to Taxpayer A is computed as follows:

2,000 $1,000 x = $500. ,000 Therefore, Taxpayer A would be required to recapture $500.

Example 14

The following taxpayers made contributions to the same ABLE savings trust account in the following amounts:

 Taxpayer A contributed $6,000 during Taxable Year 2016.  Taxpayer B and Taxpayer C contributed $2,000 in aggregate during Taxable Year 2017.

On Taxpayer A’s Taxable Year 2016 Virginia income tax return, a $2,000 deduction was claimed. The remainder ($4,000) was carried forward to future taxable years. On his Taxable Year 2017 Virginia income tax return, Taxpayer A claimed a $2,000 deduction.

During Taxable Year 2018, a nonqualified distribution from the ABLE savings trust account was made in the amount of $1,000.

The portion of the nonqualified distribution attributable to Taxpayer A is computed as follows:

6,000 $1,000 x = $750. ,000 Taxpayer A is required to recapture $750. Since he has a carry forward of $2,000 available during Taxable Year 2018, Taxpayer A must reduce his total

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carry forward amount by $750. He is entitled to deduct the remaining $1,250 in Taxable Year 2018.

Example 15

The following taxpayers made contributions to the same ABLE savings trust account in the following amounts:

 Taxpayer A contributed $6,000 during Taxable Year 2016.  Taxpayer B and Taxpayer C contributed $2,000 in aggregate during Taxable Year 2017.

Taxpayer A had attained the age of 70 in Taxable Year 2016. On Taxpayer A’s Virginia income tax return for Taxable Year 2016 and Taxable Year 2017, no deduction was claimed because his total Virginia taxable income for both taxable years was zero.

During Taxable Year 2018, a nonqualified distribution from the ABLE savings trust account was made in the amount of $1,000.

The portion of the nonqualified distribution attributable to Taxpayer A is computed as follows:

6,000 $1,000 x = $750. ,000

Taxpayer A is required to recapture $750. Since he has a carry forward of $6,000 available, Taxpayer A must reduce his total carry forward amount by $750. He is entitled to deduct the remaining $5,250 in Taxable Year 2018.

Example 16

Taxpayer A contributed $2,000 to an ABLE savings trust account during Taxable Year 2016. On Taxpayer A’s Taxable Year 2016 Virginia income tax return, he claimed a deduction of $2,000 for his contribution. In Taxable Year 2017, a nonqualified distribution of $1,000 was made from the ABLE savings trust account. On Taxpayer A’s Taxable Year 2017 income tax return, he reported recapture income of $1,000 for his nonqualified distribution.

During Taxable Year 2018, the following taxpayers contributed the following amounts to the same ABLE savings trust account:

 Taxpayer A contributed $2,000.  Taxpayer B and C contributed $2,000 in aggregate during Taxable Year 2017.

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On Taxpayer A’s Taxable Year 2018 Virginia income tax return, he claimed a deduction of $2,000 for his contribution. During Taxable Year 2019, another nonqualified distribution from the ABLE savings trust account was made in the amount of $1,000. The portion of the nonqualified distribution attributable to Taxpayer A is computed as follows:

,000- 1,000 x = $1,000 $600. 6 000- 1,000 Therefore, Taxpayer A would be required to recapture $600.

Claiming the Individual Income Tax Deduction

The individual income tax deduction for contributions to ABLE savings trust account is claimed on a schedule to the Virginia income tax return. If the contributor is a resident of Virginia during the taxable year, the deduction is claimed on Schedule ADJ. Part-year residents of Virginia may claim the deduction on Schedule 760PY ADJ, and nonresidents may claim the deduction on Schedule 763 ADJ. These schedules are available to download from the Department’s website (http://www.tax.virginia.gov/).

These schedules must be completed and included with the contributor’s Virginia income tax return.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online under the Laws, Rules and Decisions section of the Department’s website, located at http://www.tax.virginia.gov/. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8031.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

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Manufacturers' Single Sales Factor GuidelinesDoc ID: Corporate

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Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines

Introduction

These guidelines provide guidance to manufacturing companies regarding the modification to Virginia’s corporate apportionment formula for manufacturers under Va.

Code § 58.1-422. Pursuant to Acts of Assembly, Chapter 821 (House Bill 2437), enacted by the 2009 General Assembly, and Acts of Assembly, Chapter 427, (House Bill 460), enacted by the 2012 General Assembly, the development and publication of these guidelines are exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§

  1. 2-4000 et seq.). These guidelines complement the Department’s existing Corporate Apportionment Formula Regulations (23 Virginia Administrative Code (“VAC”) 10-210-10, et seq.). To the extent that there is a conflict between the existing regulations and § 58.1-422, the provisions of § 58.1-422, as interpreted by these guidelines, supersede the existing regulations.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835 and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

The Department has worked with affected manufacturers and other interested parties to develop these guidelines and rules. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, at www.tax.virginia.gov.

Definitions

Terms used throughout these guidelines have the same meaning as those used for

Corporate Income Tax, unless defined otherwise, as follows

“Affiliated group” has the same meaning as provided in Va. Code § 58.1-3700.1.

"Base year employment" has the same meaning as provided in Va. Code § 58.1-422 D.

"Full-time employee" has the same meaning as provided in Va. Code § 58.1-422 D.

"Manufacturing company" has the same meaning as provided in Va. Code § 58.1-422 D. For purposes of these guidelines, “primarily engaged” means that either fifty percent or more of the gross receipts are derived from the sale of goods that are manufactured by the taxpayer, or fifty percent or more of the employees are engaged in manufacturing activities.

“Pass-through entity” has the same meaning as provided in Va. Code § 58.1-390.1.

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Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines

Overview of Modified Apportionment Method for Manufacturing Companies

During the 2009 Session, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation (HB 2437) that modifies the corporate apportionment formula by allowing manufacturing companies to use a single factor apportionment based on sales, phased-in over three years, to determine their Virginia taxable income. A multistate manufacturing company is allowed to continue apportioning income using a three-factor formula consisting of property, payroll and double-weighted sales, as provided under Va. Code § 58.1-408, or elect a modified method of apportionment (hereinafter “modified apportionment method”), as provided under Va. Code § 58.1-422. The modified apportionment method election is phased-in as follows:

 for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2011, until July 1, 2013, qualifying corporations use a triple-weighted sales factor;

 for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2013, until July 1, 2014, qualifying corporations use a quadruple-weighted sales factor; and  for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2014, and thereafter, qualifying corporations use the single sales factor method to apportion Virginia taxable income.

Once a manufacturing company elects the modified apportionment method, the method of apportionment may not be changed for three taxable years.

After the due date, as extended, of the return in which the election is made, the election may not be revoked for three taxable years. Therefore, a manufacturing company may not file an amended separate, consolidated or combined return to change its modified apportionment method election because it will not be able to meet the base year employment level or wage requirements in the second or third taxable year of the modified apportionment method election. This policy is consistent with existing combined and consolidated election regulations (see 23 VAC 10-120-324 and Public Document (“P.D.”) 91-271, 91-278 and 91-279).

Modified Apportionment Method Formulas

For taxable years beginning on and after July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2013, a qualifying manufacturing company that apportions income using the triple-weighted sales factor will use the following apportionment formula:

Property Factor + Payroll Factor + 3(Sales Factor) 5

For taxable years beginning on and after July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014, a qualifying manufacturing company that apportions income using the quadruple-weighted sales factor will use the following apportionment formula:

Property Factor + Payroll Factor + 4(Sales Factor) 6

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Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines

For taxable years beginning on July 1, 2014, and thereafter, a qualifying manufacturing company that apportions income using the single sales factor method will use the following apportionment formula:

Sales VA ______ Sales Everywhere Example 1. A multistate manufacturing company’s Virginia apportionment factors are as follows:

Property Payroll Sales Virginia 25,000 40,000 100,000 Everywhere 100,000 120,000 1,000,000 Percentage 25% 33.33% 10%

The manufacturing company decides to make the apportionment method

election. Its Virginia taxable income would be apportioned as follows

For taxable years beginning before July 1, 2011: Under the standard three-factor formula with double-weighted sales, the apportionment factor is 19.58% ([25% + 33.33% + 2(10%)] / [3]).

For taxable years beginning on and after July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2013: The manufacturing company would use the triple-weighted sales factor apportionment method. The apportionment factor would be 17.76% ([25% + 33.33% + 3(10%)] / [5]).

For taxable years beginning on and after July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014: The manufacturing company would use the quadruple-weighted sales factor apportionment method. The apportionment factor would be 16.39% ([25% + 33.33% + 4(10%)] / [6]).

For taxable years beginning on and after July 1, 2014: The manufacturing company would use the single sales factor apportionment method. The single sales factor only apportionment factor would be 10%.

A multistate manufacturing company that elects the modified apportionment method and files its income tax return on a calendar year basis must use the apportionment formula that is effective at the time of the election. The manufacturing company is prohibited from using two different apportionment methods in any calendar year in which the election is made.

Example 2. A multistate manufacturing company files its Virginia corporate income tax return on a calendar year basis, and elects the modified

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Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines

apportionment method in July 2011. The manufacturing company will use the regular double-weighted sales factor for its 2011 Virginia return. The modified apportionment method is effective for the manufacturing company’s 2012 Virginia return, in which it will use the triple-weighted sales factor method. The manufacturing company must continue using the applicable modified apportionment method for its 2013 and 2014 corporate income tax returns.

Electing to Use the Modified Apportionment Method

The modified apportionment method for manufacturing companies is an election made by the taxpayer. A qualified manufacturing company that elects the modified apportionment method under Va. Code § 58.1-422 will make one election, and may not revoke that election for three taxable years. The manufacturing company will be required to use the apportionment factor that is effective at the time the modified

apportionment method election is made, and any apportionment factor that becomes effective in the first three taxable years of the election.

Example 3. A manufacturing company is currently using Virginia’s double-weighted sales factor apportionment method, and has decided to elect the modified apportionment method beginning January 1, 2013. The manufacturing company must not use two different apportionment methods for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 calendar years. After December 31, 2015, the manufacturing company may continue using the single sales factor method of apportionment, or revoke the election and apportion income according to the standard double-weighted sales factor apportionment method.

Example 4. A manufacturing company is currently using Virginia’s double weighted sales factor apportionment method, and has decided to elect the modified apportionment method beginning January 1, 2014. The manufacturing company decides to make the election under the quadruple-weighted sales factor

apportionment methods. The manufacturing company, therefore, will apportion income using the quadruple-weighted sales factor method for 2014 and the single sales factor method for 2015 and after. The manufacturing company is prohibited from revoking the modified apportionment method election for three years, until January 1, 2017. The manufacturing company must not use two different apportionment methods for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 calendar years.

A manufacturing company that, after having used the applicable modified apportionment method for three taxable years, elects not to continue using the modified apportionment method, may revoke the election and use the standard double-weighted sales factor apportionment method pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-408 beginning in any taxable year following the conclusion of the three-year election requirement.

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Mixed Apportionment Factors

If a manufacturing company is part of an affiliated group consisting of non-manufacturing entities or manufacturing entities that have not elected the modified apportionment method and files a Virginia consolidated return, then the affiliated group must follow the mixed apportionment factors method under 23 VAC 10-120-326.

Treatment of Pass-through Entities

Pass-through entities (“PTE”) are required to use corporate apportionment to determine the portion of their income that is from Virginia sources for purposes of allocating a share of that income to nonresident individuals. This will affect the amount that the nonresident individuals report on their Virginia nonresident income tax return or that the PTE reports on behalf of its nonresident owners, and the amount for which the PTE may

be required to withhold from Virginia income. See the PTE Guidelines (P.D. 07-150) for more information.

A corporate owner of a PTE may be required to include its share of the PTE’s property, payroll, and sales in the corporation’s own apportionment factors. (See P.D. 95-19, 95-263, and 99-76.) If the PTE meets the requirements of a manufacturing company it may elect to use the modified apportionment method for this purpose under the same conditions applicable to corporations. If elected, the corporate owners would include in their factors only their share of the PTE’s factors for the applicable taxable year.

Wage and Employment Requirements: Recapture and Interest

A manufacturing company will be subject to additional tax (hereinafter “recapture”) and interest if the average weekly wage of its full-time employees is lower than the state or local weekly wage for its industry or its number of full-time employees do not equal or exceed 90 percent of its base year employment level, as provided in Va. Code § 58.1-

422 C. A manufacturing company must satisfy both the wage and employment requirments in order to use the modified apportionment method.

The recapture is equal to the difference between the tax that would have been due under the standard apportionment method (Va. Code § 58.1-408) and the amount of tax that was due using the modified apportionment method for each of the first three years in which the average weekly wage of its full-time employees was lower than the state or local weekly wage for its industry or its number of full-time employees did not equal or exceed 90 percent of its base year employment level.

The Department will assess interest, at a rate prescribed under Va. Code § 58.1-15, which will begin accruing from the original due date of the appropriate Virginia income tax return until the date of the payment of the recaptured amount.

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Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines

Wage Requirement

A manufacturing company must certify to the Department, on the appropriate form, that the average weekly wage of its full-time employees is greater than the lower of the state or local average weekly wages according to labor market data provided by the Virginia Employment Commission (“VEC”), which is updated quarterly. A manufacturing company must rely on the weekly wage data from the quarter in which the manufacturing company’s taxable year ends, or the most recent quarterly data that is available. The Department will rely on VEC data unless the manufacturing company can provide the Department with other labor market data sources that show an average state or local weekly wage for its industry that is lower than the Virginia state or local average weekly wages.

Employment Requirement

A manufacturing company must certify to the Department, on the appropriate form, that the average annual number of full-time and full-time equivalent employees (hereinafter, “full-time employees”) for the average of the first three taxable years of the modified apportionment method election is at least 90 percent of the base year employment level.

A full time employee must (i) be employed by the taxpayer for an indefinate duration; and (ii) require a minimum of 35 hours per week for the entire year (minimum of 48 weeks) or 1,680 hours per year. The hours of two part-time employees may be combined to qualify as one “equivalent” full-time employee. A taxpayer may not use seasonal or temporary positions, contractors, subcontractors and positions that are ancillary to its manufacturing activities, in determining the employment level.

A qualified manufacturing company’s average annual number of full-time employees in Virginia during the first three taxable years of the modified apportionment method

election must equal or exceed 90 percent of the base year employment level. The manufacturing company is required to demonstrate to the Department each of the three years that the modified apportionment method election is used that the average annual number of Virginia full-time equivalent employees has not fallen below the base year employment level.

Example 5. A manufacturing company elects to use the modified apportionment method on January 1, 2012, beginning with the triple-weighted sales factor apportionment method. The manufacturing company has 100 full-time employees for taxable year 2011, which is its base year employment level. The manufacturing company must maintain at least 90 percent of its full-time employees for three taxable years, until after December 31, 2014.

After the first three taxable years in which a manufacturing company has used a modified apportionment method as provided under Va. Code § 58.1-422 A, the manufacturing company is no longer required to satisfy the employment requirements.

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Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines

Example 6. A manufacturing company elects to use the modified apportionment method for taxable year beginning July 1, 2014, beginning with the single sales factor apportionment method. The manufacturing company has 100 full-time employees for taxable year 2013, which is its base year employment level and maintains that number of employees for three taxable years, until June 30, 2017.

The manufacturing company eliminates 20 full-time employees on January 1, 2018. Because the three year employment requirement was fulfilled by the manufacturing company, it is not subject to recapture and interest, as specified in Va. Code § 58.1-422 C.

Treatment of Employment Requirement for Affiliated Groups

A manufacturing company that is a member of an affiliated group consisting of more

than one manufacturing company is permitted to aggregate the number of full-time employees provided that the aggregate number of full-time employees of the affiliated group members equals or exceeds 90 percent of the aggregate base year employment level of the manufacturing company members of the affiliated group. Aggregation, however, is limited to affiliates that are eligible to elect, and have elected, the modified apportionment method under Va. Code § 58.1-422. The affiliated group must file a combined or consolidated Virginia return in each of the relevant years in order to aggregate full-time employees.

Example 7. A Virginia affiliated group consists of three manufacturing companies with the following base year employment levels in the first taxable year of the modified apportionment method election: Company A has 50 full-time employees; Company B has 25 full-time employees; and Company C has 25 full-time employees. All affiliates elect the modified apportionment method. In the second taxable year of the modified apportionment method election, Company A experienced a decline of 25 jobs from its base year full-time employee level,

while Company B and Company C remained constant with a base year full-time employee level of 25 jobs. The aggregate number of full-time employees for the affiliated group decreased to 75 jobs. The affiliated group will be subject to recapture and interest because the number of employees fell below 90 percent of the base year employment level for Company A. The recapture will be computed solely with reference to Company A’s failure to maintain 90 percent of the base year employment level.

Example 8. A Virginia affiliated group consists of three manufacturing companies with the following base year employment levels in the first taxable year of the modified apportionment method election: Company A has 50 full-time employees; Company B has 25 full-time employees; and Company C has 25 full-time employees. All of the affiliates elect the modified apportionment method. In the second taxable year of the modified apportionment method election, Company A experienced a decline of 25 jobs from its base year full-time employee level, while Company B remained constant with its base year full-time

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Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines

employee of 25 jobs and Company C increased its employment to 100 full-time employees. The aggregate number of full-time employees for the affiliated group increased to 150 jobs. No recapture is required of Company A because the aggregate employment level of the manufacturing affiliates is at least equal to 90 percent of the aggregate base year employment level.

Application of the Employment Requirement during Corporate Restructuring

Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) § 368, establishes the federal tax treatment of various forms of corporate restructuring transactions. Virginia law provides that when a corporation merges with other corporations, all liabilities of parties to the merger become the liabilities of the surviving corporation. (See Va. Code § 13.1-721.) Therefore, when there is corporate restructuring, any recapture and interest for failure to maintain 90 percent of the base year employment level requirement under Va. Code §

  1. 1-422 C will remain with the manufacturing company or the survivor into which the manufacturing company was merged.

If, after the merger, the survivor does not qualify as a manufacturer it may not use the modified apportionment method under Va. Code § 58.1-422 for taxable years beginning on or after the date of the merger. However, the survivor will not be subject to recapture provided that the survivor’s employment level remains at or above 90 percent of the merged manufacturing company’s base year employment level for the remainder of the three year election period.

A manufacturing company that is acquired by a corporation or an affiliated group of manufacturing companies will be allowed to maintain its modified apportionment method election, if one was made, and fulfill the requirement that the modified apportionment method be maintained for three taxable years. The affiliated group may include as part of the aggregation the acquired manufacturing company’s full-time employees for purposes of satisfying the employment requirement. If the acquired manufacturing

company’s number of full-time employees does not equal or exceed 90 percent of the base year employment level, resulting in recapture and interest, then the affiliated group will need to use the acquired manufacturing company’s income while it existed under the selling affiliated group to compute recapture and interest.

Example 9. A Virginia affiliated group consisting of one non-manufacturing company (“Company A”) and one manufacturing company (“Company B”) acquires a manufacturing company (“Company C”). Companies B and C made the election January 1, 2012 to use the modified apportionment method.

Company C will still be required to maintain the use of the modified apportionment method election for the duration of the three year requirement.

Companies B and C will be allowed to aggregate their number of employees in order to meet 90 percent of the base year employment level requirement.

Example 10. The facts are the same as Example 9, except Company C fails to maintain 90 percent of the base year employment level in the second taxable

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Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines

year that the modified apportionment method was elected and Company B maintained its base year employment level. Only Company C will be subject to the recapture and interest. In order to calculate the recapture, income attributable to Company C before its acquisition will be included in the apportionment formula.

When a multistate manufacturing company creates a new company, any recapture and interest will remain the liability of the manufacturing company from which the new entity was created. If the new entity created by the manufacturing company is another manufacturing company, any recapture and interest will still remain the liability of the manufacturing company that elected the modified apportionment method. Employees transferred to the new entity may cause employment to fall below 90 percent of the base year employment level unless the new entity also elects the modified apportionment method under Va. Code § 58.1-422 and the employment of both entities

is aggregated.

Example 11. Corporation A, a manufacturing company that has elected the modified apportionment method, creates Corporation B, another manufacturing company, and transfers some of its assets and employees to the new entity.

After the first taxable year of the modified apportionment election, Corporation A fails to maintain 90 percent of the base year employment level and is subject to recapture and interest. Because the modified apportionment method was elected by Corporation A, which failed to satisfy the employment requirements, Corporation B will not be subject to the recapture and interest. However, if Companies A and B are included in a combined or consolidated Virginia return they may be able to avoid recapture by aggregating employment.

A Virginia affiliated group disposing of a manufacturing company that has elected the modified apportionment method will only be affected to the extent that it must calculate the tax liability for the year(s) the manufacturing company was a member of the

affiliated group. Any recapture and interest will only be attributable to the manufacturing company that failed to maintain a base year employment level, and will follow such manufacturing company if it is part of a disposition by an affiliated group. A disposed manufacturing company that failed to meet the base year employment requirement and is subject to recapture and interest will not become a tax liability for the selling group.

However, a manufacturing company with an average number of employees below 90 percent of the base year employment level at the time of the disposition will carry any recapture and interest with it to the acquiring group.

Example 12. A Virginia affiliated group consists of three manufacturing companies (“Company A,” “Company B,” and “Company C”), all of which elected the modified apportionment method. Company A is sold during the second taxable year of the modified apportionment method election. During that period Company A also fails to maintain 90 percent of its base year employment level.

Company A will be subject to the recapture and interest. The acquiring group will acquire any tax liabilities of Company A. Companies B and C of the affiliated

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Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines

group, however, will not be subject to recapture and interest, and will compute their Virginia tax liability excluding Company A and the recapture and interest it has incurred.

A Virginia affiliated group acquiring a manufacturing company from an affiliated group that aggregated its number of employees in order to meet or exceed the base year employment level, must also aggregate its number of employees to meet the base year employment level. If the acquiring group is unable to aggregate its employees to calculate the employment level, then it may calculate the employment level for the manufacturing company separately. However, if upon the acquisition the manufacturing company fails to meet 90 percent of the base year employment level, then it will be subject to recapture and interest.

Example 13. A Virginia affiliated group consists of three manufacturing

companies (“Company A,” “Company B,” and “Company C”), all of which elected the modified apportionment method and aggregate their employees to meet 90 percent of the base year employment level. Company A is sold during the second taxable year of the modified apportionment method election to another affiliated group, which consists of two non-manufacturing companies (“Company D” and “Company E”). At the time of the disposition, Company A had failed to maintain its base year employment level. Because Companies D and E are non-manufacturing companies they may not use their employees to compensate for the decrease in Company A’s base year employment level. The acquiring group will have to calculate Company A’s employment level separately. Company A will be subject to the recapture and interest.

If a manufacturing company is involved in a transaction that results in a change in ownership and a short year return, which trigger recapture and interest, then an exception is provided that would abate any recapture and interest that has been incurred. The federal consolidated tax return regulations provide that the short-year tax

period income for affiliate(s) that are sold is reported on a short-year tax return for the period that the entity was a member of the affiliated group from which it was disposed. (See I.R.C Regulation § 1.1502.) Under Va. Code § 58.1-422 C, recapture and interest is applied on a taxable year basis. As such, recapture and interest could be included in a short year tax return. In certain instances, due to seasonal fluctuations in employment, some manufacturing companies involved in corporate restructuring that result in a short year return may be subject to recapture and interest. Therefore, if a manufacturing company involved in a change in ownership resulting in a short year tax return has an employment level that is below 90 percent of the base year employment level for the short year period, but may not have fallen below 90 percent of the base year employment level for a regular twelve month tax return period, then any recapture and interest will be abated. If the employment level is below 90 percent of the base year employment level for the following twelve month tax year period, then the manufacturing company will be subject to recapture and interest.

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Single Sales Factor Election for Manufacturers Guidelines

Documentation and Filing Requirements

The taxpayer does not need to provide a separate statement or additional documents with the Virginia return. However, the taxpayer must maintain documentation that substantiates its qualification for, and calculation of, the modified apportionment method election and provide it to the Department upon request. In addition, a taxpayer must provide documentation that substantiates the wage and employment requirements upon request.

In order to elect the modified apportionment method under Va. Code § 58.1-422, a manufacturing company must be classified under Sector 11, 31, 32 or 33 of the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS replaced the Standard Industrial Classification manual in 1997, and is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments. A parent corporation with multiple

NAICS codes, or a holding company consisting of corporations with different NAICS codes, must be able to demonstrate, upon request, to the Department that a manufacturing company electing the modified apportionment method qualifies under Sector 11 or 31 through 33 of the NAICS. If the Department determines that a corporation does not qualify as a manufacturer under these NAICS code sections, then the corporation will be required to file an amended return and apportion Virginia income using the standard apportionment under Va. Code § 58.1-408. The corporation will also be subject to late filing penalties and interest as provided in Va. Code § 58.1-450.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available on-line under the Publications/Education and Laws, Rules and Decisions sections of the Department’s website at www.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Department’s Customer Service Section at (804) 367-8037, or use the “Live Chat” feature on the Department’s website to communicate online in real time with a Department representative. Live Chat

assistance is available at www.tax.virginia.gov or https://www.business.tax.virginia.gov.

Additional information may also be obtained by writing to: Department of Taxation, P.O. Box 1115, Richmond, VA 23218-1115.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner January 7, 2013

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Authorization for Signing Tax ExtensionsDoc ID: Individual

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POLICY RECOMMENDATION

ISSUE: Execution of Extensions; Who May Sign.

The 1992 individual extension (Form 760E) has been revised into a smaller, voucher type format. There is no longer a Signature line on the form for a tax preparer. The form used for 1991 contained a line labeled "Signature of Taxpayer's agent, if prepared by other than taxpayer.” A second line was labeled "Personal or business relationship of agent to taxpayer and reason for agent's signature." The general perception of tax Practitioners is that anyone authorized to sign a federal extension may sign a Virginia extension. Federal extensions may be signed by: 1) anyone with a power of attorney, and 2) Attorneys, CPA's, and enrolled agents. In addition, individual extensions may be Signed by a person standing in a close personal or business relationship to the taxpayer who is Signing because the taxpayer cannot. In these cases, there must be a good reason why the taxpayer cannot sign, such as illness or absence.

While it has been the policy of the department to require the Signature of the taxpayer or his representative holding a power of attorney, it has been the practice of the department to accept extensions signed by practitioners.

RECOMMENDATION: Whenever a taxpayer has requested an automatic federal extension, the department will accept a Virginia extension that is signed by an individual who is authorized to Sign the federal extension.

Virginia "Type B" extensions, which are granted in the absence of a federal extension (Va. Code §§ 58.1-344 (B) and 58.1-453 (B)) will require the signature of the taxpayer, or a person | holding the taxpayer's power of attorney.

\Ké E. Bowen s»-Btreeteor 2\i+las

T&x Policy Division Date

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WY H. Forst Date Tax Commissioner

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines (For Taxable Years Beginning Before January 1, 2016)

Introduction

During the 2011 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 1447 (2011 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 742) and Senate Bill 1326 (2011 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 745), which established the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit. This is an individual and corporate income tax credit for certain taxpayers that incur Virginia qualified research and development expenses.

During the 2014 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 1220 (2014 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 227) and Senate Bill 623 (2014 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 306), which increase the annual credit cap, increase the thresholds for computing the credit, and allow pass-through entities to elect to claim the credit at the entity level.

These bills also require taxpayers to provide certain information to the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) when applying for the credit and require the Department to disclose certain information to the General Assembly regarding the credit upon request.

These guidelines are published by the Department to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit, and incorporate both the 2011 and 2014 legislation regarding the credit. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be

treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

General Overview

Under Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:08, Virginia allows a refundable individual and corporate income tax credit for conducting qualified research and development in Virginia, to the extent a taxpayer’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses exceed its Virginia base amount. The credit is allowed in the taxable year in which qualified research and development expenses are reported on the federal income tax return (“the credit year”), in accordance with the taxpayer’s accounting method. The Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is comprised of a base credit and a supplemental credit that is available only to the extent that the total amount of credits granted for a fiscal year is less than the annual credit cap. For Taxable Year 2014 and thereafter, the

credit cap is $6 million. For Taxable Years 2011 through 2013, the credit cap was $5 million.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Base Credit Amount

Effective for Taxable Year 2014 and thereafter, the base credit is equal to: (i) 15 percent of the first $234,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the credit year, or (ii) 20 percent of the first $234,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the credit year if the Virginia qualified research was conducted in conjunction with a Virginia public or private college or university, to the extent such expenses exceed the taxpayer’s Virginia base amount.

If the total eligible credit requests exceed the $6 million credit cap for all credits, each taxpayer will be granted a pro rata amount of credits as determined by the Department.

The amount of the prorated credit will be determined by multiplying the amount of credits requested by the eligible taxpayer for the taxable year by a fraction, the numerator of which is the $6 million credit cap, and the denominator of which is the total amount of credits requested by all eligible taxpayers for such taxable year.

For Taxable Years 2011 through 2013, the base credit was equal to: (i) 15 percent of the first $167,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the credit year, or (ii) 20 percent of the first $175,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the credit year if the Virginia qualified research was conducted in conjunction with a Virginia public or private college or university, to the extent such expenses exceed the taxpayer’s Virginia base amount.

Supplemental Credit Amount

For Taxable Year 2014 and thereafter, if the total amount of approved credits for all applications for any taxable year is less than the $6 million credit cap, the Department

will allocate credits up to the $6 million credit cap, on a pro rata basis, to taxpayers that are already approved for the credit but whose credit was previously limited by the cap.

The supplemental credit is generally equal to 15 percent of the second $234,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year in excess of its Virginia base amount. However, if a taxpayer’s base credit was based on Virginia qualified research that was conducted in conjunction with a Virginia public or private college or university, then its supplemental credit is equal to 20 percent of the second $234,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses conducted in conjunction with a Virginia public or private college or university paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year in excess of its Virginia base amount.

If there are sufficient funds available, the amount of supplemental credits allowed to each eligible taxpayer will be determined by the Department based on information supplied on the taxpayer’s credit application.

For Taxable Years 2011 through 2013, if the total amount of approved credits for all applications for any taxable year was less than the $5 million credit cap, the Department

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

allocated credits up to the $5 million credit cap, on a pro rata basis, to taxpayers who were already approved for the credit. This supplemental allocation of credits for the taxable year was equal to: (i) 15 percent of the second $167,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year in excess of the Virginia base amount, or (ii) 20 percent of the second $175,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year in excess of the Virginia base amount if the Virginia qualified research was conducted in conjunction with a Virginia public or private college or university.

Refundability of the Credit

The Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is generally a refundable credit.

Therefore, if the amount of credit that a taxpayer is allowed to claim exceeds the taxpayer's tax liability for the taxable year, then the excess amount of credit will be refunded to the taxpayer.

Research and development expenses that are paid or incurred for research conducted in Virginia on human cells or tissue derived from induced abortions or from stem cells obtained from embryos do not qualify for the credit. However, if a taxpayer engages in research in Virginia on human cells or tissue derived from induced abortions or from stem cells obtained from human embryos, it may receive a nonrefundable credit for other Virginia qualified research and development expenses. If the amount of nonrefundable credit that a taxpayer is allowed to claim exceeds the taxpayer's tax liability for the taxable year, then the excess amount of credit will not be refunded to the taxpayer and cannot be carried over to future taxable years.

Research and development expenses that are paid or incurred for research conducted in Virginia on nonhuman embryonic stem cells may qualify for the credit.

Requirements to Qualify for the Tax Credit

Research Must Meet the Federal Definition for “Qualified Research”

The research of a taxpayer applying for the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit must meet the federal definition of qualified research under IRC § 41(d) to qualify for the credit. Under IRC § 41(d), qualified research means research:

  • With respect to which expenditures may be treated as expenses under IRC § 174. To qualify as an expense under IRC § 174, an expenditure must:

Be incurred in connection with the taxpayer’s trade or business; and o Represent a research and development cost in the experimental or o laboratory sense.

  • Which is undertaken for the purpose of discovering information which is technological in nature;

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

  • The application of which is intended to be useful in the development of a new or improved business component of the taxpayer; and

  • Substantially all of the activities of which constitute elements of a process of experimentation for:

A new or improved function; o Performance; or o Reliability or quality. o To be considered “qualified research,” the taxpayer must establish that the research being performed meets each of the above requirements.

Qualified research generally does not include the following

  • Research conducted after the beginning of commercial production;

  • Research adapting an existing product or process merely to meet customer specifications (unless the adaptation is carried out under experimental or laboratory conditions in order to improve the product or process, or to develop a new use for the product or process);

  • Duplication of an existing business activity;

  • Surveys, studies or routine activities, including: testing, or inspection of materials or products for quality control; environmental analysis; testing of samples for chemical or other content; operations research; feasibility studies; efficiency surveys; management studies; consumer surveys; economic surveys; research in the social sciences; market research including advertising and promotions; and routine data collection;

  • Research in the social sciences, arts, or humanities;

  • Research conducted outside the United States, Puerto Rico, or a United States possession;

  • Research of computer software for internal use (except if the software

development contributes to Virginia qualified research and development); or

  • Any research and development that is already funded by a grant, contract or another entity, including a governmental entity.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Expenses Must Meet the Federal Definition for “Qualified Research Expenses”

Virginia research and development expenses must meet the federal definition of qualified research expenses under IRC § 41(b) to qualify for the credit. Under IRC § 41(b), qualified research expenses are defined as amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business of the taxpayer for:

  • In-house expenses; and

  • Contract research expenses.

Under IRC § 41(b)(2), in-house expenses consist of the following

  • Wages, as defined in IRC § 3401(a) or earned income, as defined in 401(c)(2), paid or incurred to an employee, except for wages used to determine the federal work opportunity credit under IRC § 51(a);

  • Amounts paid or incurred for supplies used in the conduct of qualified research, except for land or land improvements and property that is subject to depreciation, that are used in research and development; and

  • Amounts paid or incurred to another person or business for the right to use computers in the conduct of qualified research.

Under IRC § 41(b)(3), contract research expenses consist of the following

  • 65 percent of any amount paid or incurred by a taxpayer to a person (other than an employee of the taxpayer) for qualified research;

  • 75 percent of any amount paid or incurred by a taxpayer to a qualified research consortium for qualified research; and

  • 100 percent of any amount paid or incurred to an eligible small business, an institution of higher education (as defined in IRC § 3304(f)), or an organization that is a federal laboratory (as defined in IRC § 3304(f)).

See IRC § 41 and the regulations thereunder for additional requirements regarding qualified research expenses.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Example 1: Computation of Contract Research Expenses

Taxpayer F paid $100,000 to a contractor to conduct qualified research in Virginia. Therefore, Taxpayer F has Virginia qualified research and development expenses equal to:

65% x $100,000 = $65,000 This amount can then be used by Taxpayer F in computing his Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit.

Research Must be Conducted in Virginia

A taxpayer applying for the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit must ensure that the research and development expenses it uses toward the credit are attributable to research conducted in Virginia. Research is conducted in Virginia to the

extent that it is conducted at a research laboratory, office, plant, or other facility located in Virginia, regardless of whether the organization conducting the research is organized under the laws of Virginia or another jurisdiction. If research is conducted jointly at research facilities located within and outside of Virginia, the research and development expenses include only the payments attributable to the portion of the qualified research conducted within Virginia. Only the wages paid for research that was conducted in Virginia may be included as wages that qualify for the credit.

Criteria for Virginia Qualified University Expenses

A taxpayer that conducts Virginia qualified research in conjunction with a college or university may qualify for an enhanced credit equal to 20% of its Virginia qualified research and development expenses, provided that the academic institution is a Virginia public or private college or university included on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s list of Virginia public and private colleges and universities.

If a taxpayer has contracted with a public or private college or university in Virginia that conducts research in multiple states, only the expenses from research and development conducted in Virginia may qualify for the credit.

A taxpayer applying for the credit using Virginia qualified university expenses must provide evidence of contracting with the academic institution to the Department when applying for the credit. Evidence of contracting with a Virginia public or private college or university includes a formal agreement that outlines the type of research to be conducted and is signed by the taxpayer, or an authorized officer of the taxpayer, and a qualified person from the academic institution. The taxpayer must also provide evidence to the Department of payments made or incurred by the taxpayer to the academic institution when applying for the credit.

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Interaction with Other Virginia Tax Credits

Research and development expenses that are used as the basis for claiming Research and Development Expenses Tax Credits may not be used as the basis for claiming any other Virginia income tax credit. However, a taxpayer will be allowed to use the same research and development expenses that were used as the basis for claiming the federal credit for increasing research activities under IRC § 41 to claim the Virginia Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit.

Computation of the Credit

The procedure for computing the amount of the Research and Development Expenses

Tax Credit is derived from the federal procedure for computing the federal credit for increasing research activities under IRC § 41. For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, the computation of the credit is as follows:

Step 1 Determine the total amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year.

Step 2 Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year that are from Virginia qualified research conducted in conjunction with a Virginia public or private college or university (“Virginia qualified university expenses”).

Step 3 Determine the fixed-base percentage

a. Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years preceding the credit year. If the taxpayer has been in business for fewer than three taxable years, but at least one taxable year, use the Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the taxable years it has been in business.

b. Determine the amount of gross receipts for the three taxable years preceding the credit year. If the taxpayer has been in business for fewer than three taxable years, but at least one taxable year, use the total amount of gross receipts for the taxable years it has been in business. c. Calculate the fixed-base percentage by dividing the amount determined in Step 3a by the amount determined in Step 3b.

Step 4 Determine the Virginia base amount

d. Determine the average amount of gross receipts for the four taxable years preceding the credit year. If the taxpayer has been in existence for fewer than four taxable years, but at least one taxable year, determine the average amount of gross receipts for the number of years it has been in existence.

b. Multiply the fixed-base percentage in Step 3c by the amount determined in Step 4a.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 7 - January 6, 2015

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

c. The Virginia base amount is the greater of: i. The amount determined in Step 4b or

II. 50% of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses determined in Step 1.

Step 5 From the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses determined in Step 1, subtract the Virginia base amount computed in Step 4c.

a. If zero or less than zero, stop. There are no research and development expenses that qualify for the credit. b. If greater than zero, proceed to compute the amount of the credit.

Step 6 The credit is the greater of

c. 15% times the lesser of (i) the amount computed in Step 5 or (ii) $234,000 or b. 20% times the lesser of (i) the amount determined in Step 2 or (ii) $234,000.

If the total eligible credit requests exceed the $6 million credit cap, the amount of credits granted to each taxpayer will be prorated.

Step 7 If the total amount of approved credits for all applications for any taxable year is less than the $6 million credit cap, the supplemental credit allowed to each taxpayer will be determined by the Department as follows:

c. If the taxpayer’s base credit was equal to 15% of its Virginia qualified research and development expenses, its supplemental credit will be equal to 15% times the lesser of: i. The amount computed in Step 5 in excess of $234,000 or

II. $234,000. b. If the taxpayer’s base credit was equal to 20% of its Virginia qualified

university expenses, its supplemental credit will be equal to 20% times the lesser of: i. The amount computed in Step 2 in excess of $234,000 or

II. $234,000.

If the Department determines that taxpayers are eligible for supplemental credits that, when combined with the total amount of approved base credits, exceed the $6 million credit cap, the amount of supplemental credits granted to each taxpayer will be prorated.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 8 - January 6, 2015

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Example 2: Computation of Fixed-Base Percentage

Taxpayer A had $750,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in 2014. Taxpayer A’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years immediately preceding the credit year are: $450,000 in 2011; $500,000 in 2012; and $550,000 in 2013. Taxpayer A’s total gross receipts for the four taxable years immediately preceding the credit year are: $10 million in 2010, $12 million in 2011, $14 million in 2012, and $16 million in 2013.

Following Step 3 above, Taxpayer A’s fixed-base percentage is computed as follows: a. Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years preceding the credit year:

$450,000 + $500,000 + $550,000 = $1.5 million b. Determine the amount of gross receipts for the three taxable years

preceding the credit year: $12 million + $14 million + $16 million = $42 million

c. Calculate the fixed-base percentage by dividing the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years preceding the credit year by the amount of gross receipts for the three taxable years preceding the credit year: $1.5 million = 3.57% $42 million

Example 3: Computation of Virginia Base Amount

Assume the same facts as in Example 2. Following Step 4 above, Taxpayer A’s Virginia base amount is computed as follows: d. Determine the average amount of gross receipts for the four taxable years preceding the credit year:

$10 million + $12 million + $14 million + $16 million = $13 million 4 b. Multiply the fixed-base percentage determined in Step 3 (see Example 1) by the average amount of gross receipts determined in Step 4a:

  1. 57% x $13 million = $464,100

c. The Virginia base amount is equal to the greater of: $464,100 or

50% x $750,000 = $375,000 Taxpayer A’s Virginia base amount is $464,100.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Example 4: Computation of the Credit

Using the fixed-base percentage and Virginia base amount computed in Examples 2 and 3, Taxpayer A’s Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is computed by following Steps 5 and 6:

a. Subtract the Virginia base amount from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses: $750,000 - $464,100 = $285,900

b. The credit is equal to 15% of the lesser of $285,900 or $234,000: 15% of $234,000 = $35,100

Example 5: Computation of Credit Amount for University Research, Part I

Assume the same facts as in Example 4, except that $150,000 of Taxpayer A’s $750,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses were Virginia qualified university expenses.

Following Step 6 above, Taxpayer A may claim a credit equal to the greater of: 15% of the lesser of $285,900 or $234,000 = 15% x $234,000 = $35,100 or

20% of the lesser of $150,000 or $234,000 = 20% x $150,000 = $30,000 Therefore, Taxpayer A’s credit for Taxable Year 2014 is $35,100.

Example 6: Computation of Credit Amount for University Research, Part II

Assume the same facts as in Example 4, except that $200,000 of Taxpayer A’s $750,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses were Virginia qualified university expenses.

Following Step 6 above, Taxpayer A may claim a credit equal to the greater of

15% of the lesser of $285,900 or $234,000 = 15% x $234,000 = $35,100 or 20% of the lesser of $200,000 or $234,000 = 20% x $20,000 = $40,000

Therefore, Taxpayer A’s credit for Taxable Year 2014 is $40,000.

Example 7: Computation of Supplemental Credit Amount

Assume the same facts as in Example 4, and that the Department approved $5 million in credits for Taxable Year 2014. Because the total amount of approved credits was less than the $6 million credit cap, the Department will allocate supplemental credits of up to $1 million, on a pro rata basis, to taxpayers that are already approved for the credit. Assume that, before proration, taxpayers are eligible for supplemental credits totaling $3 million for Taxable Year 2014.

Taxpayer A had $285,900 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in excess of its Virginia base amount (see Example 3). $234,000 was

Virginia Department of Taxation - 10 - January 6, 2015

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

used in computing Taxpayer A’s base credit. Following Step 7 above, the amount of Virginia qualified research expenses that Taxpayer A may use toward the supplemental credit are equal to: $285,900 - $234,000 = $51,900

Because Taxpayer A’s base credit was equal to 15 percent of its Virginia qualified research and development expenses, it will be allowed a supplemental credit computed as follows:

15% x $51,900 = $7,785 Because taxpayers are eligible for supplemental credits totaling more than $1 million, Taxpayer A’s allocation of supplemental credits must be reduced proportionately as follows:

($1 million / $3 million) x $7,785 = $2,595 Therefore, Taxpayer A’s supplemental credit for Taxable Year 2014 is $2,595.

When Taxpayer A’s $2,595 supplemental credit is combined with its $35,100 base credit, its total credit for Taxable Year 2014 is $37,695.

Example 8: Proration of Credit Amounts

Assume the same facts as in Example 4, except the Department received $9 million in eligible credit requests for Taxable Year 2014.

Because the total amount of eligible credit requests exceeds the $6 million credit cap, the credit Taxpayer A may claim for Taxable Year 2014 must be proportionately reduced as follows:

($6 million / $9 million) x $35,100 = $23,400

Short Taxable Year

The procedure for computing the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit when the credit year or any relevant preceding taxable year is less than 12 months (“short taxable year”) is derived from the federal procedure for computing the federal credit for increasing research activities under Treasury Regulation (“Treas. Reg.”) §

  1. 41-3(b). In the case of a short taxable year, only the total gross receipts and Virginia research and development expenses from the taxable year encompassed in the short taxable year return may be taken into account for that taxable year.

If the credit year is a short taxable year, then the Virginia base amount must be modified by multiplying that amount by the number of months in the short taxable year, and dividing the result by 12. See Treas. Reg. § 1.41-3(b)(1). This modification may not be used to reduce the Virginia base amount to less than 50 percent of the taxpayer’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year.

For purposes of determining the Virginia base amount, if any of the taxable years preceding the credit year that must be accounted for when computing the credit is a short taxable year, the gross receipts for such year(s) are deemed to be equal to the

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

gross receipts actually derived in that year, multiplied by 12, and divided by the number of months in that year. See Treas. Reg. § 1.41-3(b)(2).

No adjustment to the computation of a taxpayer’s fixed-base percentage may be made to account for a short taxable year. See Treas. Reg. § 1.41-3(b)(3).

Example 9: Credit Computation When Credit Year is a Short Taxable Year

Taxpayer D had $250,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in a short taxable year beginning on January 1, 2014 and ending on October 31, 2014. Taxpayer D’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years immediately preceding the credit year are

$100,000 in 2011, $200,000 in 2012, and $300,000 in 2013. Taxpayer D’s total gross receipts for the four taxable years immediately preceding the credit year are $11 million in 2010, $12 million in 2011, $14 million in 2012, and $10 million in 2013.

Following Step 3 above without making modifications to account for the short taxable year, Taxpayer D’s fixed-base percentage is computed as follows:

a. Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years preceding the credit year: $100,000 + $200,000 + $300,000 = $600,000

b. Determine the amount of gross receipts for the three taxable years preceding the credit year: $12 million + $14 million + $10 million = $36 million

c. Calculate the fixed-base percentage by dividing the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years preceding the credit year by the amount of gross receipts for the three taxable years preceding the credit year:

$600,000 = 1.67% $36 million Following Step 4 above, Taxpayer D’s Virginia base amount is computed as follows: d. Determine the average amount of gross receipts for the four taxable years preceding the credit year:

$11 million + $12 million + $14 million + 10 million = $11.75 million 4 b. Multiply the fixed-base percentage determined in Step 3 by the average amount of gross receipts determined in Step 4a:

  1. 67% x $11.75 million = $196,225

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

c. The Virginia base amount is equal to the greater of: $196,225 or

50% x $250,000 = $125,000 Taxpayer D’s Virginia base amount is $196,225.

Because the credit year is a short taxable year, Taxpayer D’s Virginia base amount must be modified, but cannot be reduced below $125,000 because such modification may not be used to reduce the Virginia base amount to less than 50 percent of the taxpayer’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year:

$196,225 x (10/12) = $163,521 Taxpayer D’s Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is then computed as follows:

d. Subtract the Virginia base amount from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses: $250,000 - $163,521 = $86,479

b. The credit is equal to 15% of the lesser of $86,479 or $234,000: 15% x $86,479 = $12,972

Example 10: Credit Computation When Prior Year is a Short Taxable Year

Taxpayer E had $250,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in 2014. Taxpayer E’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years immediately preceding the credit year are $100,000 in 2011, $200,000 in 2012, and $300,000 in 2013. Taxpayer E’s total gross receipts for the four taxable years immediately preceding the credit year are $4 million in a short taxable year beginning on August 1, 2010 and ending on December 31, 2010, $12 million in 2011, $14 million in 2012, and $10 million in 2013.

Following Step 3 above without making modifications to account for the short taxable year, Taxpayer E’s fixed-base percentage is computed as follows: a. Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years preceding the credit year:

$100,000 + $200,000 + $300,000 = $600,000 b. Determine the amount of gross receipts for the three taxable years preceding the credit year:

$12 million + $14 million + $10 million = $36 million

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

c. Calculate the fixed-base percentage by dividing the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years preceding the credit year by the amount of gross receipts for the three taxable years preceding the credit year: $600,000 = 1.67% $36 million For purposes of determining Taxpayer E’s Virginia base amount ONLY, its gross receipts for the short taxable year beginning on August 1, 2010 and ending on December 31, 2010 must be annualized as follows:

$4 million x 12 months = $9.6 million 5 months Following Step 4 above, Taxpayer E’s Virginia base amount is computed as follows: d. Determine the average amount of gross receipts for the four taxable years preceding the credit year:

$9.6 million + $12 million + 14 million + 10 million = $11.4 million 4 b. Multiply the fixed-base percentage by the average gross receipts determined in Step 4a:

  1. 67% x $11.4 million = $190,380 c. The Virginia base amount is equal to the greater of:

$190,380 or 50% x $250,000 = $125,000

Taxpayer E’s Virginia base amount is $190,380

Taxpayer E’s Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is then computed as follows: d. Subtract the Virginia base amount from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$250,000 - $190,380 = $59,620 b. The credit is equal to 15% of the lesser of $59,620 or $234,000:

15% x $59,620 = $8,943

Combining the Activities of Entities

Neither the Virginia qualified research and development expenses nor the gross receipts of two or more separate pass-through or corporate entities may be combined for purposes of determining the amount of the credit.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Each corporation in a group of affiliated corporations that files a combined or consolidated return is required to compute the credit separately. The total amount of credits allowed to each corporation in a group of affiliated corporations may be aggregated on a combined or consolidated return.

The Virginia qualified research and development expenses and gross receipts of a disregarded entity may be combined with the Virginia qualified research and development expenses and gross receipts of its parent entity for purposes of determining the amount of the credit.

Corporate Restructuring

A taxpayer that acquires or disposes of a trade or business or a separate unit of a trade or business in the credit year, or in any relevant preceding taxable year, must compute the credit using the procedures set forth in IRC § 41(f)(3).

Application and Filing Requirements

An eligible taxpayer must submit an Application for the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit, Form RDC and any supporting documentation to the Department no later than April 1 of the year following the credit year. The Department will review all applications for completeness and notify taxpayers of any errors by June 1. If any additional information is required, it must be provided to the Department no later than June 15 to be considered for the credit. All eligible taxpayers will be notified by June 30 as to the amount of credits that they may claim.

Upon receiving notification of the credit amount from the Department, the taxpayer must claim the credit on the appropriate Virginia income tax return. In the event that a taxpayer does not receive notification of the allowable credit amount before its Virginia

income tax return is due, the taxpayer may file the return during the extension period, or it may file the original return without claiming the credit and then file an amended tax return once notification of the allowable credit amount is received.

Fiscal Year Filers

A taxpayer is a fiscal year filer if its taxable year consists of any period other than a calendar year (January 1 to December 31). For Taxable Year 2012 and thereafter, a taxpayer that is a fiscal year filer will be required to apply for the credit for the calendar year in which its fiscal year ends.

When determining its Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year, a fiscal year filer must include all of the Virginia qualified research and development expenses it incurred during the calendar year in which its taxable year ends. Such amount will include Virginia qualified research and development expenses from portions of two of the fiscal year filer’s taxable years.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

When computing its fixed-base percentage, a fiscal year filer must determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses and gross receipts it incurred during the three preceding taxable years beginning with the fiscal year filer’s taxable year ending in the first calendar year prior to the credit year. When computing its Virginia base amount, a fiscal year filer must determine the amount of gross receipts it incurred during the four preceding taxable years beginning with the fiscal year filer’s taxable year ending in the first calendar year prior to the credit year.

Example 11: Credit Computation for Fiscal Year Filers

Taxpayer G is a fiscal year filer with a taxable year that begins on July 1, and

ends on June 30. Taxpayer G had $500,000 in Virginia qualified research and development expenses in 2014. Taxpayer G’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three preceding taxable years beginning with its taxable year ending in the first calendar year prior to the credit year are: $300,000 in 2010; $250,000 in 2011; and $400,000 in 2012. Taxpayer G’s total gross receipts for the four preceding taxable years beginning with its taxable year ending in the first calendar year prior to the credit year are: $8 million in 2009, $6 million in 2010, $10 million in 2011, and $8 million in 2012.

Taxpayer G’s fixed-base percentage is computed as follows

a. Determine the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years preceding the credit year:

$300,000 + $250,000 + $400,000 = $950,000 b. Determine the amount of gross receipts for the three taxable years preceding the credit year:

$6 million + $10 million + $8 million = $24 million c. Calculate the fixed-base percentage by dividing the amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three taxable years preceding the credit year by the amount of gross receipts for the three taxable years preceding the credit year:

$950,000 = 3.96% $24 million Taxpayer G’s Virginia base amount is computed as follows: d. Determine the average amount of gross receipts for the four taxable years preceding the credit year:

$8 million + $6 million + $10 million + $8million = $8 million 4 b. Multiply the fixed-base percentage determined in Step 3 by the average amount of gross receipts determined in Step 4a:

  1. 96% x $8 million = $316,800

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

c. The Virginia base amount is equal to the greater of: $316,800 or

50% x $500,000 = $250,000 Taxpayer G’s Virginia base amount is $316,800.

Taxpayer G’s Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit is computed as follows: d. Subtract the Virginia base amount from the Virginia qualified research and development expenses:

$500,000 - $316,800 = $183,200

b. The credit is equal to 15% of the lesser of $183,200 or $234,000: 15% x $183,200 = $27,480

For Taxable Year 2011, fiscal year filers were required to modify their Virginia base amount by multiplying the Virginia base amount by the number of months in the fiscal year filer’s taxable year that began in Calendar Year 2011 that fell within Calendar Year 2011, and dividing the result by 12. This modification could not be used to reduce the Virginia base amount to less than 50 percent of the taxpayer’s Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the credit year.

Pass-Through Entities

Credits granted to a pass-through entity are generally required to be allocated to the partners, members, or shareholders in proportion to their ownership interest in the entity, or in accordance with a written agreement entered into by such individual partners, members, or shareholders. 2014 House Bill 1220 and Senate Bill 623 allow a pass-through entity to claim Research and Development Expenses Tax Credits at the entity level in lieu of allocating such credits to the individual partners, members, or shareholders. If a pass-through entity wishes to claim this credit at the entity level without allocating the credit to its owners, the pass-through entity must enter the amount of credit available on Form 502.

Documentation and Record Keeping

A taxpayer must attach documentation to the application that outlines the type of

research conducted in Virginia and substantiates the calculation of the credit, including its Virginia fixed-base percentage and Virginia base amount. Further, a taxpayer that is headquartered outside of Virginia, but has employees in Virginia or contracts with an entity conducting research in Virginia, must attach documentation to the application regarding where the research was conducted, how much time was spent conducting the research, and the type of research that was conducted.

On request, a taxpayer paying wages to individuals performing Virginia qualified research on its behalf may be required to provide adequate documentation that substantiates the allocation of wages for Virginia qualified research and development

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

expenses. Such documentation includes, but is not limited to, name, taxpayer identification number, detailed job description, gross Virginia wages, time cards, internal written documents that verify the percentage of time devoted to Virginia qualified research, and a detailed description of each department or business unit performing Virginia qualified research and the nature of the research performed.

A taxpayer that applies for a 20% credit based on Virginia qualified university expenses must attach any documentation that substantiates such research, including contracts or agreements between the taxpayer and the Virginia public or private college or university, and an account of the expenses that have been paid or incurred.

In order to verify that its research and development expenses qualify for the credit, a

taxpayer may be required to provide proofs of purchase such as invoices, receipts, cancelled checks, bank statements, or credit card statements to the Department on request.

Pursuant to 2014 House Bill 1220 and Senate Bill 623, the Department must collect, aggregate, and summarize certain information regarding the Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit, and provide that information to the Governor and any member of the General Assembly on request, regardless of the number of taxpayers that apply for the credit in a taxable year. In order for the Department to fulfill those requirements, a taxpayer that is applying for the credit must also attach documentation to the application setting forth:

  • The number of full-time employees employed by the taxpayer in the Commonwealth during the credit year;

  • The taxpayer’s sector or sectors according to the 2012 edition of the North

American Industry Classification System (NAICS) as published by the United States Census Bureau; and

  • A brief description of the area, discipline, or field of Virginia qualified research performed by the taxpayer.

Taxpayers applying for the credit may be required to provide additional documentation to the Department as deemed necessary.

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Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit Guidelines

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online under the Laws, Rules and Decisions section of the Department’s website, located at http://www.policylibrary.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Approved

______ Craig M. Burns

Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation - 19 - January 6, 2015

Clarification on Public Service Contractor Tax GuidelinesDoc ID: Sales

Original: 325 words
Condensed: 296 words
Reduction: 8.9%

MEMORANDUM

TO: Richard Dotson, Director Audit

FROM: Mark Haskins, Director-Policy Development

SUBJECT: Response to Request for Clarification of PD 04-122

DATE: February 12, 2008

This memorandum responds to your request for clarification of the Public Service Corporation Exemption Repeal Guidelines, Public Document (“PD”) 04-122 (August 30, 2004). You have requested clarification concerning the section entitled, “Contractor’s Use Tax.” The second paragraph of that section states:

Effective September 1, 2004, contractors purchasing and installing tangible personal property for a public service corporation that is directly used in the rendition of its public service, will be considered the user and consumer of all tangible personal property consumed by them in the performance of the contract and must pay the sales or use tax on such property at the time of purchase.

You are concerned that this paragraph could be interpreted to mean that all contractors who purchase tangible personal property, whether such property will be used in a real property contract or contracts for the sale of tangible personal property, are required to pay use tax on these items at the time of purchase. You contend that contractors who sell tangible personal property outside of real property contracts must collect sales tax on the sale and remit the tax to the state.

Policy Development’s intent in issuing PD 04-122, was to address real property contractors who purchase and install exempt tangible personal property for a public service corporation. Thus, the use of the term “contractors” in this section was meant to refer to real property contractors. Policy Development did not intend to imply that all contractors purchasing and installing tangible personal property for a public service corporation would be deemed the user and consumer of all tangible personal property consumed by them in the performance of the contract.

I hope this provides the clarification you requested concerning the application of the sales and use tax to contractors who sell tangible personal property outside of real property contracts.

Virginia Land Preservation Credit Program AgreementDoc ID: Agreements

Original: 832 words
Condensed: 567 words
Reduction: 31.9%

--- Page 1 ---

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Between the

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION And the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND For the ADMINISTRATION OF LAND PRESERVATION C EPT OF TAXA'TION MISSIOPdER S OFFICE As

ESTABLISHED MARCH 15,2007

PARTIES

The parties to this agreement are the Virginia Department of Taxation, hereafter referred to as "TAX, and the Virginia Department of Conservation

and Recreation, hereafter referred to as "DCR."

PURPOSE

This agreement is entered into to ensure the timely and appropriate issuance of Land Preservation Credits (LPC) of $ 1 million or more, and the collection and allocation of transfer fees as provided in Code of Virginia $558.1-512 and 513.

111. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This agreement is to be effective March 15, 2007 and continues in effect until

amended or cancelled by either party in accordance with the applicable clauses contained herein.

IV. ADMINISTJUTION RESPONSIBILITIES

A. TAX agrees to

  1. With assistance fkom DCR, develop, create, amend, and publish appropriate forms, instructions and guidance necessary to administer the LPC program.
  2. Provide administration of all LPCs, to include tracking of claims against the annual credit pool (beginning with $100 million in 2007 and then increasing annually as provided by law), and

ensure claims against the credit pool are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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  1. Receive and process the transfer fee required by 858.1-5 13.
  2. Share LPC data, to the extent permissible by the Code of Virginia, required by DCR to produce its Annual Report as required by s58.1-5 12 (C) (2).
  3. Verify, at least quarterly, all applications received by TAX, including those verified by DCR, and credits issued by TAX.
  4. Distribute the fees due to DCR after the close of each quarter as established under Part V: Fee Agreement.
  5. Provide customer service by responding to letters and telephone calls about all aspects of the credit approval process. Questions regarding DCR verification of applications for credit over $1 million shall be referred to DCR's Land Conservation Analyst.
  6. For credit applications c?f less than $1 .million, determine if an application nevertheless must undergo verification of

conservation value based on the aggregated value of claims on the subject property being over $1 million for the preceding 11 year period.

B. DCR agrees to

  1. Review and verify the conservation value of the donated real property interests of all credit applications in the amount of $1 million or more as provided in 5 8.1- 5 12.
  2. Provide TAX with written verification of the conservation value for the applicable credit applications in a format to be developed in conjunction with TAX.
  3. Provide TAX with DCR data requirements to enable DCR to

produce the Annual Report provided for in 95 8.1-5 12 (C) (2).

  1. Provide suggestions for revisions and improvements to LPC forms as requested by TAX.
  2. Provide TAX with all necessary coding for the transfer of fees allocated to DCR.
  3. Provide customer service by responding to letters and telephone calls about its verification of applications for credits over $1 million.
  4. Prior to receiving the quarterly fee, verify, at least quarterly, all applications received, including those verified by DCR, and credits issued by TAX.

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FEE AGREEMENT

A. TAX and DCR will split the credit transfer fees as established in $58.1-

513 (C) (2) as follows

  1. Each fiscal year, DCR will receive 100% of the fees collected for transfers by the donors after DCR reviews the related application, up to $10,000 for each donation, until the total credited to DCR equals $100,000.
  2. Each fiscal year, once DCR meets the $100,000 threshold, fees collected for transfers by the donors after DCR reviews the related application in excess of the $100,000 threshold will be allocated equally between DCR and TAX.

B. DCR agrees to

  1. Fax TAX an interagency transfer request (IAT) at the end of each quarter for transfer of fees to reimburse DCR for quarterly administrative costs referenced in 558.1-5 13, not to exceed the balance of fees actually'collected by TAX.
  2. Include a list of all LPC applications reviewed.
  3. E-mail TAX to confirm the fax was received.

C. TAX agrees to

  1. Share with DCR the amount of transfer fees received each quarter to allow DCR to prepare an inter-agency transfer request.
  2. Transfer hnding within thirty days of the receipt of a quarterly request fiom DCR.

  3. Notify DCR of any delays in the receipt or availability of transfer fee revenue within 15 days of a request for transfer.

D. DCR and TAX jointly agree to

  1. Work cooperatively to resolve any issues that arise during the course of administering this agreement.
  2. Regularly monitor and evaluate the agreed upon items set forth by this cooperative agreement.
  3. Modify and/or revise the scope of these services as mutually agreed to in writing by both parties.

--- Page 4 ---

VI. TERMS OF AGREEMENT

The terms of this agreement are subject to amendment at any time, as mutually agreed to in writing by the cooperative parties.

L 4/R~aniEe. B owen Director u n i a D epartment of Conservation

and Recreation

1 bate

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for REACT OrganizationsDoc ID: Sales

Original: 267 words
Condensed: 261 words
Reduction: 2.2%

--- Page 1 ---)

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COMMON WEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

Richmond, Virginia 23282

MEMORANDUM

TO

Ronald Holt,

Supervisor

Technical Services Section

Office Services Division

FROM

Janie E. Bowen, Director

Tax Policy Division

¥

DATE

May 3,

1991

SUBJECT

1991 SB 524

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for REACT Organizations

This will reply to your memorandum dated April 29, 1991, in which

you request information on the exemption provided to Radio

Emergency Associated Communication Teams

(REACT) in 1991 SB 524.

As enacted, the exemption does not extend to all tangible

personal property purchased by REACT, but is limited to "tangible

personal property purchased for use or consumption in the

performance of emergency services."

The exemption is thus

restricted to purchases of equipment and other items used

directly to provide emergency services.

Items that would qualify

for the exemption include but are not limited to, equipment,

motor vehicle parts, motor vehicle supplies, sirens, flares,

first aid supplies, communication equipment, scanners, protective

clothing, and other equipment and supplies used in the

performance of emergency services.

Items not included in the exemption would include but not be

limited to, general administrative supplies, fund-raising

products, office furniture and any other items used in support of

the REACT team but not used in the performance of the services.

Additionally, the exemption only applies to purchases made by the

organization itself, and does not extend to purchases made by

individual team members.

Please let me know of you have any other questions regarding this

matter.

TPD/5148

Incentive and Penalty Strategies for Tax AllocationDoc ID: Sales

Original: 9,273 words
Condensed: 5,133 words
Reduction: 44.6%

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September 1, 2009

The Honorable Lacey E. Putney

Chairman, House Appropriations Committee General Assembly Building, Room 947 Capitol Square Richmond, Virginia 23219

The Honorable Charles J. Colgan Chairman, Senate Finance Committee General Assembly Building, Room 626 Capitol Square Richmond, Virginia 23219

Dear Delegate Putney and Senator Colgan

Enclosed is the report, entitled “Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax,” prepared by the Virginia Department of Taxation. The report was mandated by Item 270(K) of House Bill 1600, the Appropriations Act for the 2008-10 Biennium (2009 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 781).

This report is being submitted to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

If you have any questions regarding this report, please contact Mark Haskins, Director of Policy Development at (804) 371-2296 or mark.haskins@tax.virginia.gov.

Sincerely,

Janie E. Bowen Tax Commissioner

JEB/kp Enclosures

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INCENTIVE AND PENALTY OPTIONS TO

ENCOURAGE THE CORRECT ALLOCATION OF

THE LOCAL RETAIL SALES AND USE TAX

Submitted Pursuant to Item 270(K) of House Bill 1600, the Appropriations Act

for the 2008-10 Biennium

Virginia Department of Taxation

Janie E. Bowen Tax Commissioner

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Preface

Authority

Item 270(K) of House Bill 1600, the Appropriations Act for the 2008-10 Biennium (2009 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 781) instructs the Virginia Department of Taxation (“TAX”) to provide a report to the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees outlining potential incentives for retailers who properly and accurately report the local Retail Sales and Use Tax, as well as penalties for those who err in reporting. The Appropriations Act mandates that the report be completed no later than September 1, 2009.

Staff Assigned to Report

William J. White, Assistant Tax Commissioner, Office of Tax Policy Mark C. Haskins, Director, Policy Development Division Lawrence E. Durbin, Assistant Tax Commissioner, Office of Customer Service Joseph E. Mayer, Lead Tax Policy Analyst, Policy Development Division Kristen D. Peterson, Tax Policy Analyst, Policy Development Division

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary i

Section I: Overview of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax 1

Section II: Errors in the Allocation of the Tax 4

Section III: Efforts to Remedy the Problem 6

Section IV: Potential Incentives and Penalties 11

Appendix A: Item 270(K), 2009 Appropriations Act A-1

Appendix B: Sample Reports and Forms B-1

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INCENTIVE AND PENALTY OPTIONS TO ENCOURAGE THE

CORRECT ALLOCATION OF THE LOCAL RETAIL SALES AND USE TAX

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Item 270(K) of House Bill 1600, the Appropriations Act for the 2008-10 Biennium (2009 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 781) requires the Virginia Department of Taxation (“TAX”) to provide a report to the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees outlining potential incentives for taxpayers who accurately report the local Retail Sales and Use Tax by locality, as well as penalties for those who err in reporting the tax. The Appropriations Act mandates that this report be completed by September 1, 2009.

In addition to requiring this report, Item 270(K) mandates that TAX: 1) secure and

utilize software based on Global Positioning System (“GPS”) data in order to properly allocate the local Retail Sales and Use Tax; 2) modify remittance forms to require that each in-state vendor filing a consolidated return report the number of places of business that he maintains in each locality; and 3) provide localities with increased computer systems access to information-only data in order to facilitate local input in error identification. In addition to discussing incentives to encourage accurate reporting of local sales tax, this report provides a status on these mandates.

Inaccurate reporting of the local Retail Sales and Use Tax by businesses has been a longstanding problem for Virginia localities since the inception of the tax in 1966.

When a business erroneously assigns the local Retail Sales and Use Tax from a transaction to the wrong locality, the locality entitled to the revenue will experience a loss of revenue. Even if the error is discovered before the statute of limitations to correct the error has expired, allowing TAX to resolve the issue through a transfer, the locality to which the revenue was initially allocated may experience a hardship because it may have already budgeted or spent the funds for local needs.

Although the impact of this problem varies widely across the Commonwealth, it has been a particular source of consternation for only a handful of localities. The problem is more acute in counties adjacent to cities where areas of the counties have a mailing address incorporating the name of the city. One example often cited is Henrico County. In 2009, Henrico County was able to have the United States Postal Service rename sixteen ZIP codes with a “Richmond, Virginia” address which were located entirely in Henrico County to “Henrico, Virginia.” Also, years before the ZIP code change, Henrico County began implementing programs to carefully track Retail Sales and Use Tax revenues to ensure that they were properly attributable to Henrico County.

Over the years, TAX has also worked to minimize the erroneous assignment of the local Retail Sales and Use Tax by improving its procedures for businesses to register for the tax and file returns. TAX recently enhanced the software it uses to allocate local taxes by upgrading to GPS software that is expected to improve the accuracy of locality distributions. TAX also recently updated the schedule used by

Department of Taxation i September 1, 2009

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consolidated filers, Form ST-9B, Schedule of Local Taxes, to add a column for businesses to provide the number of locations they operate in each locality. These changes are expected to minimize the confusion among consolidated filers regarding the correct locality to which taxable transactions should be assigned.

In 2008, TAX began to review transactions closely that out-of-state merchants are not able to assign to a particular locality to determine the locality to which the allocation should have been assigned. As a result, TAX has seen a decrease in the volume of transactions that out-of-state merchants are unable to assign to a particular locality. TAX has also implemented systems improvements to minimize the potential for human error and further improve processing accuracy.

Despite these efforts, the problem of erroneous local sales tax assignment persists, as evidenced by the fact that TAX currently performs approximately fifty locality

transfers per month. In response, some localities have suggested that the problem could be reduced if retailers were provided an incentive for properly allocating the tax or were penalized for erroneous allocations. This reports sets forth several incentive options that have been proposed to encourage retailers to properly register to collect the Retail Sales and Use Tax, timely inform TAX of changes to business locations, and utilize software certified by TAX to properly allocate the local sales and use tax. All of the incentives presented would provide a local dealer discount similar to the existing state dealer discount used to compensate retailers for accounting for and remitting the state Retail Sales and Use Tax.

Similarly, this report considers penalties that have been proposed for the erroneous assignment of local sales and use taxes. These proposals would penalize retailers who fail to properly register for collection of the local Retail Sales and Use tax, fail to notify TAX of new or changed business locations, or fail to utilize TAX-certified software. While imposing a penalty for these violations would likely decrease the number of erroneous local Retail Sales and Use Tax allocations, penalties could

discourage dealers with no nexus with Virginia from voluntarily collecting the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax, potentially causing a larger revenue issue.

Retail merchants and businesses appear resistant to the concept of being penalized for incorrectly allocating local revenues. There may be some Virginia localities that are equally resistant to the concept of using local Retail Sales and Use Tax revenues to reward dealers for correctly allocating local revenues. Accordingly, while TAX has considered several options in this report, TAX is not recommending any particular proposal.

Department of Taxation ii September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section I: Overview of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax

SECTION I - OVERVIEW OF THE LOCAL RETAIL SALES AND USE TAX

Components of the State and Local Retail Sales and Use Tax

Virginia’s state and local Retail Sales and Use Tax encompasses three separate and mutually exclusive taxes: 1) a sales tax; 2) a use tax; and 3) a consumer use tax.

For the privilege of making retail sales in Virginia, a seller is subject to a sales tax imposed on its gross receipts from retail sales of tangible personal property. The seller collects the tax from the customer by separately stating the amount of the tax and adding it to the sales price or charge. Retail sales are defined as sales to a consumer or to any person for any purpose other than for resale. The tax also applies to the furnishing of transient accommodations and the lease or rental of tangible personal property as part of an established business.

Generally, any person or business engaged in the sale at retail or distribution of tangible personal property in Virginia constitutes a dealer. The definition of “dealer” set forth in Va. Code § 58.1-612 also includes those who rent, lease or furnish items that are subject to the tax in Virginia, or who store such items for use or consumption in Virginia. Any individual or organization meeting the definition of “dealer” who has sufficient activity within the Commonwealth to require registration under Va. Code § 58.1-613 must register to collect and remit the tax. Dealers collect the tax from their customers by separately stating the amount of the tax, adding it to the sales price or charge, and subsequently remitting it to TAX. A Virginia dealer is required to file Form ST-9, Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax Return or Form ST-9 CO, Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax Return – Consolidated. In addition to these forms, consolidated filers must also file Form ST-9B, Schedule of Local Taxes.

Since the 1960s, all states that impose a sales tax have also imposed a complementary use tax.1 The primary purpose of this tax is to prevent the sales tax

from placing in-state merchants at a competitive disadvantage with retailers outside of the state. In Virginia, the use tax is imposed upon the storage, use, or consumption of tangible personal property within Virginia, and applies to items purchased by Virginia individuals and businesses from retailers who are not located in Virginia. As an example, a Virginia-based Information Technology Service Provider may purchase computer equipment from an out-of-state manufacturer for use in a Virginia contract. In this scenario, use tax is owed on the computer equipment.

The legal liability for the use tax rests with the purchaser. Retailers are only required to register and collect Virginia’s Retail Sales and Use Tax if they have some type of physical presence within Virginia2. Having a physical location or being legally required to collect the tax is generally considered “nexus.” Without nexus, federal case law generally prohibits states from mandating that out-of-state dealers collect sales and

1 Due, John F. & Mikesell, Jon L. Sales Taxation: State and Local Structure and Administration, 1983; 245. 2 Quill Corp v. North Dakota, 504 U.S. 298 (1992) Department of Taxation 1 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section I: Overview of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax

use tax. Even so, many out-of-state vendors voluntarily collect the tax and forward it to TAX as a courtesy to their customers. Out-of-state dealers who voluntarily collect the tax must register for Out-of-State Dealer’s Use Tax and must file Form ST-8, Virginia Out-of-State Dealer’s Use Tax Return, along with Form ST-6B Schedule of Local Taxes.

Finally, the Consumer’s Use Tax is imposed upon individuals and businesses that make purchases in excess of $100 during the taxable year from out-of-state mail order, telephone, or television shopping services, provided the seller did not collect the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax. Consumers may also be liable for the consumer’s use tax if they purchase an item tax-free outside Virginia and bring the item back to be used within the Commonwealth. However, Virginia grants a credit to any person who purchases tangible personal property in another state and who has paid a sales or use tax on the property in the state of purchase. The credit does not apply if the tax is erroneously charged or incorrectly paid in the other state.

Businesses that do not make any retail sales but incur a use tax liability for their taxable use of property in Virginia must register for Business Consumer Use Tax and file Form ST-7, Virginia Business Consumer’s Use Tax Return. On this form, the business reports the cost price of tangible personal property arising from all taxable transactions on which the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax was not collected by the seller.

Individuals who owe the Consumer’s Use Tax because they were not charged the sales tax on a purchase of tangible personal property are liable for Individual Consumer Use Tax. These individuals must file either a Form CU-7, Virginia Consumer’s Use Tax Return for Individual, at the end of the taxable year or report the tax on their Virginia income tax return.

Allocating the Local Sales and Use Tax

The state Retail Sales and Use Tax is imposed at a rate of 4%. In addition to the state tax, all Virginia cities and counties impose a 1% local Retail Sales and Use Tax.

The law requires that revenue from the local tax be distributed to the locality in which the sale was made, while revenue obtained from out-of-state dealers collecting the local use tax is distributed to the locality to which the tangible personal property is destined.

In order to ensure that the proper localities receive the benefit of the tax, in-state retailers must maintain accurate and current records of their retail locations. Code of Virginia § 58.1-606(E) also mandates that out-of-state dealers with certificates of registration collecting use tax must, to the extent reasonably practicable, break down their shipments into Virginia by cities and counties so as to show the locality to which the goods are destined. Unassigned use tax revenues are allocated in proportion to the amount of assigned revenues that each locality receives. While TAX administers the distribution of the tax revenue to the various localities, it depends largely upon the accuracy of the retailer’s returns to make the proper allocation.

Department of Taxation 2 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section I: Overview of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax

Registration and Return Filing

When a Virginia retailer enters into the business of making retail sales, he is required to submit a registration application, Form R-1, Business Registration Application, to TAX or to complete TAX’s online business registration application. Each registration form contains a request for the physical address of each business location at which retail sales will occur. Using this information, TAX is able to identify the locality entitled to receive the 1% local sales tax distribution.

In processing sales tax returns, TAX encounters three types of filers: 1) the single location filer; 2) the combined location filer; and 3) the consolidated filer. As the names suggest, a single location filer has one location in one locality, while a combined location filer has multiple stores in one locality. By contrast, a consolidated filer has multiple locations in multiple localities. The proper form each retailer is required to file

depends upon the filing status of the retailer.

Both single and combined location filers are required to file Form ST-9, Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax Return. Dealers filing Form ST-9 do not need to provide a breakdown of sales by locality because that information was already provided at the time of registration. Consolidated filers are required to file the ST-9 CO, Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax Return along with Form ST-9B, Virginia Schedule of Local Sales And Use Taxes.

The process for out-of-state retailers registering for and collecting local use tax differs from the process for collecting local sales tax. When an out-of-state retailer who does not have nexus with Virginia voluntarily registers to collect Virginia use tax, he must submit Form ST-8, Virginia Out-of-State Dealer’s Use Tax Return, along with Form ST-6B, Schedule Of Local Taxes, in order that he may assign his local use tax by locality. If the out-of-state retailer does not know the proper locality, he may report the local use tax collected as “unassigned.” Later, these unassigned funds are placed in

the “unassigned 300 account.”

Filers are required to remit their returns and payments to TAX by the 20th of every month for sales that occurred in the previous month. Using registration information and information obtained from the returns, TAX makes the local allocations on a monthly basis. Once all of the assigned revenues have been allocated, the unassigned revenues are allocated in proportion to the amount of assigned revenues that each locality receives. An amount is also deducted from the local tax as reimbursement for the work TAX does to administer the local Retail Sales and Use Tax.

Given that distributions occur once a month, it is imperative that TAX process incoming returns quickly, as localities are dependent upon their distributions as an important source of revenue. TAX makes distributions to the localities between the 6th and the 10th day of every month following the month in which the return is filed. For example, tax returns for sales occurring in July are due to be filed by August 20 and distributed September 6th through 10th.

Department of Taxation 3 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section II: Errors in the Allocation of the Tax

SECTION II – ERRORS IN THE ALLOCATION OF THE TAX

Returns filed by businesses may contain errors in the allocation of the tax that result in revenue being distributed to an incorrect locality or improperly distributed to the unassigned 300 account. Misallocations frequently occur for both sales tax accounts and out-of-state dealers’ use tax accounts.

For sales tax accounts, misallocations frequently occur as a result of errors made by both consolidated and non-consolidated filers in registering to collect the sales tax.

For example, if a single location dealer registers with TAX using the wrong locality, subsequent payments will automatically be assigned to the wrong locality.

Similarly, if a dealer moves to another locality and fails to notify TAX of the change in address, TAX will continue to assign distributions to the original locality.

Consolidated filers face more complex issues that make it much more difficult to properly assign sales to the correct locality. A consolidated filer whose tax functions are located out-of-state may be unfamiliar with Virginia locality boundaries and assign sales to the wrong locality. A consolidated filer may open a new store and neglect to register the new store with TAX, even though they collect and remit the tax. A new shopping center may be constructed on the border between two localities and the retailer may not know the correct locality of his business.

Similarly, incorrect distributions may result from confusion or negligence on the part of non-fixed filers, who, unlike fixed filers, make sales from varied locations. For example, a seller of antiques who makes sales at various flea markets is a non-fixed filer. TAX requires that non-fixed filers provide every location in which they conduct business for each filing period. Fixed filers may fail to properly document each flea market location in which sales are made, and thus, fail to report each location as required by TAX.

While mistakes in local sales tax allocations are generally attributed to human error by taxpayers, misallocations of use tax are largely attributed to retailers’ failure to use accurate software programs to identify the jurisdiction where their customer received his purchase. Some taxpayers use software that uses the ZIP Plus Four mailing address. Other retailers use software that uses the five digit ZIP code mailing address. Many of the larger out-of-state companies may use software that is capable of allocating the use tax with greater accuracy. Smaller companies may not have access to these sophisticated software systems. As a result, revenue is incorrectly placed in the unassigned 300 account or assigned to the wrong locality. Smaller retailers may even rely on the purchaser’s mailing address to identify the correct locality. Confusion results because of the unique nature of Virginia’s local government structure, in which cities and counties are distinct political entities without any overlapping taxing authority.

This confusion is compounded by mailing addresses and ZIP codes that cross over multiple jurisdictional boundaries and localities with similar names, e.g., Richmond County and Richmond City.

Department of Taxation 4 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section II: Errors in the Allocation of the Tax

In addition to these errors, incorrect distributions sometimes occur because of human errors made by TAX staff during processing. When paper tax returns are submitted to TAX, the information on the returns must be captured and keyed into the system that controls the locality distribution process. The data capture process includes both automated and manual processes. TAX staff involved in the manual capture of data and in the back-end reconciliation of “problem” returns can make mistakes that may cause an incorrect distribution. Although TAX’s systems are programmed to minimize the potential for human error via prompts, edits, and systematic processing rules built into TAX’s systems, human error can still occur.

What Happens if an Incorrect Distribution Occurs

Typically, incorrect allocations are discovered by localities and reported to TAX.

Code of Virginia § 58.1-605(F) sets forth the process for transferring improperly allocated local taxes to the correct locality. Corrections and adjustments in payments must be made within three years of the date of the payment error. Erroneous allocations made more than three years earlier cannot be corrected, even if the error is discovered. Code of Virginia § 58.1-605(F) requires that errors be corrected and adjustments be made in the payments for six months following the discovery by allocating one-sixth of the total adjustment to each monthly payment for the next six months.

When a locality discovers that a distribution has been incorrectly assigned to another locality, it must submit a Locality Transfer Request Form to TAX, requesting a correction. The form requires a signature from both the locality requesting the transfer and the locality to which the funds were incorrectly assigned. If the locality in receipt of the incorrectly allocated funds does not respond within sixty days with its signature, the requesting locality may send the unsigned form to TAX, which will typically grant the transfer. Currently, TAX performs approximately fifty transfers per month. Viewed in

isolation, this number may seem high; however, TAX processes more than 92,500 local sales and use tax payments monthly.

Department of Taxation 5 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section II: Errors in the Allocation of the Tax

SECTION III - EFFORTS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM

The erroneous allocation of local Retail Sales and Use Tax revenues by dealers has a negative impact on TAX and localities. The process of identifying incorrect allocations and having them corrected is time consuming for both TAX and localities.

Unless an erroneous allocation is corrected, one or more localities will experience a revenue gain at the expense of the locality entitled to the distribution. If the incorrect allocation is identified and corrected, the correction will deprive one or more localities of revenue that may already have been budgeted and spent. Consequently, TAX and localities have worked independently and collaboratively to reduce this problem.

TAX’s Efforts

In recent years, TAX has implemented several measures to identify and correct erroneous assignments.

TAX formed the Accurate Distribution of Sales Tax Revenue Team in 1997 to make recommendations in order to improve the correct distribution of revenues by developing partnerships with localities and other interested parties to ensure accurate distributions. The team reviewed the Locality Pending Transfers in Progress Summary3, which displays information on locality transfers in progress.

On a monthly basis TAX provides each locality with a monthly Locality Distribution Report4, which provides details by business of the distribution received by the locality. TAX also distributes a monthly “New Sales Tax Dealers for the Month Report5” to each locality. This report lists new business registrations and changes to existing business registrations. TAX encourages each locality to carefully review each report, compare it to the locality’s records, and notify TAX of any discrepancies.

In 2008, TAX began to review transactions closely that were allocated to the 300 unassigned account in an effort to determine if some of the transactions could be assigned to a locality. TAX was able to educate numerous taxpayers who were incorrectly assigning transactions to the 300 unassigned account. As a result of these efforts, the volume of transactions assigned to the 300 account has declined significantly.

Allocation errors could be reduced if more taxpayers utilized the electronic filing options currently available to them. If all taxpayers electronically filed their Retail Sales and Use Tax returns, the risks of human error by taxpayers and TAX staff would be reduced. TAX’s return and payment processing functions must combine speed and accuracy. Processing paper returns and check payments is labor intensive and time-consuming, but must be rapid to allow TAX to distribute funds to the localities in a timely

3 See Appendix B-1 4 See Appendix B-2 5 See Appendix B-3 Department of Taxation 6 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section III: Efforts to Remedy the Problem

manner. If TAX made electronic filing mandatory, this would reduce errors while capturing more detail from each taxpayer and would have little impact on the speed of the locality distribution. This alternative, however, is likely to be resisted by small merchants. TAX is actively working to identify and implement systems improvements that will ameliorate the allocation problem.

Correctly allocating the local Retail Sales and Use tax requires an understanding by retailers as to the process involved. TAX plans to increase its efforts to educate taxpayers as to the importance of accurate locality allocation. This will be accomplished by updating sales tax forms, instructions, correspondence, and online information resources to include more information to taxpayers that focuses on the mechanics of filing and paying the Retail Sales and Use Tax correctly and the importance of accurate assignment of the local tax. TAX has already begun implementing these education efforts. As discussed previously, Form ST-9 B has been recently revised to include an

additional column in which businesses must insert the number of retail locations they operate in each locality. Taxpayers have been sent forms packages with an explanation of this form change. Additional explanations were posted online and emailed to tax practitioners.6

With respect to educating TAX staff, TAX created a Learning Support Division several years ago in an effort to provide comprehensive training to TAX staff. Course work is constantly expanding, and TAX has begun developing advanced courses on business taxes.

TAX has recently formed a team responsible for reviewing and analyzing distributions in an effort to locate and correct problems proactively. TAX has intensified its review process by periodically performing quality review checks and actively seeking errors.

Efforts Identified in HB 1600

  1. GPS Software

TAX has obtained enhanced software that utilizes GPS technology to more accurately determine the assignment of locality codes to business locations during registration. Effective July 1, 2009, TAX implemented a new version of Trillium, an address perfection and standardization software package. This software provides geo-coded Federal Information Processing Standards (“FIPS”) code information that significantly improves upon the ZIP code based software previously used by TAX to validate and assign locality codes to businesses' tax accounts. FIPS codes are numeric codes defined by the United States federal government to uniquely identify states and counties within the United States, certain U.S. possessions, and certain freely associated states. The FIPS code assigned to a business' tax account is for the distribution of local sales revenue to a locality for businesses that operate within a single locality. TAX met with numerous vendors and submitted sample addresses for FIPS

6 See Appendix B-5

Department of Taxation 7 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section III: Efforts to Remedy the Problem

code assignment and each vendor's test was hand validated by TAX's staff to determine accuracy. This enhancement should significantly improve the assignment of FIPS codes for business tax accounts located in areas whose ZIP codes cross locality boundaries. With the implementation of the Trillium Geo-Code Address software, TAX’s FIPS code assignment accuracy is anticipated to increase. Performance testing using the new Trillium software resulted in a statistically significant improvement in accuracy in areas in which assigning FIPS codes has been problematic. This tool is being used by both TAX’s web-based registration application and by TAX’s internal registration system, thereby ensuring that all registrations are validated.

  1. Modify Remittance Forms

TAX has also updated the schedule used by consolidated filers, Form ST-9B, Schedule of Local Taxes, to add a column filers must complete providing the number of

locations the filer has in a particular locality7. A consolidated sales tax filer is a taxpayer with multiple business locations in multiple localities. Many of the largest retailers in Virginia are consolidated filers. Consolidated filers report taxable sales by locality, aggregating the sales for all business locations within each locality. If a consolidated filer incorrectly reports taxable sales for a business location to the wrong locality, then the local distribution will be incorrect. Effective with their July 2009 return, consolidated filers are required to provide the count of business locations in each locality on the Form ST-9B, Schedule of Local Taxes. The information provided by the consolidated taxpayer on each return filed will be compared to the business location information maintained in TAX's registration database systems. Whenever the count for a locality reported by the business does not match TAX's system, the account will be flagged for review and the discrepancy investigated and resolved.

  1. Systems Access by Localities

TAX is actively working with localities on a list of issues and enhancements to

include access to additional information. Priority areas for localities will be worked on as TAX technology resources are available.

Local Efforts

Although the impact of this problem varies widely across the Commonwealth, it has been a particular source of consternation for only a handful of localities. The problem is most often reported in counties adjacent to cities such as Richmond, Fredericksburg, Williamsburg and Lynchburg, as well as in Fairfax City and Fairfax County.

Henrico County is one of the localities impacted by this problem. Its border with the City of Richmond is long and runs through heavily developed areas. Until 2009, sixteen ZIP codes located entirely within Henrico County carried a “Richmond, Virginia” address. As a result, Henrico County has dedicated substantial resources to resolving

7 See Appendix B-4

Department of Taxation 8 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section III: Efforts to Remedy the Problem

the problem. In 2003, Henrico County contacted the United States Postal Service to seek assistance in resolving the postal issue. The Postal Service agreed to conduct a survey of Henrico County citizens to gauge interest in changing the mailing address of these ZIP codes. If a majority of participants responded in favor of replacing the “Richmond, Virginia” mailing address with “Henrico, Virginia” for those ZIP codes, the Postal Service agreed to make the change. Henrico County citizens voted in favor of this change, and on January 1, 2009, the formal transfer of the sixteen ZIP codes was implemented.

Years before the ZIP code change, Henrico County began implementing programs to track retail sales reported by Henrico businesses. In 1998, the County established a program to review the accuracy of the registrations of newly registered sales tax dealers in Henrico County and the City of Richmond. Additional efforts have included verifying that local businesses are using correct locality codes on their sales

tax returns, comparing sales tax registrations of Henrico County dealers with Henrico’s business license records, and reviewing exception reports provided by TAX of businesses which appear to be miscoded based upon ZIP code criteria.

Localities have tools at their disposal to curtail the erroneous allocation of local sales and use taxes. Localities maintain lists of taxpayers for purposes of the local business license tax, the personal property and the merchants capital tax that contain information as to businesses within the locality. Also, TAX provides localities with a variety of reports that can be used to monitor local Retail Sales and Use Tax allocations on a monthly basis. For example, each locality receives the Locality Distribution Report, which contains information concerning the local distribution, as well as the amount of funds distributed to the 300 unassigned account. TAX also distributes monthly a New Sales Dealers for the Month Report with information regarding newly registered businesses and changes to previously registered businesses. Localities also have access to sales tax accounts maintained in IRMS for businesses in up to twenty localities. Localities can use these tools to play a larger role in identifying allocation

errors. Some localities have been diligently utilizing the reports provided by TAX to identify errors, while others are not able to devote resources to this effort.

Localities can also address the problem of erroneous allocations of local sales and use taxes by identifying and reporting to TAX situations where the locality is receiving local sales and use taxes that should have been reported to another locality.

For example, the City of Lynchburg looks for businesses located in surrounding counties that are allocating their local sales and use taxes to the City. This practice limits the impact on the City of Lynchburg of any transfers necessary to correct the erroneous allocations.

Localities can also help dealers to properly register and allocate the tax to the correct jurisdiction. For example, when some localities issue a new business license, they provide the licensee with a Virginia Sales and Use Tax registration packet with the correct locality code preprinted. Local tax officials can verify that each business in the

Department of Taxation 9 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section III: Efforts to Remedy the Problem

locality with a Retail Sales and Use Tax liability is using the correct locality code on its tax registration and returns.

Localities can also use their knowledge of activities taking place in their locality that should result in a local Retail Sales and Use Tax liability. For example, if a large construction project is undertaken in a particular locality, there should be significant amounts of use tax being reported by contractors.

Legislation

In the past fifteen years, legislation has been introduced in the General Assembly several times that sought to prevent the erroneous assignment of local Retail Sales and Use Tax revenues. For example, House Bill 2472, introduced in the 1997 legislative session, would have required that use tax revenues assignable to a ZIP code that

serves more than one locality be apportioned on the basis of the populations of the portions of the localities within the ZIP code area. A similar bill, Senate Bill 618, was introduced in the 1999 legislative session. Both bills failed to make it out of their respective finance committees. That same year, Senate Bill 1064 (1999 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 0156) was enacted, which required the Tax Commissioner to develop a uniform method to distribute local use tax. Significant changes in the method of distribution had to be phased in over a five year period. TAX worked with local officials and major tax software vendors to enhance the accuracy of the ZIP code based approach that was being utilized prior to enactment of Senate Bill 1064.

Recent bills have unsuccessfully sought to improve the software that businesses use to assign local Retail Sales and Use Tax revenues to a given locality. House Bill 2874, introduced in the 2007 legislative session, would have authorized TAX and representatives from local governments to develop a list of certified software products, the use of which would entitle dealers to a discount based on a percentage of the local tax and limited to the purchase price of the certified software. Two years later, Senate

Bill 1474 was introduced, which would have provided an additional dealer discount to retailers using certified software products and would have eliminated the existing dealer’s discount for those retailers who do not use a certified software product to account for and remit the local tax. Small dealers would have been exempt from this requirement.

Department of Taxation 10 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section IV – Potential Incentives And Penalties

SECTION IV – POTENTIAL INCENTIVES AND PENALTIES

In the 2007 General Assembly Session, House Bill 2874 was proposed to encourage retailers to properly allocate the tax, by providing a local dealer discount, in addition to the existing state dealer discount, for utilizing software certified by the Department of Taxation to allocate the tax. Similar legislation was introduced in 2009, Senate Bill 1474, again proposing a local dealer discount as an incentive for utilizing the certified software, but removing the existing dealer discount for those retailers who elected not to use TAX’s certified software.

Incentives

Under Code of Virginia § 58.1-622, a discount is available to certain dealers to relieve them of a portion of their state Retail Sales and Use Tax liability in order to

compensate them for accounting for and remitting the state tax. As set forth below, dealers are given a percentage amount of the first three percent of the state sales and use tax levied, provided they timely submit their returns and timely pay the amount due.

Currently, there is no discount offered on a retailer’s local Retail Sales and Use Tax liability.

Monthly Taxable Sales Percentage $0 to $62,500 4% $62,501 to $208,000 3% $208,001 and above 2%

There are a variety of additional incentives Virginia could offer retailers that may encourage the proper allocation of the local sales and use tax.

OPTION 1 – Local Sales Tax Discount, Sliding Scale

Option 1 would provide a discount to retailers on their local tax liability. The discount could be made available for all retailers who elected to use software certified by TAX to allocate the local tax. Like the current dealer discount available on certain dealers’ state Retail Sales and Use Tax liability, the discount could be offered on a sliding scale. Retailers could receive a 4% discount of the 1% local sales tax if their monthly taxable sales fall between $0 and $62,500. Retailers with monthly taxable sales between $62,501 and $208,000 could receive a 3% discount of the local sales tax. Retailers with monthly taxable sales of $208,001 or more would receive a 2% discount of the local sales tax.

OPTION 2 – Local Sales Tax Discount, Fixed Amount

Option 2 would offer a similar discount from the local sales and use tax for the use of software certified by TAX. Rather than imposing the discount according to a schedule, Option 2 could grant a discount at a flat rate of 2% of the 1% local sales tax.

Department of Taxation 11 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section IV – Potential Incentives And Penalties

As with the 2007 legislation, both Option 1 and Option 2 could require that every retailer annually certify to TAX the use of the certified software product in order to be eligible for the discount.

OPTION 3 – Discount for Proper Registration

Option 3 would provide a local Retail Sales and Use Tax discount to all retailers who remain properly registered with TAX. Using the monthly reports distributed to localities, the local sales tax schedules that accompany sales tax returns, and any information submitted by local officials, TAX could track sales tax locations for given retailers and determine whether their registration information is current, and offer a one-time, 1% discount for every five-year period in which a retailer remains properly registered and makes no allocation mistakes.

Pros of Proposed Incentives

Each of the proposed options set forth above would likely motivate retailers to change their behavior. Retailers who currently use less sophisticated software may be motivated to purchase more developed software if they were offered a discount in exchange. Retailers who are careless in documenting and reporting changes in their business locations may work harder to ensure that TAX is notified of any registration changes if a discount is offered as an incentive.

Options 1 and 2 are also consistent with the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement’s (“SSUTA”)’s provisions concerning Certified Automated Systems (“CAS’s”), which are software programs certified under the SSUTA to calculate the tax imposed by each jurisdiction on a transaction, determine the amount of tax to remit to the appropriate state, and maintain a record of the transaction. Given the Streamlined Sales Tax Project’s current process of certifying software, it would not be difficult for TAX to implement a similar software certification process, modeled after the SSUTA’s.

Cons of the Proposed Incentives

Each of the proposals above would provide a discount from the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax. Because some localities are not impacted or only minimally impacted by local sales and use tax misallocations, these localities may resist the use of local revenue for this purpose.

Option 3 raises a number of additional concerns. It may be difficult for TAX to track the number of businesses that are not properly updating their registration status.

Further, this option could potentially reward retailers who continue to misallocate use tax because they are not using suitable software.

Any option that would require TAX to certify software and to maintain an incentive system, available only to a limited number of dealers, would create substantial

Department of Taxation 12 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section IV – Potential Incentives And Penalties

costs for TAX. In 2007 when TAX prepared a Fiscal Impact Statement for HB 2874, TAX estimated that it would cost approximately $500,000 to redesign and reprint forms, inform dealers of the requirement to register with TAX in order to receive the dealer discount, and hire additional staff for software evaluation and error resolution.

Penalties

Another possible option would be to impose a penalty upon retailers for their role in misallocating the local sales tax by disallowing the current dealer’s discount for those retailers.

Option 4 – Limit Dealer Discount

Option 4 would limit the dealer discount for retailers that fail to utilize TAX-

certified software. Retailers that fail to utilize TAX-certified software to allocate local Retail Sales and Use Taxes would only be entitled to 50% of the state dealer discount.

Option 5 – Eliminate Dealer Discount

Option 5 would totally eliminate the state dealer discount for any retailer who elected not to utilize the Tax-certified software.

Pros of the Proposed Penalties

Like the incentives set forth above, these penalties would likely motivate some retailers who currently use less sophisticated software to purchase and utilize the TAX-certified software.

Cons of the Proposed Penalties

Each of these penalties may require a complete overhaul of some retailers’ tax system operations, which may be expensive and unreasonably burdensome. The possibility of a complete or partial loss of their dealer discount may be insufficient to motivate them to purchase the TAX-certified software.

In addition, Virginia must consider the possible impact of the measure on voluntary compliance by out-of-state retailers who do not have nexus with Virginia. In Quill Corp v. North Dakota, 504 U.S. 298 (1992), the United States Supreme Court opined that, due to the complicated nature of state and local sales tax systems, and their tendency to burden interstate commerce, sellers are not required to collect sales or use tax unless the seller has nexus with the state of the purchaser. Nexus is established based on the amount and form of business activity that a business has in a given state. Nexus must be present before a state can require that an entity collect sales tax. Code of Virginia § 58.1-612 sets forth the activities that give rise to nexus in Virginia. A retailer who maintains a place of business of any nature in Virginia will be

Department of Taxation 13 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section IV – Potential Incentives And Penalties

deemed to have sufficient nexus in accordance with Code of Virginia § 58.1-612.

Retailers who solicit business in the Commonwealth through employees, independent contractors, agents or other representatives are also deemed to have nexus in the state of Virginia.

Some retailers without Virginia nexus choose to voluntarily register to collect and remit the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax, though they are under no legal obligation to do so. Once a retailer registers with TAX, whether voluntarily or by mandate of statute, TAX has ruled that the retailer is obligated to satisfy the requirements for assigning the local use tax. The voluntary registrant is under the same obligations with respect to properly reporting the Retail Sales and Use Tax as a mandatory registrant. Code of Virginia § 58.1-606(E) provides:

Out-of state dealers who hold certificates of registration to collect the use tax

from their customers for remittance to this Commonwealth shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, in filing their monthly use tax returns with the Tax Commissioner, break down their shipments into this Commonwealth by cities and counties so as to show the city or county of destination. If, however, the out-of-state dealer is unable accurately to assign any shipment to a particular city or county, the local use tax on the tangible personal property involved shall be remitted to the Commonwealth by such dealer without attempting to assign the shipment to any city or county.

Public Document (“PD”) 89-328 (November 20, 1989) illustrates the principle that there is no distinction between voluntary and mandatory registrants for purposes of satisfying this requirement. An out-of-state direct mail merchandiser wished to voluntarily apply for a certificate of registration to collect and remit the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax, but did not want the burden of allocating the local tax among the localities. The Tax Commissioner determined that Virginia law does not authorize the registration of a dealer to collect only the state tax or only the local tax. An out-of-state

dealer is required to collect both the state and local tax, and break down shipments into Virginia according to the city or county of destination, to the extent reasonably practicable. Further, the imposition of a penalty in the form of a decrease or removal of the dealer’s discount does not offend interstate commerce, as the dealer discount is an additional benefit extended to retailers for properly and timely collecting the state sales tax. Suspending the benefit of the dealer discount does not amount to an additional tax.

As such, TAX may impose a penalty in the form of eliminating or decreasing the dealer discount for voluntary registrants who improperly assign the local Retail Sales and Use Tax.

Though PD 89-328 speaks to the legality of imposing a penalty upon an out-of-state retailer who voluntarily collects use tax for its customers when he or she improperly allocates the tax, it does not address the practicality of imposing such a penalty. If too much pressure is placed upon the out-of-state company to collect the tax properly, that company may elect to stop collecting the tax altogether. Thus, the need for the proper allocation of local sales and use tax must be balanced against the need

Department of Taxation 14 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section IV – Potential Incentives And Penalties

for localities to receive local sales and use taxes from out-of-state retailers with no nexus in the state of Virginia. Any penalties associated with the proper allocation of the local sales and use tax, whether in response to the locality’s election not to use certified software, or their negligence in properly completing their registration, sales, or use tax forms, provide a disincentive for those dealers to continue to voluntarily collect Virginia’s taxes.

Other States

TAX recently surveyed the other forty-five states that currently impose a state sales and use tax regarding the incentives or penalties these states make available to registered dealers.

While none of the twelve responding states provides an incentive for properly

assigning the local sales and use tax, several states impose various penalties upon retailers who improperly allocate the tax. Minnesota imposes a penalty in the amount of $500 for each return on those retailers who file consolidated tax returns, but fail to report location information. Minnesota also authorizes the Tax Commissioner to revoke the privilege for a taxpayer to file consolidated returns and may require the taxpayer to separately register for and file a tax return for each location.

While Virginia’s local sales tax rate is uniform across localities, most states have local sales and use tax rates that vary from one locality to the next. This produces a greater need for penalties for businesses who improperly allocate the tax. In these instances, the penalties are generally related to the amount of tax that should have been collected. For example, New York imposes a penalty upon both in-state and out-of-state merchants for any additional tax (including penalty and interest as applicable) if the correct locality has a higher tax rate than the locality that improperly received the tax. Similarly, in Oklahoma, if an incorrect rate is charged for a city or county and the tax is underreported as a result of the retailer’s misallocation, the retailer is responsible

for any additional tax due. The retailer may also be required to pay a late filing penalty as well as interest.

Based on survey responses, if Virginia rewarded retailers who properly allocate the tax through an additional dealer discount, or imposed a penalty so as to discourage erroneous allocation of the tax, it would be one of only few states to do so. While this may encourage proper allocation of the local tax by in-state retailers, it may result in a adverse impact on local revenues to the extent that it discourages out-of-state retailers with no Virginia nexus from collecting Virginia’s use tax.

Department of Taxation 15 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Section IV – Potential Incentives And Penalties

Conclusion/Recommendation

Retail merchants and businesses appear resistant to the concept of being penalized for incorrectly allocating local revenues. There may be some Virginia localities that are equally resistant to the concept of using local Retail Sales and Use Tax revenues to reward dealers for correctly allocating local revenues. Accordingly, TAX cannot recommend any proposal to provide incentives for retailers who properly and accurately report the local Retail Sales and Use Tax or to provide penalties for those who err in reporting the tax.

Department of Taxation 16 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Appendix A

Appendix A 2009 Appropriation Act, Item 270(K)

The Department of Taxation shall (1) secure and utilize software based on Global Positioning System data in the allocation to localities of the one percent local option

sales and use tax, (2) modify remittance forms as appropriate to require each in-state vendor filing a consolidated return to report how many places of business that the vendor has in each locality, (3) provide localities with increased computer systems access to information-only data in order to facilitate local input in error identification, and (4) report to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees by September 1, 2009, on options for providing incentives and/or penalties for erroneous reporting of sales and use tax data by merchants.

Department of Taxation A-1 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Appendix B

Appendix B Locality Pending Transfers in Progress Summary

Department of Taxation B-1 September 1, 2009

--- Page 25 ---

Mock-up example: (Shows only partial for one Locality)

Department of Taxation B-2 September 1, 2009

--- Page 26 ---

XXXX

XXXXX XXXXXX

XXXXXX XXXXXXX

Department of Taxation B-3 September 1, 2009

--- Page 27 ---

Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Appendix B

Department of Taxation B-4 September 1, 2009

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Incentive and Penalty Options to Encourage the Correct Allocation of the Local Retail Sales and Use Tax Appendix B

Appendix B Sample Email and Form

Dear Tax Professional: Please find attached a copy of the newly revised Form ST-9B, Virginia Schedule of Local Taxes, that will be implemented with the July 2009 monthly sales and use tax returns for dealers who file consolidated returns on Form ST-9CO. Two major changes have been made to the ST-9B, one to provide new data and one to streamline the existing reporting requirements.

New Data: Column B1, Number of Locations in Locality, will provide critical data to facilitate the proper allocation of local sales and use tax revenues. TAX will compare this column entry with the dealer’s account records each month to ensure that we make any necessary changes to business location information in a timely manner.

Streamlined Reporting: Column E/F, Exempt Sales & Other Deductions, combines exempt sales and other deductions from gross sales as a single entry. These items are currently reported in separate categories.

Please share this information with your clients who file the Form ST-9CO, so they can prepare for the new reporting format. TAX will be mailing a letter to all affected dealer's within the next week announcing this change and providing the dealers with a copy of the new Form ST9B. We will also be notifying commercial software companies of this change. If you have any questions, please contact the Tax Professionals Hotline at (804) 367-9286. If your clients prefer to contact us directly, they can reach a representative at (804) 367-8037.

Thank you,

Lee Mikelson Director, Quality Management Services VA Department of Taxation

Department of Taxation B-5 September 1, 2009

Sales and Use Tax Audit LimitationsDoc ID: Sales

Original: 330 words
Condensed: 268 words
Reduction: 18.8%

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DEPARTNENT OF TAXATION MEMORANDUM vee

Ris MON 22252

TO: William J. West, Supervisor Technical Services Section Office Services Division

FROM: Danny M. Payne, Director Aten, Tax Policy Division d

DATE: June 9, 1983

RE: Sales and Use Tax Audit Limitations

House Bill 846 (1983, Chapter 104)

This will reply to your memorandum of June 3, 1983, requesting an interpretation of House Bill 846 (1983) relating to the statute of limitations for sales and use tax audits.

The effect of House Bill 846, which amends Virginia Code Section 58-441.38, is minimal in terms of an audit policy. The only significant change: is the new requirement that a six-year audit may be conducted only where reasonable evidence of fraud or reasonable cause to believe that the taxpayer failed to file a return when required to do so.

Therefore, in practical terms "reasonable cause to believe" a return has not been filed as requested means only that we must demonstrate, within a three-year statutory period, that the taxpayer failed to file a return for any month/quarter in which such was due. Once this is established, the statutory audit period may be extended to six years. This will, of course, primarily apply to use tax audits. .

Although the law does not become effective until July 1, 1983, we would stronaly suggest that we follow the procedures set forth above with any audits in progress or scheduled to begin in the near future.

Additionally, when any six-year audit is conducted, the audit report should clearly indicate the basis or justification for extending the audit beyond the three-year statute.

rmt

cc: J. Harris Payne

Guidance on Estimated Tax Underpayment ProceduresDoc ID: Individual

Original: 508 words
Condensed: 478 words
Reduction: 5.9%

--- Page 1 ---ed

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rs 7 4

(7%

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927909

Richmond. fF irginia

ee ed

MEMORANDUM

TO

Ron Holt,

Supervisor

Technical Services Section

Office Services Division

DATE

November 24,

1986

)

SUBJECT

Form 760C (Individual underpayment of estimated tax

ndum of November 10,

1986,

We have reviewed your memora

follow the federal procedure for

requesting authorization to

computing the addition to tax fo

r failure to pay estimated tax.

changed I.R.C.

As yo

u know, the Tax Reform Act of 1986 has

Code § 38.1-15 refers)

to provide for an

§ 6621 (to which Va.

"underpayment rate” and an

“overpayment rate” which Will change

The change is ¢

ffective for all interest accruing

quarterly.

after December 31, 19836.

The Act provides a special except

ion for the individual

estimated tax which extend

s the rate for Januar

y through March

s 90

f computing the addition for failure

to April 15 for purpose

Act § 1511 amending Aah ake<

to pay estimated tax.

§ 6621(b) (2) (B).

The exception i

s clearly intended to avoid

major compliance problems

for both the individual and the I.R.S.

blishing a form for millions of

which would be caused by pu

icable interest rates stated.

individuals without all appl

The printing of our Fo

rm 760C has been delayed pending official

deral rates for the first quarter of

confirmation of the fe

firmation that the federal

Last week we received con

1987,

(the

underpayment rate will be 9% effect

ive January: 1,

overpayment rate for r

efunds will be 8%).

The federal rates for

1987 will not be known until February.

the second quarter of

Although the federal law

only extends the interest rate for 15

days,

the language which creates

the exception is the same

1 Revenue Code to define

language used elsewhere in the Interna

Compare I.R.C.

+s

the due date of the federal income tax return.

Therefore,

I

§ 6621(b) (2) (B),

as amended,

with § 6072.

interpret the federal exception as extending the interest rate

until the due date of the income tax return.

--- Page 2 ---2 /

  • MEMORANDUM ~ M j Ron Holt

November 24, 19386

Page 2

icy behind the federal extension,

and to avoid the compliance problems which would be caused by e interest rates, I

printing Form 760C without all applicabl

construe the federal exception as authorizing Virginia to extend until the due date of Virginia's income tax return, May 1, 1987, Virginia's underpayment interest rate for the purpose of computing the addition for failure to pay the individual

estimated tax.

pbarennporbaes J/ /9/ fo Danny M. Payne, Director Date

Tax Policy Division

In order to implement the pol

APPROVED

{ ‘ . 4 } ry <_— =, == / -. . ‘ r~—$ rs Af he Me f fe

W. H. Forst Date

Tax Commissioner

ce: Raymond Dobyns Harris Payne Division Directors David Burke David Jordan

Guidance on Taxability of Boat Slip RentalsDoc ID: Sales

Original: 276 words
Condensed: 181 words
Reduction: 34.4%

--- Page 1 ---ste Ig Mate Is Tavast Camps

MEXMORANDLA

TO: Jack Wilder, Supervisor Norfolk Distriet Office

VIA: Harris Payne, Supervisor Field Services Division

DATE: Ausust 1, 1977

RE: Boat Slip Rentals

The purpose of this communication is to clarify the statements con-tained in our April 22, 1977 memorandum relative to boat slip rentals.

Thea Department has interpreted Virginta Code Section 53.441.2(2) to * =. tat

== == aa

. oe anoly only to charges for overnight-type accommodations furnished reg-

f=

ularly to transients for less than ninety continucus days.

Wien a marina or other business establish=ent rents boat slips and provides the customary hook-ups such as electricity, water and/or sewage, it is evident that an overnight-type accemodation is being furnished.

The charge made to overnight guests for a boat slip is subject to sales tet the same as When an individual rento space at a camp ground at which

to park his trailer and reside temporarily.

The rental of 2 boat slip which will be used by the custemer exclusively for the purpose of docking his boat ig considered to be a nen-taxable service cince an overnight-type accommodation is not baing furnished.

This situation is comparable to a public parking lot for rotor vehicles; therefore, the charge fer the boat slip would not be taxable. In addition, sales tax would not apply to the charge made for holding boata in dry storage as this is also deened to be a non-tamable service.

Should there be any further questions relative to this matter, please let us know.

Danny M. Payne, Supervisor Tax Policy Section @ Sales and Use Tax Division

DMP /jpa

cc: Peninsula District Office

Virginia Income Tax Penalty Rules for Pre-1990 ReturnsDoc ID: Individual

Original: 574 words
Condensed: 557 words
Reduction: 3.0%

--- Page 1 ---ue

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COMMON WEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

Richmond, Virginia 23282

MEMORANDUM

TO

Farley Beaton,

Supervisor

Information Systems Division

FROM

Janie E.

Bowen,

Director

Tax Policy Division

i

DATE

May 24, 1991

SUBJECT

HB 1830

Application of Penalties to Pre-1990 Income

Tax Returns

You requested further clarific

ation on the application of the late

filing/payment penalties for i

ncome tax

returns for taxable years

prior to 1990 that are filed before July

Specifically, you

Wish to know whether late Payment penalties w

ill continue to

accrue if such a return remains unpaid after

July 1.

If a return for a taxable

1,

the maximum amount of 1

year prior to 1990 is filed before July

ate

filing/payment penalties which may

be assessed is 15% (10% and 5%

respectively).

Thus,

a taxpayer

Will not become liable for addit

ional penalties if the return

remains unpaid after July 1.

Likewise,

sales tax returns and

other applicable returns which are subje

ct to the maximum late

filing/payment penalties of 25% prior to

July 1,

which have

already been assessed the maxi

mum penalty

for 5 months prior to

July 1,

Will not be subject to additional

penalties.

In contrast,

returns

at Se nor yet reached the maximum

which have not

et reached the maximum

penalty allowed by July 1,

may be liable for additional penalties

at the 6% rate after July 1

a

The following examples illustrate

the application of the penalty

in various situations

1A - A taxpa

yer timely files its sales tax return on

February 20,

1991 without payment.

The taxpayer would be subject

to late payment penalties of 5% per

month for the five month

period February - June,

up to the maximum penalty of 25%.

No

additional penalties wou

ld be due,

even if full payment is not

received until after July 1,

Since the taxpayer has been assessed

the maximum penalty allowed p

rior to July 1.

1B - A taxpayer timel

y files its sales tax return on April

20, 1991 without payment.

Payment penalties of 5%

The taxpayer would be subject to late

per month for April, May and June.

The

penalty rate would incre

ase to 6% per month for July and August

Since the penalty has on

ly been assessed for 3 months prior to

July l.

--- Page 2 ---

MEMORANDUM

Farley Beaton

Page Two

2A - A taxpayer files its 1989 income

Cax return in February

1991 without payment.

The taxpayer would be subject to a late

amount allowed.

filing penalty of 10% and late Payment penalty of 5%, the maximum

No additional

penalties would be due,

even if the

return remains unpaid after Jul

Y

Ul

Since the maximum amount of

penalties applicable prior to July 1 has already been assessed.

2B - A taxpayer files its 1989 income

tax return in August

1991 without payment.

The taxpayer would be

subject to late

filing/payment penalties of 6% per month, up

to the maximum 30%,

Since the return is filed after July 1.

2C - A taxpayer files its 1990 income

tax return May 15,

1991 without payment.

The taxpayer would be

subject to late

filing/payment penalties of 5% per month for

May and June.

The

rate will increase to 6% per month for July,

August and September.

I hope this answers your question.

Cc

Ron Holt,

Supervisor

Technical Services Section

Office Services Division

Extension of Withholding Tax Due DateDoc ID: Withholding

Original: 427 words
Condensed: 280 words
Reduction: 34.4%

--- Page 1 ---

ORDER EXTENDING DUE DATE

Whereas the General Assembly changed the due date for monthly withholding tax returns to the 25" of every month by 2007 Acts, ch. 753 (HB 2284); and

Whereas the legislation did not amend the portion of Va. Code § 58.1-472 requiring that monthly withholding tax returns for seasonal employers be filed on the 20" of every month; and

Whereas the five day difference in due dates for the two classes of employers filing monthly withholding tax returns is certain to cause confusion among employers, tax practitioners, and payroll service firms, and require the Department to promulgate two sets of monthly withholding tax return forms and instructions; and

Whereas the Department does not have the authority to ignore the words of a statute even though it is likely that changing the due date for seasonal monthly withholding tax returns would be consistent with the General Assembly's intent; and

Whereas Va. Code § 58.1-112 grants to the Tax Commissioner the authority to grant extensions of time to file a return or pay a tax, or both, to any class of taxpayers upon finding that the normal due date would cause undue hardship to a class of taxpayers for any reason; and

Whereas the confusion attributable to different due dates for monthly withholding tax returns for different classes of employers, and the inevitable late filing and payment penalties that will be imposed on seasonal employers who were confused by the differing due dates, causes a hardship that is not warranted by any need of the Commonwealth for revenue or rational tax administration; and is therefore an undue hardship within the meaning of Va. Code § 58.1-112;

It is therefore ORDERED that the due date for filing monthly withholding tax returns and paying withholding tax for the class of seasonal employers required to file monthly returns during any season shall be extended five days to the 25" of every month consistent with the due date for other employers filing monthly withholding tax returns.

It is further ordered that this order shall be classified as a guidance document and preserved as required by Va. Code § 58.1-112 and that the modifying the forms and instructions for monthly withholding returns to reflect this order is adequate to inform the affected class so that no further publication is required.

o |r | oy

Jafi¢ E. Bowen, Tax Commissioner Date

--- Page 2 ---Requested By

Oth Kn Bo) Patti Higgins Date Assistant Commissioner, Channel Vy vi

— 4 oY, yon Willian Whit Date Assistant Commissioner, Tax Policy

Worker Retraining Tax Credit GuidelinesDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

Original: 1,927 words
Condensed: 1,338 words
Reduction: 30.6%

--- Page 1 ---

Guidelines for the Worker Retraining Tax Credit

Introduction

During the 1997 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 2367 (1997 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 726), which established the Worker Retraining Tax Credit. This is a tax credit for employers that provide eligible worker retraining to qualified employees.

During the 2018 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 129 (2018 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 500), which modified the Worker Retraining Tax Credit by allowing a taxpayer primarily engaged in manufacturing to claim the credit for direct costs incurred in conducting orientation, instruction, and training of certain students in Virginia relating to the manufacturing activities undertaken by such taxpayer.

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the Worker Retraining Tax Credit. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va.

Code § 58.1- 202. As necessary, additional information regarding the credit will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

General Overview Effective for Taxable Year 2018 and thereafter, taxpayers may claim the Worker Retraining Tax Credit using two different bases:

 For expenditures paid or incurred for eligible worker retraining;

 For direct costs incurred during the taxable year in conducting orientation, instruction, and training of certain students in Virginia relating to the manufacturing activities undertaken by the business.

Taxpayers may claim credits using both bases in the same taxable year, to the extent they qualify.

Prior to Taxable Year 2018, the credit was allowed only for expenditures paid or incurred for

eligible worker retraining.

Credits Based on Eligible Worker Retraining

An employer may claim a credit against the individual income tax, estate and trust income tax, corporate income tax, bank franchise tax, insurance premiums license tax, and license tax on

Virginia Department of Taxation 1 November 20, 2018

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Guidelines for the Worker Retraining Tax Credit

telegraph, telephone, water, heat, light, power, and pipeline companies in an amount equal to 30 percent of all expenditures paid or incurred by the employer during the taxable year for providing eligible worker retraining to qualified employees. If the eligible worker retraining consists of courses conducted at a private school, the amount of the credit may not exceed $200 per qualified employee. If the eligible worker retraining conducted at a private school

includes retraining in a STEM or STEAM discipline, including but not limited to industry-recognized credentials, certificates, and certifications, the amount of the credit may not exceed $300 per qualified employee.

An employer is allowed to claim credits only for those courses at a comprehensive community college or a private school that have been certified as eligible worker retraining to the Department by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority (“VEDP”). Upon review of a request for certification submitted by employers, VEDP will advise the Department whether a course or program qualifies as eligible worker retraining and, if it qualifies, whether

the course or program is in a STEM or STEAM discipline. Worker retraining undertaken by any program operated, administered, or paid for by Virginia is ineligible for the credit. “Eligible worker retraining” means the retraining of a qualified employee that promotes economic development. Retraining of a qualified employee will promote economic development when the employment brings new income into Virginia, stimulates additional employment, improves existing processes, products or services, or is the basis for further economic growth. The retraining can be accomplished through: (i) noncredit courses at any Virginia community college or a private school or (ii) worker retraining programs undertaken through an apprenticeship

agreement approved by the Virginia Apprenticeship Council. “Noncredit courses” include, but are not limited to:

  • Specific job-related skills and studies;

  • Computer training due to process or equipment change of entry-level computer skills (ongoing computer software upgrades are not included);

  • Continuous improvements such as team building and quality training;

  • Management and supervisory training;

  • Safety and environmental training programs; and

  • Credit or noncredit approved apprenticeship courses.

“Qualified employee” means an employee of an employer eligible for the credit who works in a full-time position requiring a minimum of 1,680 hours in the normal year of the employer’s operation if the standard fringe benefits are offered to the employee by the employer.

Employees in seasonal or temporary positions are not qualified for this program. Employees eligible to take credit or noncredit courses undertaken through a registered apprenticeship agreement must be employed in a full-time position requiring a minimum of 1,924 hours in the normal year of the employer’s operation unless otherwise approved by the Virginia Apprenticeship Council. A qualified employee shall not be a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, or

Virginia Department of Taxation 2 November 20, 2018

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Guidelines for the Worker Retraining Tax Credit

sibling of an employer, or in the case of a corporation, an individual that owns, directly or indirectly, 5 percent or more of the corporation’s stock. Qualified employees also include employees undertaking credit or non-credit worker retraining courses through an apprenticeship agreement approved by the Virginia Apprenticeship Council.

“Retraining” means an upgrade in training for existing employees, which is identified as essential to the production or distribution of a product, rendering services, or retraining provided through an apprenticeship agreement approved by the Virginia Apprenticeship Council.

“STEM or STEAM discipline” means a science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or applied mathematics related discipline as determined by the VEDP in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This also includes health-care related disciplines.

“Training costs” means instruction, instructional materials, facilities fees, and other costs determined to be necessary to the delivery of the training. Trainee wages and curriculum development costs are not covered.

Credits Based on Manufacturing Orientation, Instruction, and Training

For Taxable Year 2018 and thereafter, a business primarily engaged in manufacturing may claim a credit against the individual or corporate income tax in an amount equal to 35 percent of its direct costs incurred during the taxable year in conducting orientation, instruction, and training of certain students in Virginia relating to the manufacturing activities undertaken by the business. No taxpayer is permitted to claim credits on this basis in excess of $2,000 per taxable year.

A business is allowed the credit only for an orientation, instruction, or training program that has been approved by the local school division and certified as eligible by VEDP. The credit cannot be claimed for manufacturing orientation, instruction, and training undertaken by any program operated, administered, or paid for by Virginia.

The credit is only allowed for programs that

  • Provide orientation, instruction, and training solely to students in grades 6 through 12;

  • Are coordinated with the local school division; and

  • Are conducted either at a plant or facility owned, leased, rented, or otherwise used by the business or at a public middle or high school in Virginia.

For purposes of the credit, direct costs only include

  • Salary and wages paid to instructors and trainers, prorated for the period of instruction or training;

  • Costs for orientation, instruction, and training materials;

  • Amounts paid for machinery and equipment used primarily for such instruction and training; and

  • The cost of leased or rented space used primarily for conducting the program.

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Guidelines for the Worker Retraining Tax Credit

“Manufacturing” means processing, manufacturing, refining, mining, or converting products for sale or resale.

“Manufacturing orientation, instruction, and training” means informational and educational programs provided for middle and high school students by manufacturing businesses in order to introduce the students to their respective industries, to encourage them to consider careers in manufacturing, and to help foster the types of skills utilized in such careers.

“Primarily engaged in manufacturing” means that either fifty percent or more of the gross receipts are derived from the sale of goods that are manufactured by the taxpayer, or fifty percent or more of the employees are engaged in manufacturing activities.

Annual Credit Cap Effective for Taxable Years 2018 and thereafter, the Worker Retraining Tax Credit is capped at $1 million per fiscal year. If the total amount of all approved credits exceeds the $1 million credit cap, each taxpayer will be granted a pro rata amount of credits as determined by the Department. The amount of the prorated credit will be determined by multiplying the amount of approved credits requested by an eligible taxpayer for the taxable year by a fraction, the

numerator of which is the $1 million credit cap, and denominator of which is the total amount of approved credits requested by all eligible taxpayers for such taxable year.

Prior to Taxable Year 2018, the Worker Retraining Tax Credit was capped at $2.5 million per fiscal year.

Application and Filing Requirements

To receive the Worker Retraining tax Credit, taxpayers must first submit a Worker Retraining Tax Credit Application, Form WRC, and any supporting documentation by April 1 of the year following the credit year to either VEDP or the Department, as specified in the Form WRC instructions.

VEDP or the Department will review all applications for completeness and notify taxpayers of any errors by May 1.

If any additional information is required, it must be provided to VEDP or the Department no later than May 15 to be considered for the credit. All eligible taxpayers will then be notified as to the amount of credits that they may claim.

Upon receiving notification of the credit amount, the taxpayer may claim the credit on the appropriate Virginia tax return. In the event that a taxpayer does not receive notification of the allowable credit amount before its Virginia tax return is due, the taxpayer may file the return during the applicable extension period, or may file the original return without claiming the credit and then file an amended tax return once notification of the allowable credit amount is received.

Pass-Through Entities A pass-through entity that is granted Worker Retraining Tax Credits is required to submit a

completed Form PTE to the Department allocating credits to its partners, members, or shareholders in proportion to their ownership interest in the entity.

Virginia Department of Taxation 4 November 20, 2018

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Guidelines for the Worker Retraining Tax Credit

Carryover Credits

Any credit not usable for the taxable year for which the credit was first allowed may be carried over for credit against the income taxes of the taxpayer in the next three succeeding taxable years, or until the total amount of the credit has been taken, whichever is sooner.

Additional Information These guidelines are available online under the Guidance Documents section of the Department’s website, located at https://tax.virginia.gov/guidance-documents. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 766-2992.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation 5 November 20, 2018

Public Service Corporation Tax Exemption RepealDoc ID: Sales

Original: 3,662 words
Condensed: 1,941 words
Reduction: 47.0%

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PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION EXEMPTION REPEAL GUIDELINES

August 30, 2004

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (TAX) to provide guidance to certain public service corporations, vendors and the public in general regarding the repeal of the retail sales and use tax exemption provided under Code of Va. § 58.1-609.3(3), effective September 1, 2004. Pursuant to House Bill 5018, enacted by the 2004 Special Session of the Virginia General Assembly and signed by Governor Warner June 3, 2004, the development and publication of these guidelines is exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process

Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia. These guidelines supplement TAX’s existing Retail Sales and Use Tax Regulations (23 Virginia Administrative Code 10-210-10 et seq.). To the extent that there is a conflict between the existing regulations and these guidelines, these guidelines supersede the regulations. As necessary, additional guidelines may be published and posted on TAX’s web page at www.tax.state.va.us.

General Overview

Effective September 1, 2004, the retail sales and use tax exemption available to public service corporations for the purchase or lease of tangible personal property used or consumed directly in the rendition of their public service is repealed. Those public service corporations losing their exemption include electric suppliers, telecommunications companies, certain telephone companies, gas, water and sewer utilities and motor vehicle common carriers. Common

carriers of property or passengers by railway do not lose their exemption. In addition, to the extent public service corporations, generating electric power, qualify for the manufacturing exemption under Code of Va. § 58.1-609.3(2), they will be prohibited from claiming the manufacturing exemption, except for raw materials that are consumed in the production of electricity, including fuel.

Additionally, House Bill 5018 authorizes any public utility that is, as a result of the passage of this legislation, subject to a sales and use tax on tangible personal property purchased or leased for use or consumption by such utility in the rendition of its public service, to impose a surcharge to recover from each customer that customer’s pro rata share of the additional sales and use taxes incurred by the utility.

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Exemption Being Repealed

Since the inception of the Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax in 1966, public service corporations have been entitled to a sales and use tax exemption for all tangible personal property purchased or leased and used directly in the rendition of their public service. Administrative items and items not used directly in the rendition of their service were subject to the tax.

Items of tangible personal property that are used directly in the rendition of a public utility service are those that are both indispensable to the actual provision of a utility service and used or consumed immediately in the performance of such service. The fact that a particular item may be considered essential to rendering a public utility service because its use is required either by law or practical necessity does not, of itself, mean that the property is used directly in the

rendition of a public utility service.

Items of tangible personal property that are to be incorporated into and will become a part of a utility's production, transmission or distribution systems are deemed to be used directly in the rendition of a public service; however, tangible personal property used in administrative and managerial activities and activities other than those noted above are deemed not to be used directly in the rendition of a public service and, therefore, are subject to the tax.

Tangible personal property, including equipment, machinery, apparatus, supplies and appliances that are used immediately in production, generation or initiation activities, is deemed to be used directly in the rendition of a utility's public service. Such exempt property also includes equipment, machinery, supplies, tools, and repair parts used to keep in operation exempt production devices and fuel or power used to operate such production devices.

Tangible personal property, including equipment, machinery, apparatus, supplies, fuel and power, appliances, pipes, wires, mains, etc., that is used immediately in the transmission or distribution of gas, water, electricity, and telephone or telegraph communications to the public, is used directly in the rendition of a utility's public service.

Additionally, equipment, machinery, tools, repair parts, and supplies and such vehicles and their equipment as are specially designed and equipped for such use are exempt from the tax when used to keep a utility's transmission or distribution system in operation or repair.

With the deregulation of the electric utilities, TAX determined that companies providing electric power, not subject to the public service corporation exemption, are to be treated as industrial manufacturers or processors and are entitled to the retail sales and use tax exemption under Va. Code § 58.1-609.3(2). Therefore,

electric utilities with generation facilities qualify for the manufacturing exemption

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for many of the purchases currently exempt under the public service corporation exemption. However, under the new law, the manufacturing exemption is largely denied to public service corporations. See the later discussion in these guidelines under the heading “Other Exemptions”.

Effective Date of Repeal

The effective date of House Bill 5018’s repeal of the public service corporation exemption is in due course. Article 4, Section 13 of the Constitution of Virginia provides that the effective date of general legislation enacted during a Special Session of the General Assembly is the first day of the fourth month following the month of adjournment of the Special Session. Accordingly, the effective date of the repeal of the public service exemption is September 1, 2004.

The repeal of the public service corporation exemption coincides with the ½% state sales and use tax increase, which also becomes effective September 1, 2004. Tangible personal property previously exempt from the retail sales tax will be subject to the tax at the rate of 5% on and after September 1, 2004.

Transitional Rules

The following rules are provided to clarify when purchases or leases of tangible personal property, previously exempt from the retail sales tax, are subject to the tax.

Taxable

  • Tangible personal property purchased on and after September 1, 2004

  • Tangible personal property delivered to a purchaser and paid for on or after September 1, 2004, regardless of when the property was ordered

  • Installment sales, when the date the contract is entered into is on or after September 1, 2004

Exempt

  • Tangible personal property ordered, delivered and paid for prior to September 1, 2004

  • Tangible personal property ordered and delivered prior to September 1, 2004, but paid for on or after September 1, 2004

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  • Installment sales, when the date the contract is entered into is prior to September 1, 2004, regardless of when the property is delivered or when payment is made

Long-term Leasing Contracts

Notwithstanding the September 1, 2004 repeal of the public service corporation exemption, no sales and use tax will be imposed on the lease payments for any tangible personal property leased pursuant to a bona fide contract that was entered into on or before March 1, 2004, provided that such tangible personal property was delivered to or placed into service by a public service corporation on or before September 1, 20041. A “bona fide” contract is one that includes specific, set terms and a payment schedule with a fixed duration.

Extension of Contracts

Generally, the extension of a bona fide leasing contract does not constitute a new contract and such equipment would remain exempt if the original contract is extended, provided the original contract was entered into on or before March 1, 2004 and the extension is executed prior to September 1, 2004. Extension of a bona fide contract after September 1, 2004 constitutes a new contract and property leased under that contract will become taxable.

Other Changes in the Terms of a Contract

Other changes in the terms of the contract, e.g., pricing, lease payments, finance charges, etc., will not change the exempt status of the tangible personal property provided the original contract was entered into on or before March 1, 2004 and the change to the bona fide contract is executed prior to September 1, 2004.

Changes in terms occurring on or after September 1, 2004 shall be viewed as a new contract for purposes of taxation.

Assignment of a Contract

The assignment of a bona fide contract does not constitute a new contract provided there is no change in the terms of the contract or the original contract terms are not extended as a result of the assignment.

1 The date contained in the 4th Enactment Clause of HB 5018 relating to the transitional rule with respect to long-term bona fide contracts is August 1, 2004, based upon the assumed effective date of the repeal of the exemption. Because the effective date of the repeal was, in accordance with the Constitution of Virginia, delayed until September 1, 2004, the August 1, 2004 date is moved back by these guidelines to September 1, 2004.

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Inventory on Hand

Tangible personal property purchased prior to September 1, 2004, under the public service corporation exemption, and placed in a tax-exempt inventory, will not lose its exempt status with the repeal of the public service corporation exemption effective September 1, 2004. Such property will also maintain its exempt status upon the withdrawal from inventory and put in use in a taxable manner.

Temporary Storage

Prior to the repeal of the exemption, tangible personal property temporarily stored in Virginia for subsequent shipment to and for use in another state could be purchased exempt of the tax as long as such property qualified for the Virginia

exemption. Absent an exemption, tangible personal property temporarily stored in Virginia for subsequent shipment to and for use in another state is taxable in Virginia.2

Effective September 1, 2004, tangible personal property brought into and stored in Virginia by a public service corporation, regardless of the fact the tangible personal property may be used out-of-state in an exempt capacity is subject to tax. For example, if a public service corporation has its central purchasing and warehousing operation in Virginia for its entire nationwide operation, all tangible personal property warehoused in Virginia would be subject to the Virginia sales and use tax, unless such property qualifies for an existing Virginia exemption.

Tax shall be accrued on such tangible personal property in the month the property is acquired by the public service corporation and brought into Virginia and remitted by the 20th day of the month following the month of acquisition or importation into Virginia.

Vendor Notification

It is the responsibility of the public service corporation losing the sales tax exemption to notify all vendors that any exemption certificate or direct payment permit previously submitted is invalid on and after September 1, 2004. Effective September 1, 2004, the vendor making sales to a public service corporation should begin charging the tax on all tangible personal property sold to the public service corporation. In the event the vendor fails to charge the tax on taxable purchases or is not required to be registered to collect Virginia sales tax, it is the responsibility of the public service corporation to accrue and remit the use tax.

Use tax may be remitted either on Line 2 of Form ST-9, Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax Return, or on Form ST-7, Virginia Consumer’s Use Tax Return. All

2 “If a taxable event occurs in Virginia, subsequent delivery of property outside this State does not immunize the taxable event.” Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Taxation v. Miller-Morton Company, 220 Va. 852, 263 S.E. 2d 413 (1980).

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public service corporations remitting use tax are required to complete a local tax distribution schedule, in a format prescribed by the Tax Commissioner. A purchase made in Virginia is subject to the local tax in the county or city where the purchase was originally made. A purchase made outside Virginia is subject to the local tax in the county or city where the property is first used.

Direct Payment Permits

Under Virginia law, the Tax Commissioner may authorize a manufacturer, mine operator, or public service corporation that is the user, consumer, distributor, or lessee to which sales, distributions, leases, or storage of tangible personal property are made under circumstances that normally make it impossible at the time of purchase to determine the manner in which such property will be used to pay the tax directly to the Tax Commissioner and waive the collection of the tax

by the dealer. With the repeal of the public service corporation exemption, regardless of the use of the property, all purchases of tangible personal property made by public service corporations will be subject to tax, except in the case of limited purchases qualifying for other exemptions. See Other Exemptions.

Effective September 1, 2004 all direct payment permits issued to public service corporations losing their exemption are hereby cancelled. Holders of direct pay permits are required to notify each of their vendors that the permit has been cancelled and future purchases are subject to the tax. Such permits shall be surrendered to the Department of Taxation no later than September 15, 2004.

Temporary Transitional Treatment

In the event a public service corporation, formerly authorized to file using a direct payment permit, is unable to make the necessary internal accounting changes to determine the proper amount of sales tax paid, such company may apply to the

Tax Commissioner to operate temporarily under a special filing authority. Any public service corporation requesting this special authority must agree to all of the following conditions:

  1. The company must have held a valid direct payment permit as of August 31, 2004.

  2. This special authority will expire one year from the date it is granted or 30 days after the conclusion of a rate making hearing with the State Corporation Commission that grants such company the authority to include the additional, incremental retail sales and use tax incurred as a result of the repeal of the public service corporation exemption under House Bill 5018 in such company’s base rates, whichever is earlier.

  3. Self-assessed taxes paid by a public service corporation filing under this special authority shall be paid on an accrual basis. That is, payment shall

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be accrued on tangible personal property in the month the property is acquired by the public service corporation and remitted by the 20th day of the month following the month of acquisition. For purposes of this special filing authority, property is deemed to be “acquired” on the earlier of the date the invoice is received from the vendor or the date the invoice is paid.

  1. All public service corporations filing under this special authority will be required to complete a local tax distribution schedule, in a format prescribed by the Tax Commissioner. A purchase made in Virginia is subject to the local tax in the county or city where the purchase was originally made. A purchase made outside Virginia is subject to the local tax in the county or city where the property is first used.

  2. No exemption shall be allowed for tangible personal property brought into

and stored in Virginia by a public service corporation, regardless of the fact the tangible personal property may ultimately be used out-of-state in an exempt capacity. For example, if a public service corporation has its central purchasing and warehousing operation in Virginia for its entire nationwide operation, all tangible personal property warehoused in Virginia would be subject to the Virginia sales and use tax, unless such property qualifies for an existing Virginia exemption. Tax shall be accrued on such tangible personal property in the month the property is acquired by the public service corporation and brought into Virginia and remitted by the 20th day of the month following the month of acquisition or importation into Virginia.

  1. No discount under Va. Code § 58.1-622 shall be allowed to a public service corporation filing under this special authority.

The Tax Commissioner reserves the right to cancel for cause any such special

filing authority granted to a public service corporation.

Vendor Notification

Public service corporations granted permission to file under this special authority shall notify each of their vendors that all previous exemption certificates or direct payment permits are no longer valid. Any public service corporation wishing to make exempt purchases pursuant to this special filing authority must furnish each vendor a new exemption certificate issued pursuant to such special filing authority. Any exemption certificate issued under this section shall expire on a date not later than one year from the date the special filing authority is granted.

Filing Information

All requests for special filing authority must be submitted in writing to the Department of Taxation, Customer Satisfaction Team, P.O. Box 546, Richmond,

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Virginia 23218-0546. Requests must include the company’s Virginia account number and name of the company as it appears on the existing direct payment permit.

Front-End Agreements

Any and all front-end agreements currently in force between TAX and any public service corporation are hereby cancelled effective September 1, 2004. Any public service corporation desiring to enter into a new front-end agreement to self assess tax on a monthly basis shall contact TAX. Taxable percentages must accurately reflect the repeal of the exemption and are subject to verification by

TAX.

Other Exemptions

In addition to the repeal of the public service corporation exemption, the 2004 General Assembly also eliminated the manufacturing exemption currently available to public service corporation electric utilities for the production of electricity, except for raw materials that are consumed in the production of electricity, including fuel. Despite the loss of the public service corporation exemption, other overlapping exemptions may be available to a public service corporation. Other sales tax exemptions that may be available include, but are not limited to the exemption for research and development, certified pollution control equipment, resale and for tangible personal property for use or consumption by the Commonwealth, any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or the United States.

Contractor’s Use Tax

Prior to September 1, 2004, contractors purchasing and installing exempt

tangible personal property under contract with an exempt public service corporation were allowed to “stand in the shoes” of the exempt public service corporation and could purchase all such property tax exempt using a Construction Contractors Exemption Certificate (Form ST-11A).

Effective September 1, 2004, contractors purchasing and installing tangible personal property for a public service corporation that is directly used in the rendition of its public service, will be considered the user and consumer of all tangible personal property consumed by them in the performance of the contract and must pay the sales or use tax on such property at the time of purchase. (See Incremental Tax for Surcharges in this document).

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Incremental Tax Recoverable through Surcharges to Customers

Any public service corporation, which is determined to be a public utility by the State Corporation Commission, is entitled to recover the amount of additional sales and use tax paid due to the repeal of the exemption as a surcharge on the customer’s bill. The recoverable tax shall be calculated based on the combined state and local sales and use tax rate effective September 1, 2004.

Taxes Paid by Contractors

The taxes incurred by a contractor as the result of the repeal of the public service corporation exemption, and the repeal of the manufacturing exemption for electric utilities, are recoverable by the public utility through a separate line item surcharge allowed under law. Only the incremental sales and use tax expense

incurred as a result of the exemption repeal is recoverable. All recoverable taxes paid by contractors must be documented and open for audit by the State Corporation Commission and the Department of Taxation. The taxes paid by a contractor as a result of the repeal of the public service corporation effective September 1, 2004, will be considered to be the incremental sales tax cost to the public service corporation for purposes of computing the surcharge.

Verification of Surcharge by State Corporation Commission

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is charged with reviewing and verifying surcharge amounts annually, based on data provided in an annual filing or other information provided to the SCC. Such review and verification shall neither constitute a rate case nor be the subject of a rate case. If the SCC determines that the amount of the surcharge differs from the actual sales and use tax paid as a result of the repeal of the exemption, a surcharge adjustment will be applied in the following year. Any excess in the surcharge will be credited

to the utility’s customer in the following year; likewise, any shortfall in the surcharge will be recoverable through a surcharge increase in the subsequent year.

Characterization of Surcharge

The federal courts have held that “the legal incidence of the Virginia sales and use tax is on the purchaser.”3 With the repeal of the retail sales and use tax exemption for public service corporations, the legal incidence of the sales and use tax falls on the utilities and not their customers. However, the legislation authorizes the public utility to recover from each customer that customer’s pro rata share of the actual expense incurred by the public utility by means of a sales and use tax surcharge. Any such surcharge for the recovery of incremental

3 See United States v. Forst, 442 F. Supp. 920 (W.D. Va. 1977) aff’d, 569 F.2d 811 (4th Cir. 1978.

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taxes paid as a result of the exemption repeal shall not be considered to be a sales or use tax imposed on the customer.

WHERE TO GET INFORMATION

For information and updates about the new sales and use tax laws, as well as other legislative changes for 2004, please visit TAX’s web page at www.tax.state.va.us.

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Virginia Sales Tax Dealer's Discount PolicyDoc ID: Sales

Original: 442 words
Condensed: 264 words
Reduction: 40.3%

--- Page 1 ---As, ee

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COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Department of Taxation She tons Richmond, Virginia 7885116 ck Proper

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Mined Sales ¢ Use

Tax ine MEMORANDUM Pests nang Healers Discount 0 Ralisse g- +0, Mt Sudject: , 3 Centrat; .. ——__ TO: Russell C. Whitehead, Jr., Superpibo MEGS c... eee Taxpayer Assistance Section 58-2159 ~-tOct: _ D ; — DATE: April 1, 1985 Compromises ee a RE: Disallowance of Sales Tax Dealer's Discount

When Tax Not Paid In Full

This will reply to your memorandum of February 7, 1985 in which you request a determination whether the sales tax dealer's discount should be disallowed when a return is filed and paid timely, but an arithmetic error causes an actual underpayment of tax.

Section 58.1-622 of the Code of Virginia provides for the dealers discount on a sales tax return "if the amount due was not delinquent at the time of payment." Under a strict reading of the statute, a dealer's discount would not be allowed when the full amount of tax due is not timely paid. However, Virginia Code Section 58.1-622 is not an exemption statute and need not be construed as strictly as an exemption statute under the law.

As a strict reading of the statute is not required, it is therefore helpful to look at our standard operating procedures in similar situations. You correctly noted in your memorandum that dealer's discounts are not disallowed when additional tax liabilities are identified through audits. It, therefore, seems reasonable that dealer's discount should not be disallowed because of a dealer's computational error. Furthermore, it is helpful to look at the intent of the legislature in enacting a statute. The dealer's discount was intended to reimburse dealers for administering and timely remitting the tax. In this situation, however, the dealer has correctly collected and timely remitted the tax, but because of a computational error has failed to remit a small portion of the tax. The statute would seem to deny the discount to a dealer only when he fails to timely pay the tax - such is not the case here.

--- Page 2 ---* “ . : i ae 7 - . ote . . ° - MEMORANDUM Page 2 | Based upon the foregoing, dealer's discount should not be denied only | when a computational error causes an otherwise timely filed and paid return to be underpaid. -(4 .

Danny M. Payne, Director Tax Policy Division | dik - | | |

4. J = _

Approved: _/ / a >

W. H. Forst

Tax Commissioner

Tax Exemptions for Foreign Military PurchasesDoc ID: Sales

Original: 209 words
Condensed: 176 words
Reduction: 15.8%

--- Page 1 --- -_ — . - ~ . ee ee

MEMORANDUM

TO: Wallace S. Cordle, Director Field Services Division

FROM: Janie E. Bowen, Director// .Yy _ Tax Policy Division y RE: Audit of n Army Detachment at Dulles Airport

DATE: March 8, 1989

After extensive research and contact with the Department of Defense and the State Department, it is our consensus that the department can properly assess tax on tangible personal property purchased in Virginia by the Army Detachment located at Dulles Airport. However, under the NATO agreement, the Virginia use tax is not applicable to tangible personal property the

1 Army purchased outside the state which is brought into Virginia for official purposes.

Purchases made by foreign embassies and diplomats are exempt from state taxation under the Vienna Convention. Additionally, items which are purchased under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program by the United States Government on behalf of foreign countries are exempt from the tax.

As provided in Article XI of the NATO Agreement, an exemption is also provided for fuel, oil and lubricants for use in service vehicles, aircraft and vessels of a foreign unit.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please give me a call.

cc: Reese Brackett, Northern District Office

2022 PPA Payment and Default GuidanceDoc ID: Administration

Original: 1,104 words
Condensed: 1,104 words
Reduction: 0.0%

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Virginia Transient Occupancy Tax Filing GuideDoc ID: Virginia

Original: 1,593 words
Condensed: 1,216 words
Reduction: 23.7%

--- Page 1 ---

Virginia Local Transient Occupancy Tax Return

INSTRUCTIONS Complete Sections A, B, and C.

To avoid penalty and/or interest, this return must be filed and paid on or before the 20th day of the following tax month.

Make check payable to the Jurisdiction.

S E C T I O N A - B U S I N E S S I N F O R M A T I O N

required field Trade Name / DBA Account Number (if known)

Business / Owner Name Physical Address

Accommodations Intermediaries MUST provide an itemized listing of addresses with the gross receipts attributable to each address reflected in this filing

S E C T I O N B - C A L C U L A T E T H E T A X

Per Night Timely Filing Name of Jurisdiction City County Town Tax Rate Charge Discount Rate % $ %

Totals ($)

  1. Total Gross Receipts for Month of Year of $

  2. Less Allowable Deductions - MUST attach supporting documents (if zero, enter '0') $

  3. Taxable Gross Receipts $
  4. Calculate Tax $
  5. Per Night Charges (if applicable) Number of Nights $
  6. Taxes and Fees $

ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDERS ONLY

  1. Less Tax or Charges Remitted on Your Behalf by Third Party a. Lodging Tax $ $ Intermediaries - You MUST provide supporting documentation to claim this deduction. b. Per Night Charges $
  2. Subtotal $
  3. Timely Filing Discount (if applicable) $ 10. Total Due $

S E C T I O N C - D E C L A R A T I O N O F O W N E R O R P R E P A R E R

Virginia Code §58.1-3907: I hereby certify this return has been examined by me, the below signee, and is to the best of my knowledge, a true, correct and complete return.

Signature Date Mailing Address*

Print Name and Title Phone Number Email Address* Last Modified: 10/2023 [TABLE 1-1] | Virginia Local Transient Occupancy Tax Return INSTRUCTIONS Complete Sections A, B, and C. | | To avoid penalty and/or interest, this return must be filed and paid on or before the 20th day of the following tax month.

Make check payable to the Jurisdiction.

SECTION A - BUSINESS INFORMATION required field Trade Name / DBA Account Number (if known) Business / Owner Name Physical Address Accommodations Intermediaries MUST provide an itemized listing of addresses with the gross receipts attributable to each address reflected in this filing SECTION B - CALCULATE THE TAX Per Night Timely Filing Name of Jurisdiction City County Town Tax Rate Charge Discount Rate % $ % Totals ($)

  1. Total Gross Receipts for Month of Year of $
  2. Less Allowable Deductions - MUST attach supporting documents (if zero, enter '0') $
  3. Taxable Gross Receipts $
  4. Calculate Tax $
  5. Per Night Charges (if applicable) Number of Nights $
  6. Taxes and Fees $

ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDERS ONLY

  1. Less Tax or Charges Remitted on Your Behalf by Third Party a.Lodging Tax $ $ Intermediaries - You MUST provide supporting documentation to claim this deduction. b.Per Night Charges $
  2. Subtotal $
  3. Timely Filing Discount (if applicable) $ 10.Total Due $

SECTION C - DECLARATION OF OWNER OR PREPARER Virginia Code §58.1-3907: I hereby certify this return has been examined by me, the below signee, and is to the best of my knowledge, a true, correct and complete return.

Signature Date Mailing Address Print Name and Title Phone Number Email Address Last Modified: 10/2023 |

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 1-2]

INSTRUCTIONS Complete Sections A, B, and C.

To avoid penalty and/or interest, this return must be filed and paid on or before the 20th day of the following tax month.

Make check payable to the Jurisdiction.

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 1-3]

| SECTION A - BUSINESS INFORMATION

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 1-4]

| SECTION B - CALCULATE THE TAX

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 1-5] | | | | | Totals ($)

  1. Total Gross Receipts for | Month of | | | Year of | $
  2. Less Allowable Deductions - MUST attach supporting documents (if zero, enter '0') | | | | | $
  3. Taxable Gross Receipts | | | | | $
  4. Calculate Tax | | | | | $
  5. Per Night Charges (if applicable) | | Number of Nights | | | $
  6. Taxes and Fees | | | | | $

ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDERS ONLY

  1. Less Tax or Charges Remitted on Your Behalf by Third Party a.Lodging Tax $ Intermediaries - You MUST provide supporting documentation to claim this deduction. b.Per Night Charges $ | | | | | $ | | | b.Per Night Charges $ | |
  2. Subtotal | | | | | $
  3. Timely Filing Discount (if applicable) | | | | | $ 10.Total Due | | | | | $

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 1-6]

| SECTION C - DECLARATION OF OWNER OR PREPARER

[/TABLE]

--- Page 2 ---

Virginia Local Transient Occupancy Tax Return

Section B - Definitions and Formulas

1 . T O T A L G R O S S R E C E I P T S

All revenue collected during the immediately preceding month.

2 . L E S S A L L O W A B L E D E D U C T I O N S Examples: Exempt Rentals, refund on rentals, discounts, etc.

3 . T A X A B L E G R O S S R E C E I P T S

Subtract Line 2 from Line 1

4 . C A L C U L A T E T A X

Multiply Line 3 with the jurisdiction tax rate

5 . P E R N I G H T C H A R G E S ( I F A P P L I C A B L E )

In addition to a lodging tax rate on gross receipts, some jurisdictions also require collection of a per night fee. Check with the jurisdiction to see if this fee applies and the amount

Multiply the number of nights by the per night charge.

If no per night charge, enter '0' or leave blank.

6 . T A X E S A N D F E E S

Add Line 4 and Line 5

7(cid:32) . L(cid:32) E(cid:32) S(cid:32) S T(cid:32) A(cid:32) X O(cid:32) R C(cid:32) H(cid:32) A(cid:32) R(cid:32) G(cid:32) E(cid:32) S R(cid:32) E(cid:32) M(cid:32) I(cid:32) T(cid:32) T(cid:32) E(cid:32) D O(cid:32) N Y(cid:32) O(cid:32) U(cid:32) R B(cid:32) E(cid:32) H(cid:32) A(cid:32) L(cid:32) F B(cid:32) Y(cid:32) T(cid:32) H(cid:32) I(cid:32) R(cid:32) D P(cid:32) A(cid:32) R(cid:32) T(cid:32) Y I(cid:32) N(cid:32) T(cid:32) E(cid:32) R(cid:32) M(cid:32) E(cid:32) D(cid:32) I(cid:32) A(cid:32) R(cid:32) I(cid:32) E(cid:32) S

For Accommodations Providers ONLY. If lodging tax or per night charges were remitted on your behalf by one or more third party intermediaries, enter those amounts in ‘a’ and ‘b’ and their total. Submit documentation for each intermediary.

8 . S U B T O T A L

Subtract Line 7 from Line 6

9 . T I M E L Y F I L I N G D I S C O U N T ( I F A P P L I C A B L E ) Some localities allow a percentage discount for the timely filing and payment of transient occupancy tax. Check with the jurisdiction to determine if such a discount is allowed and the percentage. Percentage must be entered manually.

Multiply Line 8 by the timely filing discount rate. If no discount applies, enter '0' or leave blank

1 0 . T O T A L D U E

Subtract Line 9 from Line 8

Transient Occupancy Tax returns are due by the 20th day of each month; if the payment is made after the 20th, a penalty, late filing fee, or interest may apply. Rates vary by jurisdiction.

Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia [TABLE 2-1] Virginia Local Transient Occupancy Tax Return Section B - Definitions and Formulas

  1. TOTAL GROSS RECEIPTS All revenue collected during the immediately preceding month.
  2. LESS ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS Examples: Exempt Rentals, refund on rentals, discounts, etc.
  3. TAXABLE GROSS RECEIPTS Subtract Line 2 from Line 1
  4. CALCULATE TAX Multiply Line 3 with the jurisdiction tax rate
  5. PER NIGHT CHARGES (IF APPLICABLE) In addition to a lodging tax rate on gross receipts, some jurisdictions also require collection of a per night fee. Check with the jurisdiction to see if this fee applies and the amount Multiply the number of nights by the per night charge.

If no per night charge, enter '0' or leave blank.

  1. TAXES AND FEES Add Line 4 and Line 5 7(cid:32). L(cid:32)E(cid:32)S(cid:32)S T(cid:32)A(cid:32)X O(cid:32)R C(cid:32)H(cid:32)A(cid:32)R(cid:32)G(cid:32)E(cid:32)S R(cid:32)E(cid:32)M(cid:32)I(cid:32)T(cid:32)T(cid:32)E(cid:32)D O(cid:32)N Y(cid:32)O(cid:32)U(cid:32)R B(cid:32)E(cid:32)H(cid:32)A(cid:32)L(cid:32)F B(cid:32)Y(cid:32) T(cid:32)H(cid:32)I(cid:32)R(cid:32)D P(cid:32)A(cid:32)R(cid:32)T(cid:32)Y I(cid:32)N(cid:32)T(cid:32)E(cid:32)R(cid:32)M(cid:32)E(cid:32)D(cid:32)I(cid:32)A(cid:32)R(cid:32)I(cid:32)E(cid:32)S For Accommodations Providers ONLY. If lodging tax or per night charges were remitted on your behalf by one or more third party intermediaries, enter those amounts in ‘a’ and ‘b’ and their total. Submit documentation for each intermediary.
  2. SUBTOTAL Subtract Line 7 from Line 6
  3. TIMELY FILING DISCOUNT (IF APPLICABLE) Some localities allow a percentage discount for the timely filing and payment of transient occupancy tax. Check with the jurisdiction to determine if such a discount is allowed and the percentage. Percentage must be entered manually.

Multiply Line 8 by the timely filing discount rate. If no discount applies, enter '0' or leave blank

  1. TOTAL DUE Subtract Line 9 from Line 8 Transient Occupancy Tax returns are due by the 20th day of each month; if the payment is made after the 20th, a penalty, late filing fee, or interest may apply. Rates vary by jurisdiction.

Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia

[/TABLE]

Virginia Tax Collection ProceduresDoc ID: Administration

Original: 99,211 words
Condensed: 76,764 words
Reduction: 22.6%

Office of Compliance

Last Published – August 26, 2022Introduction........................................................................................................................... 1 Virginia Tax Purpose, Mission, Vision, Values, Goals, Strategies and Code of Ethics .............................. 1 Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................................... 3 Collection Process Overview ............................................................................................................... 3 Role of Delinquent Collections Unit (DCU) ................................................................................................................ 3 Role of Outside Collection Agencies (OCA) ................................................................................................................ 9 Role of Field Collections ............................................................................................................................................. 9 Chapter 2 ............................................................................................................................. 14 Initial Steps of the Collection Process ................................................................................................ 14 Account Assignments ............................................................................................................................................... 15 Establishing Collection Priorities .............................................................................................................................. 16 Field Agent Case Review Scorecard ..................................................................................................................... 16 New Accounts ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 Existing Accounts ................................................................................................................................................. 19 Exhibit 2a - Complete Listing and Description of CACSG States ...................................................................... 20 Chapter 3 ............................................................................................................................. 32 Taxpayer Contact .............................................................................................................................. 32 Incoming Telephone Calls ........................................................................................................................................ 32 Outgoing Telephone Calls ........................................................................................................................................ 32 Address Updates ...................................................................................................................................................... 34 Incoming Correspondence ....................................................................................................................................... 37 Outgoing Correspondence ....................................................................................................................................... 38 Email Documentation .............................................................................................................................................. 39 Exhibit 3a – Listing of CACSG Letters .............................................................................................................. 40 Exhibit 3b – Required Phone Verification ....................................................................................................... 42 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 42 Exhibit 3b – Required Phone Verification - Continued ................................................................................... 43 Chapter 4 ............................................................................................................................. 44 Field Visits, Meetings, and Incidents with Taxpayers .......................................................................... 44 Field Visit or Meeting Preparation ........................................................................................................................... 44 Post Field Visit or Meeting ....................................................................................................................................... 44 Field Safety .............................................................................................................................................................. 45 iPhones .................................................................................................................................................................... 45 Incidents with Taxpayers ......................................................................................................................................... 47 Exhibit 4a - Itinerary in Google Sheets ............................................................................................................ 48 Exhibit 4b – Instructions for Installation and Application of Google Sheets on Tax Issued iPad .................... 49 Exhibit 4c - Statement of Expectations (English and Spanish) ........................................................................ 54 Chapter 5 ............................................................................................................................. 56 Collection Tools ................................................................................................................................ 56 Collection Notices .................................................................................................................................................... 56 Payment Agreements .............................................................................................................................................. 56 Reviewing an Account Prior to Establishing a Payment Agreement ................................................................. 56 Discussing/Negotiating Payment Agreements with the Taxpayer ................................................................... 57 Creating a Payment Agreement ......................................................................................................................... 57 EFT Payment Plans .............................................................................................................................................. 58 iPad Payment Plans ............................................................................................................................................ 58 Approving Payment Agreements ....................................................................................................................... 58 Denying Payment Agreements ........................................................................................................................... 58 Monitoring Payment Agreements ...................................................................................................................... 58 Defaulted Payment Agreements ........................................................................................................................ 58 Online Payment Agreements (Web PPA) ........................................................................................................... 59 Tele-Plan ............................................................................................................................................................. 59 Third Party Lien ........................................................................................................................................................ 59 Memorandum of Lien .............................................................................................................................................. 62 Criteria for Issuing a Memorandum of Lien......................................................................................................... 62 Memorandum of Lien Statute of Limitations ...................................................................................................... 62 Memorandum of Lien on Converted Assessments ............................................................................................. 62 Memorandum of Lien on Pass-Through Entity .................................................................................................... 62 Triple Seal Memorandum of Lien ........................................................................................................................ 62 Handling Memorandum of Lien Inquiries ............................................................................................................ 63 Taxpayer Inquiries ............................................................................................................................................... 63 Inquiries from Attorneys, Financial Institutions, and Loan Institutions .............................................................. 63 Memorandum of Lien Follow-Up ........................................................................................................................ 66 Releasing a Memorandum of Lien ....................................................................................................................... 66 Partial Vacate or Vacate Memorandum of Lien .................................................................................................. 66 Memorandum of Lien Subordination .................................................................................................................. 67 Expunge a Memorandum of Lien ........................................................................................................................ 67 Notice to Appear in Lieu of Summons ..................................................................................................................... 67 Subpoenas and Summonses .................................................................................................................................... 67 Subpoena Duces Tecum ...................................................................................................................................... 68 Writ of Fieri Facias ................................................................................................................................................... 68 Jeopardy Assessments ............................................................................................................................................. 69 STOPS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 69 Exhibit 5a – Quick Reference for Establishing Payment Plans and Issuing MOL’s .......................................... 70 Exhibit 5b – Third Party Lien Release and Adjustment Procedures ............................................................... 72 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 72 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 73 Chapter 6 ............................................................................................................................. 74 Hearings, Padlock, and Revocation .................................................................................................... 74 Padlock Process ....................................................................................................................................................... 74 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................... 74 Relevant Code or Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) ........................................................................................ 74 Businesses Not Subject to Padlock ...................................................................................................................... 74 Required Padlock Prerequisite Actions ............................................................................................................... 75 Padlock Hearing ................................................................................................................................................... 75 Supervisor Review and Approval ......................................................................................................................... 75 Assignment and Scheduling................................................................................................................................. 76 Delivery of the Notice of Intent to Padlock ......................................................................................................... 76 Correction of Erroneous Assessment Filed After Delivery of the Notice of Intent ............................................. 77 Conducting the Padlock Hearing ......................................................................................................................... 77 Failure to Attend the Hearing .............................................................................................................................. 78 Monitoring the Hearing Agreement .................................................................................................................... 78 Scheduling and Preparing for the Padlock .......................................................................................................... 79 Scheduling the Padlock........................................................................................................................................ 79 Preparing for the Padlock .................................................................................................................................... 79 Padlocking ........................................................................................................................................................... 80 After the Padlock ................................................................................................................................................. 81 Writ of Fieri Facias Levy to Sell Assets at Auction ............................................................................................... 81 Application of monies from sale of assets ........................................................................................................... 82 Removing the Padlock ......................................................................................................................................... 83 Conducting a Show Cause Hearing .......................................................................................................................... 83 Role of the Hearing Officer .................................................................................................................................. 83 During the Hearing .............................................................................................................................................. 83 Conclusion of Hearing ......................................................................................................................................... 84 Revoking a Certificate of Registration ..................................................................................................................... 84 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................... 84 Businesses Not Subject to Revocation ................................................................................................................ 84 Required Revocation Prerequisite Actions .......................................................................................................... 84 Revocation Hearing ............................................................................................................................................. 84 Supervisor Review and Approval ......................................................................................................................... 85 Assignment and Scheduling................................................................................................................................. 85 Delivery of the Notice of Hearing on Revocation ................................................................................................ 85 Correction of Erroneous Assessment Filed After Delivery of the Notice of Intent ............................................. 86 Conducting the Revocation Hearing .................................................................................................................... 87 Failure to Attend the Hearing .............................................................................................................................. 87 Monitoring the Hearing Agreement .................................................................................................................... 88 Scheduling and Preparing for the Revocation ..................................................................................................... 88 Scheduling the Revocation .................................................................................................................................. 89 Revocation ........................................................................................................................................................... 89 Monitoring a Business after Revocation of a Certificate of Registration ............................................................ 89 Remedies for Reinstatement of a Certificate of Registration ............................................................................. 90 Exhibit 6b – Padlock Referral .......................................................................................................................... 92 Exhibit 6c – Hearing Record ............................................................................................................................ 93 Exhibit 6d – Permission to Attend Hearing ..................................................................................................... 94 Exhibit 6e –Padlock List ................................................................................................................................... 95 Chapter 7 ......................................................................................................................................... 96 Criminal Warrants ............................................................................................................................ 96 Criminal Warrant Types ........................................................................................................................................... 96 Criminal Warrants – Responsible Party ............................................................................................................... 96 Prior to Requesting a Criminal Warrant .............................................................................................................. 97 Requesting a Criminal Warrant ........................................................................................................................... 97 Issuing a Criminal Complaint ............................................................................................................................... 97 Grand Jury ................................................................................................................................................................ 98 Preliminary Hearing ............................................................................................................................................. 98 Warrant of Arrest ................................................................................................................................................ 98 Subpoenas, Affidavits and Agreements .............................................................................................................. 98 Preparing for Trial ................................................................................................................................................ 99 Presenting a Case in Court .................................................................................................................................. 99 Monitoring a Court Case ..................................................................................................................................... 99 Exhibit 7a - Criminal Warrant Approval ........................................................................................................ 100 Exhibit 7b – Account Summary for Grand Jury ............................................................................................. 100 Chapter 8 ........................................................................................................................... 102 Bonds ............................................................................................................................................. 102 Bond Reasons ........................................................................................................................................................ 102 Capture or Return of a Bond ............................................................................................................................. 102 Processing a Bond ............................................................................................................................................. 102 Exhibit 8a - Bond Memorandum ................................................................................................................... 103 Chapter 9 ........................................................................................................................... 104 Additional Collection Procedures .................................................................................................... 104 Successor Liability .................................................................................................................................................. 104 Discovering the Sale of a Business .................................................................................................................... 105 Steps for Enforcing Successor Liability .............................................................................................................. 105 Offer in Compromise ............................................................................................................................................. 107 How to Request an Offer in Compromise ......................................................................................................... 107 How to Retrieve an OIC Case in Siebel .............................................................................................................. 109 Converted Assessment .......................................................................................................................................... 110 Assessing Unpaid Taxes to Responsible Officers ............................................................................................... 110 Identifying Individuals Presumed to be Responsible......................................................................................... 111 Notice of Personal Responsibility ...................................................................................................................... 111 Determination of Responsibility ........................................................................................................................ 111 Notice of Personal Responsibility Hearing (Show Cause Hearing) .................................................................... 112 Follow-Up Action ............................................................................................................................................... 112 Converted CACSG States ................................................................................................................................... 112 Exhibit 9a – Successor Liability Letter ........................................................................................................... 115 Exhibit 9b – Offer in Compromise Chart ....................................................................................................... 116 Chapter 10 ......................................................................................................................... 117 Statute of Limitations ..................................................................................................................... 117 HB643 7 Year Statute of Limitations on Collection Action ................................................................................ 118 Limitation on the Collection of Taxes by Virginia Tax........................................................................................ 118 Statute of Limitations on Assessments ............................................................................................................. 118 Statute of Limitations on Conversions .............................................................................................................. 118 Statute of Limitations on Refund/Amended Returns ........................................................................................ 118 Statute of Limitations on Memorandum of Liens ............................................................................................. 119 Refund Match Statute of Limitations ................................................................................................................ 119 Exhibit 10a – Limitations on Issuing Assessments ........................................................................................ 120 Chapter 11 ......................................................................................................................... 122 Compliance Enforcement ................................................................................................................ 122 Sales and Use Tax Registration Compliance .......................................................................................................... 122 Registration Compliance – Taxes Other Than Sales & Use .................................................................................... 122 Monitoring Compliance for Fairs, Flea Markets, Craft Shows, Festivals, etc. ........................................................ 123 Flea Markets ...................................................................................................................................................... 123 Festivals, Carnivals, Craft Shows, and Special Events ........................................................................................ 123 Tobacco Tax Compliance ....................................................................................................................................... 124 Exhibit 11a - Notice of Violation ................................................................................................................... 125 Exhibit 11b - ST-50 ........................................................................................................................................ 126 Chapter 12 ......................................................................................................................... 128 Bankruptcy Overview ..................................................................................................................... 128 Bankruptcy System Actions .................................................................................................................................. 128 Harris & Harris .................................................................................................................................................. 129 Referring Accounts to the Bankruptcy Unit ......................................................................................................... 129 Guidelines .............................................................................................................................................................. 130 Bankruptcy Notifications ...................................................................................................................................... 130 Third Party Liens on Bankruptcy Accounts ........................................................................................................... 130 Payment Plans on Bankruptcy Accounts .............................................................................................................. 130 Dismissals & Discharges ........................................................................................................................................ 131 Chapter 13 ......................................................................................................................... 133 Working with Other Units and Agencies .......................................................................................... 133 Referring Accounts for Audits ................................................................................................................................ 133 Referring Accounts to Outside Collection Agencies .............................................................................................. 133 Handling Outside Collection Agency Accounts .................................................................................................. 134 Exchanging Information with State and Federal Agencies .................................................................................... 134 Disclosure (UNAX) of Information ......................................................................................................................... 135 Chapter 14 ......................................................................................................................... 137 Accounting Transactions ................................................................................................................. 137 Abatements ........................................................................................................................................................... 138 Adjustments ........................................................................................................................................................... 138 Add Charges ........................................................................................................................................................... 138 Closing (ELD) Businesses and/or Tax Accounts ...................................................................................................... 139 Conversions ........................................................................................................................................................... 139 Correct Posting ...................................................................................................................................................... 139 Correct Remittance ................................................................................................................................................ 140 Create Business Nonfiler Assessment .................................................................................................................... 140 Create Return......................................................................................................................................................... 140 Discharges .............................................................................................................................................................. 141 Move Tax Account ................................................................................................................................................. 142 Move Tax Account Period ...................................................................................................................................... 142 Overpayments ....................................................................................................................................................... 142 Remove and/or Reinstate a Tax Return ................................................................................................................. 142 Registration ............................................................................................................................................................ 143 Worklists (New) ..................................................................................................................................................... 143 Write-Off ................................................................................................................................................................ 144 Exhibit 14a - Guidance for Waiver of Penalty and Interest ........................................................................... 145 Chapter 15 ......................................................................................................................... 153 Customer Service and Taxpayer Rights ............................................................................................ 153 Providing Service to Customers ............................................................................................................................. 153 Taxpayer Bill of Rights ............................................................................................................................................ 154 Chapter 16 ......................................................................................................................... 155 Payments and Payment Agreements ............................................................................................... 155 Establishing Payment Plans ................................................................................................................................... 155 Handling Cash Payments ....................................................................................................................................... 156 Receipt Book Procedure ........................................................................................................................................ 156 Handling Checks and Money Orders ...................................................................................................................... 157 iPad Payments with Banking Information ............................................................................................................. 158 iPad Payments with Credit Card ............................................................................................................................ 159 Incorrect iPad Payments ........................................................................................................................................ 160 Bank Deposits ........................................................................................................................................................ 160 Field Agent’s Transmittal Report ........................................................................................................................... 160 Exhibit 16a – Quick Reference for Establishing Payment Plans and Issuing MOL’s – Non-Habitual Taxpayers ...................................................................................................................................................................... 161 Exhibit 16b – Quick Reference for Establishing Payment Plans and Issuing MOLS – Habitual Taxpayers .... 162 Exhibit 16c – iPad Payment Form (front) ...................................................................................................... 163 Exhibit 16c – iPad Payment Form (back) ....................................................................................................... 164 Exhibit 16d – Transmittal .............................................................................................................................. 165 Chapter 17 ......................................................................................................................... 166 Calendars and Miscellaneous Policies .............................................................................................. 166 G Suite Calendar .................................................................................................................................................... 166 How to Clear Cache Files in Google ................................................................................................................... 166 Gmail – Miscellaneous Information ....................................................................................................................... 168 Mail ........................................................................................................................................................................ 168 Meetings ................................................................................................................................................................ 168 Cell Phones ............................................................................................................................................................ 168 Office Supplies ....................................................................................................................................................... 169 Postage .................................................................................................................................................................. 169 Professionalism ...................................................................................................................................................... 169 Break-Ins ................................................................................................................................................................ 169 Dress Code ............................................................................................................................................................. 169 Relocation .............................................................................................................................................................. 171 Workers Compensation Claims .............................................................................................................................. 171 Chapter 18 ......................................................................................................................... 171 Backscanning, Processing and Dead End Accounts ........................................................................... 171 Processing and Back Scan .................................................................................................................................. 171 FAQs for Biscom Faxcom ................................................................................................................................... 173 Dead End Accounts ............................................................................................................................................ 174 Business Account ............................................................................................................................................... 174 Individual Income Tax Account ......................................................................................................................... 175 Converted Account ............................................................................................................................................ 175 Exhibit 18a – Tax Processing Work Order ..................................................................................................... 176 Exhibit 18b – Document Separator Sheet ..................................................................................................... 177 Chapter 19 ......................................................................................................................... 178 Deceased Taxpayers Accounts ......................................................................................................... 178 Returned Mail Addressed to the Taxpayer ............................................................................................................ 178 Returned Mail Addressed to a Lien Source............................................................................................................ 178 Mail Received from a Spouse or a Third Party ....................................................................................................... 179 Chapter 20 ......................................................................................................................... 180 Timekeeping and Leave Policies ...................................................................................................... 180 Timekeeping .......................................................................................................................................................... 180 Leave Request ........................................................................................................................................................ 181 Annual Leave ..................................................................................................................................................... 181 Unplanned Sick Leave (Illness) .......................................................................................................................... 181 Planned Sick Leave (Scheduled Appointments) ................................................................................................ 181 Out of Office .......................................................................................................................................................... 182 Leave Approval ...................................................................................................................................................... 182 Attendance ............................................................................................................................................................ 182 TAL ......................................................................................................................................................................... 182 Breaks .................................................................................................................................................................... 183 Lunch ..................................................................................................................................................................... 183 Chapter 21 ......................................................................................................................... 184 State Equipment ............................................................................................................................. 184 i-Pads ..................................................................................................................................................................... 184 Setting Updates ................................................................................................................................................. 184 Hotspot .............................................................................................................................................................. 185 Duo-Mobile Setting ........................................................................................................................................... 186 Incorrect iPad Payments.................................................................................................................................... 186 Laptops .................................................................................................................................................................. 186 Map Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 186 VoIP Phones ........................................................................................................................................................... 187 Transferring Calls from VoIP .................................................................................................................................. 189 Chapter 22 ......................................................................................................................... 190 Standards of Conduct, Confidentiality, and Disclosure ..................................................................... 190 Information Security .............................................................................................................................................. 190 Confidentiality of Taxpayer Information................................................................................................................ 190 Confidentiality and Disclosure ............................................................................................................................... 190 Confidential Information ................................................................................................................................... 190 Disclosure .......................................................................................................................................................... 191 Authorized Disclosure Includes the Following: ................................................................................................. 191 Unauthorized Disclosure Examples: .................................................................................................................. 191 Reporting Unauthorized Disclosures ................................................................................................................. 192 Request for Advice on Disclosure Matters ............................................................................................................ 192 Browsing ................................................................................................................................................................ 192 Reporting Unauthorized Browsing .................................................................................................................... 192 Confidentiality/Disclosure Issues Affecting Field Personnel .................................................................................. 192 Written Authorization and Powers of Attorney .................................................................................................... 194 Safeguarding and Disposing Tax Information Furnished by IRS ............................................................................ 194 Safeguarding and Disposing State Tax Information ............................................................................................... 194 Request for Advice on Disclosure Matters ............................................................................................................ 194 How to Avoid Phishing Attacks .............................................................................................................................. 195 Exhibit 22a - Standards of Conduct ............................................................................................................... 196 Exhibit 22b - Virginia Tax Incident Response Policy ...................................................................................... 198 Exhibit 22c – Use of Electronic Communications and Social Media ............................................................. 199 Exhibit 22d - Safeguarding Taxpayer Information Overview ........................................................................ 205 Chapter 23 ......................................................................................................................... 206 Teleworking ................................................................................................................................... 206 Exhibit 23a – Teleworking Policy ................................................................................................................... 207 Exhibit 23b – Flex Work Agreement ............................................................................................................. 213 Chapter 24 ......................................................................................................................... 219 Travel ............................................................................................................................................. 219 Travel Time ............................................................................................................................................................ 219 Travel within an Assigned Territory and District ............................................................................................... 219 Travel Estimate .................................................................................................................................................. 219 Reimbursement for Expenses............................................................................................................................ 220 Exhibit 24a - Travel Estimate Form ............................................................................................................... 221 Exhibit 24b - Travel Expense Reimbursement Voucher ................................................................................ 222 Chapter 25 ......................................................................................................................... 224 State Vehicles ................................................................................................................................. 224 Use of State Owned Vehicles ................................................................................................................................. 224 State Vehicle Accidents or Incidents ................................................................................................................. 225 Accident or Incident Reports ............................................................................................................................. 225 Summary of Accident Reporting and Repairs .................................................................................................... 225 Removal or Recall of Fleet Vehicles from Agency ............................................................................................. 225 State Car Expense Report .................................................................................................................................. 226 Exhibit 25a - Automobile Incident Report ..................................................................................................... 231 Exhibit 25b - Laminated Insurance Card ....................................................................................................... 233 Exhibit 25c - In Case of an Accident (Yellow Laminated Card – Front) ......................................................... 234 Exhibit 25d - In Case of an Accident (Yellow Laminated Card – Back) .......................................................... 235 Exhibit 25e - Use of a State Vehicle .............................................................................................................. 236 Exhibit 25f – Vehicle Cleaning Tips................................................................................................................ 238 Chapter 26 ......................................................................................................................... 239 Learning Resources ......................................................................................................................... 239 Job Shadow Program ............................................................................................................................................. 240 TAXi Toolbox Resources ......................................................................................................................................... 241 Exhibit 26a - Required Employee Training Courses ...................................................................................... 243 Chapter 27 ......................................................................................................................... 246 Using Technology ........................................................................................................................... 246 Using Other State Agency Systems ........................................................................................................................ 246 Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) ........................................................................................................... 246 Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – ........................................................................................................... 246 State Corporation Commission (SCC) – ............................................................................................................. 246 Court Sites for MOL Research ........................................................................................................................... 246 Locating MOL Information in LexisNexis Accurint ............................................................................................. 247 Virginia Department of Taxation Website ............................................................................................................. 249 Commonwealth of Virginia and Federal Websites ................................................................................................ 249 Telephone Number and Address Resources .......................................................................................................... 249 Directory Assistance: Phone Numbers, Addresses (see Chapter 3) and Maps ................................................. 250 Maps, Applications and Driving Directions........................................................................................................ 250 Zip Codes and Addresses, see Chapter 3 ........................................................................................................... 250 Miscellaneous Information................................................................................................................................ 250 Training Resources ................................................................................................................................................. 250 Human Resources and Other Benefits ................................................................................................................... 250 Exhibit 27a & 27b – Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) ...................................................................... 251 Exhibit 27a – Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) ................................................................................. 252 Exhibit 27b –Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ............................................................................................ 258 Exhibit 27c – State Corporation Commission (SCC) ...................................................................................... 269 Appendix ........................................................................................................................... 275 ~ NOTICE ~ Refresher Training as well as annual review sessions will be conducted to ensure that all field employees are consistently following standard procedures. Collections management will distribute communications as well as schedule and host weekly staff meetings to discuss policy and procedural changes as they occur. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

The following tag-line information will appear on the bottom of any weekly communications and/or agendas by managers, supervisors, and team leads. “The Agency will not tolerate any violation of law, corruption, neglect of duty, misconduct or unethical behavior, acts of fraud, theft, waste, abuse of any kind, or any unethical activity/behaviors. All employees are encouraged to bring suspected fraud, waste, abuse, and safety concerns to the attention of management, HR or call the OSIG hotline 800-723-1615 (fraud, waste or abuse)”.

Introduction The Virginia Department of Taxation, Office of Customer Relations, Compliance Unit, is responsible for enforcing compliance with the tax laws of the Commonwealth as set forth in the Code of Virginia §58.1 (see Agency Organization Chart in TAXi). The Field Collections Guide is designed to assist Field Agents in performing their job duties in accordance with the agency’s Purpose, Mission, Vision, Values, Goals, Strategies and Code of Ethics. All Compliance employees are required annually to take and pass an on-line class on Virginia Ethics.

State Tax Field Agents whose primary duties are the enforcement of the statutes administered by Virginia Department of Taxation (Virginia Tax) have prepared this guide for use. It is not intended to replace directives or regulations.

Virginia Tax Purpose, Mission, Vision, Values, Goals, Strategies and Code of Ethics Purpose Funding Virginia’s today and tomorrow.

Mission Serving the public by acting ethically and efficiently in our administration of Virginia’s tax laws.

Vision To be the nations’ leading tax administration agency through a customer-first focus and a culture based on accountability, collaboration, and trust.

Values  Act with Integrity  Strive for Excellence  Demonstrate Respect

Goals  Maximize Cost Effectiveness  Optimize the Value of Time  Improve Customer Satisfaction  Increase and Sustain Employee Satisfaction

Strategies  Strengthen our Workforce  Improve Stakeholder Experience  Optimize and Re-engineer Technology

Code of Ethics Virginia Tax’s Code of Ethics is not intended to be all-inclusive, but serves as a guide for appropriate business conduct. 1 Our employees will uphold these professional and ethical standards in support of the agency's mission, values, and vision:  Commit to the highest ideals of honesty, personal and professional integrity, fairness, and ethical values.  Avoid any actual or perceived conflict of interest by not accepting forms of gifts, favors, or items of monetary value that violate the State and Local Government Conflict of Interest Act.  Earn respect, trust, and confidence of the public, elected and public officials, and coworkers in providing professional services.  Embrace diversity and protect the rights of others by treating all persons in a non-discriminatory, ethical, dignified, evenhanded, respectful, and courteous manner.  Abide by agency and Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) policies to include the Standards of Conduct.  Protect agency and public resources against their use for personal or private benefit and gain except where specifically allowed by policy.  Become entrusted stewards in financial management and the use of other public resources such as electronic communications and information systems, materials, equipment, and supplies.  Expose any violation of law, corruption, neglect of duty, and misconduct or unethical behavior; and will not conduct or condone acts of fraud, theft, waste, abuse, or any such activity.  Provide credible, honest, impartial, and objective information according to applicable laws, regulations, policies, and professional standards.  Conduct public business that will withstand public scrutiny and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  Develop professional quality excellence through enhancing professional KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) and competencies through continuous improvement.  Reflect non-partisanship in professional work and conduct.  Exercise prudence and integrity in filing and paying taxes, preventing unauthorized use or disclosure of information, securing and maintaining the confidentiality of tax information, and managing the Commonwealth's tax revenue resources.  Hold ourselves accountable for our own decisions and actions and to this Code of Ethics.

NOTE: Collections management will continue to reinforce communications regarding ethics policy, procedures and training. During staff meetings and training sessions, employees will be routinely encouraged to bring suspected fraud, waste, abuse, and safety concerns to the attention of management or call the OSIG hotline 800-723-1615 (fraud, waste or abuse). 2 Chapter 1

Collection Process Overview When it is determined, that tax is due, an assessment is made and the customer is issued an assessment notice requesting payment. If a required return has not been filed, the customer is issued a delinquent return/nonfiler notice. The collections process begins when the assessment is not paid within 30 days of the initial assessment date or when a delinquent return has not been filed/paid by the due date. At this point, the account is categorized as delinquent.

Virginia Tax maintains two primary computer systems; Advantage Revenue (AR), the accounting system and Computer Assisted Collection System for Government (CACSG), the collection system. Delinquent accounts move from AR to CACSG and CACSG assigns the accounts in accordance with Virginia Tax business rules. Each account is assigned to an entry state and then is moved to an outcome state which is based on parameter-driven rules.

Accounts can be assigned to the Delinquent Collections Unit (DCU - Central Office collectors), District Offices or an outside collection agency (OCA).

As delinquent accounts move through CACSG work states, various steps are taken by staff and the collections system to collect the delinquent balance. These processes include phone calls, correspondence, automated and manual third party liens, refund match and debt setoff programs, and legal actions such as Memorandums of Lien, Revocation of the Sales Tax Certificate of Registration, Padlocks, and Criminal Warrants.

Role of Delinquent Collections Unit (DCU) The primary role of collections staff in the Central Office in Richmond is the collection of taxes through phone contact with taxpayers. These collectors handle high volume outgoing and incoming calls related to the collection of delinquent taxes. Collection staff are assisted by an automated dialing system that manages outgoing and incoming calls.

DCU collectors have the authority to establish payment agreements, issue correspondence, third party liens, memorandums of lien, and are involved in the management of the automated third party lien process. DCU Resources Portal – Click on the link or the DCU Resources Portal Icon below and you will have access to several different “help” topics as listed below:

3There are topics listed under each heading that could be resourceful to the Field Agents in performing their duties.

Please keep in mind not all topics will relate to Field Agents.

Call Resources  Call Transfer Guidelines  DCU Not Ready Reason Codes  DCU Turnaround Times  Finesse Transferring and Conferencing Quick Reference  Tax Jargon to Avoid  Requesting Customer's Phone and Email Address (New 7/1/2020) Phone Numbers/Addresses  DCU Call Reference Sheet  OA Audit Teams - P O Box Phones  RAP Compliance Codes and Contact Numbers Bankruptcy  How to Handle Bankruptcy Calls  Discharge Rules for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy  Discharge Rules for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy  Discharge Rules of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Debt Setoff  Debt Setoff Process Timelines  IRMS Set-Off Agency Numbers  Set-Off Agency Prefixes  Set-Off Exception Processing  Set-Off Process Error Resolutions  Set-Off Claim Priorities  Processing a Set-Off Claim Deceased and Incarcerated Taxpayers  How to work a Deceased Taxpayer Account  Incarcerated Taxpayer Account Guidelines Indexer  Indexing and Reassignment Guidelines for Siebel Users

Outside Collection Agency  Outside Collection Agency Account Procedures and Guidelines  Statement of Your Accounts - Penn Credit Letter (STMPA 39)  Information Requested - Penn Credit (CFIPA-43)  Broken Promise - Penn Credit Letter (CBPPA-37) 4  Paid or Settled in Full - Penn Credit Letter (CPIPC-41)  Request for Payment - Penn Credit Letter (PA2PC-10)  Notice of Collection - Penn Credit Letter (NEWI-01)  Promise to Pay - Penn Credit Letter (CPPPA-36) Offer in Compromise  How to Handle a Request for Offer in Compromise Treasury Offset Program  Treasury Offset Program Guidelines Vendor TOP  Vendor TOP FAQ Individual  Vendor TOP FAQ Business Disclosure/Confidentiality/Verification  Guide to Individual Verification  Guide to Business Verification  How to Respond to POA Inquiries  PAR 101 Form and Instructions

TECHNOLOGY/APPLICATION RESOURCES

Technology Support Portal (Includes help links for Google Mail, Finesse, Office 16, VoIP, SailPoint, WebEx, FACSys, etc.)

Advantage Revenue  How to Discharge a Debt in Advantage Revenue for Deceased Taxpayers  How to Perform a Small Business Waiver in AR  How to Research and Correct Missing Payments in AR  Tax Codes and Filing Periods

CACSG  CACSG Case Flow  CACSG Guide for DCU Collectors  CACSG - Manual Vs Automated letter Generation  DCU CACSG Toolbar and Menu Quick Reference  DCU CACSG Letters Quick Reference  How to Enter an Email Address in CACSG  How to Reopen an Inactive CACSG Case  How to Verify and Enter Third Party Lien Asset Resources 5 FAX  FACSys Quick Reference Guide for DCU

Printers  Follow Print Taxi Site

Siebel  How to Access an Account in Siebel Without Receiving a Populated Screen Pop  How to Create a To Do Activity in Siebel as a Reminder

VoIP/Finesse/Verint  Basic Phone/Voicemail Instructions

VPN (Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client)  Connect to VPN

PAYMENT PLANS  Quick Reference for Establishing Payment Plans and Issuing MOLs - Balloon Pay Plan Guidelines  DCU Payment Options  DCU Teleplan Guidelines  How to Handle Defaulted Pay Plans and Reset Pay Plans - Business  How to Handle Defaulted Pay Plans and Reset Pay Plans - Individual  How to Set a Part Pay Agreement

WEB PPA  How to Respond to a Web PPA Inquiry  Web PPA Eligibility Guidelines Part Pay Agreement  Web PPA Taxpayer Alerts Part Pay Agreement  Web PPA Online Screen Catalog

Third Party Lien  Adjusting a Third-Party Lien  How to Verify and Enter Third Party Lien Asset Sources  Third-Party Lien Guidelines  Lien Release Guidelines  Preferred Address Change Job Aid

Memorandum of Lien (MOL)  DCU Memorandum of Lien Guidelines  Creating an MOL Payoff  How to Release a Memorandum of Lien

6Individuals  OA Compliance Codes and Defending Section  RAP Compliance Codes

Business  How to Identify a Converted Assessment Account  Small Business Penalty Waiver Guidelines PAYMENTS/REMITTANCES  How to research and correct missing payments  DCU Payment Options  DCU Payments with iPads DCU Guidelines & Procedures  Attendance Policy  Contingency Plan  Employee Cell Phone Usage  Reporting Phone or System Issues  Scheduled Time Off  Unscheduled Time Off

Organizational Charts  DCU Organizational Chart

HR Resources  Virginia Tax Human Resources  Employee One-Stop  COVID-19 Temporary Home-Based Worker Guidelines -

DHRM (Department of Human Resource Management)  Employee Assistance Program -7

DO YOU KNOW?

Date Title 05-13-19 How to make a tax due payment online without a bill number 03-27-19 Advantage Revenue Notations 03-07-19 AR Relationships with Power of Attorney authority 12-21-18 How to Access AR Offset Information without Closing the Taxpayer's Profile Window 12-19-18 Address Updates for RAP Review Indicators on AR individual Profile Date Training / Webinar 02-03-20 Business Verification with AR Navigation and Registration Details 12-11-19 Merchant Credit Card Webinar - Session 1 Paymentus 10-03-19 CACSG Payment Application (Payment Plans) Date WebEx Training (Recorded Sessions) 01-30-20 Verification (Individual / Business) Forms  Phone Monitor Guidelines and Definitions (ended 6/30/2020 refer to DCU TL- Quality Assurance Score Sheet)  TL - Quality Assurance Score Sheet (New 7/01/2020)  Management Feedback Form (New 7/01/2020)

Verint Support Site  How do I access my call recordings in Verint  How do I view my Evaluations  How to search for a call in Verint from a saved link 8 Guides / Quick References  Litter Tax Overview  Quick Reference Guide - BNF  AR Handout - BNF Bills  Call Transfer Quick Reference Guide

How To  How to Handle Phone Inquiries  How to Find a Worklisted Return  How to Create a To Do Activity for a Worklisted Return

Letters / Forms  Return Not Filed  Form R-1  Form R-3 Role of Outside Collection Agencies (OCA) Code of Virginia §58.1-1803 gives Virginia Tax the authority to establish contracts with outside collection agencies for the collection of delinquent state taxes. Delinquent accounts are assigned to contract collection agencies by the CACSG system based on established Virginia Tax business rules.

The primary role of OCAs is collection of delinquent taxes through outgoing phone calls and correspondence. The OCAs have the authority to negotiate payment agreements, but do not have the authority to issue third party liens, memorandums of lien or legal actions such as Revocation, Padlock, or Criminal Warrants. The OCAs can request that Virginia Tax issue third party liens or memorandums of lien on OCA assigned accounts.

Role of Field Collections Field collection units are located throughout the state in the following regions: Northeastern and Central Western which contain the districts of Northern, Eastern, Central and Western. The compliance enforcement Supervisors and Field Agents for each district are home based.

The primary role of Field Agents is to handle chronic delinquent accounts or accounts that require a higher level of collection activity and to enforce compliance with Virginia Tax Laws.

Field Agents collect delinquent taxes and enforce compliance through a variety of procedures including outgoing and incoming phone calls, correspondence, field visits, third party liens, and legal actions. They have the authority to establish payment agreements, issue manual third party liens, and initiate legal actions such as Memorandums of Lien, Revocation of Certificates of Registration, Padlocks, and Criminal Warrants.

Field Agents promote compliance with Virginia Tax Laws by activities such as monitoring proper registration and payment of taxes by dealers, flea market vendors, carnival operators, festivals, etc.

Every Field Agent is required to review, sign and date the Field Agent Expectations document: 9 Field Agent Expectations A. Leave 1) Leave Balances: It is the recommendation that employees maintain a balance of five days of leave; family/personal, annual, and/or sick combined.

  1. Annual Leave: Employees wishing to take annual leave should notify their supervisor of their request via email and/or phone call at least 24 hours prior to that absence. Annual leave requests should also be entered on your Gmail calendar. Annual leave is recorded as vacation in Cardinal and should be submitted for approval no later than noon on Wednesday following the week the leave occurred.

  2. Unplanned Sick Leave (Illness): Employees who will be out of the office for unplanned sick leave (leave other than a scheduled appointment) should notify their supervisor via phone, email, or text. If you are unable to reach the supervisor by phone, you may leave a message or send an email. Sick leave is recorded as VDSP Sick Leave in Cardinal and should be submitted for approval no later than noon on Wednesday following the week the leave occurred. In the event of an extended, unplanned absence, the supervisor may enter sick leave requests for employees. Leave used should also be entered on your Gmail calendar 24 hours upon return from the absence

  3. Planned Sick Leave (Scheduled Appointments): Employees wishing to take planned sick or personal leave (for a scheduled appointment) should notify their supervisor of the request at least 24 hours (with enough advance notice as possible) prior to that absence. Planned sick or personal leave requests must be included on your Gmail calendar prior to the leave date. Sick leave is recorded as VDSP Sick Leave in Cardinal. Personal leave is recorded as VDSP Personal in Cardinal. Leave should be submitted for approval no later than noon on Wednesday following the week the leave occurred

B. Attendance Employees are expected to be logged into CACSG on time and for the duration of their established shift. They are expected to return to work from lunch/meal periods at the appointed time. If an employee is unable to report to work at their normal start time or is going to be late in reporting to work or returning from a lunch/meal period, the employee must notify their supervisor as soon as possible or a Manager if the supervisor is not available.

Failure to notify the appropriate authority may result in disciplinary action.

C. CARDINAL Employees are only required to enter their time in the Cardinal timesheet if there is an exception to report. If the agent works their normal schedule they do not have to submit anything. Cardinal allows for multiple submissions throughout the workweek/pay period. Agents may submit entries upon their return from absence or no later than noon on Wednesday following the week the leave occurred. All leave or time final submissions should be completed by noon on Wednesday for the prior week. Time entry into Cardinal is essential as it affects employee pay and the accrual of leave time.

D. Breaks 10 At the discretion of the Collections Supervisor, Field Agents will be allowed two 15 minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You may not use breaks in conjunction with lunch, leave, or leaving early. If you need an alternate work schedule, due to unexpected circumstances, you may speak to your Supervisor in regards to working an alternate schedule for that particular day.

E. Lunch VA Tax Policy states that lunches are 45 minutes in length. Field agents are required to log out of CACSG for lunch and log in after lunch, if they are in the office. Lunch can be taken any time beginning at 11:00 am with the latest return time of 2:00 pm. Any lunches taken with a later return time after 2:00 pm, will be at the discretion of the Collections Supervisor. Reducing the length of the lunch period cannot be used to make up time during the work shift or to leave early. Lunch is to be taken when working in the office and field. You may not work through lunch to leave early.

F. Meetings Communication with our teams are important to safety, engagement, and ensuring accurate information is provided to our taxpayers. Field agents are required to attend and participate in all scheduled meetings with their teams. Cell phones should be off or on vibrate and out of sight during in person meetings and conference calls.

G. Out of Office You are expected to monitor your emails and VOIP Voice messages when in the field with your iPad, iPhone or GMail application. If an immediate return call is needed –the email can be forwarded to your Supervisor or Manager. All voicemails and emails are to be returned within 48 hours. If you will be out of your office (Leave or Training) for more than two days, all Field Agents are expected to update their email and voicemail accordingly, and should make arrangements with another field agent or their supervisor for someone to cover their calls.

All voicemails and emails are to be returned within 48 hours.

Sample Out of Office Greeting

This is with the VA Dept. of Taxation.

I will be out of the office from through .

Please leave either your FED ID, SS# or client ID, plus a phone number and I will return your call on

.

For immediate assistance call at 804-XXX-XXXX. Thank you.

H. Telephones Cell Phones must be on vibrate or off and out of sight during staff meetings or when meeting with taxpayers.

State phones are for business use. Personal use of state phones is limited to emergencies. See Field Collections iPhones guidelines.

I. Professionalism Field Agents are expected to be professional and respectful to all taxpayers, peers, and management at all times.

Additionally, you must comply with all rules and regulations found in the Attendance, Code of Ethics, Dress Code and Technology Policies (located on Taxi).

The signature acknowledges that you have reviewed and read these expectations.

Employee Signature: _______

Date: ____

1112 CENTRAL DISTRICT CITIES Caroline Henrico Prince Edward Colonial Heights Charles City King George Prince George Fredericksburg Charlotte King William Spotsylvania Hopewell Chesterfield Louisa Stafford Petersburg Cumberland Lunenburg Surry Richmond City Dinwiddie Mecklenburg Sussex COUNTIES Fluvanna New Kent Amelia Goochland Nottoway Brunswick Hanover Powhatan EASTERN DISTRICT CITIES Portsmouth Greensville Northumberland Chesapeake Suffolk Isle of Wight Richmond County Emporia Virginia Beach James City Southampton Franklin Williamsburg King and Queen Westmoreland Hampton COUNTIES Lancaster York Newport News Accomack Mathews Norfolk Essex Middlesex Poquoson Gloucester Northampton NORTHERN DISTRICT CITIES Winchester Fauquier Prince William Alexandria COUNTIES Frederick Rappahannock Fairfax City Arlington Loudoun Shenandoah Falls Church Clarke Madison Warren Manassas Culpeper Orange Manassas Park Fairfax County Page WESTERN DISTRICT CITIES Staunton Carroll Pittsylvania Bristol Waynesboro Craig Pulaski Buena Vista COUNTIES Dickenson Roanoke County Charlottesville Albermarle Floyd Rockbridge Covington Alleghany Franklin County Rockingham Danville Amherst Giles Russell Galax Appomattox Grayson Scott Harrisonburg Augusta Greene Smyth Lexington Bath Halifax Tazewell Lynchburg Bedford Henry Washington Martinsville Bland Highland Wise Norton Botetourt Lee Wythe Radford Buchanan Montgomery Roanoke City Buckingham Nelson Salem Campbell Patrick

13Chapter 2 Initial Steps of the Collection Process A Field Agent begins the collection process by reviewing the accounts in their CACSG worklist. A worklist contains the accounts scheduled for collection activity that are assigned to the Field Agent. Most worklists for Field Agents are associated with one user, but worklists can also be associated with a group of users or any number of users. User capability level determines access to worklists.

The worklist of a Field Agent contains only those accounts assigned to them based on predetermined account assignment criteria. However, the worklist of a user with Supervisor level capability may contain accounts assigned to the user and all accounts assigned to users under their supervision.

Anytime a taxpayer’s account is accessed in CACSG, the account must be documented using the correct icon or the menu bar option of Actions/Debtor Contact. Comments should be entered that outlines the reason for accessing the account.

The accounts within the worklist may be divided into several states (a grouping of cases based on similar required collection action). Some common states found in a Field Agent’s worklist are:

A complete listing of CACSG states and a description of their use is found in Exhibit 2a.

New (DX01) District Individual (DX10) Telephone Call (DX20) Field Visit (DX30) Follow-up Action (DX35) Issue Third Party Lien (DX41) Issue Memorandum of Lien (DX42) Monitor District Partial Payment Agreement (DX51) Default District Partial Payment Agreement (DX52) Pending Fi Fa (DX60) Pending Padlock (DX70) Pending Padlock Hearing (DX71) Monitor Padlock (DX72) Pending Revocation (DX80) Pending Revocation Hearing (DX81) Monitor Revocation (DX82) Pending Criminal Warrant (DX90) Prepare and File Criminal Warrant (DX91) Conversion Action (DX95) Stops Review (DX98) Monitor Criminal Warrant (DX92) Notice to Appear (DX93) Automatic District Exit (DX99) 14 Account Assignments The majority of accounts assigned to Field Agents are business accounts for which collection efforts by automated collections, DCU, and/or OCAs have been unsuccessful. Accounts are assigned to Field Agents by the CACSG system based on established Virginia Tax business rules, but accounts can also be assigned manually. Accounts are assigned primarily based on the locality of the business. Accounts are assigned to a particular collection district based on geographic locality parameters. Most districts have elected to have work assigned to Field Agents based on geographic areas in the proximity of the home base of the Field Agent. CACSG assigns work by locality (FIPS) code by county or city then zip code of the primary address.

The majority of accounts assigned to Field Agents are business accounts or individual accounts containing business tax assessments that have been converted to an individual from a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company.

The following are types of accounts that are assigned to Field Agents:  Accounts previously worked by automated collections and DCU collectors in which collection efforts were unsuccessful.  Accounts with previous Padlock, Revocation, or Criminal Warrant activity.  Manually routed accounts from DCU. Approval is generally necessary to manually route an account.

Upon entry, district accounts are assigned to a Field Agent’s District New State (DX01). After reviewing the accounts in this state, the Field Agent or Supervisor may manually route the accounts to a state within the Field Agent’s worklist for the next level of collection action.

District accounts are moved to CACSG state DX99 when significant collection activities have not occurred within 180 days of the assignment date. The significant activities that prevent accounts from automatically exiting district work states include:  Revocation  Padlock  Bond  Criminal Warrant

In addition, payments received within 180 days and CACSG Actions/Debtor Contacts with the officer, primary debtor, or secondary debtor will hold an account. The following is a list of significant activities from the CACSG Actions/Debtor Contacts menu (contact must be with officer, primary or secondary debtor):  Field Visit  Office Visit  Non-CACSG letter

An account within the third party lien state (DX41) will be held if regular monthly payments are posted to the account, such as with a wage assignment. Accounts with significant collection activity documented in CACSG remain assigned to a Field Agent until resolved or manually routed to another Field Agent, DCU, or an OCA.  Outgoing phone call  Incoming phone call  Letter Received 15 Establishing Collection Priorities Field Agent Case Review Scorecard What: Updated review score card for field cases to ensure we are all working our cases the same way and creating effective goals.

When: Effective August 1, 2022 (cases worked in July 2022) Why: Performance measurement for the VA field agents.

How: The Regional Collections Manager will create a Top 50 list (priority cases) based on balance, non-filers and random selection of field inventories for each agent. The Collections Director will select three to ten case random numbers between one and fifty. The Supervisors will grade each case based on the 10 “yes” or “no” questions.

IMPORTANT: See FAQs, TIPS & EXCEPTIONS below for clarifying definitions, tips and exceptions. .

Part I: Three to ten separate cases will be reviewed based on the Point Value following Yes or No questions, worth 10 points for each Yes. Yes No 1 If no verified contact made, did the Field Agent conduct research in 10 0 at least one source and copy/paste results in CACSG within the month? 2 Did the Field Agent have 1 verified contact or 2 contact attempts 10 0 within the month? 3 Did the Field Agent issue a lien, non-filer assessments or receive a 10 0 payment/PPA in the calendar month? 4 Was the collection case properly staged by placing the account in 10 0 the proper state? 5 If the business was closed, did the agent either: 10 0 A. Advise taxpayer how to close account and document OR B. Follow field collections manual on procedure to ELD and document 6 Have the responsible officers been identified and the field 10 0 collections guide for converted assessments followed? 7 Did the Field Agent make a separate history note in CACSG detailing 10 0 a summary of the status of the account, including action taken and next steps? 8 Has the intent letter or MOL been issued on all eligible bills? 10 0

The maximum score for each case review is 80.

The average total score of the three to ten random reviews will be used to calculate the Part I total.

Part II: The following Yes or No questions are worth 10 points for each Point Value yes, and will be reviewed for each Field Agent overall for the month. Yes No

9 Was the itinerary completed at least 24 hours prior to the field visit 10 0 and the account documented with the disposition of the field visit 24 hours after they returned to office?

16 10 Did the Field Agent do one Field Visit day per week or 35 Outbound 10 0 Calls Day per week?

Part I and Part II will be added together for the overall score (maximum point value is 100).

RATING CRITERIA Meets Exceeds Substantially Exceeds 70-84 85-94 95-100

FAQs, TIPS & EXCEPTIONS

EXCEPTION: If an agent is on leave for 80 or more hours in a calendar month, the agent may request to have their accounts reviewed on a pro-rated basis. The collections director will select random numbers from 1-25 (instead of 1-50) and only the first 25 accounts on the top 50 list will be subject to review

  1. If no verified contact made, did the Field Agent 6. Have the responsible officers been identified and the conduct research in at least one source and field collections guide for converted assessments copy/paste results in CACSG within the calendar followed? month? Calendar month = first day through last day of the month being reviewed. If no officers are listed, make sure notes show you looked for them.

Exception: If verified contact made or If research was done within past 30 days, no Follow the Field Collection’s Guide on Converted research required. Put a note in CACSG. Assessments to convert bills based on the status of the business and the age and tax type of the bills.

TIP: Check AR for officer info, check individual profiles, use DMV, VEC, SCC and Accurint. Check returns, eForms & iFile viewer. Google!

  1. Did the Field Agent have 1 verified contact or 2 7. Did the Field Agent make a separate history note in contact attempts within the calendar month? CACSG detailing a summary of the status of the Calendar month = first day through last day of account, including action taken and next steps? the month being reviewed.

Must have a separate history note to summarize.

Contact = verification completed communication with taxpayer by phone, field or TIP: Remember to include any important exceptions, inbound email. steps taken, next actions, etc.

Attempt = Phone call or field visit ONLY. Left voicemail, left message with person, no answer phone call, left card at field visit. DO NOT send COL102 Non-Filer Letter. Agent may choose to send other letters or email taxpayer, but it does not count as attempt. 3 Did the Field Agent issue a lien, non-filer 8. Has the intent letter or MOL been issued on all eligible assessments OR receive a payment/PPA in the bills? calendar month?

17 Calendar month = first day through last day of Send notice of intent letter on all bills. If 10-day notice the month being reviewed. has been sent, issue MOL.

Anything that is eligible based on tax type, period Anything that is eligible based on tax type, period or or balance must be done within calendar month. balance must be done within calendar month.

Exception: Verified contact with the taxpayer granting them more time to file or pay.

  1. Was the Collection case properly staged by 9. Was the itinerary completed at least 24 hours prior to placing the account in the proper state? the field visit and the account documented with the disposition of the field visit 24 hours after they Leaving in DX01/DX02/DX99 after working will returned to office? result in 0. Placing or leaving in “differently used” state without notes will result in 0.

If account is in DX99 – still needs worked, ask for it back.

  1. If the business was closed, did the agent either: 10. Did the Field Agent do one Field Visit day per week or A. Advise taxpayer how to close account 35 Outbound Calls Day per week? and document OR Exception can be made if 20 or more hours of leave or B. Follow field collections manual Closing leave+holiday are used in a week. This leave must be (ELD) Businesses and/or Tax Accounts documented on spreadsheet or calendar as required on procedure to ELD and document. by your supervisor.

TIP: Make sure you note!

CACSG automates many processes to assist Virginia Tax collections staff with the management of accounts.

However, accounts assigned to Field Agents require manual processes including establishing priorities for collection activity.

New Accounts Upon entry in the District New State (DX01), accounts must be reviewed to determine the level of priority and the appropriate collection action. Criteria for determining the priority level of an account includes:  Dollar amount of assessments  Number and estimated dollar amount of delinquent returns (nonfilers)  Account history  Business type (e.g., restaurant, convenience store, etc.)  Active/inactive status of a business  Statute of limitations for assessing unpaid taxes to responsible officers (Chapter 9, Additional Collection Procedures: Assessing Unpaid Taxes to Responsible Officers).  Age of assessments

To assist a Field Agent with establishing priorities, CACSG worklists allow accounts in each state to be sorted based on criteria that includes case balance and number of returns not filed.

Normally, the highest level of priority is given to accounts with the highest dollar assessments, highest number of delinquent returns that may result in high dollar assessments, and accounts with previous Padlock, Revocation and/or Criminal Warrant actions. The highest level of priority is also given to an account when it is determined collection is in jeopardy due to the risk of debtor flight out of the

18state/country or risk of liquidation and distribution of assets. Once the priority level of a new account is established, it must be manually routed to a state for the appropriate level of action.

Existing Accounts Existing accounts in the various states of a worklist must be monitored on a regular basis for changing levels of priority. The Field Agent makes the determination of the priority level of existing accounts as the accounts are moved through various collection processes. Common reasons for a change in an account priority level are:  Increase in the dollar value of assessments and/or number of returns not filed.  Lack of cooperation from the debtor  New information received on the account (e.g., information indicating the debtor is going to leave the state or sale a significant asset).

Understanding and establishing account priority level is a key element of account worklist management. Immediate determination of priority followed by appropriate action optimizes the Field Agent’s ability to resolve accounts. 19 Exhibit 2a - Complete Listing and Description of CACSG States

Function State Name Notes about Use State BK01 Create New Bankruptcy If second bankruptcy is entered on case previously in bankruptcy, then case will move here. If already assigned it will move to BK02.

BK02 Issue Automatic Proof of Cases move here from BK82 and remain until paid, Claim (POC) discharged or dismissed. TCS handles POC, monitoring, etc.

If user has evidence that bankruptcy is resolved but this is not reflected in CACSG, contact DCU BANKRUPTY team leader.

DO NOT try to route the case from a BK state. If TCS appears in the WE HAVE area of the primary screen, a fee will be paid even if case was improperly routed to some other state.

BK03 Manual Review High Profile No longer used 4/2011 BK04 Attorney Review BK POC No longer used 4/2011 BK05 Manual Review for Legal No longer used 4/2011 BK06 Non Filer Manual Review No longer used 4/2011 BK07 Monitor Chapter 7 No longer used 4/2011 BK08 NF Proof Of Claim No longer used 4/2011 BK10 Monitor High Profile No longer used 4/2011 BK11 Monitor Chapter 11 No longer used 4/2011 BK13 Monitor Chapter 13 and 12 No longer used 4/2011 BK81 Bankruptcy Criteria Met Added to handle outsourcing of bankrupt cases to TCS.

Primary entry point for bankrupt cases. Once case has bill/no >90 days old and is thus eligible for OCA, case moves to BK82 for auto assignment to TCS.

BK82 Bankruptcy OCA Refer Added to handle outsourcing of bankrupt cases to TCS. Auto assignment state. Once assigned case moves to BK02.

BK89 Bankruptcy OCA Release Added to handle outsourcing of bankrupt cases to TCS. Auto un-assignment of TCS. Case then moves to LIEN if criteria met. If PPA is active, case moves PP04.

BK90 Review Bankruptcy Status No longer used 7/2015 BK96 Issue Manual Bankruptcy Cases that move here have a discharge/dismiss date, but Dismiss/Discharge have another case with those dates missing. They may have either a bankruptcy HOLD still in place on the case or some other type of HOLD on the case. If these conditions change, the case will automatically move to BK97 or BK98. Cases that have multiple bankruptcies, one of which is new, will move to BK01. This state may also need a manual "clean up" effort of some sort.

BK97 Issue Auto Bankruptcy Cases move here once a discharge date is entered provided.

Discharge/miscellaneous Cases wait 5 days to allow for situations where the hold must be removed and then reset. On the 5th day an automatic, offline, batch COL087A Dismissed/Discharged letter is generated and mailed without collector intervention.

Currently only 50 letters are allowed to generate per day.

Cases wait here 180 days then move to BK89 to remove the

20 TCS assignment then on to LB01 or LI01 Lien Pending. If another bankruptcy hold is placed, a new bankruptcy case is entered, the case will move to BK01 or BK96 depending on the age or the Last Bankruptcy Received date. The COL087A may or may not have generated, depending on the timing.

BK98 Issue Bankrupt Dismissal Cases move here once a dismiss date is entered provided.

Cases wait 5 days to allow for situations where the hold must be removed and then reset. On the 5th day an automatic, offline, batch COL087A Dismissed/Discharged letter is generated and mailed without collector intervention.

Currently only 50 letters are allowed to generate per day.

Cases wait here 30 days then move to BK89 to remove the TCS assignment then on to LB01 or LI01 Lien Pending. If another bankruptcy hold is placed, a new bankruptcy case is entered, the case will move to BK01 or BK96 depending on the age or the Last Bankruptcy Received date. The COL087A may or may not have generated, depending on the timing.

BK99 Review Activity for Release No longer used 7/2015 CA01 Pending OCA Cases auto move here to await assignment to OCA's. Users may manually move cases here for assignment to OCA.

Newly entering small balance cases move after 16 days in NW01. Cases move when bank and wage lien sources exhausted or unproductive in LI, and LB states if not field worthy. (Field assignment is determined by balance and ELD condition.) Cases move here after district exit in DX99 if balance is too small to lien (<$100) or if all bus tax types ELD.

By design, small balance and <5 NF's cases wait in CA01 until balance or NF's send to district or assign to OCA or they self-cure. Cases must be reviewed by a Supervisor before putting into this state.

CA02 Assigned to OCA If OCA ID is present cases move here unless bankrupt, OIC, or criminal investigation holds exists. If OCA sends TAX a lien source, cases move to CA09, 10, or 11. Cases return to CA02 once liens are auto generated. If OCA id is removed or case is paid or too many NF's accumulate on non-ELD cases, move CA99 for recall. If cases are routed from CA02 by user, they will return auto. If recall is needed contact OCA DCU team leader. DO NOT try to route the case from CA02 state. If OCA name appears in the WE HAVE area of the primary screen, a fee will be paid even if case was improperly routed to some other state. Cases must be reviewed by a Supervisor before putting into this state.

CA03 Returned from OCA Cases move from CA99 to CA03 when the return code is "R" but case not worthy of field assignment or MOL (has ELD, out-state, discovery bills, >$25<1000). After 60 days, they route PU01 to repeat collection process.

21CA04 Review Bad OCA Indicator Cases move here from PU01 if a new bill becomes open and OCA id is already present. Clean up may be needed or the case will return to OCA if actually still assigned.

CA05 Review Field Audit Out State Cases pending OCA assignment that have field audit bills move here. Collectors review for action if assigned to do so as "project". If there is a lien source younger than 6 month they get consolidated bill at HO95 and then move to lien.

CA06 Review Field Audit in State Cases pending OCA assignment that have field audit bills move here. Collectors review for action if assigned to do so as "project". If there is a lien source younger than 6 month they get consolidated bill at HO95 and then move to lien.

CA09 Review for OCA Lien If OCA lien source is received for a secondary SSN or on a case on active PPA which is in CA02 assigned to OCA, case moves here for review in 6 days, then back to CA02. If the lien source name contains an *, case moves here for clean-up.

CA10 Issue OCA Lien Bank If OCA sends bank lien source, cases move to CA10, where COL222G prints then cases move back to CA02.

CA11 Issue OCA Lien Employer If OCA sends wage lien source, cases move to CA11, where COL220G prints then cases move back to CA02.

CA91 OCA Criteria Met Cases auto move CA01 to CA91if not pay in 60 days, not audit (106 ran) bill, balance >$25, <15 NFs on open bus case. Cases wait here for the monthly OCA assignment job that runs on 3rd Tues of each month. If conditions described change before the monthly assignment, case will leave CA91.

CA92 Referred to OCA Handle outsourcing of cases to OCA (Penn Credit 7/2015).

Auto assignment state. Once assigned case moves to CA02.

CA98 Write-Offs Assigned to OCA No longer used 7/2015 CA99 Released from OCA Cases route here if Paid or OCA balance becomes too young;

If OCA id is removed by recall; If OCA return code is "W" (write off or "R" (return); If NF # for recall is met; If OCA return code is missing, cases route after 16 days to NW99 for COL037 letter.

CB01 Call Business Case No longer used. Was intended to be used by predictive dial campaigns.

CB10 Non-filer Only Cases Entry state for nonfilers sent by AR.

CB20 Contact Non-filer Only System holding area for non-ELD cases with fewer than 5 ST/WH NFs, fewer than 31 other tax type, estimated value less than $15,000. If thresholds are exceeded, cases move to district.

CB30 Out of State Non-filer Only Collectors review for action if assigned to do so as "project".

CB33 Out St NF Recalled from OCA Collectors review for action if assigned to do so as "project".

CB35 Out St NF with Sm Balance Collectors review for action if assigned to do so as "project".

CB40 Issue High Priority NF Letter No longer used-- AR sends letters.

CB50 Non-filer Cases to Delete Users move business cases from field inventory here. Cases will stay even if there are non-ELD tax types. Documentation on case should reflect user’s intent. 22 CB51 NF ELD Cases for Purge Users move business cases from field inventory here. If case has any non-ELD tax types the case with not stay.

Documentation on case should reflect user’s intent.

CB52 NF Cases audit in Progress Users move business cases from field inventory here if there is an audit in progress. The case will stay until manually reclaimed unless a 106 new/open bill exists in which case it will move PU01, etc.

CB98 Low Priority NF System holding area for NF only cases not in CB20. Originally held lower priority NFs such as LT, VA6 identified by STRATA (no longer used). See CB20 for exit info.

CI01 Day Call to Individual Case No longer used. Was intended to be used by predictive dial campaigns.

CI02 Evening Call to Individual Case No longer used. Was intended to be used by predictive dial campaigns.

CI03 Call Individual Small Balance No longer used. Was intended to be used by predictive dial campaigns.

CR01 Criminal Investigations No longer used 7/2015. Unit disbanded holds removed.

CV99 Conversion Conversion from STARS system.

DX01 District XXXXX New Cases route thru DO01 holding state to DX01 state based on the district code on the primary demographic screen. Cases previous with padlock, revocation, bond or CWAR flags are routed directly here. Cases with more than 15 nonfilers and open cases >3000 are typically routed.

DX10 District Individual Cases with tax type "I" individual route here from DX01.

DX20 Phone Call Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX30 Field Visit Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX35 Follow-up Action Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases beginning 9/9/15.

DX41 Issue Third Party Lien Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX42 Issue MOL Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX50 Approve District PPA See PP01.

DX51 Monitor District PPA See PP02.

DX52 Default District PPA See PP03.

DX53 Monitor PPA-No Introduction See PP04.

Letter DX60 Pending Fi Fa Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX61 Execute Legal Action Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX70 Pending Padlock Cases with padlock flag route here from DX01.

DX71 Pending Padlock Hearing Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX72 Monitor Padlock Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX73 Padlock Results No longer used 9/9/15.

DX80 Pending Revocation Cases with revocation flag route here from DX01.

DX81 Pending Revoke Hearing No longer used 9/9/15.

DX82 Monitor Revocation Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX83 Revocation Results No longer used 9/9/15.

DX90 Pending CWAR Cases with criminal warrant flag route here from DX01.

DX91 Prepare and File CWAR No longer used 9/9/15.

DX92 Monitor CWAR Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

23DX93 Notice to Appear Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX95 Conversion Action Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases beginning 9/9/15.

DX97 District 2 Bond Review Cases can be manually routed by field users to organize cases.

DX98 STOPs Review If all bills on district case are on stop, case routes here. Cases return to DX01 if stops are released.

DX99 Automatic District Exit Cases automatically move here after 6 mo. for review by Collection Manager unless payments are being received within 6 months, the case has a CWAR, Padlock, BOND or REVO flag, or there are significant contact entries that have reasonable hope of generating payments within 6 months.

Only the significant actions shown in Actions/Debtor Contact menu in combination with a significant party contacted of "officer", "primary debtor" or "secondary debtor" hold cases.

The design of district exit is to allow collectors to work cases according to the district's work plan/priorities and to keep cases that field reps can't get to in motion. Manger has 10 days to review, direct action, give more time because the case is worthwhile, and address training needs, before the case is automatically moved to central office lien or pending OCA assignment. If lien sources are not found or the case meets district NF assignment criteria, the case will return to the district.

HO01 Small Balance Cases Case with balance .01 to 24.99 and no nonfilers remain here until self-cure or balance/NF situation changes.

HO10 Deceased Cases Cases can be manually routed. Documentation on case should reflect user’s intent.

HO20 Incarcerated Cases Cases can be manually routed. Documentation on case should reflect user’s intent.

HO30 Keep Safe Cases Cases that are not to be collected for a special reason can be manually routed. Users should discuss with managers and review periodically for changes in situation. Documentation on case should reflect user’s intent.

HO32 Military-Special Handling Cases that are not to be collected due to TP's military service can be manually routed. Users should discuss with managers and review periodically for changes in situation.

Documentation on case should reflect user’s intent.

HO35 Correspondence Approval Needed HO39 Field Refer to Central Office Cases can be manually routed by field agents for collection by DCU when all field efforts have been exhausted.

Documentation on case should reflect user’s actions/intent.

HO40 Audit Review Tax Policy Users route cases to this state in order to move to another state where they intend to pursue further action.

HO50 Federal Agencies Federal type GF & GO. It is possible for t/p to register as government in error.

HO51 State Government Agencies State type GV & GS. It is possible for t/p to register as government in error.

24HO52 Local Government Agencies Local type GL. It is possible for t/p to register as government in error.

HO60 All Bills on STOP All bills are on stop, balance on cases are zero. No nonfilers.

HO70 Bad Flags on Cases No longer used HO77 Negative Balance with NF No longer used HO80 Bad Phone Numbers No longer used HO81 Bad Asset Source System holding area for cases in LI03 that have VEC sources, for either the primary or secondary SSN, that been identified by management as having issues with our TPL's are auto routed here. The source is manually end dated and the case manually routed to LI01 for attempts against other sources.

Once the issues with our TPL's are resolved, the source identifier is removed from the workflow routing rules.

HO83 Review Demographic Data System holding area for cases that come from AR with demographic of TAXPAYER, No add avail go here for manual research to find the name and address and resend of consolidated bill to good address or other needed correction.

HO85 Issue CBill-HO98 Reinstate Reinstated cases will auto move from various holding states such as HO98, LI10, BK89 where there may not have been a consolidated bill in quite some time to HO85 where a Consolidated Bill will be automatically batch generated by the system. Then the cases will move into the collection workflow such as the NW states or lien states.

HO88 Neg. Balance with no NF No longer used HO90 Default System uses as default. Manual review may be need for clean ups if cases accumulate here as it would indicate a workflow issue.

HO94 OCA Write-Off Recent Activity If payment, contact activity, new NF or new debt in last 90 days case moves from HO97 here and then on to HO85 for a consolidated bill, or NW99 if payment was in last 30 days.

HO95 OCA Write-Off Fails-Business ELD System holding area for OCA return cases that won't/shouldn't write off---at least one bus tax type un-ELD's.

Collectors review for action if assigned as "project".

HO96 OCA Write-Off Fails-Converted System holding area for OCA return cases routed by workflow to HO97 that won't/shouldn't write off---relationship with have to be removed if bills are not valid or case may need to just stay if valid. Collectors review for action if assigned as "project".

HO98 Written Off Cases Cases have a zero balance and closure code of write off.

HO99 Pending Inactive Hold Case move here from PU01 before going to IN01 when paid so they will return as new cases if another bill joins. Cases with zero balance but open bankruptcy or paid with HOLD still in place remain here. Once bankruptcy is closed/HOLD removed, cases go to IN01.

IN01 Inactive and Closed Holding area for paid cases. Cases here can me manually "set up" in order to issue a letter, lien release or enter history on the case. The case moves IN01 to PU01 so user can take action, then returns auto to IN01 when nightly batch runs. 25 LB01 Pending 3PL Business Cases are manually routed here when a promise to pay is received on a business case assigned to DCU states. They automatically route here after letter attempts (NW99, etc.), from district exit states (DX99), from PP03, BK98, and BK97.

Cases recycle from LB03 for another lien attempt. Lien sources come from AR in a daily batch job. Cases remain here for 30 days if payments are not being received then route to: LB03 for another lien, LI03 if sole prop for VEC lien attempt, district if active and >$3,000 or >15 NFs or >5 nonfilers with small balance, OCA if >$25. By design, cases wait here until eligible to route by the forgoing criteria or some other condition (HO60, HO01, OCO1, BK01, etc.) routes them elsewhere. It is essential that users mark bad lien sources so that multiple liens will be attempted properly as cases loop as described.

LB02 Review 3PL Business Cases with move that 4 bus locations move LB01 to LB02 and then to District for asset association review and manual lien.

LB03 Issue 3PL Business Cases move to LB03 if not resolved after 30 days in LB01, an unused bank source remains, and the balance is >$100. On the first day, an auto batch, off-line lien COL122G prints, is signed from a pool of DCU digitized signatures, and is mailed without user intervention. The lien does not reference any new, stop or held bills or nonfiler periods. It is in effect for 15 days. If no pays are received in 60 days, cases loop back to LB03, or move to LI03, district or OCA as indicated in LB01 criteria.

LB23 Issue Non Amnesty Bus Lien Parallel lien machine that can be used for cases with non-amnesty bills.

LI01 Pending 3PL Individual Cases are manually routed here when a promise to pay is received on an individual case. They automatically route here if >1,000 or after letter attempts (NW99, etc.), from district exit states (DX99), from PP03, LI10, BK98, and BK97. Cases recycle from LI03, LI04 and LI05 for multiple lien attempts. It is essential that users end date bad lien sources so that multiple liens will be attempted properly as cases loop as described below. Lien sources for cases in LI01 come from IRMF in a monthly batch job and are stored for use in

LI04/LI06.

LI02 Review 3PL Individual Cases route to LI02 from LI01 and HO85 if >$50K and multi secondary SSN's.

LI03 Issue 3PL to Primary VEC Cases with balance >$100 move to LI03 from: LI01for lien/re-lien, LB01/LB03 (sole props). Lien sources for the last 3 qtrs. come from VEC in a batch job run three times a week. If on the 5th day in LI03 there is no VEC source, cases auto move LI04/LI06 for a bank lien attempt or HO81 if source needs review. On the 6th day an auto batch, off-line COL122G prints, is signed from a pool of DCU digitized signatures, and is mailed without user intervention. The source chosen is the highest wage VEC one without an end date. AR validation 26 checks history, payment and worklist databases. The lien does not reference any new, stop or held bills. It is in effect for 30 days. If no pays are received in 60 days, cases loop back to LI01 for another lien attempt. It is essential that users end date bad lien sources so that multiple liens will be attempted properly.

LI04 Issue 3PL to Primary IRMF Cases move in from LI03 (no VEC). The lien prints on the 3rd day in LI04 (seeLB03 and LI03 description). Cases move to: LI01 for another attempt, LI05 for manual VEC attempt on secondary SSN , district office if no more sources and active sole prop, or OCA if no more sources and no secondary or if inactive sole prop and no more sources. LI04 is the main exit from the automated lien process. It is essential that users "end date" bad VEC and mark "bad" bank lien sources so that multiple liens will be attempted properly.

LI05 Issue 3PL Secondary VEC Cases move from LI04 when there is no source from the primary, but a secondary SSN exists. VEC sources are obtained as indicated in LI03 above. If no VEC for secondary exists, the case will move to LI06 for a bank attempt on the secondary or to OCA. Any liens placed are done on-line.

LI06 Issue 3PL Secondary IRMF Cases move from LI05 when there is no VEC source for the secondary SSN and from LI03 if a bank source exists for the secondary or to OCA if not. Any liens placed are done on-line.

LI07 Issue 3PL VEC Reinstate If automated search finds current VEC asset on case in HO98 it is reinstated, moved to HO85 for consolidated bill, then to LI07 for employer lien after 60 days. If no pay in 120 days, moves back to HO97 for auto write off.

27LI08 Issue 3PL IRMF Reinstate If automated search finds current IRMF asset on case in HO98 it is reinstated, moved to HO85 for consolidated bill, then to LI08 for bank lien after 60 days. If no pay in 120 days, moves back to HO97 for auto write off.

LI10 CS7/PPA for Lien Cases in DCU states are manually routed here if a CS7 hardship arrangement exists with the employer. Cases with a balance of >$100 are routed back to LI01 for another lien if payments are not received in 60 days. This does not apply to cases that have converted 129 bills because the accounting entry for them can be ABMT rather than PYMT depending on which side the money is applied. Manual review for failure to pay will be needed for converted bill cases. Cases between $25 and $100 remain here until a balance change causes routing to HOO1 or LI01.

LI15 Issue 3PL Release Cases move from LI10 here when the "collectible" balance is zero or less (means we can release the lien if open bills are paid, but new or stops could exist). Manual releases are faxed/mailed to prevent employer from continuing to withhold and remit payments on paid cases. Manual review will be need to handle any new/stop bills left after a release.

LI23 Issue Non-Amnesty Individual Wage Parallel lien machine that can be used for cases with non-amnesty bills.

LI24 Issue Non-Amnesty Individual Bank Parallel lien machine that can be used for cases with non-amnesty bills.

ML02 Issue MOL Originally cases auto moved to ML02 from ML01 instead of to HO97 for auto MOL (COL119G) on 1st day in state. Auto MOL process is disabled due to various problems with courts.

ML03 Manage MOL Originally cases auto moved ML03 from ML02 after the auto MOL was sent and waited here for the docket info to be entered. Once entered, cases auto moved HO97 for write-off. Auto MOL process is disabled due to various problems with courts.

ML04 Get Page/Docket Info Cases move here from everywhere if balance is zero and MOL is active, but no docket information is available. Once it is entered, cases auto move ML05 for auto release.

ML05 Issue MOL Release Cases move here from everywhere if balance is zero and MOL is active and docket information is available. MOL is auto released (COL125G) on 1st day is state. If another open MOL exists cases cycle back to ML04, then back to ML05 until all MOL's are auto released before case moves to IN01 inactive/paid state.

NW01 New Open Case When bill ages from new to open, case routes from PU01 to NW01. NW01 is most typical area where consolidated bill is issued. Cases wait here 16 days before moving, typically to

NW99.

NW03 Issue Medium Risk Letter No longer used NW04 Issue Low Risk Letter No longer used NW05 Issue Out of State Letter No longer used 28 NW99 Issue No Contact Made Letter After 16 days in NW01, cases route NW99. Cases with balance >1000 are fast-tracked to LB01/LI01 since consolidated bill was typically just issued and amount is typically within lien threshold. Cases with 100 to 999 balance remain 31 days and receive a COL037 general contact letter before moving into lien stage.

OC01 Pending Offer in Comp If a DT2000 date is present or stop for OIC exists, cases move here from everywhere but Bankruptcy and Criminal states.

Cases remain here unless paid, written-off, Bankruptcy or Criminal flag added. If both stops and DT2000 date removed and balance <$25 cases move to HO01 auto. If PPA is set up cases move auto to OC02 (thru PP01 first if approval required). General: PPA's in OC states can be set 120 days in advance. Once OIC is complete, user removes both stops and DT2000 key activity date and manually routes the case. Offer cases assigned to OCA that go bankrupt move from the OC states to CA99 to be recalled from the OCA then to BK81 and TCS assignment. Note: 7/2015 DT2000 date is almost obsolete.

OC02 Approve/Monitor OIC Cases auto move here from OC01 and OC03 if PPA approved on case with OIC stop. If approval needed, case routes PP01 then back to OC02 once approved. If PPA is broken and/or there are no pays in 60 days, case auto moves OC03. All OIC PPA's will break by design.

OC03 Check for Compliance If PPA is broken and/or there are no pays in 60 days, cases auto move OC03. All OIC PPA's will break by design so manual cleanup to reflect the OIC terms can be done. If broken PPA is reset, case auto moves back to OC02.

OC04 Review Old DT2000 Date If case reopens with DT2000 date, case moves from PU01 here for review. Date is reviewed. If bad, it is removed and case manually routed PU01; if good, it is revised as needed and case manually routed OC01. Note: 7/2015 DT2000 date is almost obsolete.

PP01 PPA Approval Needed Central office PPA's "pending" supervisory approval move here. District cases move to appropriate district's pending state (DX50). Approval Rules: Central >26 month/$50k; Field Rep >26 month/$100k; Sup/TL 99mo/max$. If final pay is <$5 case moves here. If not approved before 1st COL093 is due, it will go anyway so approvals/denials need to be done timely.

Once the PPA is approved the case moves to PP02 or DX51, unless the approval is for a case on stop for OIC, in which case it moves to OC02. 29 PP02 Monitor PPA Central office Active/ Approved PPA's generally move here;

District's move DX51. This is also true if Teleplan set up the PPA. PPA's on cases in Criminal Investigation, Bankrupt, OIC, and OCA areas can exist outside PP02. On 1st day in PP02/DX51, COL103 PPA Intro letter is auto sent. PPA reminder/voucher COL093 is auto sent by a batch process 14 days before each due date. If PPA does not come to PP02/DX51, no intro letter will go, but COL093 will. Change was made 9/03 to send COL093 even if TP pays ahead. If a PPA is "broken" (pay 60 days overdue) the case moves to PP03 or DX52.

PP03 Defaulted PPA If central office PPA is "broken" case moves here. An automated letter (COL031) is sent 10 days after case enters PP03. If PPA is re-established, case auto moves back to PP02.

If no pays are received in 15 days, case moves to lien pending (LI01 or LB01) where case waits another 30 days before lien is attempted. If district PPA is "broken" case moves DX52. There is no auto default letter at DX52; field rep decides best action on case. Broken rules: new bill not on the PPA moves open; bankruptcy filed; bad check; nonfiler joins case, pay >60 days late, or underpay (<99% of amount due).

PP04 Monitor PPA-No Intro Letter Holding area for cases put on PPA in CA02 or in a BK state for example after Bankruptcy was discharged/dismissed so intro letter COL103 would not go and confuse TP on previously established PPA. If PPA is "broken" case moves PP03.

PU01 New Case Early Purge CACSG from AR initial entry state. Cases remain until bill moves from new to open, typically after 30 days from assessment date.

RO01 Pending Responsible Officer Conversion Cases may be manually routed to ROO1. If all bills are converted cases move auto to RO99. If there is a mix of converted and non-converted, case will move RO98.

RO02 Create Responsible Officer Conversion Used to move cases manually routed to RO01 to either RO98 or RO99.

RO96 Individual Conversion -Do Not Collect Individual side of conversion cases can be manually routed (generally by field) to protect them from collection. Example is business is still open/bills converted to officer(s) as precaution.

RO97 Business Out Statute - Do Not Collect Business cases can be manually routed (generally by field) to remove from inventory when the bills are too old to convert, but for some reason the case cannot be written off or discharged.

RO98 Business Partial Conversion Business cases with mix of converted and non-converted bills will move here. They will remain if no new bill, new nonfilers or new payments are reflected on the case. If they are, the case will return to active collection state. 30 RO99 Business Conversion Hold Business converted cases move here auto if all bills converted, no NF's, all tax types ELD, not OCA, BK, CR and not CWAR, REVO, PDPL, OIC, Hold, Lien or PPA. Cases routed manually to RO01/RO02 as above will enter RO99 and remain even if the was a field CWAR, REVO, etc.

SK01 Verizon Phone Match No longer used SK02 Skip Trace for Phone No longer used TR01 Treasurer Pending Assignment Temp use states for Treasurer Pilot project TR02 TREASURER ASSIGNED as OCA Temp use states for Treasurer Pilot project TR09 Treasurer Lien Review Temp use states for Treasurer Pilot project TR10 Treasurer Lien Bank Temp use states for Treasurer Pilot project TR11 Treasurer Lien Employer Temp use states for Treasurer Pilot project TR30 TREASURER-Keep Safe Cases Temp use states for Treasurer Pilot project TR91 Treasurer Criteria Met Temp use states for Treasurer Pilot project TR92 Treasurer Referral as OCA Temp use states for Treasurer Pilot project TR93 Treasurer Control Holding Temp use states for Treasurer Pilot project TR99 Treasurer Released as OCA Temp use states for Treasurer Pilot project 31 Chapter 3 Taxpayer Contact The first step of the collections process is attempting to establish contact with the taxpayer. There are several methods of contact available to Field Agents including phone calls, secure emails, correspondence, and field visits. Anytime a taxpayer’s account is accessed in CACSG, the account must be documented using the correct icon or the menu bar option of Actions/Debtor Contact. Comments should be entered that outlines the reason for accessing the account.

Phone calls are generally the preferred method of initial contact with a taxpayer. Phone contact can be initiated by the Field Agent or by the customer. All customer contact should be conducted in a professional manner and confidentiality of customer records must be maintained.

Use of personal cell phones are strictly prohibited for any official tax business. All communication with taxpayers is to be conducted using state issued email, secure messaging and state issued devices. The use of personal emails, personal phones and personal fax are prohibited.

A violation of this policy is an agency disclosure violation and will be subject to the disciplinary actions associated with this violation. No exceptions will be tolerated.

Incoming Telephone Calls Field Agents receive incoming calls from many sources including taxpayers, accountants, attorneys, local officials, and other state agencies, etc. Calls relating to issues other than collections and/or related to accounts not assigned to the Field Agent should be referred to the proper unit/department for resolution.

When receiving a phone call the Field Agent must take steps to identify the caller as the taxpayer or a person with authority to discuss/receive confidential tax information for the taxpayer. To assist in identification account specific information such as the name of the business, address, phone number, account balance/delinquent periods, Virginia tax account number, FEIN, SSN, etc. should be requested. If identity cannot be positively established the Field Agent cannot release/discuss confidential tax information by phone. If the caller indicates they have the authority to discuss the taxpayer’s tax account the account should be reviewed for a power of attorney or a request must be made for a power of attorney from the caller, see Address Updates Guidelines below.

Guidelines for resolving an account by phone listed under outgoing phone calls should be followed for incoming phone calls. All incoming phone calls should be documented in CACSG using the incoming call icon or the menu bar option of Actions/Debtor Contact. Comments should be entered that outline the results of the phone call.

Outgoing Telephone Calls Outgoing phone calls are initiated by the Field Agent and are usually the first method of contact with a taxpayer. The objective of an outgoing phone call is to resolve the account without additional contact or collection action. Accounts assigned to Field Agents may have had prior call attempts that have not resulted in resolution or there is no phone number listed for the account. 32 Not all outgoing calls made by Field Agents are initial contacts. During the course of resolving an account it may be necessary to make several phone calls to the taxpayer. However, collection activity should not be limited to phone calls. If phone calls do not produce results within a reasonable period of time the Field Agent MUST move on to the next step in the collections process.

Prior to making a phone call the Field Agent should review the account to become familiar with the current or updated status of the account.

The following is a list of areas that should be reviewed prior to contacting a taxpayer regarding a delinquent account:  History: Review the account history in CACSG and AR.  Account Balance: Review the account balance in AR and determine if assessments are from returns, an audit, estimated assessments, etc.  Returns: Review return filing status in AR to determine if all returns are filed to date.  Registration/Customer Profile: Review the tax registration and customer profile information to determine if business is currently operating or closed, to find the primary contact for the account, and the preferred method of contact.  Establish a contact phone number: If there is a phone number listed for the taxpayer review history for previous contact results. Review the customer profile and tax account contact in AR and CACSG demographic information for a contact person and preferred method of contact. If there is no phone number listed, the Field Agent should search for a phone number. The following are some sources available for finding phone numbers: o Directory Assistance o LexisNexis Accurint o Internet Directory Assistance, internet information sites, and business websites o Cross-reference to sole proprietor, officer, or partner tax roll/customer profile information for home phone numbers or phone numbers of other businesses owned by taxpayer. o Reviewing returns and correspondence from eForms, ifile viewer, and Image Retrieval for phone number information.

When phone contact is made, the Field Agent must identify themselves and establish that the person contacted is the taxpayer or has authorization to discuss the account. Prior research of the account will identify any powers of attorney on file and anyone other than the taxpayer that is authorized to discuss the account. Ask account specific questions such as the business name and address, the type of activity conducted by the business, account number, FEIN or SSN to establish identity.

Once identity has been established the Field Agent should clearly state the purpose of the call and request the information and/or payment needed to resolve the account. The following are guidelines for account resolution by phone:  Establish if the business is still operating and if there are any changes such as address, changes in corporate officers, partners, or owners.  State the balance due, delinquent tax types, and provide a list of all returns that have not been filed.  Request full payment and taxpayer to file all missing returns.  Establish time frames if full payment and all returns cannot be provided immediately (e.g., all returns to be filed within five days and full payment to be received within ten days).  Explain consequences for failure to comply with the request for payment, returns, or information. 33  Document the results of the phone contact in CACSG using the outgoing call icon or by the menu bar option of Actions/Debtor Contact. Enter comments in history outlining the phone contact to include the phone number, with whom you made contact, details of the conversation, and when information or payment is to be received, etc.

Not all outgoing calls result in contact with the taxpayer. The results of failed phone contact attempts can be categorized as no answer, busy, phone disconnected, or left message to call on voice mail or with employee, spouse, etc. If attempts to make contact by phone continue to be non-productive, the Field Agent should cease this method of attempting contact and move to the next step in the collections process.

Address Updates Field Agents cannot change any type of address in AR unless the Field Agent is performing skip tracing and a new address is located. In which case, the Field Agent would need to copy and paste the new address from the skip trace source into the CACSG notes. You can copy and paste one of the following ways:  Simultaneously hit CTL “C” to copy in Accurint, Clear, VEC, DMV etc. and then CTL “V” to paste to notes screen in CASCG;  Copy by highlighting the new address and then pasting into CACSG; if you are unable to use copy and paste to CACSG then;  Take a screen-print, add the screen-print to a Word document then send document to be backscanned.

If the taxpayer makes the Field Agent aware of a new address the Field Agent would inform the taxpayer on how to change their address on our website, www.tax.virginia.gov, complete an R-3 or recommend that the taxpayer contact or fax Customer Service and have them update their address.

Instructions for Updating Address on iFile:  Click “Log-In” at the top right corner  Select Business Account  Enter iFile Login (select Tax) 34  This brings you to your home page on iFile  You can click on “Edit” by the address, which needs to be updated on the right or click on “Update Addresses” under the second header “Update Your Business Profile”. Here the taxpayer can update their Primary, Physical, Primary Mailing or Tax Mailing addresses. 35 Customer Service Contact Information:  Customer Service: 804-367-8037  Customer Service Fax: 804-254-6111

If a new address is discovered during the course of a field visit or padlock hearing, the Field Agent should have the taxpayer complete an R-3 form, which the Field Agent can provide, or instruct the taxpayer on how to update their address on iFile. The Field Agent should send the R-3 to Registration or Customer Service for the account address to be updated. Field Agent should mark their calendar to follow up after 14 days to make sure the information has been updated.

Business Location Update: If the taxpayer upon registration did not enter the business location, the Field Agent can add the business location ONLY if it is confirmed by another source such as CLEAR, Accurint, etc. In which case, the Field Agent would need to copy and paste the new address from the skip trace source into the CACSG notes.

See above for ways to copy and paste into CACSG.

How to Correct an Account in the Wrong District: If there is an account, which is listed in the incorrect district in CACSG the field agent can correct the district by changing the zip code ONLY to another zip code, save then enter the correct zip code back on the account. This process will update the district on the account to the correct district. Account must be notated in AR and CACSG for the reason of the change. You can contact your Supervisor or Manager if you need assistance with this. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

FAQ’s: QUESTION: I am in the field and the taxpayer gives me a change of address, can I update it when I return to the office?

ANSWER: No, you must give the taxpayer an R-3 or advise them to go into their iFile account and update it using the steps above or they can call customer service. 36 QUESTION: The suite number was left off the address can I update it?

ANSWER: No, you must give the taxpayer an R-3 or advise them to go into their iFile account and update it using the steps above or they can call customer service.

QUESTION: I am doing skip tracing on an account and I locate a new address for the taxpayer’s business.

Can I update it?

ANSWER: Yes, you can update the address to the new one however; you must copy and paste the new address from the skip trace source into the CACSG notes by using one of the above methods.

QUESTION: I have an old sales tax account where I need to enter a zero return in order to close the account out. The business location is not listed so I am unable to enter the return. Can I enter the business location?

ANSWER: Yes, you can update the business location however; you must copy and paste the new address from the skip trace source into the CACSG notes by using one of the methods mentioned above.

Incoming Correspondence Field Agents receive incoming correspondence via faxes and secure emails from various sources including taxpayers, accountants, financial institutions, attorneys, local officials, etc. Incoming correspondence includes imaged letters, notices, faxes, secure emails and returns. Correspondence and/or faxes not intended for the Field Agent should be forwarded to the appropriate department or unit (e.g., Customer Service, Bankruptcy, Offer in Compromise, etc.) or referred to a Supervisor.

Incoming correspondence and/or faxes should be properly maintained to protect confidential tax information. The sender must be identified as the taxpayer or a person authorized to receive the taxpayer’s confidential tax information before a response can be initiated. The Field Agent must review, process, and respond to the incoming correspondence within seven (7) days.

Incoming correspondence and/or faxes must be documented in CACSG. In some instances, the Field Agent may wish to send the correspondence and/or faxes to Central Office for back scanning. The document can be back scanned so that an image is captured and electronically archived for future reference. The Field Agent and/or Supervisor determines which documents need to be backscanned and which can be destroyed.

Field Agents should check their activities in Siebel daily for any correspondence which may be assigned to them and conclude the activity within seven (7) days. In addition, if Field Agents resolve correspondence (INFORMATION RECEIVED) associated with an account they are working the Field Agent needs to check Siebel to make sure the correspondence is marked “DONE”.

 Once the correspondence is completed, go to Siebel and open the account.

37  Go to Activities and double click on Correspondence.

 You will get the following screen

 Once the correspondence has been completed you should copy the Image Key number and paste into CACSG with note stating the correspondence has been completed, with a brief description of what was done.  Change Status to “DONE”.

Outgoing Correspondence A common method of communication with taxpayers is outgoing correspondence. Outgoing correspondence includes letters, notices, faxes, secure emails, liens, legal notices, forms, faxes, requests for information, etc. AR, SIEBEL and CACSG contain correspondence modules. Correspondence and/or faxes can be system generated or manually issued by a Field Agent, DCU Collector, Customer Services Representative, or Auditor.

Field Agents send correspondence, send secure emails, and/or faxes to various sources including taxpayers, accountants, attorneys, financial institutions, employers, and courts. Field Agents often use outgoing correspondence and/or faxes to resolve accounts that have not been resolved by phone contact. Steps must be taken to insure that correspondence, secure emails, and/or faxes are being issued to the taxpayer or a person authorized to receive the taxpayer’s confidential tax information.

Most collection correspondence issued by Field Agents are generated from CACSG. Templates have been established in CACSG for issuing various types of collection notices and legal actions. Field Agents generate CACSG correspondence by opening a case and selecting the Initiate Correspondence and/or Initiate Legal

38Actions icons. CACSG correspondence usually requires the Field Agent to enter only a minimum amount of information in specified fields. The types of correspondence available to a Field Agent are determined by the current CACSG work state of an account and/or the user’s level of authority. Some CACSG letters require Supervisor approval. Exhibit 3a is a complete listing of CACSG letters.

When correspondence is generated through CACSG and/or AR, the action is automatically documented in taxpayer history. The correspondence can be viewed and reprinted if needed by going through outbound correspondence history in AR or by selecting the correspondence in CACSG History and selecting History, Correspondence View.

If a letter must be generated in Word, the official Virginia Tax letterhead must be used (see example below). All efforts must be used to create the letter in Word and then copy over to the “Free-Format” letter in CACSG so there is documentation of letter. If letter has to be manually processed, a copy of it must be sent to backscan (Chapter 17, Calendars and Miscellaneous Policies). Field Agent should ensure all written and oral communications are consistently tactful, courteous and professional. Your Supervisor can order official Virginia Tax letterhead using control # 9900750.

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Department of Taxation Email Documentation Any emails received from a taxpayer or sent to the taxpayer by the Field Agent must be documented in CACSG as an inbound or outbound call. Under the descriptor enter INBOUND EMAIL or OUTBOUND EMAIL.

Entering the email details will allow the information to cross over to AR during the nightly run. 39 Exhibit 3a – Listing of CACSG Letters 40 41 Exhibit 3b – Required Phone Verification

42Exhibit 3b – Required Phone Verification - Continued

43Chapter 4 Field Visits, Meetings, and Incidents with Taxpayers Field Agents should typically hold meetings at the taxpayer’s place of business. Field Agents should not conduct meetings with taxpayers in their homes. The Field Agent or Supervisor must look for alternative locations to conduct meetings. The safety of all Field Agents is priority with Virginia Tax. The Field Itinerary must be completed at the beginning of each week of planned field visits and submitted to the Supervisor for approval, Exhibit 4a.

Field Visit or Meeting Preparation To minimize cost, the Field Agent should check if a fleet vehicle is available for use. The Field Agent should review the account in AR and CACSG then make a history notation stating account was reviewed for field visit. There is a maximum of two field visits per business to be made within a six (6) month period without prior supervisory approval. Field Agent should print out the following for the field visit:  Business Name and t/a name  Business Location  Responsible Officers Name  Account Balance  Nonfilers for all tax types

A Field Itinerary should be prepared in Google Sheets with the required taxpayer information. Instructions for downloading the Google Sheets app and how to complete the itinerary are listed below in Exhibit 4b. A Statement of Expectations must be given anytime there is face to face contact with the taxpayer or their legal representative, Exhibit 4c. If you have not previously met with the taxpayer/responsible officer you should request to see some sort of identification and notate the itinerary with the type of identification seen. Field Agents will be given labels with the Department of Taxation, P O Box 1775, Richmond, VA 23218 address. These labels will be attached to envelopes and provided to taxpayers seen in the field as an option to mail in payments and or returns.

Post Field Visit or Meeting The Field Itinerary must be completed as soon and safely after the field visit as possible. The Field Itinerary is updated in real time. The Field Agent should document the events of the visit to include but not limited to date, location, with whom you made contact, any promises or demands made, and any other pertinent information related to the visit. Agent should also notate if a Statement of Expectations was given to the taxpayer. If the taxpayer refuses the Statement of Expectations, the Field Agent must document the refusal in CACSG. These notes can be copied from the Field Itinerary into CACSG using the field visit icon. The details of the visit with the taxpayer should be documented in CACSG within 24 hours. 44 Field Safety A Field Agent should NEVER visit a taxpayer if they have a concern for their safety. If the area is a known area to have issues then it should be avoided or two Field Agents should go together.

When going into the field you should be aware of your surroundings and watch for any suspicious activity. Park your vehicle where you can make a quick exit if needed.

iPhones

All Field Agents are provided an iPhone which is to be used for official tax business only. iPhones are to be used for business purposes during business hours. Care should be taken to adequately secure iPhones being used in the field and at home. Never leave an iPhone unattended in a car. Lost or stolen iPhones are to be reported immediately to your Supervisor and the proper authorities. There should be no expectation of privacy on a tax issued mobile device. Internal audit or management can request your cell phone to review calls, search, and all usage history at any time.  Field Agents are responsible for making sure the most recent setting updates are installed on their iPhone. Updates must be done within two days of receiving notification.  For safety and security purposes, field agents are required to enable location sharing with their supervisors and they are required to take the phone with them in the field. Location sharing also enables the device to be easily located in the event it is misplaced.

Note: Cell phones are specifically for work purposes away from your office or home. The VOIP phones should be the primary means of communication with taxpayers. Your supervisor should be made aware immediately of any ongoing issues that prevent staff from using their VOIP phone as the primary method of communication while in office.

Acceptable use of iPhone during field work:  Contacting a supervisor, senior or another agent for questions or help with an account.  Reporting a situation such as a threatening taxpayer or a vehicle accident/incident.  If needed prior to entering a business (i.e. a business sign that states to call to be let in).  Updating itinerary, using Google maps, and checking Virginia Tax email.  Contacting responsible officers while at business location to arrange a meeting or obtain verbal permission to discuss with employees who are present.  Calling back a taxpayer if you receive a call or message from them while you are in the field o Verification procedures must still be followed if contact is made with a taxpayer via iPhone.  Dropping a pin on map, sharing your current location via text, or calling a coworker or management to inform of your location if you are visiting an area that feels unsafe.  Taking pictures during a padlock for inventory purposes and to document the condition of the building or premises.  Use as a mobile hotspot.

Acceptable use of iPhone in home office: 45  Contacting a supervisor, senior or another agent for work related issues and questions.  As a backup for taxpayer phone calls if experiencing issues with VOIP hard phones. (This must be reported to your supervisor) o Verification procedures must still be followed if contact is made with a taxpayer via iPhone.  Use as a mobile hotspot.

Caution should be taken when communicating with taxpayers via cell phone.  Limiting taxpayer access to your phone number prevents taxpayers from contacting you outside of work hours or attempting to communicate with you via text message.  Blocking your phone number from displaying on the caller ID can be achieved by dialing *67 prior to dialing the taxpayer phone number. If you are waiting to receive a call you can forward your VOIP calls to your cell phone.

Important Reminders:  Never use the phone in a way that violates our standards of conduct.  It is never acceptable to communicate via text message with a taxpayer.  Do not record or store confidential data.  Do not take photos of taxpayer documents or data, such as returns, W2s, invoices, etc.  The use of the camera or audio and video recording is prohibited on company premises and taxpayer meetings without the express prior consent of management and of the person subject to the recording.  Do not access inappropriate, illegal or obscene material on company phones.  Do not use it while driving unless on handsfree or bluetooth. Employees who are charged with traffic violations resulting from the use of their iPhone while driving will be solely responsible for all liabilities that result from such actions.  Always refer to the code of ethics when making a decision regarding the work issued iPhone.

Additional Resources: Set-up iPhone to access G Suite Support Issues: Virginia Tax Service Center How to forward VOIP calls to your iPhone: VoIP Phone Reference Guide NEW PHONE 46 Incidents with Taxpayers Any incidents with taxpayers include threats, bribe attempts, assaults and harassment by taxpayers and must be reported to the Field Agents Supervisor immediately. If a Field Agent deems the incident warrants reporting, they should leave the scene of the incident and call their immediate Supervisor. If the Supervisor deems the incident warrants official reporting, the Supervisor will direct the employee to complete a brief incident report. If possible, the Supervisor should make note on the account so other personnel will be aware of the problem with the taxpayer.

The Supervisor as well as Office of Compliance Administration and Human Resources will determine if the police should be notified and if other action is warranted.

47Exhibit 4a - Itinerary in Google Sheets

48Exhibit 4b – Instructions for Installation and Application of Google Sheets on Tax Issued iPad Instructions for Installation and Application Of Google Sheets on Your Tax Issued iPad  Go to App Store on the i-Pad  Search for Google Sheets  Select “Get”  You will need your Apple i-Pad password to install the Google Sheets Application  Once the application has been installed on your i-Pad, you will need to log in with your tax.virginia.gov credentials. This allows Google sheets to sync the data files o The Field Itinerary Template will be accessed in Google Sheets. o The Field Itinerary Template will be shared with each Field Agent  Each Field Agent will have to make a copy of the Field Visit Itinerary Template in Google Sheets and rename it First Initial, Last Name and beginning week date of when the field work will be performed (example: “J. Doe Week of 1/1/2021”)  Field Agents will share their Field itinerary within the district that they are assigned and their Supervisor. The following is the email address that you will share your itinerary with: o tax-hampton_fieldcollections@tax.virginia.gov o tax-northern_fieldcollections@tax.virginia.gov o tax-richmond_fieldcollections@tax.virginia.gov o tax-western_fieldcollections@tax.virginia.gov  Field visit itineraries must be completed no less than 24 hours before going to the field. Please plan your field visits in sequential order, as best as you can.  Field visit itineraries will be created on a weekly basis, so the field agent must create a Google sheet for each week of field visits. The Itinerary may be edited through the week or while in the field. Examples include registration checks, adding additional accounts, unable to visit all that was planned.  Field Agents will set up the Field Itinerary on their laptops and save the file. Once in the field, the spreadsheet will be accessible and editable on your i-Pad for documenting field visits. o Please enter field visit results as promptly and safely as possible after field visit; the data entered saves in real time, meaning that once data is entered and saved, it is available for viewing.

How to create a Google Sheet  You will create the Google Sheet from your laptop  Open a new tab on Google Chrome  In the top right hand corner, you will see the icon to select Google Apps. 49  Click on Google Apps and scroll down the options until you see Google Sheets, then click on it.  Once you click on Google Sheets, you will see the available files. You should see your template saved here.  Click on the “Official Field Itinerary Template”. Below is an image of the Field Itinerary: 50  Once the template is accessed: Click file then click make a copy.  Rename the worksheet using first initial, last name, and date field visits are being made, see example below:  Once the spreadsheet has been duplicated and renamed from the original template, it will need to be shared with each districts email: o tax-hampton_fieldcollections@tax.virginia.gov o tax-northern_fieldcollections@tax.virginia.gov o tax-richmond_fieldcollections@tax.virginia.gov o tax-western_fieldcollections@tax.virginia.gov 51  Note: If your Supervisor is out on leave, please share itinerary with Acting Supervisor and district email.

 In the top right hand column, click on Share. This is where the Field Agent will enter the appropriate email address for the district they work.

 The Field Itinerary is now ready for information to be entered. o You have three choices as shown below (1st Visit, Follow Up or Closed).

52 Once the Field Itinerary information has been entered, click the back button. This will take you the Main Page for Google Sheets.  The Field Itinerary is now ready to be accessed in the field with your VATAX assigned I-Pad.

Helpful Reminders  To enter text in Google Sheets Field Itinerary, you will need to double- tap in the text box to edit.

 Once Field Agent completes field visits and returns to the office to document CACSG and AR, the field visit notes can be copied and pasted to eliminate duplicate data entry.

 When sharing the Sheet, double check the email address you are sharing it with. 53 Exhibit 4c - Statement of Expectations (English and Spanish)

5455Chapter 5 Collection Tools Field Agents collect delinquent taxes and enforce compliance through a variety of processes and procedures including phone calls, secure emails, correspondence and/or faxes, field visits, and legal actions.

There are many tools available to assist the Field Agent with collections and enforcing Virginia Tax Laws.

Actions such as making estimated tax assessments, accepting and establishing payment agreements, issuing third party liens, issuing subpoenas and summonses, and initiating legal actions such as memorandums of lien, Revocations of Certificates of Registrations, Padlocks, and Criminal Warrants are useful tools in collecting unpaid assessments.

Collection Notices Collection notices are types of correspondence sent to the taxpayer stating there is a delinquent balance due and/or returns that have not been filed. These notices warn the taxpayer of actions that may be taken by Virginia Tax if the balance is not paid and/or past due returns are not filed and paid. These notices range from requests for information, returns or payment, to warnings of civil or legal actions.

Collection notices are generated through CACSG and mailed from Central Office through a batch mailing process. Some notices are subject to Supervisor review and approval. CACSG records issuance of collection notices in the account history and copies of the correspondence can be viewed and printed by selecting CACSG History and Correspondence View. Batch printing is the preferred option over local printing whenever possible.

Payment Agreements Field Agents are authorized to accept and establish payment agreements when taxpayers cannot pay the full amount of the balance due. (Code of Virginia §58.1-1817) A payment agreement can be an effective collection tool. Payment agreements can be established by phone, through the automated Tele-Plan system, and online through the tax website. Penalty and interest continue to accrue on the outstanding balance during the term of the agreement. See Chapter 16 – Payments and Payment Agreements for detailed information regarding establishing a payment plan for both individual and business debt. New Payment Agreement guidelines went into effect on August 14, 2020.

Reviewing an Account Prior to Establishing a Payment Agreement The Field Agent must review the account prior to accepting a payment agreement from a taxpayer. All returns must be filed and assessed before a payment agreement can be established. The following should be reviewed when considering a payment agreement:  Account History: If there is, a history of defaulted payment agreements the Field Agent may decline the request or require the payments to be received via Collectors App (iPad), EFT payment plan option, or certified funds. Field Agent should identify if the taxpayer is a non-habitual or habitual offender as defined below. o Non-Habitual (NH) is defined by:  First payment arrangement, and no prior defaults due to non-payment, 56  Review of AR (not all show in CACSG) to ensure all current taxes are filed and paid prior to keying payment plan,  Supervisor Approval required beyond 24 months, review would happen upon entry on the supervisor’s worklist. o Habitual (H) is defined by:  Prior payment arrangements defaulted due to non-payment,  Defaults due to the creation of sales or withholding nonfilers or failure to pay current taxes,  Resets are permitted over three times for defaults due to (new nonfiler for litter, corporate tax or VA6)  Review of AR (not all show in CACSG) to ensure all current taxes are filed and paid prior to keying payment plan,  Supervisor Approval required beyond 24 months, review would happen upon entry on the supervisor’s worklist. o Field Agent must uncheck the Re-establish eligible box when creating a new payment plan to limit accessibility for the habitual offenders from creating multiple plans online or tele-plan.  Current Memorandum of Lien on File: Payment agreements may be established without issuing a MOL, but it is recommended especially for high dollar and/or high-risk accounts or accounts where previous payment agreements have defaulted.

Discussing/Negotiating Payment Agreements with the Taxpayer When discussing and negotiating payment agreements the Field Agent must establish the agreement within the payment plan terms. A supervisor must approve any payment plans that exceed 24 months. The Field Agent must explain that the agreement is being established to resolve delinquent taxes and all current taxes must be filed and paid timely.

Creating a Payment Agreement 57 Payment agreements are created and monitored in CACSG. Agreements can be created with monthly or semi-monthly payments. Agents are encouraged to set payment agreements with electronic financial transactions (EFT). When a payment agreement has been established in CACSG the system issues a letter outlining the terms of the agreement. EFT agreements with an email address will receive a notification a few days before the payment is processed. If the agreement is non-EFT, a reminder notice with a payment voucher is sent to the taxpayer 15 days prior to the due date. Therefore, the initial payment should be no less than 15 days from the date it is set up to allow time for the introduction letter and first payment voucher to be received by the taxpayer. Semi-monthly payments are established be setting up two days (1st and 20th) of the month for each payment to be due.

EFT Payment Plans All payment agreements may be set-up for electronic financial institution debits. Any taxpayer that has defaulted a prior non-EFT payment agreement more than one time should be considered for an EFT payment agreement. The taxpayer's financial institution information is listed on the second page of the CACSG payment plan set-up screen. The EFT option must be accepted after the financial institution information is entered. When setting up an EFT payment plan get the taxpayer’s email address and enter it under contacts in AR. This will allow the taxpayer to get payment reminders.

If there are issues with the EFT payment plan in CACSG and the payments are not being deducted, delete the payment plan then reset and monitor to make sure payments are deducted. If you continue to have issues get with your Supervisor.

iPad Payment Plans Payment plans may be set up for payments to be processed through the Collectors Application on the Field Agent’s tablet (iPad). The Field Agent will accept payments on the iPad when the taxpayer wants to pay with terms that the CACSG system is unable to accept. See Chapter 16, Payments, for detailed information on how to process iPad payment plans.

Approving Payment Agreements Field Agents have the authority to create payment agreements for a period up to 24 months and a liability up to $100,000.00. Agreements over and above these limitations will be routed in CACSG to the Supervisor for approval. If payment plan needs Supervisor approval then Agent must notify their Supervisor to approve the payment plan.

Denying Payment Agreements Payment agreements may be denied based upon prior payment defaults, returns that have not been filed, or an unreasonable request.

Monitoring Payment Agreements The CACSG system monitors accounts in payment agreement status. Any failure to meet terms of the agreement triggers the system to move the account to default status.

Defaulted Payment Agreements Payment agreements will default upon failure of the taxpayer to remain current with all tax filings. New assessments on the account and/or failure to maintain timely payments will also cause the payment agreement to default. Once the default occurs, the CACSG system will automatically route the account to a default state for collection action. Unlike payment agreements established by DCU, or via Teleplan, plans 58 assigned to Field Agents will not automatically be sent a payment agreement default letter. It is the responsibility of the Field Agent to issue the payment agreement default letter.

Online Payment Agreements (Web PPA) Taxpayers may login to their iFile account to setup a payment agreement or to view details of the existing payment agreement (next payment amount, due dates, current balance, payment history, and payment method) and make changes to the agreement.

Tele-Plan Taxpayers may call (804) 440-5100 to establish a payment agreement through Virginia Tax Tele-Plan System. Tele-Plan will request certain prompts from the taxpayer and if certain criteria are met, the taxpayer will be permitted to establish a payment agreement via phone. Tele-Plan will not allow payment agreements if the account is in legal status, if the requested period for payoff is too long, or if the amount of payment is too small. Accounts with denied Tele-Plan requests are routed to DCU.

Third Party Lien

A third party lien is a claim that is issued to a third party (asset or lien source) such as a financial institution, employer, or any person holding the taxpayer’s interest and assets. Field Agents have the authority to issue third party liens as a claim against monies held for, or due to be paid to taxpayers. These payments received are applied to the taxpayer’s delinquent taxes. (Code of Virginia §58.1-1804)

Prior to issuing a lien, the field agent is required at least one contact attempt documented via phone, field visit or legal action letter (e.g. consolidated bill notice, legal action pending letter, MOL intent letter or conversion letter) on the account within 30 days of the lien being issued. Third Party Liens can be issued if the balance is under $100.00 (i.e. balances that meet threshold without a payment plan, promise to pay).

Third Party Liens should only be issued on one financial institution at a time unless the taxpayer is a habitual offender and supervisor approval is received as well as documented on the account.

A wage lien applies to 25% of the net wages, commission or salary due to the taxpayer named on the lien, until paid in full.

A bank and/or property lien applies to 100% of the amount of funds available, rent, commission or interest due up to the balance including taxes, penalties and interest for the taxpayer named on the lien. These liens will seize all available funds up to the balance due. .

Finding Lien Sources/Assets An asset (lien source) must be recorded in CACSG before a third party lien can be issued. An automated process captures financial institution information and stores it in CACSG when checks are received as payment. Field Agents often use various other sources to locate assets or lien sources and manually enter them in CACSG Assets. Below are examples of possible lien sources/assets: ● Employers: Entering the taxpayer’s social security number in the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) system may provide a wage lien source; 59 ● Bank Accounts: Entering the customer’s/taxpayer’s social security or FEIN numbers in the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) system and making a current vehicle lien inquiry may provide a possible source for additional financial institutions; ● Image Retrieval/Image Viewer: Viewing tax returns and other information may reveal financial institutions or employer information; ● Credit Cards: The Field Agent can make note of any proof of credit cards accepted at the business. If the taxpayer accepts credit cards such as American Express or Discover Cards, a third party lien can be issued for any payments due the taxpayer from these companies; ● Discovery through Routine Field Work: During the course of routine fieldwork and contact with taxpayers, Field Agents often find lien sources such as individuals/businesses making rent or lease payments to the taxpayers, accounts receivables, individuals or businesses making sales on behalf of the taxpayer (e.g., consignments, auctions), etc.; ● AR: Check financial institution and routing information screens and cross reference to individual banking and routing information for sole proprietor, partners, or officers associated with an account; ● LexisNexis: The Field Agent can run a LexisNexis report which will provide collection information.

Third Party Liens and Taxpayer Contact When a third party lien is issued, taxpayers often contact field agents requesting a payment agreement in lieu of the third party lien, claiming exempt funds or advising the lien causes a hardship.

Third Party Lien Adjustments A Third Party Lien Adjustment (COL044) can be issued through CACSG if there is a need to adjust the balance, extend the due date, or adjust the amount being deducted. If hardship is claimed and the taxpayer is compliant with the filing (not necessarily paying) of the last three years/periods, the Field Agent may agree to reduce the garnishment deduction to 12% of net wages each paycheck until the account balance is paid in full. If the taxpayer is not compliant, they must provide a financial statement, copies of major bills, and a letter explaining their hardship to receive the same reduction in percentage. This documentation must be attached to the account upon providing a reduction for non- compliant taxpayers. Bank lien modifications can be completed at the discretion of each field agent with the compliance requirement or hardship documentation provided. Agents will refer to Third Party Lien Release and Adjustments Procedures.

Supervisor approval is needed for exceptions to the filing or document requirement. The approving supervisor must note the account of this approval. The penalty and interest continue to accrue on the account unpaid balance. For these accounts, a payment agreement is not established in CACSG. The account remains in the third party lien state provided regular payments are received.

Assets Exempt from Third Party Liens Federal and State law prohibits certain property from seizure by a third party lien. If the Field Agent receives information indicating assets are exempt, they must request documentation (i.e. copies of forms, 60 letters or bank statements of deposits of any of the following events) that supports the claim. The following is a list of some third party lien exemptions: ● Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI); ● Veteran’s Benefits; ● Federal Civil Service Retirement Benefits; ● Black Lung Benefits; ● Longshoremen and Harbor Workers Compensation Act Benefits; ● Unemployment Compensation Benefits; ● Public Assistance Payments; ● Worker’s Compensation; ● Custodial accounts established for minors; ● Child support payments;

Any liens issued against the property listed above should be released by a supervisor. Agents will refer to Third Party Lien Release and Adjustments Procedures.

Third Party Lien Release A third party lien can only be released by a supervisor or above. Field agents will not have access to the letter “Third Party Lien Release” (COL002 or COL119). Agents will refer to Third Party Lien Release and Adjustments Procedures. Regardless of available system access, NO collector other than a supervisor or higher is authorized to release a lien.

Third Party Lien Follow-Up When a third party lien is issued, the Field Agent must follow-up with results from the lien. Bank liens are issued for a period of 14 days, wage liens are issued for a period of 30 days and credit card liens are issued for a period of 30 days. If the lien source/asset holder does not respond by sending payment, or notification as to why payment was not made by the due date listed on the lien, the Field Agent must contact the lien source. Contact can be made by phone to inquire about the status of the lien or a Third Party Lien Follow-Up Letter (COL003) may be issued to the lien source/asset through CACSG. Batch printing is the preferred option over local printing whenever possible.

In cases where there is no response or a refusal to honor a lien, a summons may be issued for the lien source/asset to appear in court. If the lien source/asset refuses to honor or respond to the lien, the Field Agent should refer the matter to their Supervisor. Results of a third party lien must be entered in CACSG history.

Lien Source/Asset Contact The lien source may contact the Field Agent with questions about the lien. Employers may have questions about hardship claims and the Hardship Table that is included with the third party lien. Confidentiality /disclosure procedures should be followed, but the Field Agent may discuss the information on the Asset Source copy of the lien and answer questions about the process. 61 Memorandum of Lien A Memorandum of Lien (MOL) is a claim against real property docketed in a county or city court for payment of debt, obligation, or duty. The lien on real estate becomes effective at the time the MOL is recorded and serves as a judgment in favor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. A MOL is valid for 20 years and stays on a taxpayer’s credit history for seven years. (Code of Virginia §58.1-1805) A docketed MOL protects the Commonwealth’s claim for payment of a debt and is an effective collection tool. MOLs are issued through CACSG by initiating a legal action. DO NOT file an MOL in response to an irate or uncooperative taxpayer. This is not a punitive action. The MOL is filed to protect our ability to collect a debt. A MOL is filed in the circuit court clerk’s office of the county or city in which the taxpayer’s place of business is located, or in which the taxpayer resides. If the taxpayer has no place of business or residence within the Commonwealth, the MOL may be filed in the Richmond Circuit Court.

Criteria for Issuing a Memorandum of Lien A MOL can be issued for assessments over $1,000.00 and have not been paid within 30 days from the date of assessment, attempts to collect the balance have failed, nonpayment, payment plan defaults, and are also delinquent in their filings. The MOL should be issued on bills not included on a previously filed MOL. A new MOL should be filed prior to the term limit of enforcement with the Courts. Inform the taxpayer of our automated process of filing a MOL one year before statute of limitations expires. Do not issue MOL if the balance is under $1,000.00 unless approved by Supervisor.

The taxpayer must be given a minimum ten day written notice of intent to file a MOL, Code of Virginia §58.1-1805. A MOL should be issued within 90 days of the date of a notice of intent to file a MOL. A notice of intent to file a MOL is not required if the Tax Commissioner determines the collection of any tax, penalties, or interest will be jeopardized by the provision of a ten day notice. When such a determination has been made, notification of intent to file a MOL can be provided to the debtor concurrent with the filing of the MOL, Code of Virginia §58.1-314.

Memorandum of Lien Statute of Limitations  7 years on assessments created on or after July 1, 2016  6 years from assessment date of individual income tax, Code of Virginia §58.1-313.B  No statute of limitations on business tax assessed prior to July 1, 2016.

Memorandum of Lien on Converted Assessments A MOL must be issued on converted business debt under the individual account 30 days after the date of assessment and within 90 days after a notice of intent to file an MOL has been issued.

Memorandum of Lien on Pass-Through Entity A MOL can NOT be issued solely on Pass-Through Entity (PTE) bills consisting of penalty and interest only (Code of Virginia §58.1-1805) nor when none of the bills within the case have tax due. If the bill has PTE Tax included with the penalty and interest, or the penalty and interest only bill is part of multiple bills with tax included then the procedure for filing a MOL should be followed (Do not remove penalty and interest only bills from the MOL action when there are other eligible bills.

Triple Seal Memorandum of Lien 62 At this time, we are awaiting a final decision from the Attorney General's office on the process for Triple Seal MOL’s. Until further notice, continue to handle TRIPLE SEALS MOL's as you have in the past.

Handling Memorandum of Lien Inquiries The Field Agent may receive contact from taxpayers, financial institutions, accountants, attorneys, etc., regarding a MOL. When a MOL is recorded in the city or county court it becomes public record. Therefore, information on the lien can be discussed without a power of attorney.

Taxpayer Inquiries Taxpayers may request information about MOLs and/or request release of a MOL. Generally, a MOL is not released until the current balance of all assessments listed on the MOL are paid. If there is indication of an error on the MOL or if the taxpayer is requesting a partial release, the matter must be referred to a Supervisor.

Inquiries from Attorneys, Financial Institutions, and Loan Institutions Virginia Tax often receives requests for the current balance of bills on a MOL, the pay-off balance, from attorneys and financial institution officers when they are working on closing loans and/or real property transfers. Balance updates, lien modifications and payoffs may be sent to a verified third via secure email or fax. MOLs are documents of public record and the balance for bills included on a MOL can be provided.

However, the person making the inquiry must provide the Field Agent with the date that the MOL was recorded, the county or city where it was recorded, and the docket/instrument number or book and page number of the recording. A Judgment Payoff letter, COL030, is available in CACSG Legal Action, Take Subsequent Legal Action.

Memorandum of Lien Payoff

  1. Open the case in CACSG.
  2. Select Case and Legal Actions View from the menu bar. The List of Legal Actions window opens displaying all legal actions taken on the case.

  3. Search for the Memorandum of Lien for which the request is made and double click the action. The Legal Action windows opens.

  4. Select the Debt tab. Verify the original amount and debts to insert into the letter.

  5. Select Case and Payment Plan from the menu bar. If there is an existing PPA on the account, delete the PPA.

  6. Select Debts in the Payment Plan window. The Debt List window opens.

  7. Compare the debts listed in both the Debt List and Debt Tab. 64
  8. Select only the debts included on the original MOL. Click OK to include all MOL debts in the Payment Plan Debt window. The balance selected will appear in the Balance field under Financial Summary in the Payment Plan window.
  9. Select the “Frequency” as Monthly. Enter 1 in the “#Pymts” field and select the payoff date in the “Starting On” field. The “Payment Day(s)” should match the “Starting On” day. Select calculate.

Write down the amount displayed in the “Amount” field. 10. Cancel out of the Payment Plan window. If there was an existing PPA on the account, reset the PPA. 11. Select Legal Actions then Take Subsequent Action from the menu bar. a. Select the Judgment Payoff – COL030 letter from the drop-down menu. 65 b. Click the recipient from the address drop-down menu and populate the Recipient tab. Click “Add” to include the address in the Recipient field. c. Select the Printing Destination to Batch and click OK. The letter opens in MS Word. d. Enter the “Calculated To” date and the payoff amount written down from Step 9 in the designated letter fields and select Print. The BALANCE DUE field populates when printed.

Memorandum of Lien Follow-Up The court’s copy of the MOL includes a court acknowledgement copy that is returned to Virginia Tax containing court recording information. When a MOL is issued by a Field Agent the MOL is batch printed and a stamped, self-addressed envelope will be forwarded to the court. The court acknowledgement copy will be returned directly to Virginia Tax. The Field Agent must review the account to ensure the date of recording, book and page number and/or instrument/docket number is located under Legal Actions in

CACSG.

This is important, because the recording information must be in place when executing the padlocking process and when releasing a MOL. If the recording information has not been provided within 30 days from the date of issuance the Field Agent should follow-up by contacting the court clerk for recording information.

Releasing a Memorandum of Lien A MOL will be automatically released by CACSG if there are no unpaid assessments. The Release is mailed to the circuit court clerk of the recording location and a copy is mailed to the taxpayer. Automatic releases do not involve any action from the Field Agent.

Some situations will require manual release of a MOL by a Field Agent. The decision to manually release an MOL is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Field Agent and their Supervisor. A manual release is issued through Legal Actions in CACSG.

Partial Vacate or Vacate Memorandum of Lien When it is determined that a taxpayer is not responsible for debts included on a recorded MOL, the MOL can be vacated. The determination to vacate a MOL must be approved by a Supervisor. Vacating or partially vacating a MOL should not be discussed or offered to a taxpayer without prior discussion with a Supervisor. 66 The customer must provide documentation to prove they are not responsible for the recorded MOL debts (e.g., a military leave and earning statement or a tax return filed in another state). This documentation is forwarded to a Supervisor who then issues the Vacate through Legal Actions in CACSG.

If a secondary taxpayer’s name has been included on a recorded MOL and they are not responsible for the recorded debt(s), a Memorandum of Lien Partial Vacate as to Name Only letter is issued to the circuit court where the MOL was recorded. The Memorandum of Lien Partial Vacate is issued through Legal Actions in CACSG and will be routed to the Supervisor for approval. The taxpayer must provide the necessary documentation to prove they are not responsible for the recorded MOL debt(s).

Acceptable documentation for proving no responsibility for the bills listed on a MOL includes:  Corporate charter  Divorce Decree  Military leave and earnings statement  Tax return filed in another state for the year(s) in question

Memorandum of Lien Subordination Virginia Tax may agree to subordinate a MOL in certain situations, e.g., a taxpayer owns two tracts of real property. One tract of the real property is in foreclosure and Virginia Tax agrees to subordinate the MOL for the tract of property in foreclosure to the Deed of Trust held by the financial institution. A Memorandum of Lien Subordination (COL058G) is issued through Legal Actions in CACSG and will be approved by the Supervisor.

Expunge a Memorandum of Lien Expunging a MOL is the removal of the document from court records at the Order of a Judge. An actual hearing before a Judge may be necessary to expunge a MOL. All requests must be referred to the Supervisor.

Notice to Appear in Lieu of Summons The Notice to Appear in Lieu of Summons (Notice to Appear) is a collection tool used to establish personal contact with a taxpayer and to obtain returns, payments, or information. The Notice to Appear in Lieu of Summons (COL021G) is issued from CACSG and can be sent by regular or certified mail or personally delivered to the taxpayer. A Notice to Appear instructs the taxpayer to bring the requested information to the Field Agent at a specific location, at a specific date and time. The Field Agent must arrange to meet with the taxpayer at a place which is adequate for confidential tax account discussions such as a local Commissioner of the Revenue office or State agency.

If the taxpayer fails to respond to the Notice to Appear the Field Agent may refer the account to their Supervisor for issuing a summons to compel the taxpayer to come forward and provide the missing returns and/or information (Chapter 6, Hearings, Padlock, and Revocation).

Subpoenas and Summonses 67 The Tax Commissioner may, in all matters within his jurisdiction, issue and have served, any writ, notice, process, order, or order of publication which by law may be awarded by or to any court in the Commonwealth of Virginia for the purpose of compelling the attendance of witnesses, production of records, and for the enforcement of his findings, orders and judgments. (Code of Virginia §58.1-216)

Subpoena Duces Tecum A Subpoena Duces Tecum is an avenue used by the Tax Commissioner, or his delegates (currently Supervisors), to summon a taxpayer, taxpayer representative, or any related record keeper to produce certain books and records to the assigned Field Agent by a certain date.

Subpoenas may request the following:  Bank signature cards  Cancelled checks, financial institution statements and deposit tickets.  Actual records of the taxpayer which may include accounts receivables, sales invoices, payroll ledger, or disbursements ledger.

A subpoena may be used to force the taxpayer to produce records for actual tax assessments, to determine responsible officers, and find additional lien sources. The subpoena is also used to gather information to support evidence of intent in criminal cases.

Subpoena Duces Tecums are generated in the CACSG by the Supervisor. The Supervisor’s signature must be notarized. The Subpoena is then delivered by the Field Agent or law enforcement officers. Circumstances will dictate if the requested records may be forwarded by mail to Virginia Tax or collected by the Field Agent.

Writ of Fieri Facias A Writ of Fieri Facias is a legal document signed by the Tax Commissioner, or his delegates, which commands the Sheriff to levy the goods and chattels of the taxpayer and make the amount a judgment.

Prior to issuing a Writ of Fieri Facias a valid MOL must be on file and recorded in the circuit court. The recordation of the Writ of Fieri Facias perfects the MOL and allows it to be enforceable against the personal and business assets of the taxpayer. The Writ of Fieri Facias allows Virginia Tax to seize and sell personal and capital assets of the taxpayer such as automobiles, business equipment and/or business inventory.

The use of a Writ of Fieri Facias is often a last resort and careful consideration must be given to the process.

Investigation by the Field Agent should determine adequate equity in the personal and/or business property to justify the action. The investigation process may involve detailed research of financial statements and the priority of other judgments at the circuit court clerk’s office. It is the decision of the Supervisor to recommend this type of action to the Tax Commissioner.

The Writ of Fieri Facias is generated from CACSG (COL010G) by the assigned Field Agent and routed to the Supervisor for review. If approved, the Supervisor routes the document to the Compliance Support Unit (CSU) in Central Office to be processed and routed to the Tax Commissioner for signature.

Upon receipt of the approved Writ, the assigned Field Agent delivers the document to the Sheriff. In turn, the sheriff’s office visits the physical premises, takes an inventory of the personal property, and records the Writ in the circuit court clerk’s office. The sheriff’s office will advertise the items for sale in the local newspaper in such a way to comply with legal requirements. An auctioneer will handle the sale and the 68 proceeds are distributed based on priority of recorded judgments after payment of the administrative costs.

Jeopardy Assessments Jeopardy assessments are issued under circumstances where it is determined that the collection of income, employer withholding, or sales and use tax, including penalty and interest, will be jeopardized by delay. (Codes of Virginia 58.1-313, §58.1-473, and §58.1-631)

The jeopardy assessment process is an effective collection tool when there is reason to believe the taxpayer may be a flight risk or may be in the process of liquidating assets that could be used to pay delinquent taxes. This process bypasses or expedites processes that ordinarily require Virginia Tax to give the taxpayer notice and a specified time period in which to respond before collection action is initiated.

When a Field Agent has reason to believe the collection of taxes are at risk if there is a delay in initiating collection action, the Field Agent should refer the account to a Supervisor. If the Supervisor agrees, then a request for having the deficiency in tax declared to be in jeopardy should be submitted to the CSU Supervisor. The CSU Supervisor will begin the process and complete the necessary forms for review and signature by the Tax Commissioner. If the Tax Commissioner declares collection of the tax, penalty, and interest to be in jeopardy, the signed declaration will be returned to the CSU Supervisor and then to the Supervisor. The Field Agent will deliver the notice demanding immediate full payment upon receipt of the jeopardy declaration. A Notice of Intent to File a Memorandum of Lien letter may be delivered concurrent with the demand for payment. If payment is not received the Field Agent can deliver the MOL to the court clerk for recording.

STOPS Field Agents no longer have the ability to place a STOP on an account in AR. If a STOP in AR is needed the Field Agent would need to contact their Collection Supervisor and/or a Customer Service Representative.

The Field Agent would need to let the Collection Supervisor and/or Customer Service Representative know how long they want the STOP on the account. Field Agents should limit any STOP to 30 days.

Field Agents should utilize the follow-up date in CACSG if an account needs review and/or no action at a later date. If this method is used remember the account will not appear back in your inventory until that date. 69 Exhibit 5a – Quick Reference for Establishing Payment Plans and Issuing MOL’s

7071Exhibit 5b – Third Party Lien Release and Adjustment Procedures

7273Chapter 6 Hearings, Padlock, and Revocation Virginia Tax uses Padlocking, Revocation of Sales Tax Certificates of Registration and Criminal Warrants for resolving high risk, chronically delinquent accounts. These are the highest level, most serious collection activities of the collection/compliance enforcement process. The Padlocking and Revocation processes and/or Criminal Warrants are initiated as a last resort when all other collection efforts have failed. Hearings are conducted to determine if a business should be padlocked, if the Sales Tax Certificate of Registration should be revoked, or to determine the responsible party of the business.

Padlock Process If standard collection efforts and actions do not produce results to resolve an account, the account may need to be referred for a hearing (Revocation Hearing, Code of Virginia §58.1-613.D) A Padlock Hearing is an administrative process conducted by a Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer has the authority to make agreements for resolution, determine responsible party for unpaid taxes, require a cash or surety bond as a condition of continued operation, and to order the business to be padlocked or the Sales Tax Certificate of Registration revoked.

Purpose The purpose of this document is to outline the steps required by Virginia Tax Field Agents before, during and after padlocking a business. All of the procedures should be adhered to as written unless justification and written authorization is provided at the Collections Director level and attached to the account.

Virginia Tax pursues Padlocking as a last resort for resolving high risk, chronically delinquent, open business accounts. Virginia businesses may be padlocked for the habitual delinquency of any type of tax. The Collections Director level is the only authority to override any requirements in this procedure.

Padlocking entails the closing of the business and may include seizure of the business’ property to sell at a Sheriff-led public auction to resolve the delinquency.

Relevant Code or Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) Given the high risk, sensitive nature and legal ramifications of padlocking a business, it is imperative that Field Agents understand and strictly adhere to the following: Code of Virginia § 58.1-1805 C Authorizes Virginia Tax to padlock a business as a last resort to collect delinquent taxes.

Virginia Administrative Code 23VAC10-20-143 Outlines padlock policy and process requirements.

Virginia Regulation VR 630-1-1805.1 Outlines process requirements (Referenced in Tax Commissioners Ruling 90-72 and included in the Notice of Intent to Padlock sent to the taxpayer).

Businesses Not Subject to Padlock 74 Field Agents shall not pursue padlocking as a resolution for businesses located outside of Virginia. Virginia Tax also does not pursue padlocking for the following types of businesses:  Pet Stores  Independent/Assisting Living/Nursing Home facilities  Healthcare Providers to include Doctors’ Offices, Medical Providers and Urgent Care Centers  Mobile businesses that do not have a brick and mortar location However, Virginia Tax, may per Code of Virginia §58.1-613.D, revoke a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration for retail businesses as a remedy to prevent continued sales tax delinquency (See Revocation Procedure).

Required Padlock Prerequisite Actions Field Agents must ensure that ALL of the following have been completed prior to requesting permission from their Supervisor to schedule a padlock hearing:  Reviewed the account to identify any bills on stop and subtract those amounts from the total tax liability.  Executed at least one field visit to discuss payment of the liability within the 30 days prior to initiation of padlock proceedings.  Issued a Third Party Bank Lien that was unsuccessful.  Issued a Memorandum of Lien on the account that includes all bills on the account that are in an open status in CACSG (over 30 days old).  Review any documented taxpayer complaints and ensure they are properly addressed and documented in CASCG.  Send a Conversion letter and converted bills to responsible parties, if applicable.  Determined that the taxpayer has defaulted on a minimum of three Part Pay Agreements within the last 2 years, the taxpayer continues to have unfiled returns, or both.  Determined that the aggregate amount of delinquent taxes exceeds $1000.

Padlock Hearing Once the prerequisite requirements have been satisfied, the Supervisor may proceed with scheduling a Padlock Hearing. A Padlock Hearing is an administrative hearing that the taxpayer is required to attend and provides the taxpayer with one last opportunity to either:  Show cause why their business should not be padlocked.  Propose an acceptable payment and/or filing schedule.  Make payment in full or post a qualified bond.

Supervisor Review and Approval The Field Agent will route the account in CACSG into their DX71 state, Pending Padlock Hearing, then complete and submit a Padlock Referral Form to the Supervisor to request approval to proceed with a padlock hearing.  The Supervisor reviews the account and the Padlock Referral Form to ensure all prerequisite requirements have been satisfied and that a hearing is appropriate. Additional factors to consider for approval include, but are not limited to: o The taxpayer’s history of chronic delinquency in remitting required returns or payments. 75 o The likelihood that continued operation of the business may increase the amount of sales or withholding tax collected from others, but not paid to Virginia Tax. o The likelihood that padlocking the business may adversely affect the business operation of other taxpayers whose business may share the same business location.  If approved, the Supervisor routes the account to their Pending Padlock Hearing state, DX71 in CACSG.  If all prerequisite requirements have not been completed, the Supervisor will refer the account back to the Field Agent to complete the remainder of the required prerequisite collection actions.

Assignment and Scheduling  Collections Regional Managers review accounts in the Pending Padlock Hearing state in CACSG and assign a Supervisor to handle the padlock process for each account.  Collections Regional Managers act as the Hearing Officer for the hearing schedule the hearing dates using the Padlock Hearing Schedule in Google Sheets and reserve a space at a Virginia hearing site for each hearing scheduled. There may be instances when a virtual hearing may be warranted.  At any time, a Supervisor may contact a Collections Regional Manager to request a hearing date when special circumstances apply such as a large balance or high–risk. High-risk is described as when a business is in jeopardy of closing (notice of foreclosure or eviction) and Virginia Tax is not able to seize the assets. 

Delivery of the Notice of Intent to Padlock Once a Supervisor is assigned and a hearing date has been determined, the Supervisor/Field Agent must, per Administrative Code 23VAC10-20-143:  Generate the Notice of Intent to Padlock from CACSG and enter the date, time and location of the scheduled hearing into Legal Actions in CACSG.  Prepare a Receipt for Hand-Delivered Mail (COL081) to be provided with the notice and the Supervisor/Field Agent must submit the Receipt for back-scanning once received.  Deliver the Notice of Intent to Padlock in person during the business’ normal operating hours within ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled padlock date. Per 23VAC10-20-143(B): o If the owner of the business is present, the Notice shall be presented to the owner. o In the absence of the owner, the Notice shall be presented to the person having responsibility for the operation of the business. o If neither the owner nor the operational manager are present, the Notice must be posted and a copy sent certified mail to the owner ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled hearing date.  The certified mail return green card should be completed with all required information by the Supervisor or Field Agent and the Sender information should be Virginia Department of Taxation, Collections Support Manager, PO Box 5771, Richmond, Virginia 23220. The Supervisor or Field Agent should write the Taxpayer’s Client Identification number on the bottom left of the front of the card.

The Collections Support Manager or staff would document CACSG upon receipt of the green card and then have the green card sent for backscan to the Taxpayer’s record.  Explain that the taxpayer may be accompanied or represented by anyone of their choosing at the hearing and if they choose to do so, they must have a completed Permission to Attend Hearing Form and/or Form PAR 101. These forms will be provided upon request to the business owner prior to the hearing. 76 o If the taxpayer appoints someone to attend the hearing on his/her behalf, the representative must have submitted a properly completed Form PAR 101 prior to the hearing date. o Enter documentation regarding the exact circumstances of delivery of the Notice in CACSG History under Field Visit. Notes should include name and position of the person receiving the Notice; the date and time of delivery; and, when a copy of the Notice was mailed and how it was mailed (regular or certified mail) if neither the owner nor the manager was there to receive it.  Provide the Collections Regional Manager with a Padlock Referral Form and Hearing Record, as shown in the Field Collection Portal under Legal Processes, for each account scheduled for a Padlock Hearing. o If deemed appropriate, prepare a Sales Tax Bond and forward it to the Collections Regional Manager. The Bond amount is calculated by adding the last six months sales tax or last six months nonfiler assessments liability plus 25%, rounded up to the nearest hundred.  Send a Google Meet invitation to the Collections Regional Manager, Supervisor and Field Agent.

The Collections Regional Manager may attend virtually if the hearing location is a significant distance (50 miles or more) from the Hearing Officer’s work location or to expedite due process to the taxpayer. The Supervisor and Field Agent assigned to the case are always required to attend in person all virtual hearings at the hearing location. o If the taxpayer contacts the Field Agent and states that he/she cannot attend on the scheduled date, the Supervisor/Field Agent can evaluate the taxpayer’s extenuating circumstances and may agree to do a Hearing with all parties virtually via Google Meet/WebEx or reschedule for another hearing date.

Correction of Erroneous Assessment Filed After Delivery of the Notice of Intent  The taxpayer may file an application for correction of an erroneous assessment pursuant to §58.1-1821 of the Code of Virginia if the taxpayer has reason to believe the assessment is erroneous. o Per 23VAC10-20-144(A)(3), if the taxpayer files an application after Virginia Tax has issued the Notice of Intent, it is presumed that one of the reasons for filing the application is to prejudice or to render wholly or partially ineffectual the proceedings to collect the delinquent tax. In this case, Virginia Tax may determine that it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth to continue efforts to collect the delinquent tax during the time that it is considering the application for correction, unless the taxpayer posts a bond in an amount and with security satisfactory to the Tax Commissioner.

Conducting the Padlock Hearing The objective of a Padlock Hearing is to determine if the business should be padlocked due to failure to comply with Virginia Tax Laws and to give the business a final opportunity to become compliant. The Padlock Hearing is conducted in person or virtually by the Collections Regional Manager, who serves as the Hearing Officer, and must always, be attended by two Field Agents, usually the assigned Supervisor and Field Agent.  Prior to the start of the meeting, the Collections Regional Manager must ensure: o Receipt of a completed and signed Permission to Attend Hearing Form if the taxpayer chooses to have someone present at the hearing. 77 o Receipt of a properly completed Form PAR 101 if the taxpayer chooses to have an authorized representative at the Hearing.  The Form PAR 101 must be reviewed for completeness by the Supervisor/Field Agent and submitted to Customer Service for processing.  The Collections Regional Manager, acting as the Hearing Officer will: o Outline the reasons for the padlocking action and quote applicable code sections. o Refer to the Notice of Intent for a list of the unpaid assessments and/or returns that have not been filed as reason for the padlock. o Advise the taxpayer of findings of any additional business or income tax liabilities and include these balances in discussions regarding payment and compliance. o Ask the taxpayer to explain why the taxes have not been filed and/or paid timely and how they propose to resolve the matter and guarantee compliance in the future.  The Supervisor or Field Agent will: o Provide information regarding the collections efforts, account history, etc. and may ask the taxpayer pertinent questions.  The Collections Regional Manager will propose a resolution of the account with the taxpayer. o If an acceptable payment resolution is reached, the Collections Regional Manager prints a Padlock Hearing Agreement Letter (COL050) during the hearing and presents it to the taxpayer to sign. The Collections Regional Manager will review this agreement thoroughly with the taxpayer and inform the taxpayer that all current returns must be timely filed and paid, and that after reaching an acceptable agreement, the Padlock action will cease provided the taxpayer adheres to the terms of the agreement. o If the payment proposal is rejected, the Collections Regional Manager prints a Padlock Hearing Rejection Letter (COL097) and presents it to the taxpayer to sign. The Rejection letter stipulates that full payment must be made within three (3) business days from the scheduled date of the hearing to prevent the Padlock action from moving forward.  If the hearing officer cannot print a Padlock Hearing Agreement Letter (COL050) or Rejection Letter during the hearing, the letter will be hand delivered to the business by the Supervisor no later than the next business day.

Failure to Attend the Hearing  If the business owner or authorized representative does not appear for the hearing, the Collections Regional Manager will execute a Failure to Show Letter (COL108) and the Supervisor will deliver this letter, along with a Receipt for Hand-Delivered Mail (COL081), to the business no later than the next business day, and mail a copy of the letter to the taxpayer.  The letter stipulates that the taxpayer has fourteen (14) calendar days from the scheduled date of the missed hearing to comply or the business will be padlocked.

Monitoring the Hearing Agreement The Supervisor or Field Agent will route the account in CACSG into DX72, Monitor Padlock, then review the account in CACSG and AR monthly to ensure:  All returns and return payments are being filed timely and paid by the due dates. o If there is a reversed payment (e.g. insufficient funds), this constitutes a failure to pay timely.  All payment plan payments are being paid in full by the due date(s) previously agreed to in the Padlock Agreement.  If the taxpayer fails to comply with the timely filing and payment of returns and Payment Plan payments, this constitutes a breach of the Padlock Agreement and the Supervisor will generate the 78 Notice of Failure to Comply, which outlines the taxpayer’s options to prevent the Padlock action from moving forward. o The agent will determine the timeframe stipulated in the notice by which the taxpayer must comply. o The Notice of Failure to Comply must be hand delivered to the taxpayer either by the Supervisor or by the Field Agent. o A Receipt for Hand Delivered Mail should be signed by the taxpayer or person in charge if the taxpayer is not available. The Field Agent must submit the Receipt for back-scanning once received. o Document this action in CACSG Notes. o If the taxpayer does not bring the account into compliance by the date in the Notice of Failure to Comply, the Supervisor should refer the account to the Collections Regional Manager to determine the appropriate action to take.

Scheduling and Preparing for the Padlock Padlocking action moves forward when resolution from all collection actions has failed and/or the terms of the Padlock Hearing Agreement have been breached.

Scheduling the Padlock The padlock should take place during the business’ normal operating hours. The Supervisor or Field Agent will do the following to schedule the Padlock:  Contact a Locksmith Company (Compliance Support has a list of approved companies) and the local Sheriff’s Department to coordinate a time and date.  Provide the Locksmith and Sheriff with the: o Name and addresses of all business locations to be padlocked o Time and date for the padlock o Contact information (phone number) of the Supervisor  Provide the date, time and location to the Supervisor and Collections Regional Manager. A Collections Regional Manager must be present. A Supervisor or Field Agent will accompany them. All must be physically present for the Padlock or it must be rescheduled.  At least 24 hours prior to the Padlock Hearing, the Field Agent or Supervisor must email a Padlock Summary to apprise the Collections Manager, Collections Director and Virginia Tax Communications Director of the padlock. The summary must include: o Legal name of the business. o Physical address of all business locations where the padlock(s) will take place. o Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN). o Current balance on the account to include any non-filed periods. o Date and time for the scheduled padlock. o Brief summary of the account delinquency to include all prerequisite attempts to collect on the debt.

Preparing for the Padlock The Supervisor/Field Agent will do the following before the day of the Padlock: 79  Print copies of the Padlock Inventory Sheet to use to record inventory.  Charge their IPads the night before so pictures/video can be taken of the premises and business’ inventory.  Complete the Order of Distraint in CACSG.  Print several copies of the Notice of Intent to Padlock and Order of Distraint to take to the business to post. The notice will be taped to the inside window or an appropriate location visible to the public.

Padlocking At the scheduled date and time, the Collections Regional Manager and a Supervisor or Field Agent must:  Arrive on time at the business location to be padlocked. Ensure that all parties are present before entering the business— Required Virginia Tax Collection staff (Collections Regional Manager, Supervisor or Field Agent), Locksmith and Sheriff.  Enter the premises and ask to speak to the owner, partner or corporate officer of the business. If this person cannot be reached, the Notice of Intent and Order of Distraint may be served and explained to the manager or person in charge of operating the business. o A signed Receipt for Delivery of the Notice must be obtained if served on someone other than the sole proprietor, partner or corporate officer of the business.  Request that the owner, partner or corporate officer close the business and give the employees and customers 20-30 minutes to gather their personal belongings and leave the premises.  Tape the Notice of Intent to Padlock and Notice of Distraint to all entrances of the business— preferably to the inside of the glass on the entrance (If that is not possible, then tape to the entrance in a manner that the weather will not destroy it). Pictures/videos must be taken to show the Notice of Intent has been posted properly.  Secure (lock) all entrances to the business in order to ensure that no one enters to remove inventory, merchandise, or other property.  Instruct the Locksmith to change all locks and/or chain lock all entrances to the business and provide the Supervisor with all the new keys. The Supervisor must keep the keys in a secure place in his/her home office.  If gas, kerosene or propane pumps are located at the business “Do Not Enter” yellow caution tape must be wrapped around the pumps.  Request dates and times for any upcoming pre-scheduled routine maintenance required for the property from the owner, officer, or manager and then contact the maintenance company to arrange to let them into the premises.  Take inventory of the assets on the premises before leaving. o Attempt to verify with the owner, officer, or manager what the taxpayer owns inside and outside of the building. o Using the Padlock Inventory Sheet in Google Sheets, record the description and quantity of items in which Virginia Tax may be able to sell at auction to offset the tax debt.  Take pictures/video of items – a general guideline would be to take pictures for smaller inventories and a combination of pictures with video for larger inventories in which it is impossible to inventory every item (e.g. grocery store).  Always take pictures/videos of assets/inventories even if there is none to reflect such status.  If there is a cash register or other cash found at the business, the taxpayer is given the opportunity to give the cash to the Field Agent to apply to their tax liability. 80 o If the taxpayer agrees to apply the cash to the tax liability, the Supervisor must provide a receipt to the taxpayer immediately (The Supervisor must convert the cash to a money order or cashier’s check no later than the next business day, and mail the money order or cashier’s check with a Daily Transmittal to Richmond. o If the taxpayer chooses not to apply the cash to the tax liability, the taxpayer must be allowed to take the cash with them when leaving the premises.  Prior to leaving the premises, the Collections Regional Manager, Supervisor or Field Agent must ensure: o All persons have left the property. o Heaters, coolers, and/or freezers required to maintain the property and/or inventory are working. o Pictures/Videos must be taken to show the condition of the inside and outside of the building at the time of padlock. o There are no discernable fire hazards or safety concerns. o All lights, except lighting for security purposes, are turned off and all doors are locked.

After the Padlock Following the Padlock, the Supervisor/Field Agent must:  Record detailed Notes in CACSG of the padlock action.  The Supervisor or Field Agent should scan the invoice from the locksmith, send it to backscan, and attach it to an email to Compliance Support, P O Box 5771, Richmond, VA 23220-0771. A copy of the email and invoice should be kept by the Supervisor or Field Agent.  Using the pictures/video, complete in more detail the Padlock Inventory Sheet o Determine an estimated value of the inventory using Goodwill’s donation value guide located at https://goodwillnne.org/donate/donation-value-guide/when appropriate and for other specialized equipment consult with Collections Regional Manager to come up with an alternative evaluation system. o Print pictures and attach to the Padlock Inventory Sheet  Mail a copy of the Padlock Inventory Sheet with attached pictures to the owner within three (3) business days after the padlock informing the taxpayer that the values listed on the Padlock Inventory Sheet reflect an estimated value of the inventory using the Goodwill Donation Value Guide and are not an official valuation of the assets.  Notify the landlord by phone that Virginia Tax has padlocked the business. Provide the landlord with the Supervisor’s/Field Agent’s name and phone number to call if access is needed. The Supervisor/Field Agent must provide the landlord with access to the building, upon request, for the duration of the padlock.  Document all actions taken after the padlock in CACSG.  Never leave sensitive phone messages for taxpayers with detailed Padlock information and always use recorded phone-line communications with Padlock taxpayers.  Always use secure email messaging when communicating with Padlock taxpayers.

Writ of Fieri Facias Levy to Sell Assets at Auction If the business has not paid in full (including payment of tax, penalty and interest for any returns that have not been filed) within three (3) business days from the date the business was padlocked, the Supervisor/Field Agent should initiate steps toward the sale of the business’ assets. Business inventory/assets should only be sold using the local Sheriff’s Department. 81  The Supervisor/Field Agent should determine if a Writ of Fieri Facias Levy is appropriate. The Writ of Fieri Facias Levy is a request for the Sheriff to levy and sell the assets of the business on behalf of the Commonwealth. The proceeds of the sale will be applied to the business’ tax liability. o The Field Agent should review the business’ records at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office and record the name, amount and date of any judgments filed against the business. o If there are judgments filed in the Circuit Court that are ahead of Virginia Tax and the estimated value of the assets is below the cost of the average Sheriff’s sale, requesting a Writ of Fieri Facias may not be in the best interest of the Commonwealth and revocation of the business sales tax certificate, if applicable, may be pursued. When this occurs, the Supervisor or Field Agent will:  Proceed with steps to revoke the business’ Sales Tax Certificate (See Revocation procedure).  Remove the Padlock and return the keys to the Landlord.  Document this action in CACSG Notes. o If it is determined that after other judgments that proceeds from the sale of the business’ assets appear to be larger than the average Sheriff’s sale and are significant enough to apply to the business’ tax liability, the Supervisor or Field Agent will:  Generate a Writ of Fieri Facias Levy from CACSG.  Attach a copy of the Writ and the documented judgment information created in Word to an email and send to the Collections Regional Manager. o The Collections Regional Manager submits to Compliance Support to take to the Compliance Assistant Commissioner to obtain the Tax Commissioner’s signature.  If the Tax Commissioner does not sign, then the Supervisor or Field Agent should record the result in CACSG Notes and pursue revoking the Sales Tax Certificate, if applicable. o If the Tax Commissioner signs, the original is mailed to the Supervisor or Field Agent to execute the Writ.  Inform the landlord that the business’ assets will be sold at auction and direct him/her to the Sheriff’s department with questions concerning the sale.  Deliver the signed Writ of Fieri Facias Levy to the Clerk of Court in the business locality.  If the business has a mixed beverage or wine and beer license with ABC, the Supervisor or Field Agent must contact the ABC special agent that handles that territory to notify him/her of the business being padlocked and the assets will be sold.  Request a meeting with the ABC special agent at the business so open bottles of alcohol, wine or beer can be destroyed (Unopened bottles of alcohol, wine or beer can be sold at auction to another business that has a mixed beverage or wine and beer license with ABC only).  Document this meeting in CACSG Notes.

Application of monies from sale of assets  After the assets of the business have been sold, the Sheriff will deduct any applicable fee for his/her services and then will mail a check to Compliance Support Unit, P O Box 5771, Richmond, VA 23220.

The Sheriff will forward any proceeds from the sale minus the monies applied to the business tax liability to the taxpayer. 82  The Supervisor or Field Agent should scan the invoice from the locksmith, send it to backscan, and attach it to an email to Compliance Support, P O Box 5771, Richmond, VA 23220-0771. A copy of the email and invoice should be kept by the Supervisor or Field Agent.  Document Notes in CACSG.

Removing the Padlock After the sale of the assets has concluded, the Supervisor or Field Agent must:  Remove the Notice of Distraint from all the entrances.  Return the keys to the Landlord when possible. o If unable to make contact with the landlord (or the landlord is out of state) promptly review with the Regional Manager and Collections Manager for possible alternative resolution.  Document the actions in Field Visit Notes in CACSG.

Conducting a Show Cause Hearing The purpose of a show cause hearing is to determine the officer, partner, member, employee, etc., responsible for unpaid taxes of a corporation or partnership. The CACSG Notice of Personal Responsibility Hearing, COL008A, is generated through general correspondence. A Show Cause Hearing may also be conducted after an individual has been personally assessed for the unpaid taxes of a corporation and/or partnership. This occurs when officers and/or partners fail to respond to a Notice of Personal Responsibility, but contest the determination after receiving an assessment notice (Chapter 9, Additional Collection Procedures, and Assessing Unpaid Taxes to Responsible Officers).

The hearing is conducted by a Hearing Officer and attended by the Supervisor at a Virginia Tax hearing sight. The taxpayer may be accompanied or represented by anyone of their choice. If the taxpayer appoints someone to attend the hearing on their behalf, the representative must have a power of attorney.

Role of the Hearing Officer The Hearing Officer makes a determination regarding the responsibility of the officer, partner, or employee for unpaid taxes of the business. Prior to the hearing, the Hearing Officer reviews the account history and documentation in CACSG. The Hearing Officer conducts the hearing and evaluates all evidence presented by the taxpayer and the Supervisor.

During the Hearing The hearing begins with the Hearing Officer introducing themselves, the Supervisor attending the hearing, and provides an explanation of the process. The Hearing Officer determines if the person representing the business is authorized to discuss confidential tax information and represent the business. A power of attorney form may be requested before the hearing can continue. If an attorney, CPA, etc., is accompanying the taxpayer, a power of attorney will be requested for future discussions when the taxpayer may not be present. The taxpayer will be provided with information of the reason why Virginia Tax believes they may be responsible for unpaid bills of the business.

The taxpayer is given an opportunity to provide an explanation and/or evidence about their role in the business. The Supervisor can ask questions and/or provide evidence regarding the account. 83 The Hearing Officer will discuss the issues with all parties in an effort to make a determination of responsibility. If a determination is made during the hearing, the Hearing Officer will explain the determination and the taxpayer’s rights of appeal. In some situations, additional information may be requested before a determination is be made and a date will be established for providing the information.

Conclusion of Hearing The Supervisor will monitor the account for compliance with the Hearing Officer’s determination. The Hearing Officer or Supervisor will generate a free format letter from CACSG (COL001) notifying the taxpayer of the Hearing Officer’s determination. Documentation of the hearing results will be entered in CACSG.

Revoking a Certificate of Registration

Purpose The purpose of this document is to outline the steps required by Virginia Tax Field Agents before, during and after revocation of a sales tax certificate of registration for a Retail business in Virginia. All of the procedures should be adhered as written unless justification and written authorization is provided at the Collections Director level and attached to the account.

Virginia Tax pursues revocation as a last resort for resolving high risk, chronically delinquent, open sales tax accounts to prevent continued delinquency. Revocation entails the removal of the business’ Certificate of Registration. This action forces the business to cease operations, which serves as a remedy to prevent continued sales tax delinquency.

Virginia Tax has the authority to revoke a Sales Tax Certificate per Virginia Code of Virginia §58.1-613.D,

Businesses Not Subject to Revocation  Field Agents should not pursue revocation as a resolution for businesses located outside of Virginia.  Virginia Tax also does not pursue revocation for businesses not registered for sales tax.

Required Revocation Prerequisite Actions Field Agents must ensure that ALL of the following have been completed prior to requesting permission from their Supervisor to schedule a revocation hearing:  Reviewed the account to identify any bills on stop and subtract those amounts from the total tax liability.  Executed at least one field visit to discuss payment of the liability within the 30 days prior to initiation.  Issued a Third Party Bank Lien, if applicable, that was unsuccessful.  Issued a Memorandum of Lien, if applicable, on the account that includes all bills on the account that are in an open status in CACSG (over 30 days old) that was unsuccessful.  Sent a Conversion letter and converted bills to responsible parties, if applicable.  Determined that the taxpayer has defaulted on a minimum of three Part Pay Agreements within the last 2 years, the taxpayer continues to have unfiled returns, or both.

Revocation Hearing 84 Once the prerequisite requirements have been satisfied, the Field Agent may proceed with scheduling a Revocation Hearing. A Revocation Hearing is an administrative hearing to provide the taxpayer with one last opportunity to attend and either:  Show cause why their Certification of Registration should not be revoked.  File all nonfilers and propose an acceptable payment and/or filing schedule.  Make payment in full or post a qualified bond.

Supervisor Review and Approval The Field Agent completes and submits an Administrative Hearing Referral Form to the Supervisor to request approval to proceed with a hearing.  The Supervisor reviews the account and the Administrative Hearing Referral Form to ensure all prerequisite requirements have been satisfied and that a hearing is appropriate. Additional factors to consider for approval include, but are not limited to: o The taxpayer’s history of chronic delinquency. o The likelihood that continued operation of the business may increase the amount of sales tax collected from others, but not paid to Virginia Tax.  If approved, the Supervisor routes the account to the Pending Revocation (DX80) state in CACSG.  If all prerequisite requirements have not been completed, the Supervisor will refer the account back to the Field Agent to complete the remainder of the required prerequisite collection actions before initiating revocation action.

Assignment and Scheduling  Collections Regional Managers review accounts in the Pending Revocation state in CACSG and assign a Supervisor to handle the revocation process for each account.  Collections Regional Managers, acting as the Hearing Officer for the hearing, schedule the hearing dates using the Administrative Hearing Schedule in Google Sheets and reserve a space at a Virginia hearing site for each hearing scheduled. There may be times when a virtual meeting is warranted.  At any time, a Supervisor may contact a Collections Regional Manager to request a hearing date when special circumstances apply, such as a large balance or high–risk. High-risk is defined as when a business is in jeopardy of closing (notice of foreclosure or eviction) and Virginia Tax is not able to seize its assets.

Delivery of the Notice of Hearing on Revocation Once a Supervisor is assigned and a hearing date has been determined, the Supervisor/Field Agent must, per Administrative Code 23VAC10-20-142(B) required under 58.1-613 of the Code of Virginia for revocation:  Generate the Notice of Hearing on Revocation or Suspension (COLO16G) from CACSG and enter the date, time and location of the scheduled hearing into Legal Actions in CACSG.  Prepare a General Receipt for Hand-Delivered Mail (COL081) to be provided with the notice.  Deliver the Notice of Hearing on Revocation or Suspension in person during the business’ normal operating hours within ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled revocation date. Per Virginia Code 58.1-613(D): o If the owner of the business is present, the Notice shall be presented to the owner. o In the absence of the owner, the Notice shall be presented to the person having responsibility for the daily operation of the business. 85 o If neither the owner nor the operational manager are present, the Notice must be posted and a copy sent certified mail to the owner ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled hearing date.  The certified mail return green card should be completed with all required information by the Supervisor or Field Agent. The Sender information should be: Virginia Department of Taxation, Collections Support Manager, P.O. Box 5771, Richmond, Virginia 23220. The Collection Field Agent and/or Supervisor should write the taxpayer’s Federal Identification number on the bottom left of the front of the card. The Collections Support Manager or staff must document CACSG upon receipt of the green card and then have the green card sent for back scan to the Taxpayer’s record.  Explain that the taxpayer may be accompanied or represented by anyone of their choosing at the hearing. If they choose to do so, they must have a Permission to Attend Hearing Form and/or PAR 101 Form completed. These forms will be provided upon request to the business owner prior to the hearing. o If the taxpayer appoints someone to attend the hearing on his/her behalf, the representative must have submitted a properly completed Form PAR 101 prior to the hearing date. o The Field Agent must enter documentation regarding the exact circumstances of delivery of the Notice in CACSG History under Field Visit. Notes should include name and position of the person receiving the Notice; the date and time of delivery; and, when a copy of the Notice was mailed and how it was mailed (regular or certified mail) if neither the owner nor the manager was there to receive it.  Provide the Regional Manager with a Hearing Record (Located in the Field Collection Portal under Legal Processes), for each account scheduled for a Revocation Hearing and the Administrative Hearing Referral Form. o If deemed appropriate, prepare a Sales Tax Bond and forward to the Collections Regional Manager (The amount of the Bond is calculated by adding the last six months sales tax or last six months non-filer assessments liability plus 25%, rounded up to the nearest hundred).  Send a Google Meet invitation to the Collections Regional Manager, Supervisor and Field Agent. The Collections Regional Manager may attend virtually if the hearing location is a significant distance (50 miles or more) from the Hearing Officer’s work location or to expedite due process to the taxpayer.

The Supervisor and Field Agent assigned are always required to attend in person and virtual hearings at the hearing location. o If the taxpayer contacts the Field Agent that he/she cannot attend on the scheduled date, the Supervisor/Field Agent can evaluate the taxpayer’s extenuating circumstances and may agree to do a Hearing with all parties virtually via Google Meet/ WebEx or reschedule for another hearing date.

Correction of Erroneous Assessment Filed After Delivery of the Notice of Intent The taxpayer may file an application for correction of an erroneous assessment pursuant to §58.1-1821 of the Tax Code of Virginia if the taxpayer has reason to believe the assessment is erroneous. o Per 23VAC10-20-142(C) Application for correction, the taxpayer may file an application for correction of an erroneous assessment pursuant to § 58.1-1821 of the Code of Virginia if he has reason to believe that the assessment is erroneous. However, if a taxpayer files an application after the department has issued a notice of intent to padlock the business enterprise, it is presumed that one of the taxpayer's reasons for filing the application is to prejudice or to render wholly or partially ineffectual proceedings to collect the delinquent tax. In this case, the department may determine that it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth to continue efforts to collect the delinquent tax 86 during the time that it is considering the application for correction, unless the taxpayer posts a bond in an amount and with security satisfactory to the Tax Commissioner.

Conducting the Revocation Hearing The objective of a Revocation Hearing is to determine if the business’ Certificate of Registration should be revoked due to failure to comply with Virginia Tax Laws and to give the business one final opportunity to become compliant. The Hearing is conducted in person or virtual by the Collections Regional Manager, who serves as the Hearing Officer, and must always be, attended by two Agents, usually the assigned Supervisor and Field Agent. o Prior to the start of the meeting, the Collections Regional Manager must ensure:

  • Receipt of a completed and signed Permission to Attend Hearing Form if the taxpayer chooses to have someone else present at the hearing.
  • Receipt of a properly completed Form PAR 101 if the taxpayer chooses to have an authorized representative at the Hearing.
  • The Form PAR 101 must be reviewed for completeness by the Field Agent and submitted to Customer Service for processing. o The Collections Regional Manager, acting as the Hearing Officer will:
  • Outline the reasons for the revocation action and quote any applicable code sections.
  • Refer to the Notice of Hearing on Revocation or Suspension for a list of the unpaid assessments and/or returns that have not been filed as reason for the revocation.
  • Advise the taxpayer of findings of any additional business or income tax liabilities and include these balances in discussions regarding payment and compliance.
  • Ask the taxpayer to explain why the taxes have not been filed and/or paid timely and how they propose to resolve the matter and guarantee compliance in the future. o The Supervisor or Field Agent will:
  • Provide information regarding the collections efforts, account history, etc. and may ask the taxpayer pertinent questions. o The Collections Regional Manager will propose a resolution of the account with the taxpayer.
  • If an acceptable payment resolution is reached, the Collections Regional Manager prints a Revocation Hearing Agreement Letter (COL050) during the hearing and presents it to the taxpayer to sign. The Collections Regional Manager will review this agreement thoroughly with the taxpayer explaining that all current returns must be filed and paid timely and that after reaching an acceptable agreement, the revocation action will cease provided the taxpayer adheres to the terms of the agreement.
  • If the payment proposal is rejected, the Collections Regional Manager prints a Revocation Hearing Rejection Letter (COL097) and presents it to the taxpayer to sign. The Rejection letter stipulates that full payment must be made three (3) business days from the scheduled date of the hearing to prevent the Revocation action from moving forward. o If the hearing officer cannot print a Revocation Hearing Agreement Letter (COL050) or Rejection Letter (COL097) during the hearing, the letter will be hand delivered to the business by the Supervisor no later than the next business day. o Once terms are agreed upon by the taxpayer, the Collections Regional Manager sends another Revocation Hearing Agreement Letter (COL050) from CACSG to the taxpayer detailing the final agreed expectations.

Failure to Attend the Hearing 87  If the business owner or authorized representative does not appear for the hearing, the Collections Regional Manager will execute a Failure to Show Letter (COL110) and the Supervisor or Field Agent will deliver this to the business no later than the next business day, and mail a copy of the letter to the taxpayer.  The letter stipulates that the taxpayer has fourteen (14) calendar days from the scheduled date of the missed hearing to comply or the Sales Tax Certificate will be revoked.

Monitoring the Hearing Agreement The Supervisor will route the account to the Monitor Revocation (DX82) state in CACSG. Agreements include a 12-month probationary period during which the Supervisor or Field Agent will review the account in CACSG and AR monthly to ensure the taxpayer is adhering to all the terms set forth in the Agreement, which include:  All returns and return payments are being filed timely and paid by the due dates. o If there is a reversed payment, this constitutes a failure to pay timely.  All payment plan payments are being made in full by the due dates previously agreed to in the Revocation Hearing Agreement Letter.  Providing all financial information requested by the date stipulated in the agreement.  Failure to remain in contact with the Field Agent if stipulated in the agreement.

The taxpayer is allowed three violations. After each violation, the Supervisor generates and hand delivers the Notice of Failure to Comply (COL053), which outlines the taxpayer’s options to prevent the Revocation action from moving forward. The Supervisor will determine the timeframe stipulated in the notice by which the taxpayer must comply.  1st Violation - The first violation requires the taxpayer to file any missed returns and make any missed payments by the specified date.  2nd Violation - The second violation requires the taxpayer to file any missed returns, make any missed payments, and post a bond by cashier’s check to be held in trust for 12 months or a Surety Bond from an insurance carrier that can be drawn upon to pay the sales Tax debt over the course of 12 months should their account become delinquent again.  3rd Violation - The third violation requires the taxpayer to pay the entire sales tax debt in full by a specified date.

A Receipt for Hand Delivered Mail (COL081) must be hand delivered to the taxpayer by either the Supervisor or Field Agent. The receipt should be signed by the taxpayer or person in charge if the taxpayer is not available. The Field Agent must:  Submit the Receipt for back-scanning once received.  Document in CACSG Notes the date it was delivered and the name of the person who signed for it.

If the taxpayer does not bring the account into compliance by the date specified in the Notice of Revocation Failure to Comply (COL053), the Supervisor should refer the account to the Collections Regional Manager to determine the appropriate action to take.

Scheduling and Preparing for the Revocation 88 Revocation action moves forward when resolution from all collection actions and/or three violations of the terms of the Revocation has occurred.

Scheduling the Revocation The Revocation should take place during the business’ normal operating hours. The Supervisor or Field Agent will do the following:  Generate a Certificate of Registration Immediate Action Required letter (COL012) from CACSG.  Provide the date, time and location to the Supervisor and Collections Regional Manager. A Collections Regional Manager and a Supervisor or Field Agent must be physically present for the Revocation or it must be rescheduled.  Contact local law enforcement to determine if they can accompany you to the business location at the scheduled time for the revocation if desired for safety reasons (law enforcement is not required for revocation).  At least 24 hours prior the Revocation, the Field Agent or Supervisor must email a Revocation Summary to apprise the Collections Regional Manager. The summary must include: o Legal name of the business. o Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN). o Current balance on the account to include any non-filed periods. o Date and time for the scheduled revocation. o Brief summary of the account delinquency to include all prerequisite attempts to collect on the debt.

The Collections Regional Manager is responsible for providing this summary to the Collections Director and Virginia Tax Communications Director.

Revocation At the scheduled date and time, the Collections Regional Manager and Supervisor or Field Agent must:  Arrive on time at the business location.  Deliver the Certificate of Registration Immediate Action Required (COL012) letter to the owner, partner, or corporate officer. If this person cannot be reached, ask to speak to the manager or person in charge.  Request the owner/corporate officer turn over to the Field Agent the Sales Tax Certificate. Upon receipt of the Certificate, the Field Agent must then provide (2) copies of the Letter of Receipt (COL081) for signature stating this is for the revocation of the taxpayer’s sales tax certificate of registration. There should be one copy for the taxpayer to keep and a copy for TAX that the Field Agent is to keep on file along with the revoked Sales Tax Certificate in a secured location in their office.  Request that the owner, partner or corporate officer cease operations of the business on the date specified or they will face criminal charges as a Class 2 misdemeanor for operating under a revoked sales tax certificate (38.1-613.E). Inform further that each day they continue to operate after their Sales Tax Certificate is revoked constitutes a separate offense.  Following the Revocation, the Field Agent must record details of the Revocation in CACSG Notes. (Send all applicable documents to back scan) Monitoring a Business after Revocation of a Certificate of Registration 89 When the Sales Tax Certificate of Registration of a business has been revoked, the Supervisor must monitor the business for compliance with the revocation notice. The Supervisor or Field Agents must:  Monitor the business during normal business activity hours to ensure they are not operating. This may been done by physically visiting the place of business. If the Field Agent is located a significant distance from the business, local law enforcement may be enlisted to observe the business for any activity. o If business activity is observed, document in CACSG the date, time, and a detailed description of the type of activity observed. The Supervisor must report the incident to their Collections Regional Manager via email immediately. The Collections Regional Manager will determine the action to be taken (Code of Virginia §58.1-613.E). o If the business is found to be operating after revocation, the Field Agent or Supervisor must notify the Collections Regional Manager to determine if the locality’s Commonwealth’s Attorney should be notified in order to seek legal remedy. If the business is operating on a Revoked Certificate of Registration, Criminal Warrants may be issued (See Criminal Warrants Procedures). All actions must be documented in CACSG. o If the dealer provides a new Certificate of Registration, investigation should be made to determine if the new business has any connection or relationship with the revoked business.

If requested documentation or information is not provided, Virginia Tax may issue a subpoena or summons for records needed to make a determination of relationship (Codes of Virginia §58.1-103, §58.1-216, §58.1-217, and §58.1-219). All actions must be documented in CACSG. o If it is determined that the revoked business has been sold to a new owner, successor liability provisions should be examined (Code of Virginia §58.1-629). All actions must be documented in CACSG. Contact your Collections Regional Managers for guidance.

Remedies for Reinstatement of a Certificate of Registration When all returns are filed and the balance of all tax, penalty and interest is paid in full, and in some cases, a Sales Tax Bond is posted; the Sales Tax Certificate of Registration can be reinstated. The Supervisor or Field Agent will:  Document in CACSG Notes that the account is in good standing.  Deliver in person the Certificate of Registration to the business and inform the owner the business may resume daily operations.  Provide a receipt for taxpayer to sign stating that his certificate has been returned. Document who signed the receipt and the date in CACSG.  Send a copy of the receipt for back scan. 90 Exhibit 6a – Hearing Schedule

91Exhibit 6b – Padlock Referral

92Exhibit 6c – Hearing Record 93 Exhibit 6d – Permission to Attend Hearing Hearing_Representative_Authorization_200609 94 Exhibit 6e –Padlock List

95Chapter 7 Criminal Warrants Virginia Tax has the authority to issue Criminal Warrants for criminal offenses committed under Code of Virginia §58.1. Criminal Warrants may be issued when there is evidence of refusal or failure to collect or file required taxes, willful intent to evade the payment of taxes, and/or willful intent to defraud the Commonwealth of any tax due.

Criminal Warrant Types Generally, Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanor warrants are issued by Collections Field Supervisors. However, in some instances, under direction of a Commonwealth’s Attorney, felony warrants may be issued. The following are examples of misdemeanor warrants:  Class 1: Bad Checks (Code of Virginia §58.1-486, §58.1-637, §18.2-182.1)  Class 1: Failure to collect or pay over sales tax (Code of Virginia, §58.1-625)  Class 1: Failure or refusal by a Sole Proprietor to file a sales tax return or filing a fraudulent sales tax return. (Code of Virginia §58.1-636)  Class 1: Failure to file, failure to withhold, and/or failure to pay over employer withholding tax by a Sole Proprietor. (Code of Virginia §58.1-485)  Class 1: Willful failure to make a return, keep records or supply information by Corporate Officers. (Code of Virginia §58.1-1814)  Class 1: Willful failure to collect, account for and pay over sales, use or withholding tax by Corporate Officers. (Code of Virginia §58.1-1815)  Class 1: Failure to file individual income tax return (Code of Virginia §58.1-348)  Class 2: Operating a business making taxable sales without obtaining a sales tax Certificate of Registration or operating a business on a revoked or suspended Certificate of Registration. (Code of Virginia §58.1-613.E.)

The following are examples of felony warrants:  Embezzlement of trust taxes: Sales and Withholding Taxes (Code of Virginia §58.1-474, §58.1-625, §18.2-11)  Class 6: Two or more acts or omissions within a period of 90 days of willfully failing to truthfully account for sales, use, or withholding tax totaling $1,000 or more collected from others with the intent not to pay over. (Code of Virginia §58.1-1816)  Class 6: Intent to defraud by making false statement on an individual income tax return. (§58.1-348)

Criminal Warrants – Responsible Party Civil and criminal actions against individuals are appropriate when there is evidence that the individual willfully violated the law (Code of Virginia §58.1-1814, §58.1-1815, and §58.1-1816). An implication of willful violation related to responsible party is when the business had funds to satisfy the tax debt, but an authorized officer, partner, member, employee, etc., made the choice to use the funds for the payment of other business debts, or diverted the funds for personal use. Willfulness is easier to establish for trust taxes (sales and withholding) in which payment involves the remittance of collected monies. Willfulness can be 96 described as an act (e.g., failure to pay) or an omission (e.g., failure to file) that the taxpayer did knowingly or voluntarily. For example, a responsible officer may direct company funds be used to pay for raw material or labor rather than be remitted for taxes. The officer consciously and intentionally preferred other creditors of the business over what State Tax Law requires.

Prior to Requesting a Criminal Warrant When a criminal offense is suspected the Field Agent should refer the account to the Collections Field Supervisors or Manager for review. A thorough review of the account is conducted to determine if there is sufficient evidence that a criminal offense has been committed. This should be the last collection action we attempt. Only after everything else has failed, because it is the most punitive and time consuming. In addition this tool should be for very large balance cases that merit this level of effort.

The Collections Field Supervisors completes the Criminal Warrant Approval request, Exhibit 7a, and submits form to their Manager. This form is used by the Manager to assist in making a determination of approval.

The Compliance Manager must approve all Criminal Warrants. It may be determined that additional information is needed and a Subpoena Duces Tecum may be issued from CACSG by Supervisor to obtain records from financial institutions, etc.

When approval is received for requesting Criminal Warrants, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City or County of the business locality may be contacted for review of the case. The account should be routed to the Pending Criminal Warrant (DX91) state in CACSG.

A Criminal Warrant Warning must be sent by certified mail or personally delivered to the taxpayer no less than five days prior to issuing a criminal warrant. The Criminal Warrant Warning is issued from CACSG for Class 1 misdemeanor warrants. A Summons for Operating without a Sales Tax Certificate is issued from CACSG when a business is found to be in violation of Code of Virginia §58.1-613.E. For other types of warrants, a Free Format Letter may be issued from CACSG. Any such notice should contain:  Information warning the taxpayer that Criminal Warrants will be filed  A list of the returns not filed and/or delinquent assessments  The deadline for providing returns and payment  Return mailing address for requested information and/or payment  Collections Field Supervisor’s phone number  Signature line for the Field Agent sending the notice

Documentation must be entered in CACSG detailing information contained in a Free Format Letter sent to a taxpayer warning of Criminal Warrants.

Requesting a Criminal Warrant The process of requesting Criminal Warrants may vary among localities; therefore, Collections Field Supervisors should contact local court officials for information regarding procedures for requesting Criminal Warrants. When requesting Criminal Warrants under direction of a Commonwealth’s Attorney, the Collections Field Supervisors will follow the instructions of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The Commonwealth Attorney in some jurisdictions will not request Criminal Warrants unless there is a risk of flight by the taxpayer or the account has a large liability.

Issuing a Criminal Complaint The first step of the criminal process is issuing the Criminal Complaint from CACSG. Editable fields of the Criminal Complaint will allow the Collections Field Supervisor or Manager to enter information such as the 97 locality of the offense, date of the offense, description of the offense (code references should be included), name, address, social security number of the accused, and any additional information that will assist in locating the accused.

This process will vary as Commonwealth’s Attorneys may request a separate Criminal Complaint for each period of an offense or may request a Criminal Complaint for a span period. Commonwealth’s Attorneys usually prefer to review the completed Criminal Complaint before the warrant is issued. Some Commonwealth’s Attorneys prefer to complete the Criminal Complaint based on information from a case summary provided by the Collections Field Supervisor.

Grand Jury The grand jury is a special type of jury assembled to investigate whether criminal charges should be brought. Some Commonwealth’s Attorneys prefer to present evidence before a grand jury prior to issuing felony warrants while others prefer a preliminary hearing. Collections Field Supervisors may be required to give testimony before the grand jury in connection with the criminal complaint. In preparing for testimony, the Collections Field Supervisor should thoroughly review the account and prepare a summary of the account as a guideline for testimony. Information in the summary should include a clear description of the offense, dates, and tax types, delinquent returns, amount of tax, penalty and interest. A brief account history that outlines contacts with the taxpayer and efforts to resolve the matter may also be included. The Collections Field Supervisor must be prepared to answer questions from jurors about the account.

Preliminary Hearing A preliminary hearing is held by a Judge to ascertain whether there is evidence to warrant the binding over of the accused on the felony charge to the circuit court for further proceedings. Collections Field Supervisors may be required to give testimony at the preliminary hearing. As with preparing for grand jury testimony, the Collections Field Supervisor should review the account, complete a summary of the account as a guideline for testimony, be prepared to present evidence, and answer questions about the account.

Warrant of Arrest A Criminal Warrant is issued by presenting the Criminal Complaint to the Magistrate of the locality where the offense occurred, completing a Warrant of Arrest form (DC-314 or DC-312) and the swearing to the accuracy of facts and/or statements made on the Warrant of Arrest. The Collections Field Supervisor, Commonwealth’s Attorney or Magistrate may complete the Warrant of Arrest form. The Warrant of Arrest is based on the offenses listed on the Criminal Complaint. The account should be routed to the Prepare and File Criminal Warrant (DX91) state in CACSG and detailed documentation should be entered such as the type of warrant issued, date issued, charges filed, etc.

Subpoenas, Affidavits and Agreements 98 Additional forms may be required in association with the issuance of Criminal Warrants. The Collections Field Supervisor can issue the Request for Subpoena of Witness and the Plea Agreement forms in CACSG.

However, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may prefer that these forms be issued by their office. The following are additional forms that can be generated from CACSG:  Affidavit to Confirm Nonfiler (COL071)  Affidavit to Confirm Unpaid Tax (COL072)

Preparing for Trial After the Criminal Warrant has been issued, a court date will be set and the Commonwealth’s Attorney will issue Witness Subpoenas to all parties that are to appear in connection with the case. Any requests for records, affidavits, or certified copies from Central Office should be sent via email to the Compliance Support Regional Manager. Requests sent to Central Office must state that the information is needed for court and the request should be expedited. The Regional Manager may request a Subpoena Duces Tecum for financial institution records, purchase invoices, or other information deemed material to the case.

Procedures for confidential tax information must be followed when handling records received in connection with the case.

Presenting a Case in Court Cases may be heard in the General District or circuit court. A Judge hears misdemeanor cases in general district court (bench trial) but the taxpayer may elect to be tried either by a Judge or by jury in circuit court.

Circuit court appearances are felony cases or appeals from the general district court. In some cases a Plea Agreement is made prior to the case being heard. When this happens the plea must be presented before the court.

Supervisors must conduct themselves in a professional manner for all court appearances. They must arrive at scheduled times, observe the court dress code, and be well organized and prepared to give testimony and answer questions. When giving testimony in court the Collections Field Supervisor should present information based on the facts and to the best of their knowledge.

Monitoring a Court Case Immediately after the court hearing the Collections Field Supervisor must document in CASCG the ruling made by the Judge or Jury and route the case to the Monitor Criminal Warrant (DX92) work state. A copy of the Judge’s Order should be requested and kept on file and sent to Central Office for back scanning.

The Supervisors will be responsible for monitoring the account for compliance with the court Order. If the taxpayer fails to comply with the court Order, the Collections Field Supervisor should contact the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may bring the matter before the court or instruct the Collections Field Supervisor to issue a Motion for Show Cause Summons through CACSG to bring the taxpayer before the court due to failure to obey a court Order, make court ordered restitution, etc. 99 Exhibit 7a - Criminal Warrant Approval Department of Taxation xxxxxx DISTRICT

CRIMINAL WARRANT APPROVAL

NAME

John Doe

ADDRESS

1234 ABC Highway PHYSICAL LOCATION: 1234 ABC Highway

Richmond VA 23218

Richmond VA 23218

LEGAL BUSINESS NAME: John Doe, LLC

TRADING AS

Doe’s Food Store

BUSINESS ENTITY TYPE

Partnership

OFFICERS/PARTNERS: John Doe, Partner

Mary Doe, Partner

COLLECTIONS SUPERVISOR

Mary Smith

COMPLAINT

(1) John Doe, partner and operator of a convenience store trading as Doe’s Food Store, failed to pay over to the Virginia Department of Taxation sales tax that was collected from his customers for taxable sales made at the business for the periods of April through December 2001; April, June, July, September and October 2002 in violation of Code of Virginia §58.1-625. (2) John Doe, partner and operator of a convenience store trading as Doe’s Food Store, failed to pay over to the Virginia Department of Taxation withholding taxes (Virginia income taxes withheld from the wages of employees of the business) for the periods of April through December 2002 in violation of Code of Virginia §58.1-485.

ACCOUNT SUMMARY

List important dates, actions and results Description of Business: Field Visit Date (within 30 days of referral) and Result: CWAR Warning Letter Date Mailed Certified: Date Hand Delivered: Most Recent Memorandum of Lien Converted Recordation Date: Converted Date: Amount: Amount:

All Prior MOLs Recorded

All Bills Converted Reason for Referring Account for CWAR

Third Party Liens Unsuccessful

Will not enter into formal PPA

Filing Not Paying

Dishonored payment history

Will not File

Bill(s) out of statute for conversion

Numerous PPA Defaults; how many?

Prior Padlock Account

Responsible Party has multiple delinquent accounts

Other Comments: Collections Supervisor Date Recommendation Approved

Denied

Collections Regional Manager Date Exhibit 7b – Account Summary for Grand Jury 100

ACCOUNT SUMMARY FOR GRAND JURY

CHARGES

John and Mary Doe, partners and owners and operators in charge of day to day operations of Doe’s Food Store located at 0001 Lee Highway, Marion, VA collected Virginia sales tax on sales made at the business and failed to pay the taxes over to Virginia Department of Taxation as required by Code of Virginia §58.1-625.

John and Mary Doe, partners and owners and operators of Doe’s Food Store, withheld Virginia income taxes from the wages of employees of the business as required by Code of Virginia § 58.1-461, but did not pay the amount of tax withheld over to Virginia Department of Taxation.

Sales tax is a tax that the customer pays on each taxable item purchased. Dealers (owners/operators of businesses) are required by Virginia law to collect the sales tax from customers each time a taxable item is sold and pay the tax over to Virginia Department of Taxation by a specified date. The dealer is deemed to be holding the sales tax in trust for the Commonwealth of Virginia until a specified date. Sales tax is not an expense to the dealer – the tax is paid by the customer.

The term for income tax withheld from the wages of employees is withholding tax. Virginia employers are required to withhold Virginia income tax from employee’s wages and pay the tax over to Virginia Department of Taxation by a specified date. Withholding tax is deemed to be held in trust for the Commonwealth by the employer until the due date for paying it over to Virginia Department of Taxation. (Code of Virginia §58.1-474.) Withholding tax is not an expense to the employer, the tax is paid by the employee.

ACCOUNT SUMMARY

Dates, Actions, and Results

EVIDENCE

List of evidence of the offense(s) in possession of Virginia Department of Taxation. 101 Chapter 8 Bonds When deemed necessary, Virginia Tax may require any person, dealer, corporation, etc., subject to collection of sales, use and/or vending machine tax to file a bond to secure the collection of the tax (Code of Virginia §58.1-630). A bond can be a cashier’s check, a bond issued through a licensed bonding company (surety), or securities approved by the Tax Commissioner. The amount of the bond is calculated by adding the last six months sales tax liability plus 25%, rounded up to nearest hundred. The bond or securities will be held in a non-interest bearing account.

Bond Reasons A bond may be required when a taxpayer has a history of failing to file and/or pay sales, use, and/or vending machine taxes timely. The following describes situations where a bond may be required:  Revocation Hearing: A taxpayer may be relieved from appearing at a Revocation Hearing if they file all returns, pay all tax, penalty, interest, and file a surety bond. The Hearing Officer may require the taxpayer to file a bond as a condition of the Hearing Agreement.  Revoked or Suspended Sales Tax Certificate of Registration: A bond may be required as a condition for reinstating a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration when the certificate has been revoked or suspended.  Bad Checks: A bond may be required when a taxpayer issues two or more bad checks for payment of taxes within a twelve-month period (CACGS correspondence COL023, Request for Sales Tax Bond of Surety).  History of Failing to file and/or Pay Taxes: A bond may be required as a condition of issuing or reinstating a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration at any time that it is deemed that the taxpayer has a history of failing to file and/or pay the taxes in a timely manner.

Capture or Return of a Bond Virginia Tax may capture and apply the bond to unpaid sales taxes whenever deemed necessary. If the Sales Tax Certificate of Registration is revoked, the business is padlocked, the business closes, or the business is sold, the bond will be applied to the balance due. Any remaining balance of the bond will be returned to the taxpayer. Upon request, the bond may be returned if the following conditions are met:  A taxpayer has shown compliance by filing and/or paying taxes timely for a period of twelve consecutive months.  The business has been sold or closes and all returns have been filed and there is no balance due.

Processing a Bond When a Field Agent receives a bond, it must be forwarded to the Compliance Support Unit Supervisor along with a Bond Memo, Exhibit 8a. If the taxpayer is mailing in the Bond, the Supervisor will notify the Compliance Support Unit Supervisor to be on the lookout for it. Bonds will be mailed to- Department of Taxation, P. O. Box 5771, Richmond, VA 23218. Non-cash bonds need to be reviewed by the Supervisor.

The Compliance Support Supervisor should be consulted if there are questions about the bond. When the Collections Field Supervisor and Manager determine that a bond needs to be seized or released, an email should be sent to the Compliance Support Supervisor with the pertinent account information. 102 Exhibit 8a - Bond Memorandum

Department of Taxation

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Supervisor Compliance Support Unit

FROM: Collections Field Supervisor Name

DATE

SUBJECT: Cash Bond Account Number: Account Name: Address: Telephone Number

Please post the attached cash bond/surety in the amount of $xx, xxx.xx to the account listed above.

If you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks.

103Chapter 9 Additional Collection Procedures Efforts to resolve unpaid taxes do not stop when a business is sold, closes, or is closed by Virginia Tax through the padlock or revocation processes. Field Agents continue the collections process by using the appropriate efforts to resolve unpaid taxes until the account is paid, or it is determined the account is not collectible. In addition to normal collection procedures, processes such as successor liability and assessing unpaid taxes to responsible officers, partners, or members may be used.

Successor Liability Efforts to resolve unpaid taxes do not stop when a business is sold, closes, or is closed by Virginia Tax through the padlocking or revocation processes. Field agents continue the collections process by using the appropriate procedures and actions until the account is paid, or it is determined the account is not collectible. In addition to normal collection procedures, successor liability may be used.

When a business has been sold and sales tax, penalty and interest remain unpaid, Virginia Tax should evaluate the account for successor liability. If any dealer liable for tax, penalty, or interest sells his/her business or stock of goods (assets), or quits the business, he must file a final return and make payment within fifteen days after the date of selling the business (Code of Virginia §58.1-629 and 23VAC10-210-3090). At that time, he/she should also return the Sales Tax Certificate of Registration to Virginia Tax and report on the final return the full name and address of any successor.

The successor or purchaser must withhold sufficient of the purchase money to cover any sales tax, penalty, and interest due and unpaid until the former owner produces a receipt from the Tax Commissioner showing all tax has been paid or a certificate stating that no tax, penalty, or interest is due. If the purchaser of a business fails to withhold the purchase money, he/she shall be liable for the payment of unpaid sales tax, penalty, and interest, administered under Chapter 6 of the Code of Virginia §58.1, on account of the operation of the business by the former owner.

Any person, firm, or corporation who succeeds a dealer in the operation of a business must submit a Registration Application to Virginia Tax. When applying for a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration, the successor dealer should inform Virginia Tax of the acquisition of the business previously operated and furnish the name and certificate number of the previous dealer. The successor may request a receipt or certificate from Virginia Tax showing the amount of tax, or no tax, due by the previous dealer. Such a receipt will be sufficient evidence to authorize the successor to release to the previous dealer any funds withheld from the purchase price.

When it is determined that successor liability is applicable, a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration should not be issued to a successor who has been notified by Virginia Tax of any unpaid taxes, penalties or interest due and unpaid by previous dealer until such amount is paid in full. However, due to the various avenues of registration available to taxpayers, including Internet registration, Sales Tax Certificates of Registration are usually issued without evaluation of successor liability. Therefore, the field agent must follow-up with checking for successor liability when a business in his/her assigned inventory has been sold, Exhibit 9a. 104 Discovering the Sale of a Business There are several situations where the Field Agent may find out that a business is going to be, or has been sold.

  1. ) The Field Agent is working a case where the business is failing. The taxpayer may mention he/she is trying to sell the business.
  2. ) The Field Agent begins working a case where all tax accounts are closed, but the case has a sales tax balance and/or sales tax nonfilers. Upon contacting the taxpayer(s) or any other related party (landlord, management company, neighboring business, etc.) the information that the business, or assets of the business, have been sold is offered. If the information is not offered, the Field Agent should make a point of asking if the business has been sold.
  3. ) The taxpayer makes a call and/or field visit to a business regarding a sales tax balance and/or nonfilers and discovers a new owner.
  4. ) When in doubt of a successor liability, always consult your Team Leader or Supervisor.

Steps for Enforcing Successor Liability Once the Field Agent learns of the sale of a business or its assets, and a Memorandum of Lien has been recorded, the Field Agent may informally advise the new owner of the seller’s sales tax liability, and familiarize the new owner with Virginia Tax Code 58.1-629. The seller’s “newly disclosed” sales tax liability is, most times, a surprise to the buyer. In cases where a balance or nonfilers exist, it’s common for the seller of a business not to disclose this information at the time of sale, or on the purchase agreement.

Many times the purchase agreement is prepared by a third party accountant or attorney, and the agreement states that the buyer shall not “take on” or “inherit” any liability from the seller. The buyer believes he/she has purchased the business “liability free”. The buyer must be made aware that any contract prepared by a third party accountant or attorney cannot supersede Virginia Tax Code 58.1-629.

Knowledge of the nature of the purchase, as well as the amount of the purchase price, is necessary in determining successor liability. The Field Agent should create a CACSG Free Format Letter on the seller’s case, describing the situation the Field Agent has discovered, and requesting more information regarding the sale. Successor liability is limited to the actual purchase amount that traded hands, not necessarily the purchase price. The Field Agent should request a copy of the purchase agreement. It is best to request a copy from both the seller and the buyer, to insure consistent information is provided. Both the seller and the buyer should be advised of the necessary conditions for successor liability, and that it’s in their best interest to provide a copy of the purchase agreement. The Successor Liability Letter should be hand delivered, or sent certified mail. Certified mail gives us a good audit trail if the case should end up in court.

Once it is determined successor liability exists, and if the both the seller and buyer do not pay the liability, bills, identical to those on the seller’s account, may be created in AR on the sales tax account of the buyer.

In order to do this, a Beginning Liability Date, which includes the sales tax periods for which the seller is liable, should be entered to replace the original BLD in the buyer’s account. Tax assessments equal to the seller’s liability for each period may be created through the Add Charges option in AR; the bill reason should be “other – Successor Liability”. Once bills have been created on the buyer’s sales tax account, appropriate collection and legal action may be taken. As payments are made, the Field Agent must monitor both the seller’s and the buyer’s sales tax accounts for accuracy. The Field Agent should regularly adjust (abate down) either account to reflect these payments. 105 Examples for Review Example 1 –  Business A purchased Business B. Neither the seller nor the buyer paid the sales or motor fuel tax liability. Bills were created on the buyers account, and a third party lien was filed. The buyer paid ½ the tax and interest on the qualified liability, then submitted an OIC, requesting abatement of penalty.  The OIC was accepted, and the buyer was relieved of any further liability. Simultaneously, all bills were converted to the responsible party of the seller. The responsible party has a PPA on the converted bills.

Example 2 –  ABC Inc. purchased 123 Inc. The sale of the business was discovered upon a field visit to the location.

The seller had nonfilers at the time of the sale, and could not be reached. Nonfiler assessments were created on the seller’s sales tax account. These were then duplicated on the buyer’s account.  Based on the purchase agreement, the sales tax liability was greater than the purchase price; therefore, the buyer was held liable for an amount equal to the purchase price. The balance of the liability was converted to the responsible party of the seller.

Frequently Asked Questions QUESTION: Restaurant B intends to buy the business from Restaurant A. Restaurant A is not truthful to Restaurant B about outstanding tax liabilities (nonfilers) that exist. Restaurant B does a records search and finds no Memorandum of Lien in file. The sale goes through. Assessments are later made on Restaurant A, a Memorandum of Lien is filed, and bills are assigned to Restaurant B. The attorney for Restaurant B states that because there was no Memorandum of Lien on file, there should be no successor liability. Does a successor liability exist?

ANSWER: Yes. Our position is that Restaurant B should have asked Restaurant A for a “letter of good standing” (a receipt from the Tax Commissioner showing that taxes, penalties, and interest have been paid or a certificate stating that no taxes, penalties and interest are due, Code of Virginia 58.1-629. The fact that there was no Memorandum of Lien on file does not matter when it comes to successor liability, a sort of buyer beware.

QUESTION: It is November 6, 2007. You learn that Cookie Store B purchased the assets of Cookie Store A in July 2003. Cookie Store A has nonfilers, spanning September 2001 – June 2003. Does Cookie Store B have a successor liability?

ANSWER: No. Virginia Tax Code 58.1-104, is a general provision, which states the statute of limitations is 3 years, in most cases. Since none of the periods of time in question fall within the past 3 years, successor liability should not be pursued.

QUESTION: Convenience Store B purchases the assets of Convenience Store A for $20,000. The sales tax liability of Convenience Store A is $35,000. Is Convenience Store B liable for $35,000 in sales tax?

ANSWER: No. Convenience Store B is only liable for the amount of money that actually changed hands.

Virginia Code 58.1-629 provides that the successor shall only hold sufficient of the purchase money to cover the amount of unpaid taxes. 106 QUESTION: A Shoe Store goes out of business with a sales tax liability of $10,000. The Shoe Store vacates the premises. One month later, a Sporting Goods Store begins doing business at the same location. Is the Sporting Goods Store liable for the $10,000?

ANSWER: No. No purchase has taken place. Successor liability cannot exist unless a sale has transpired.

Offer in Compromise An Offer in Compromise is a proposal to settle a tax bill for less than the full amount due. Virginia Tax can consider Offers in Compromise from individuals and businesses for the following reasons, Code of Virginia §58.1-105. See Exhibit 9b.  Waiver of penalties over $2,000 if extenuating circumstances kept the taxpayer from filing or paying their taxes on time.  The taxpayer may not be liable for the amount assessed (doubtful liability).  The taxpayer is currently experiencing financial hardship, and can show that they are not able to pay the full amount owed (doubtful collectability).

How to Request an Offer in Compromise For requests for relief based on doubtful liability or for waiver of penalty, the taxpayer will submit the required forms, and include all required documentation as detailed in the instructions:  Individuals: Form OIC I-2  Businesses: Form OIC B-2 For converted debt that files for doubtful liability, the Field Agent must verify that there is a reason for doubtful liability.

For requests for relief due to financial hardship (doubtful collectability), the taxpayer will submit a completed offer package, including all required forms and supporting documentation:  Individuals: Form OIC I-3, FIN I-1, OIC-Fee  Businesses: Form OIC B-3, FINB-1, OIC Fee

The taxpayer should submit an individual OIC packet for businesses that are closed or business debt that has been converted to them, see exhibit 9b – Offer in Compromise Chart, for more information.

The taxpayer may be required to include a $50 administrative fee. See the instructions for complete details.

Required forms and all supporting documentation should be sent by the taxpayer to: Tax Commissioner Virginia Department of Taxation PO Box 2475 Richmond, Virginia 23218-2475

Virginia Tax will consider the offer based on all available information. If the Tax Commissioner accepts the offer, Virginia Tax will remove any amounts waived from the bill. If the offer is not accepted, the taxpayer must pay the balance of the bill in full. See the Taxpayer Bill of Rights for more information on www.tax.virginia.gov. Penalty waivers are done after the offer is accepted. Virginia Tax will not waive any portion of a doubtful collectability OIC until the offer has been paid in full.

Customer Satisfaction handles the stops and cases for all doubtful collectability offers, and for penalty waivers and doubtful liability OICs that are not for field audit bills. If a business asks for waiver of penalty or 107 files for doubtful liability on a field audit bill, the case goes to Appeals and Rulings, and they will place the stops.

The OIC Representative may contact the Field Agent and ask for their input on an OIC case or to complete the form below when the account is assigned to them. The Field Agent should provide as much information as possible to the OIC Representative to assist them with making their decision. A response must be sent to the OIC Representative within 2 business days.

Questionnaire for Field Agent Incoming OIC cases Name of Field Agent: OIC Case #:

FEIN / SSN: Account Name: Total Unpaid Balance on Account: Taxpayer’s Offer

  1. Did you have contact with this TP prior to the OIC being submitted?

  2. Did you encourage or recommend that the TP submit an OIC? _ Yes No a. If yes, explain: b. If not: I was not aware they intended to submit an OIC _ I told them they probably would not get an OIC

  3. Has the delinquent balance been converted? _ Yes _ No a. If so, to which responsible officer(s) and SSN(s)?

b. If no, is there a reason the balance has not been converted? _ Out of statute _ Other If other, explain:

  1. Is there a MOL recorded for the entire balance due? _ Yes No a. If not, why? b. If the debt is converted, has a MOL been recorded against the business and the taxpayer(s) the debt was converted to? _ Yes No

  2. What is your recommendation for the requested settlement? Why?

  3. Any additional comments about the TP or their OIC? 108 A final decision is made based on the taxpayer documents, information and account history provided. The decision is documented in CACSG and/or AR (Customer Satisfaction does not use CACSG). Upon request a copy of the response letter will be sent to the assigned agent.

How to Retrieve an OIC Case in Siebel If an OIC has been denied and the account has been assigned to a Field Agent then the Field Agent can obtain valuable information from the OIC documents submitted by the taxpayer (eg: phone numbers, addresses, bank and employment information). To retrieve an OIC case in Siebel do the following:

 Go to Consolidated View in Siebel  Enter SSN/FEIN  Go to Contact Cases

 Click on the CC#

Each CC# will give you a breakdown of the OIC. If you click on “Correspondence” then “View Image” you can view the documentation the taxpayer submitted.

109Example of OIC correspondence received from the taxpayer. Notice it has 68 pages so there could be information available to assist with collections IF the OIC was denied.

Converted Assessment When Virginia Tax determines an individual is responsible for the unpaid trust taxes of a business, the Field Agent or Supervisor must assess to the social security number of each responsible person penalty in the amount of unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest of the business. The assessment is created in AR and is referred to as a converted assessment. Documentation of the assessment should be entered in AR and CACSG. If an individual fails to respond to a Notice of Personal Responsibility, then responsibility for unpaid taxes of the business is presumed and assessments are made to the individual. In situations where an assessment is made to an individual who files joint income tax return, care must be taken to ensure that the assessment does not include the name and/or social security number of a non-responsible spouse.

Assessing Unpaid Taxes to Responsible Officers If the delinquent taxpayer is a business, one or more officers, members, or employees who meet the definition of responsible party may be personally assessed a penalty for 100% of the amount of unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest, Code of Virginia §58.1-1813. The assessment must be made within the period of limitations for assessing the delinquent tax to responsible officers, partners, members, etc. Generally, the conversion of debt is three years from the return due date for a filed return and six years for an unfiled return. The statute of limitations for all assessments is outlined in Chapter 10, Statute of Limitations (Code of Virginia §58.1-104, §58.1-312, and §58.1-634). All tax account periods should be carefully screened to ensure the data integrity of an assessment.

Conversion of debt to the responsible party is a collection tool that may be used prior to a business closing.

Conversion of debt may be included in the terms of an Administrative Hearing if it is shown that the taxpayer can personally pay the debt or the length of any payment agreement exceeds the statute to convert. Converted liability is also an effective method of seizing personal income tax refunds, particularly when the original taxes have not been paid to the Commonwealth. Debt of any closed business should be converted as a matter of procedure. Prior to personally assessing responsible parties for unpaid taxes of a business, the Field Agent must make sure that a MOL has been issued for all unpaid bills of the business and that prerequisite criteria has been met per Code of Virginia, §58.1-1813, §58.1-1814 and §58.1-1815,

110Identifying Individuals Presumed to be Responsible The first step in the process of assessing unpaid taxes of a business to an individuals is identifying officers, partners, members, employees, etc. that may meet the definition of responsible party.

The process begins by checking the customer profile and relationship in AR and related information for name and social security number for the parties that were listed on the Combined Registration Application.

Other methods of identification include reviewing account history in CACSG, copies of returns, remittances, and correspondence that can be accessed through Image Retrieval/Image Viewer, for signatures and corporate officer information. The Field Agent can also access the State Corporation Commission (SCC) website or contact SCC for corporate officer information.

Notice of Personal Responsibility When presumed liable individuals are identified, a Notice of Personal Responsibility and/or Notice of Estimated Personal Liability is issued from CACSG and sent to each corporate official or member of the partnership, requesting that they give reason why they should not be held personally responsible for the business debts. The notice must be sent to the liable individual’s best address determined by research in AR, DMV, etc. The letter will have a due date for response and includes a personal responsibility questionnaire. An account should be converted within 90 days of the date of a Notice of Personal Responsibility and/or Notice of Estimated Personal Liability.

Response to the notice, returned mail, and any action related to the notice must be recorded in CACSG. An Agent must review their assigned correspondence in Siebel prior to converting any assessments. The process of converting bills occurs in AR. Only trust taxes such as sales and withholding can be converted.

Corporate income tax, Pass-Through Entity and Litter assessments cannot be converted.

Determination of Responsibility In order to assess a penalty in the amount of the tax, penalty, and interest owed by a business to an individual, the individual must meet the definition of responsible person as described in Code of Virginia §58.1-1813. It must be determined that the individual had knowledge of the failure to pay taxes, had the authority to prevent such failure and that resources of the business were available to make payment. In cases where responsibility remains indeterminate and the Field Agent believes that businesses financial records may enhance the investigation, a Subpoena Duces Tecum may be requested through the Supervisor. The following are guidelines for determining knowledge and authority:  Knowledge: Virginia Tax has records of the various contacts that have been made with the individual in attempting to collect taxes due. Collaborating statements from employees, accountants, other officers, or partners, etc. indicating the individual was aware taxes were due.  Authority: The determination of authority derives from determination of which individual is responsible for business expenditures (who decides which bills will be paid). The general definition of responsible person is a person who had knowledge of the tax liability and the authority to dictate the direction of business funds. Records such as corporate minutes, financial institution signature cards, copies of tax returns, and checks submitted as payment are useful in determining which individual had the authority to file and pay taxes. 111 Notice of Personal Responsibility Hearing (Show Cause Hearing) If there is not sufficient information for the Field Agent to make a determination of responsibility for unpaid taxes of a business, a hearing may be scheduled. The Hearing Officer will evaluate evidence presented and determine responsibility for the unpaid taxes. When the parties cannot agree on responsibility, a hearing gives all parties an opportunity to make statements and provide documents related to responsibility for paying taxes. The ruling made by a Hearing Officer will stand as the official finding of Virginia Tax regarding responsible parties (Chapter 6, Hearings, Padlock and Revocation, Conducting a Show Cause Hearing).

Follow-Up Action When an individual is assessed with unpaid taxes of a business, the account consisting of converted assessments moves into the CACSG collections process if the balance due is not paid within 30 days.

Appropriate collection action will be taken in the same manner as business or individual income tax accounts. District procedure may indicate that the converted assessment account is manually routed to the Field Agent who created the assessments.

Field Agent should notate the “Primary Memo” section in CACSG on both the individual and business side with the following: Converted CACSG States If the business is open, the converted individual account should be put into CACSG state R096 - Individual Converted – Do Not Collect. Before it is put into this state a Memorandum of Lien should be entered on the account if the balance is not going to be paid in full before the statute for issuance of Memorandum of Lien expires. Field Agent must follow the procedures for issuing a Memorandum of Lien. See Chapter 5, Collection Tools.

If there is converted debt AND individual income debt under the social security number then the Field Agent needs to continue collections on the individual debt and NOT put the account into a hold state.

If the business is closed and payments are not being made under the business account then the business account should be put into CACSG state R099 – Business Conversion Hold or R098 – Business Partial Conversion. Field Agent must make sure the entire balance has a Memorandum of Lien. Field Agent must follow the procedures for issuing a Memorandum of Lien. See Chapter 5, Collection Tools.

NOTE: In order to get your account into the R098 – Business Partial Conversion or R099 – Business Conversion Hold you may have to move the account to District Hold then try R098 or R099. 112 113114 Exhibit 9a – Successor Liability Letter Date

Successor Name Address.

City, State, Zip Code

RE: Business Name

VA Acct: XX-XXXXXXX-001

Dear Customer,

According to our records, the above referenced business owes $13,475.90 in unpaid sales tax, penalty and interest for the period of February 2005 through December 2005. Our preliminary investigation indicates that Successor Name may be held liable for these unpaid taxes under Virginia Code 58.1-629. This conclusion is based on the fact that Successor Name is the purchaser of the assets of Business Name, and its successor in interest.

If you disagree with this conclusion, you must file a comprehensive reply stating the facts and circumstances regarding the relationship between Successor name and Business Name. Please provide a copy of the purchase agreement. Your reply should reach me within 15 days from the date of this letter.

If no response is forthcoming, Successor Name will be assessed with the tax, penalty and interest due and unpaid on the account of the operation of the business by Business Name. Appropriate legal action will be taken to collect the amount due.

Sincerely,

Field Agent’s Name Collections Supervisor’s Name 115 Exhibit 9b – Offer in Compromise Chart Offers that are for penalty waiver or doubtful liability should be assigned to Vickie Duffey with the destination of Customer Satisfaction. Offers that are doubtful collectability and offers that have been converted to officers, regardless of the reason, should also be assigned to Vickie Duffey, Collections OIC.

Effective July 1, 2017 TAX will be charging a FEE for the following: 1)Request for an OIC with respect to doubtful collectability 2) Letter ruling 3) Local business tax advisory opinion or 4) Corporate income tax filing status change request. TAX Bulletin 17-5 provides TP's with information regarding costs, forms and instructions on how to submit fees.

OIC B-2 Is for businesses requesting a penalty waiver or a waiver based on doubtful liability.

OIC I-2 Is for individuals requesting a penalty waiver or a waiver based on doubtful liability.

Is for individuals based on doubtful collectability. They must include OIC FEE and FIN

I-1.

OIC I-3 Is also the forms used for individual converted debt. If the business is closed or the debt is converted they need to use the individual forms.

OIC I-3 Is for businesses based on doubtful collectability. They must include OIC FEE and FIN

B-1.

OIC B-3 If the business is open and the debt is converted the TP will need to complete B-2 for penalty waiver or doubtful liability. Forms B-3/I-3 should be completed based on doubtful collectability (OIC FEE must be included for doubtful collectability). For converted debt the Field Agent must verify doubtful liability.

CONVERTED &

BUSINESS OPEN

BUSINESS CLOSED -no matter if converted or not If the business is closed the TP will need to complete form, I-2 based on doubtful liability or I-3 based on doubtful collectability (OIC FEE must be included for doubtful collectability). For converted debt the Field Agent must verify doubtful liability.

SOLE PROP Complete individual and business Financial Statements. 116 Chapter 10

Statute of Limitations Statutory provisions that limit the time period in which 1) Virginia Tax may perform certain activities, such as issuing assessments, 2) a taxpayer may file refund claims or appeals, or seek judicial remedy with respect to a contested assessment.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF STATE TAXES

THIS DOES NOT REPLACE AUTHORITATIVE DIRECTIVES OR REGULATIONS

TAX TYPE PERIOD OF LIMITATIONS FOR ASSESSMENTS

FROM THE DUE DATE OF THE RETURN

SALES & USE Virginia Department of Taxation (VA CODE §68.1-634) Generally 3 years False or fraudulent return 6 years Failure to file a return 6 years

EMPLOYEE WITHHOLDING & INCOME- INDIVIDUAL & CORPORATE (VA CODE §58.1-104 & §58.1-312) Generally 3 years

EXCEPTIONS Failure to file a return Unlimited False or fraudulent return Unlimited Failure to report change in federal income Unlimited Failure to report decreased in tax credit claimed Unlimited for another state as a result of audit or amendment by the other state Signed waiver of time limitations Unlimited Failure to report change or correction to federal 1 year income tax Recovery of erroneous refund due to Virginia Tax 2 years Recovery of erroneous refund based on fraud or 5 years misrepresentation of a material fact

OTHER STATE TAXES (VA CODE §58.1-104) Generally 3 years False or fraudulent returns 6 years Failure to file a return 6 years

117HB643 7 Year Statute of Limitations on Collection Action Any assessment made after July 1, 2016 has a 7 year statute of limitations and must be discharged after that time. Exemptions:  Official payment agreement and MOL  If under bankruptcy the statute of limitations starts back after the bankruptcy is discharged or dismissed

Limitation on the Collection of Taxes by Virginia Tax House Bill 643 (Chapter 634) provides that the Virginia Tax must cease all efforts to collect any unpaid tax seven years after the assessment of the tax, even if a collection action has been initiated before the expiration of the seven-year period.

Under current law, the period of limitations for Virginia Tax to make or institute collection action by lien, a proceeding in court, or any other means available to the Tax Commissioner under the laws of the Commonwealth is seven years from the date of the assessment. If some form of collection action is taken within the seven-year limitations period, most assessments remain collectible until satisfied.

As under current law, the period of limitations on collection will continue to be suspended for periods when (i) the taxpayer’s assets are in control or custody of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court or any other federal or state court, or (ii) the taxpayer is outside the Commonwealth for a continuous period of at least six months. In addition, this legislation clarifies that the period of limitations on collection will be suspended for any periods when an installment payment agreement between the taxpayer and the Virginia Tax is in effect.

Collection actions pursuant to execution of liens created by a judgment lien or a MOL under Virginia Code §58.1-1805 are not affected by this legislation.  Effective: Assessments made on and after July 1, 2016  Amended: Virginia Code §58.1-1802.1

Statute of Limitations on Assessments For the purposes of the income tax, an assessment may be made at any time if no return has been filed, Virginia Code §58.1-312. When a return has been filed on or before the original due date, an assessment must be made within three years of the original due date. If a return has been filed on or before the extended due date, whether such extension was granted by Virginia Tax or automatically, an assessment must be made within three years of the extended due date.

This is because, under Virginia Code §58.1-1812, returns filed before "the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing thereof shall be considered as filed on the last day." Finally, when a return has been filed after the extended due date, Virginia Tax has three years after the submitted date of the return to make an assessment, Exhibit 10a and Virginia Code §58.1-1812.

Statute of Limitations on Conversions The assessment must be made within the period of limitations for assessing the delinquent tax to responsible officers, partners, members, etc. Generally, the conversion of debt is three years from the return due date for a filed return and six years for an unfiled return.

Statute of Limitations on Refund/Amended Returns Taxpayers who do not file a return have three years from the original due date to file a return requesting a refund (Virginia Code §58.1-499). When a return has been filed on or before an original or extended due 118 date, whether such extension was granted by Virginia Tax or automatically, an amended return must be filed within three years of the original or extended due date, as applicable (Virginia Code §58.1-1823).

Finally, when an original return has been filed after the due date, whether original or extended, the taxpayer has from three years after the original due date to file an amended return.

This is because, under the provisions of Virginia Code §58.1-499 (D), an original return and, under Virginia Code §58.1-1823, an amended return must be filed within three years from the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing of a return. If a return is not filed within an extension period, the extension is negated and the last day allowed for the timely filing of the return reverts to the original due date.

Statute of Limitations on Memorandum of Liens  7 years on assessments created on or after July 1, 2016  6 years from assessment date of individual income tax, Code of Virginia §58.1-313.B  No statute of limitations on business tax assessed prior to July 1, 2016

Refund Match Statute of Limitations Policy has also been questioned regarding the statute of limitations for situations in which a refund has been applied to an outstanding assessment and the assessment is later reduced or abated. In such situations, Virginia Tax must first determine whether or not the refund return was timely filed. If not, no refund may be issued to the taxpayer regardless of the timing of the assessment reduction or abatement. If the refund return was timely filed, Virginia Tax must then refer to the two-year statute of limitations related to bill Payments that is provided in Virginia Code §58.1 -1823.

Statute of Limitations on Refunds Payment Type SOL EXCEPTION If duplicate, no SOL. If the taxpayer amends on the federal level or they are audited by another state and have to claim an OPC outside of the 3 year statute, they Return 3 years – Typically have one year to amend with us. The extension applies to the return, estimated, extension and OPC applied to the same tax year.

If duplicate, no SOL. For the miscellaneous payment you would have to see what the intent of the payment was supposed to be. If it was truly a bill payment then it would have the same two year statute, likewise if it was Miscellaneous 2 years a lien payment that got moved to a TAP because the bill was removed, then it is a two year statute. But again if the taxpayer amends on the federal level or they are audited by another state they have one year to amend with us and they will get a refund.

Extension, OPC 3 years – Typically and Estimated Lien Treat as bill payment TOPS No SOL Duplicate No SOL Bill 2 years Bankruptcy Treat as a bill payment

119Exhibit 10a – Limitations on Issuing Assessments 120 121Chapter 11 Compliance Enforcement Field Agents are responsible for enforcement of compliance with Virginia Tax Laws. Compliance enforcement duties include checking active businesses for the appropriate tax registrations (i.e. Sales, Withholding, Corporate, Litter, Tire, Vending, etc.), monitoring special events such as fairs, flea markets, craft shows, festivals, etc. for compliance with Virginia Tax Laws and checking tobacco tax compliance.

Sales and Use Tax Registration Compliance All businesses engaged in retail sales in Virginia must obtain a Virginia Sales or Use Tax Certificate of Registration (Code of Virginia §58.1-613.E). As a Field Agent is working in their assigned territory, they should make note of new businesses and out-of-state vendors making sales or deliveries of taxable tangible property in Virginia. If the Field Agent observes a new retail sales business or out-of-state vendor they can identify themselves and request to see a Certificate of Registration. The Field Agent should explain that they are performing a routine check of Sales Tax Certificates (Code of Virginia §58.1-103).

The Sales Tax Certificate of Registration should be posted near the cash register in every business conducting retail sales. The Field Agent should make note of the name and certificate number and check AR registration information to verify the certificate is active.

The Field Agent should make note of the business/vendor name and location and check AR registration information without requesting to see a certificate. Another method of verification of sales tax registration is checking with localities that require business licenses. If verification cannot be obtained through these methods, a visit to the business will be necessary.

If a business engaged in retail sales cannot produce a valid Sales or Use Tax Certificate of Registration upon request, the dealer should be advised of Virginia law and given ten days to obtain a Sales or Use Tax Certificate of Registration. A Free Format letter may be used in CACSG to issue a Notice of Violation to be sent by certified mail or hand delivered to the business (hand delivered mail receipt required), Exhibit 11a.

If the dealer fails to comply with the requirement to obtain a Sales or Use Tax Certificate of Registration while continuing to make taxable sales in Virginia, or it is determined the dealer is operating on a revoked certificate, the matter should be referred to a Supervisor for possible criminal action (Chapter 7, Criminal Warrants).

Registration Compliance – Taxes Other Than Sales & Use Businesses are required to register for various applicable Virginia taxes including Employer Withholding, Corporate Income, Litter, Vending Machine, Tire, Forest Products and Excise Taxes. If a Field Agent, during the course of routine work assignments, learns that a business has failed to register for a required tax, they should inform the owner of the requirement to register and report the matter to a Supervisor, Manager or appropriate Virginia Tax unit. 122 Monitoring Compliance for Fairs, Flea Markets, Craft Shows, Festivals, etc.

Field Agents monitor compliance for flea markets and special events such as carnivals, circuses, fairs, festivals, craft shows, etc., operating in their assigned territories. Individuals/dealers selling tangible personal property at these events should hold a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration and are required to collect and remit sales tax on all such sales. For purposes of collection of the tax, no distinction is made between profit and nonprofit vendors. Persons selling at fairs, flea markets, carnivals and circuses do not qualify for the “occasional sale” exemption set forth in the sales tax regulations of 23VAC10-210-1080.

Any person selling at flea markets should contact Virginia Tax to obtain a Certificate of Registration for purposes of making sales at the fair, flea market, etc. Virginia Tax may authorize sponsors or operators of fairs, carnivals, flea markets, circuses, etc. to remit the tax collected by persons selling at such events. Any operator or sponsor seeking authorization to remit tax on behalf of participants must apply in writing to Virginia Tax.

Flea Markets Many flea markets are established venues consisting of dealers who sell on a regular basis. Therefore, dealers making sales at a flea market should apply for a Virginia sales tax Certificate of Registration and display the certificate when making sales. Dealers participating at a flea market less than three times per year may use the Temporary Sales Tax Certificate/Return (Form ST-50), Exhibit 11b. The form can be downloaded online.

Field Agents are responsible for monitoring compliance at flea markets. This includes being aware of flea markets operating in their assigned territory, contacting sponsors and dealers to provide information regarding sales tax compliance, providing forms to dealers for filing sales tax, checking certificates of registration, and follow-up on compliance (following up to determine if non-registered dealer obtained a Certificate of Registration, following through with legal action such as Criminal Warrants on dealers that refuse to comply). A Statement of Expectations must be given anytime there is face to face contact with the taxpayer or their legal representative, Exhibit 4c. Field Agents will be given labels with the Department of Taxation, P O Box 1775, Richmond, VA 23218 address. These labels will be attached to envelopes and provided to taxpayers seen in the field as an option to mail in payments and or returns.

When checking compliance at large flea markets, the Field Agent may request assistance from their Supervisor and other Field Agents (Code of Virginia §58.1-612, §58.1-615, 58.1-616, §58.1-625, §58.1-635, §58.1-636, and Virginia Tax Administrative Code 23VAC10-210-570).

Festivals, Carnivals, Craft Shows, and Special Events Festivals, carnivals, craft shows and special events differ from flea markets, as they usually do not operate on an ongoing basis. Generally, these events are held for a limited number of days per year. Vendors participating at these events are required to collect and remit sales tax. Due to the large number of vendors participating at many of the shows, festivals, special events, etc., it is not economical or practical to require all participating dealers to complete a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration application. A minimum of two agents must be present and receive prior approval from management before any returns and/or payments are collected at any Flea Market, Festival, Carnival, Craft Show or Special Event.

The following forms have been developed specifically for use for craft shows, festivals, special events, etc.: 123  Temporary Sales Tax Certificate/ Return (Form ST-50): Dealers that make sales on a limited basis (three or less shows per year) at a flea market, fair, craft show, festival, etc., may use Form ST-50 for remitting Virginia sales tax for the event.  District Sales Tax Returns for Festivals, Fairs and Craft Show: Districts may develop temporary sales tax returns for specific festivals, fairs, and craft shows. These forms are primarily designed for the use of Virginia and/or out of state dealers that participate in one specific show per year.

Field Agents are responsible for monitoring compliance at festivals, craft shows and special events. This includes being aware of events scheduled in their assigned territory, contacting sponsors and providing information regarding sales tax compliance, providing forms to dealers for filing sales tax, checking registrations at events (if applicable), collecting returns and payments at the event and follow-up on compliance (keeping records of participating vendors and contacting dealers that did not file/pay). The size and location of the event are factors used by Supervisors in determining the staffing needs and extend of monitoring required for the event.

The District Offices have established new account numbers for their temporary sales tax payments and returns.

Account Number District BLD 999999111 Northern 11/13 999999222 Bristol 12/13 999999333 Richmond 12/13 999999444 Roanoke 10/13 999999555 Eastern 12/13 Tobacco Tax Compliance The responsibility for monitoring tobacco tax compliance is primarily handled by the Office of Customer Relations – Tobacco Unit. However, Field Agents may be asked to assist in monitoring compliance with tobacco tax laws.

Field Agents sometimes receive complaints from local officials, law enforcement agencies, or citizens regarding tobacco tax law violations. These complaints may include reports of dealers selling cigarettes without tax stamps, dealers selling cigarettes with out-of-state tobacco tax stamps, reports of suspected counterfeit tobacco stamps and reports of violations of law by local tobacco product wholesalers. Any such reports should be reported to the Supervisor. Field Agents may be asked to visit the dealer and check tobacco products on the premises for compliance with Virginia Tax Laws. 124 Exhibit 11a - Notice of Violation COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Department of Taxation

(DATE)

Business Name and Address Trade Name (if any): ***

Business Location: Business location

Dear *,

The Code of Virginia requires every person desiring to engage in or conduct business as a dealer in the Commonwealth to file with the Tax Commissioner an application for a Certificate of Registration for each place of business in this Commonwealth.

According to our records you have failed to register this business and are subject to Section 58.1-613.E. of the Code of Virginia, which reads as follows: “Any person who engages in business as a dealer in this Commonwealth without obtaining a certificate of registration, or after a certificate of registration has been suspended or revoked, and each officer of any corporation which so engages in business shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. Each day’s continuance in business in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.”

The punishment for a Class 2 misdemeanor may include a jail sentence not to exceed six months and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.

This notice is to advise you that we will ask the court to take action against you unless this matter is resolved by (DATE).

If you have any question or need assistance, please call me at (804) xxx-xxxx.

(FIELD AGENT NAME) Supervisor 125 Exhibit 11b - ST-50

126127 Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Overview Bankruptcy is a legal process for individuals or businesses that seek relief from the outstand debts they are unable to pay their creditors. The bankruptcy process begins with a petition filed by the debtor, which is most common, or by a petition filed on behalf of creditors. During bankruptcy, the debtor's assets are measured and evaluated towards repaying the outstanding debt. Bankruptcies can be filed under one of three different chapters of the Internal Revenue Service Code.  Chapter 7 involves the liquidation of assets. A trustee is appointed to liquidate non-exempt assets to pay creditors.  Chapter 11 deals with company or individual reorganization. Filing under this chapter gives the debtor a fresh start.  Chapter 13 arranges for debt repayment with lowered debt covenants or specific payment plans to pay the debt over a specified period.

Debtor’s Duty to File Tax Returns  Bankruptcy Code Requirements o Individual debtors must file Federal tax return 7 days before creditor’s meeting. o In Chapter 13 cases, all tax returns for the last 4 years are to be filed (§1308). o All debtors are required to comply with all laws including the filing and payment of post-petition taxes [§521(j)(1)].  Upon the failure to file the taxing authority can ask the court to convert or dismiss the case and must do so if the return is not filed within 90 days of the request. o Failure to file post-petition is a specifically enumerated ground for dismissal or conversion in Chapter 11 cases – 1112(b)(2)(I).

Exceptions to the Automatic Stay  So we can: o Audit o Demand tax returns o Issue a Notice of tax deficiency (without threat of collection action) o Issue a Notice and Demand for payment of a new assessment o Income tax refund setoff Bankruptcy System Actions When a taxpayer files a bankruptcy, a Bankruptcy indicator appears in the taxpayer’s accounts in AR. 128 In CACSG, stops are applied to the taxpayer’s bills.

While in bankruptcy, formal payment plans cannot be set. All collection actions are suspended until the bankruptcy period ends.

Harris & Harris Harris & Harris is a law firm that manages Bankruptcy accounts and represents Virginia Tax during Bankruptcy Court proceedings. Harris & Harris agents can perform the following functions in AR:  Create assessments when there is no contact for non-filer notices.  Generate an “Information on Your Account” letter to the taxpayer.  Create Abatements, Discharges/Reversals.  Update the status of bankruptcy accounts

Bankruptcy team leads review and approve abatements, discharges and reversals entered into AR by Harris & Harris staff. Letters generated by Harris & Harris are likewise worklisted for team lead approval.

Referring Accounts to the Bankruptcy Unit When a Field Agent verifies that a taxpayer has filed for protection under the U. S. Bankruptcy Code, they must cease collection activity immediately. The Field Agent should request the following information:  Date of Bankruptcy Filing; 129  Bankruptcy Case Number;  Bankruptcy Chapter;  Names of Individuals, or Businesses Included in the Filing;  Name of taxpayer’s Attorney.

The Field Agent should document this information in AR and CACSG. The account is referred to the Bankruptcy Unit by contacting the Bankruptcy Team Leader by phone or email to provide notification of the bankruptcy filing. The Bankruptcy Team Leader will route the account from the Field Agent to a bankruptcy work state in CACSG and assign the account to the contract bankruptcy group, Harris & Harris A bankruptcy flag is posted to the taxpayer’s bills in AR. Harris & Harris handles all matters pertaining to the account during the period the taxpayer is under bankruptcy protection.

Harris & Harris holds the account for a minimum of six months after bankruptcy discharge or release before the account is returned to the field. The Field Agent must refer any contact from the taxpayer or their attorney to this unit. Harris & Harris has certain access to AR and CACSG and will post history to the accounts. They also have access to Virginia Tax secure email allowing secure messaging between the field, Central Office and Harris & Harris.

Guidelines Use the following guidelines when responding to collection inquiries or activities when bankruptcy is involved.

Bankruptcy Notifications If a taxpayer indicates bankruptcy was filed during a call:

  1. Determine if Virginia Tax has the bankruptcy recorded in the taxpayer’s records. a. Check AR to see if the Bankruptcy indicator was applied to the account. b. Check CACSG to see that the taxpayer’s account is on a bankruptcy hold.
  2. If the bankruptcy is found in AR and CACSG, advise the taxpayer to contact Harris & Harris at 855-935-1697
  3. If the bankruptcy is not AR and CACSG, transfer the taxpayer to the Bankruptcy Team (4-4155).

Third Party Liens on Bankruptcy Accounts If a third party lien was issued and the taxpayer says they have an active bankruptcy, transfer the taxpayer to the Bankruptcy Team (4-4155) for assistance.

Payment Plans on Bankruptcy Accounts Collection protection laws prohibit establishing a payment plan while the bankruptcy remains active, but the taxpayer is free to submit any payments on their own. Payment plans can only be established after the bankruptcy has been dismissed or discharged. CACSG will have a record of a bankruptcy dismissal or discharge letter (COL087) being sent to the taxpayer. 130 Dismissals & Discharges If a taxpayer calls and the bankruptcy has been dismissed (BK94) or discharged (BK97) in CACSG, advise the taxpayer of the account’s status. The account will also indicate if the taxpayer received a COL087 notification letter of the dismissal or discharge. Details differ according to the type of case:  Chapter 7 Discharge Individual Case – Most Chapter 7 cases are “no asset” cases o Meaning there are no assets to be liquidated o Cases typically run 3-4 months o Discharge order entered relieving the debtor of most debts incurred prior to the petition date.  TWO POINTS TO REMEMBER HERE:  Discharge only applies to pre-petition debt  Many taxes are not discharged in Chapter 7

 What Taxes are NOT Discharge in Individual Chapter 7? o Income Taxes  Filed returns due within 3 years of petition date  Unfiled returns even if due outside the 3-year rule  Late filed returns within 2 years of petition o Trust Taxes  Sales and Use  Withholding  Due date of return does not matter o Excise Taxes  Use, litter, fuel taxes incurred within 3 years of petition date

 Chapter 7 No Asset Non-Individual Case o Corporations and LLC’s  No assets to liquidate and no business continuation  Discharge not applicable/needed since business entity no longer exists  Debts of the former entity are no longer collectible UNLESS converted to responsibility of individual owner.

 Chapter 7 Assets Cases: Individuals, Corporation and LLC’s o In either individual or non-individual case, creditors may collect portion of what is owed from liquidation of assets o Individual discharge rules still apply o Liquidation process can be lengthy - sometimes 2 years or more  Discharge in Chapter 13 o Chapter 13 plan typically provides for payment over 5 years  Order of discharge entered after completion of plan payments  Discharge is broader than in individual Chapter 7 cases o All taxes provided for in plan discharged EXCEPT: 131  Taxes for which a required return was not filed  Trust taxes include sales and withholding o Taxes incurred after petition date are not generally impacted  Taxes coming due over the 5 years of plan will still be owed after discharge

 Discharge in Chapter 11 Individual Cases o Same discharge rules as Chapter 7 applies o Income Taxes  Filed returns due within 3 years of petition date  Unfiled returns even if due outside the 3-year rule  Late filed returns within 2 years of petition o Trust Taxes  Sales and Use  Withholding  Due date of return does not matter

 Discharge in Chapter 11 Business Cases o A “Super-discharge” that relieves the debtor of any debt arising prior to confirmation of the Chapter 11 plan EXCEPT as provided by the confirmed plan. o Plans can be exceedingly difficult to interpret. o However, treatment of taxes is required for plan confirmation and plan is subject to objection if tax requirements are not met.  Priority taxes and trust taxes must be paid in full  Interest on tax debts included at the statutory rate Below is an example of a case in CACSG where a bankruptcy has been dismissed (BK94) and letter sent to taxpayer: If there are questions related to the bankruptcy status, transfer the taxpayer to the Bankruptcy Team (4-4155) for assistance. 132 Chapter 13 Working with Other Units and Agencies A Field Agents duties may involve working with Field Agents outside their district group, Virginia Tax employees in Central Office, other state agencies, federal agencies and local, state and federal law enforcement officials. Confidentiality and/or disclosure procedures must be observed at all times.

Referring Accounts for Audits Field investigations may indicate a need for a detailed review of the taxpayer’s records. Issues that may come to a Field Agent’s attention include an apparent underreporting of sales tax, the filing of returns that appear unreasonable given the circumstances, purchases of capital assets or supplies without remittance of consumer use tax or individuals that appear to be employees when there is no registration for employer withholding tax. Field Agents may report such instances for a possible field audit.

The recommendation of an audit account should be referred to the Regional Audit Manager. Email the Regional Audit Manager and include the following:  Business and owner’s name;  Federal Employee Identification Number;  Tax Type;  Periods in question;  Reason for request.

Referring Accounts to Outside Collection Agencies When Field Agents have exhausted collection efforts, an account may be evaluated for referral to an Outside Collection Agency (OCA). The Supervisor or Manager should review the account before it is routed to the pending outside collection agency work state in CACSG. The OCA does not issue bank liens or MOLs.

When an OCA determines that their usual collections process been unsuccessful, they may submit a request to issue liens to DCU/Virginia Tax. Prior to referring an account to an OCA, Field Agents should attempt to resolve the account with payment arrangements or by issuing third party liens or bank liens. MOLs on the total account balance due and the account should be converted, if applicable, before referring to the OCA.

When a Field Agent wants an account to be referred to the OCA, they must email the Supervisor the following information:  Account name;  FEIN, SSN or CACSG number;  MOL recorded on account, if applicable;  Account Converted, if applicable;  Collection attempts in the last 90 days;  Reason for referral.

The Supervisor will review the account and either approve or deny the referral request, notate CACSG with their decision and then notify the Field Agent. 133 When you move the account to OCA it is a two-step process. You first must move to state CA01 “Pending OCA” then CA91 “OCA Criteria Met”.

Handling Outside Collection Agency Accounts Delinquent tax cases that meet certain criteria are randomly assigned to contract outside collection agencies. Generally, Field Agents should refer any calls in reference to an account assigned to a collection agency to the specific agency involved. For OCA phone numbers, contact the Central Office Delinquent Collections Unit (DCU) Supervisor, or DCU staff.

However, if a taxpayer states they have submitted requested information, have not been given credit for a payment, or have a complaint about a collection agency, the DCU Team Leader or DCU personnel responsible for handling such matters can be notified.

Requests for an account to be transferred from an OCA to a Field Agent may be made when there are extenuating circumstances such as an account with a high volume of nonfilers, prior history with taxpayer indicating high risk, converted account, or the account is a possible candidate for a revocation or Padlock Hearing. These requests for recall can be directed to the DCU Team Leader or DCU personnel responsible for routing OCA accounts.

Exchanging Information with State and Federal Agencies All tax information maintained at Virginia Tax, including home offices, is confidential. Disclosure or making known to other persons any information is strictly prohibited. This includes not only Virginia tax information, but also other information obtained within performance of job duties such as IRS, VEC, DMV and locality information from Commissioners of the Revenue, or Treasurers.

Direct exchange or disclosure of information to federal, state and local agencies is protected under the disclosure provisions unless pursuant to an agreement. When information is being requested by a federal or state agency per an agreement, a valid request must be submitted per procedures outlined in the agreement.

There are circumstances where Field Agents need to obtain additional outside information to complete field investigations. In addition, there may be a need to coordinate the closing of a business with ABC, or to obtain a copy of a federal tax return to examine schedule information. If such information is deemed material, a request should be forwarded to the Supervisor. Pertinent information, including the specific information requested and supporting facts should be provided with the request. Generally, the Supervisor will forward this information to the Disclosure Officer for approval.

Any documents received from federal or state agencies through the Disclosure Officer are to be held strictly confidential. When not in use, the documents are to be sealed, marked as confidential and kept in a double locked, secure location. Upon completion of the review of the documents: they are to be sealed, labeled as confidential, sealed in another envelope, and forwarded to Virginia Tax’s designated security employee for proper destruction.

Under no circumstances is any information received from federal or other state agencies to be released to another agency or locality. Any unauthorized release outside of legal agreements is a criminal offense. It is also a violation not to report known unauthorized disclosures to the Supervisor. (Virginia Code §58.1-3;

Chapter 22, Standards of Conduct, Confidentiality, and Disclosure) 134 Disclosure (UNAX) of Information As required by the Tax Information Exchange Agreement between the State of Virginia and the Federal Government, Virginia Tax must make all employees aware--on a yearly basis--of the Federal and State provisions regarding confidentiality and unauthorized disclosure (UNAX) of tax information. UNAX is an IRS acronym for the Willful Unauthorized Access and Inspection of Taxpayer Information. The following provisions from Virginia Code Section 58.1-3 and IRS Code Sections 6103, 7213, and 7431, must be read and understood by every employee who has access to or control of State and/or Federal tax information.  Management needs to be aware of the necessity to include the Information Security Officer in any contract planning where the handling, usage, or storage of Federal Tax Information may be part of the contractor’s duties and in cases when subcontracting may occur by the contractor.  Remember, everyone must wear their Virginia Tax ID badge at all times. It must be visibly displayed. It is not acceptable to keep it in a pocket out of view or on your desk.  The IRS Witnessed Destruction Bins must be locked at all times and must not be overfilled. Caution: You should not be able to reach in and remove documents with your hand, this is considered overfilling. Managers and Supervisors are required to monitor the bins in their areas and notify warehouse for additional bins.  Make sure you lock your computer every time you leave your desk. If you do not, there is the potential for an unauthorized disclosure (UNAX) for which you will be held accountable.

Section 58.1-3 Secrecy of Information; Penalties A. Except in accordance with proper judicial order or as otherwise provided by law, the Tax Commissioner or agent, clerk, commissioner of the revenue, treasurer, or any other state or local tax or revenue officer or employee, or any person to whom tax information is divulged pursuant to §58.1-2712.2, or any former officer or employee of any of the aforementioned offices shall not divulge any information acquired by him in the performance of his duties with respect to the transactions, property, including personal property, income or business of any person, firm or corporation. Such prohibition specifically includes any copy of a federal return or federal return information required by Virginia law to be attached to or included in the Virginia return. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Section 6103 Confidentiality and Disclosure of Returns and Return Information B. General Rule – Returns and return information shall be confidential, and except as authorized by this title –

  1. No officer or employee of the United States,
  2. No officer or employee of any State, any local law enforcement agency receiving information under subsection (i)(7)(A), any local child support enforcement agency, or any local administering a program listed in subsection (1)(7)(D) who has or had access to returns or return information under this section, and
  3. No other person (or officer or employee thereof) who has or had access to returns or return information under subsection (e)(1)(D)(iii), paragraph (6),(12), or (16) of subsection (I), paragraph (2) or (4)(B) of subsection (m) or subsection (n), shall disclose any return or return information obtained by him in any manner in connection with his service as such an officer or an employee or otherwise or under the provision of this section. For purposes of this subsection, the term “officer or employee” includes any former officer or employee. 135 Section 7213(a) (2) (IRC). --- Unauthorized Disclosure of Information C. (2) STATE AND OTHER EMPLOYEES - It shall be unlawful for any person (not described in paragraph (1)) willfully to disclose to any person, except as authorized in this title, any return or return information (as defined in section 6103(b)) acquired by him or another person under subsection (d), (i)(3)(B)(i), (7) (A) (ii), (I) (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (12), (15), or (16) or (m)(2), (4), (5), (6) or (7) of section 6103. Any violation of this paragraph shall be a felony punishable by a fine in any amount not exceeding $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.  Section 7431 (IRC) Civil Damages for Unauthorized Inspection or Disclosure of Returns and Return Information 7431 (a) (2) Inspection or disclosure by a person who is not an employee of the United States - If any person who is not an officer or employee of the United States knowingly, or by reason of negligence, inspects or discloses any return or return information with respect to a taxpayer in violation of any provision of Section 6103, such taxpayer may bring a civil action for damages against such person in a district court of the United States.

Memorandum of Agreement between Tax and the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) and Tax’s Procedures for Safeguarding Federal Tax information  All supervisors - both at the VITA/NG and at Virginia Tax - are required to maintain current lists of all staff that are authorized to have access to Federal Tax information or tapes. Any changes to access should be reported to the Information Security Officer of Virginia Tax within 30 days of the change.

REQUIRED ANNUAL NOTICE OF THE TAXPAYER BROWSING PROTECTION ACT Browsing is the access or examination of confidential tax records without an assignment or business reason for so doing. The willful or negligent unauthorized inspection of federal tax information is a crime.

Disclosure (UNAX) through negligence is also a violation.

The Taxpayer Browsing Protection Act provides for civil damages for unauthorized inspection, as well as disclosure (UNAX). A taxpayer whose federal tax records are illegally inspected or disclosed may recover damages of $1000 or actual damages, whichever is greater. An employee convicted of violating the Act can be fined up to $1000, or sentenced to a jail term of up to six months, or both. All federal employees, state employees, local employees, and contractors having access to federal tax information are subject to this law.

All suspected violations of the Taxpayer Browsing Protection Act must be reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). This can be done in several ways:

  1. Call the Virginia Tax Disclosure Officer at (804)-404-4029.
  2. Call the Field Division Office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at (215)-861-1003.
  3. Call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Integrity Hotline at (800) 589-3718.
  4. Call the Virginia Tax Information Security Officer (Simon Xue) at 804-404-4130.

TIGTA Inspectors will perform all investigations of unauthorized access of federal information; Virginia Tax’s management will not attempt to investigate or evaluate the merits of any allegation of wrongdoing.

However, if an employee elects to contact the TIGTA directly about suspected browsing, the Disclosure Officer should be notified so that Virginia Tax’s management will be apprised of any potential problem. If you have questions concerning unauthorized access or other disclosure (UNAX) and security issues, contact the Virginia Tax Disclosure Officer or the Virginia Tax Information Security Officer. Additional information can be located on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s website. 136 Chapter 14 Accounting Transactions Accounts are created for individuals and businesses by Virginia Tax for the purpose of processing various tax returns, customer-related information, and establishing account liability. Registration is the distinct process of creating an account for a business. Accounting transactions are automated or manually performed by authorized Virginia Tax staff to maintain accurate account liability. Customer Service representatives perform the majority of manual accounting transactions; however, Field Agents are often required to generate multiple accounting transactions for purposes of account resolution.

Accounting transactions are performed when information is obtained to support the modification of a liability. Information may be obtained internally, from other agencies, the taxpayer, or other delegated authority. Documentation in support of the transaction can be in the form of imaged or written correspondence, fax, secure email, phone call or professional interaction. Thorough account research should be performed prior to and after posting of each transaction to verify accuracy.

Field Agents should document the reason for all accounting transactions in AR and CACSG. Accounting transactions exceeding certain thresholds require supervisory approval. Field Agent should send their Supervisor an email requesting approval. Email should include taxpayer’s name, account number and reason for transaction. Upon request for approval, the Field Agent should provide the supporting information to the Supervisor. Once the transaction is posted AR re-evaluates the tax account period, updates the taxpayer financial information, and forwards the changes to CACSG.

Upon approval of the transaction, the supporting information is forwarded to back scanning to be imaged.

Approval is not required on all transactions, but the reason for the transaction should always be documented in AR and CACSG.

The following are types of accounting transactions utilized by Field Agents:  Abatements  Adjustments  Assessments  Closing Business or Tax Accounts  Conversions  Correct Payment Posting  Correct Remittance  Create Business Nonfiler Assessment  Create Return  Discharges  Move Tax Account  Move Tax Account Period  Overpayments  Remove and/or Reinstate Return  Registrations  Worklists  Write Off 137 Abatements An abatement is a decrease of the liability due on a bill, either fully or partially. Abatements are seldom needed for data processed through AR because of the ability to adjust return line items, return types and submitted dates.

An abatement should only be performed when an assessment is erroneous. Abatements differ from discharges in that a discharge is performed when an assessment is technically valid, but agency policy supports removal of the charge.

An example supporting an abatement is when manually assessed penalty and interest needs to be decreased or when the taxpayer has provided documentation that justifies a decrease in a bill and/or return originally processed.

Abatements exceeding $1,000.00 or abatements attempted by the original assessing Field Agent requires approval by a Supervisor. All abatement documentation should be recorded in both AR and CACSG.

For abatements on additional interest accrued after a payment has posted please, see your Supervisor.

Adjustments During initial processing, AR automatically adjusts line items for missing information, negative numbers, and/or calculation errors. Once a return is posted, a Field Agent may adjust the return to make changes to specific line items only and/or any accompanying schedules. Adjustments are performed to correct errors found on original, amended, or informational forms, or to update a return when additional information is provided. Examples of adjustments include entering tax-exempt sales originally omitted by the taxpayer, or, changing the submitted date of the return after receiving documentation of timely filing.

When a return is adjusted, AR automatically adjusts the other items impacted by the change and validates the adjustment against Virginia Tax business and financial rules. As with abatements, adjustments exceeding $1,000.00 are required to be approved by the Supervisor. Procedures listed above for documenting the adjustment in AR notes and providing supporting evidence should also be followed for adjustments.

Add Charges Add charges is a method of creating a bill that imposes tax and/or penalty and interest liabilities. Add charges should only be used when it is not possible to create the period liability through creating an online return (see Create Return) or creating a nonfiler assessment (see Create Business Nonfiler Assessment).

Add charges cannot be used to replace filed returns and will not remove nonfiler status for a tax period.

Add charges can be created for all tax types.

Penalties and interest on delinquent periods are automatically calculated by the system or may be manually calculated. If the taxpayer has provided returns and/or documentation to modify a liability created through add charges, the Field Agent should abate the charges and create a return (see Create Return).

Field Agents should use reasonable care when keying assessments with consideration of time limitations imposed by statutes. Upon creation of an assessment, AR evaluates the tax account period and an automated bill notice is printed and mailed to the taxpayer. Assessments require approval by the 138 Compliance Support Supervisor if the total exceeds $10,000.00. Field Agent must email the Compliance Support Supervisor and advise the bill needs to be approved. They should include account name and number.

Closing (ELD) Businesses and/or Tax Accounts The Form R-3, Registration Information Change Request, has several uses. It can be used by a taxpayer to: ● Change the legal business name or the trading-as name ● Change the contact phone number ● Change the business physical location ● Change the mailing address ● Close the business ● Close tax accounts

The taxpayer can also make all of these changes online through their business account in Virginia Tax Online Services for Businesses.

If the Field Agent has contact with the taxpayer and the taxpayer verbally states the business or a tax account is closed, the Field Agent may close the business or tax account once they have acquired and documented the following information: ● Taxpayer’s full name ● Taxpayer’s home address ● Taxpayer’s phone number ● Ending liability date (ELD) of the business or tax account.

If the Field Agent is not able to contact the taxpayer, the Field Agent should then: ● Verify the ELD through a field visit or a third party, e.g., Commissioner of the Revenue, VEC, DMV, SCC, internet search, Clear, Accurint, etc., and ELD the business account accordingly. ● If the Field Agent is not able to verify the ELD through a field visit or a third party, then the Field Agent should ELD the business and or tax accounts as of the last return filed for all tax types.

Note: These are general guidelines and do not take the place of the Field Agent having attempted to complete all efforts to bring a business account into compliance.

Conversions Converted tax assessments are business tax assessments that have been assigned to one or more individuals, officers, or partners deemed responsible by Virginia Tax (Chapter 9, Additional Collection Procedures). The Field Agent should use caution when creating conversions to ensure that the statute of limitations is followed.

Correct Posting The Correct Posting window allows the Field Agent to move tax account period entries to another tax account period. This window is also used to move payments from a known tax account period and to move entries other than payments such as returns, bills, and extensions. This window is not used to associate a bill payment with a different bill. Correct posting is similar to correcting a remittance, however, under the latter, the payment detail can be changed. Posting errors usually include the following:  Another tax account period in the same taxpayer account  Another tax account period in a different account of the same taxpayer 139  A tax account period for a different taxpayer Correct Remittance A remittance is a check, cash, or money order submitted to satisfy one or more liabilities. A remittance can be applied to portions of a bill (tax, penalty, or interest) and a portion applied to a filed return. AR posts remittances to taxpayer liability according to internal business rules. Unless there is an exception (e.g. a specific third party lien payment, AR applies payments to the newest bill first in the order of tax, penalty, and interest. There may be circumstances when the correct payment application is utilized to change how the payment is applied to the bill liabilities.

If necessary, a Field Agent can override and modify the direction and detail of the payment. For example, if a bill payment was posted as an estimated payment, the Field Agent is able to correct the remittance to apply it to the proper bill. Should the payment actually belong to another taxpayer, that error may also be corrected under correct remittance.

Create Business Nonfiler Assessment AR will automatically identify nonfiler periods and send a delinquent return notice to the taxpayer. If the taxpayer fails to comply, a business nonfiler assessment can be issued. It is an estimated assessment based upon an amount calculated from a pre-set formula by Virginia Tax.

In working field collection accounts, Field Agents will commonly use nonfiler assessments as an effective collection tool. In certain situations third party information is available on which to base a reasonable assessment. For example, estimated employee withholding tax assessments can be based upon a percentage of business wages reported to the VEC or business license gross receipts can be used to calculate estimated sales tax. If these sources are available, the Field Agent may override the estimated tax formula set by Virginia Tax and enter a manual calculation.

Nonfiler assessments should not be posted for Corporate or Pass Through Entity tax types. If the Field Agent cannot get the taxpayer to file the returns then the Field Agent should send the account to their Manager for referral to RAP.

In the event the taxpayer files a return after the nonfiler assessment is created, AR will create an original return and reverse the nonfiler assessment. No action is necessary on the part of the Field Agent in this reversal process.

Create Return

AR provides the ability to manually create a return by entering the line item and schedule information for business returns posted to the appropriate tax account period. The taxpayer must already have an existing profile, tax account, and tax account period. Any return that is manually keyed MUST have documentation to back it up. Paperwork must be forwarded to back scanning to be imaged and notes must be made in AR and CACSG to support the creation of the return.

Only a supervisor and higher management levels are authorized to create and submit a return for taxpayers. Effective April 15, 2022, system security access changes will be made accordingly. Regardless of available system access, NO collector other than a supervisor or higher is authorized to create a taxpayer return. 140 The following are the only four (4) scenarios in which a supervisor or higher management level is authorized to create and submit a taxpayer return:  Reconcilement: To reconcile one of the regional temporary sales tax accounts.  Padlock/Revocation: During a padlock or revocation hearing to create balance for payment agreement.  Out of Statue: To clear sales tax non-filers for periods that are out of statute to assess (6 years or more past due date).  Special Payment Plan Situation: In extenuating approved circumstances to expedite setting up a payment plan.

Important: The Field Collectors are not authorized to create and submit a return, regardless of system access capabilities. Failure to follow these Returns creation guidelines could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Formal periodic audit verifications are being performed to ensure adherence.

General Returns Scenarios & Acceptable Resolutions Taxpayer provided the figures or documents for the missing return in the field or over the phone:  Refer the taxpayer to electronic filing methods. If the taxpayer needs help filing, the field agent may assist them with the process, refer them to customer service or transfer the call to customer service.

Taxpayer wants to set up PPA & needs an accurate balance:  Refer the taxpayer to electronic filing methods and advise the taxpayer you will follow up with them or they need to call back after 24 hours.  In extenuating circumstances, escalate to supervisor to create an online return.

Taxpayer has been filing quarterly. Taxpayer’s filing frequency has been changed to monthly and the taxpayer has not complied. Needs the two in between months filed to clear NF periods.  Document in CACSG and refer the taxpayer to electronic filing methods. If the taxpayer does not file monthly as required, the field agent should create a statutory non-filer assessment.

Business may be closed and has outstanding NF periods or VA6.  Research and work the account and ELD if appropriate according to the Field Collections Manual.  Create statutory non-filer assessments if within statute which may later be converted.  If appropriate, update the address so mail does not go to a vacant/closed business. Document thoroughly in CACSG.

W2s are in AR but the taxpayer has not filed the VA6 form.  Refer the taxpayer to electronic filing methods. If the taxpayer needs help filing, the field agent may assist them with the process, refer them to customer services or transfer the call to customer service.

Discharges A discharge reduces an assessment in full or in part when the assessment is technically valid, but agency policy supports removal of the charge. A discharge differs from an abatement in that a debtor is released from obligation of all or part of his or her debts, whereas, an abatement removes an erroneous assessment. In order to provide an audit trail, supporting documentation should be completed by the Field Agent when approval is required on discharges exceeding $1,000.00, Exhibit 14b. Following, are examples in which a bill may be discharged: 141  Acceptance of an Offer in Compromise by the Tax Commissioner  Amnesty eligible payments requiring removal of penalty and interest Move Tax Account AR provides an avenue for a tax account to be moved to a different customer profile if the tax account happens to be associated to the wrong customer profile. For example, a sales tax return is filed without proper documentation and needs a registration. Later it is determined that the sales tax account that was opened should have been associated to a business that is already registered. In this situation the entire account can be moved to the correct customer profile rather than moving individual entries. The customer profile receiving the tax account must already be registered for that tax type.

When moving tax accounts, the Field Agent should carefully research the customer profiles for the correct identification number. If the identification number is incorrect, the Field Agent should move the tax account to the correct customer profile. If the customer profile does not exist, the customer should be registered (See Registration). If the identification number is correct, but the tax account does not belong, the Field Agent must locate the correct customer profile and move the tax account to the correct profile.

When a tax account is moved, the associated primary and personal residence address and customer contact moves with it. In addition, customer relations, all financial information, history, notes and correspondence are moved. The tax account being moved may have a more current address and contact information than the account to which it is being moved. This would require that the latter be updated.

Move Tax Account Period When the contents of an existing tax account period have been associated with an incorrect tax account, the tax account period is moved. Moving a tax account period is not the correct transaction for correcting a payment that has been posted to the wrong tax account. Correct remittance is used to move a payment to the correct customer’s tax account period.

The Field Agent must determine if the return posted is associated with the correct taxpayer by researching both accounts in question. If the customer profile is correct, but the tax account period does not match, locate the correct taxpayer and move the period. For example, a sales tax return is filed based on a former sole proprietorship entity account number rather than the current corporation entity account number and is posted to the incorrect account. Moving the tax account period to the new tax account will resolve the error. As in moving a tax account, all of the related AR history, notes, and correspondence moves with the tax account period. AR also updates the Siebel image key number to the correct taxpayer and reevaluates the tax period’s liability.

Overpayments If an overpayment/refund appears on an account, the Field Agent should review the account to verify of the overpayment/refund is within the statute of limitations. If it is, the Field Agent should notify their Supervisor to have the funds offset on the account balance, if any, or refund the overpayment/refund to the taxpayer. If the Field Agent has a contact in Customer Service, they may contact them for assistance.

See Worklist below for more information.

Remove and/or Reinstate a Tax Return If a return is filed in error, such as a duplicate return processed as an additional return, the Field Agent should research the customer profile and tax account periods to verify that the return does not belong 142 elsewhere. If a return is removed, AR reverses any tax, penalty, interest, and adjustments associated with the return. If a payment was posted with the return, it is the responsibility of the Field Agent to correct the remittance.

If a tax return is removed in error, the Field Agent may reinstate the return. If the reinstated return has outstanding liability, AR will reinstate the previous bill and notify CACSG of the liability. Field Agents should be aware that if the original return was converted over from the legacy STARS system and has been removed, the return cannot be reinstated. Caution should be used when performing this function to ensure that it is the correct action to take. Both AR and CACSG must be documented with the actions performed.

Registration When doing business in Virginia, an individual, corporation, LLC, or partnership must determine if the business entity is subject to Virginia taxes. Most entities doing business in Virginia must complete the process of application for registration of an account with Virginia Tax. When registering, the customer must submit a Business Registration Application (Form R-1). The Business Registration Application can be completed online via iReg, or an application form can be downloaded from Virginia Tax website. A form can be requested from Customer Services in writing or by phone. Additionally, taxpayers previously or currently registered for a Virginia tax account(s) are required to submit Form R-1 or provide the needed information to reopen a closed account, register a new business location for sales and use tax, or register additional tax accounts.

Occasionally, Field Agents may be required to provide assistance to taxpayers with completing Business Registration Applications. Completed applications should be forwarded to the Customer Services Registration Unit in Central Office for processing.

Worklists (New) You will be able to tell if a tax account period (TAP) is on worklist by looking at the tool bar at the top in AR. If the word “Worklist” is black then the TAP has an item on a worklist. If TAP has an overpayment and it is within statute, always look to see if it is on a worklist.

If the TAP is on worklist, the worklist owner can be found by selecting Worklist then Worklist Location: 143 The worklist location window opens and displays the worklist owner. Some worklists will put three letters in front of the worklist owner’s name, “URN”. These letter can be disregard. In the example below the account is on J.Tabbs worklist.

A VA6 on a worklist will not be approved (posted) if the W2’s are not present in AR. Always verify that the W2’s are present in AR before requesting a VA6 be approved (posted) from the worklist. Contact Supervisor or Manager if additional assistance is needed.

Write-Off The placement of a bill in a suspension status, usually because the responsible party cannot be located and/or as a result of exhaustion of collection efforts, is referred to as an account write-off. Although not in active collection status, an assessment that has been written-off is still subject to debt set-off and match transactions. MOLs recorded on bills in write-off status are still valid and enforceable. Bills that have been written-off may be reinstated at any time, normally for application of monies received or because a lien source becomes available.

Field Agents should thoroughly review accounts and make documentation to substantiate the reason for the write-off of any bills in both AR and CACSG. Write-offs are subject to approval by a Supervisor if the amount exceeds $1,000.00. Write-offs are subject to certain criteria such as:  Bill(s) to be written-off must be in Open status.  A MOL should have been filed at least 90 days prior to write-off.  Collection efforts have been exhausted and documented.  Individual income tax bills cannot be written-off if an individual income tax return has been filed within three years of the intended write-off date. The same provision holds true for a nonfiler assessment.  An ending liability date must be entered for all taxes of a business account prior to write-off.  Accounts with recent bill statements cannot be written-off.  If a business tax bill has been converted to responsible officers, the bill cannot be written-off.

Write-offs differ from discharges in that a discharge relieves a debtor from an obligation owed to Virginia Tax, but a write-off does not provide relief if monies later become available. 144 Exhibit 14a - Guidance for Waiver of Penalty and Interest Guidance for Waiver of Penalty and Interest This document is intended to aid employees in making consistent and equitable determinations regarding waiver of penalty and interest charges. This document provides guidance for whether a penalty or interest charge may be waived; it does not set out procedures for handling cases.

Section 58.1-105 of the Code of Virginia allows reduction or full waiver of a penalty when that action is justified, but does not specify the conditions that would justify waiver. The agency has historically allowed waiver of penalty in cases involving extenuating circumstances, such as death of the taxpayer or preparer, or a natural disaster, as well as in other circumstances that would reasonably prevent a taxpayer from filing a return and or paying the tax due by the required due date. This material contains descriptions and examples of circumstances that would or would not result in waiver of penalty. For purposes of considering waiver, 760C and 500C charges are treated as penalties. The examples provided are not all-inclusive.

As discussed in detail later in this document, extenuating circumstances do not typically apply to the waiver of interest charges when the interest is associated with an underpayment or late payment of tax. As a general rule, interest is waived only in cases where an assessment is potentially invalid or the liability has been assigned to the wrong person (doubtful liability), or where the balance due cannot be collected (doubtful collectability). In cases where a penalty is reduced or waived, interest associated with the penalty will also be reduced or waived.

All examples assume that the employee handling the request for waiver has confirmed that the assessment is correct, and that the determination falls within his or her signature threshold. As of June 30, 2017, the thresholds are: Amount Authorized Signature Up to $2,000.00 Contact Center Representative; Collections Representative $2,001 - $10,000 Management Analyst; Senior Management Analyst; Lead Management Analyst $10,001 - $50,000 Manager, General Legal and Technical Services $50,001 and above Assistant Commissioner, General Legal and Technical Services

Penalty Waivers in General The agency will generally allow waiver of penalty in the following situations:  The death of the taxpayer, taxpayer’s spouse or other close family member, or death of the taxpayer’s preparer, provided the death occurred at a time that would reasonably prevent timely filing. (See Examples 1 and 2)  Illness of a taxpayer, spouse or other close family member, or illness of the taxpayer’s tax preparer, provided the illness was serious and occurred at a time that would reasonably prevent timely filing. (See Examples 3 and 4)  Floods, storms, or other natural disasters that prevent timely filing and/or payment, provided that the Tax Commissioner has issued an extension for affected taxpayers, or the Internal Revenue Service has provided an extension for affected taxpayers. (See Examples 5, 6 and 7) 145  Loss of records due to fire, theft or other disasters provided the taxpayer makes an effort to reconstruct records and file the affected returns within a reasonable period of time. (See Examples 8 and 9)  The filing date for the corresponding federal return was extended for special circumstances, such as military service in a combat zone, provided the taxpayer meets all of the eligibility requirements for the extension.  For 760C and 500C charges only, the taxpayer received information after the due date for the final estimated tax payment that showed unanticipated income received during the year. In general, the waiver will be allowed only if the taxpayer made timely payments at least equal to the preceding year’s income tax liability.  For pass-through entities only, a partnership experienced a technical termination for federal purposes, which required a short year return, provided the return is filed by the extended due date for the original taxable year. (See Example 10)  For offers in compromise only, reduction or waiver of the penalty is granted to settle a doubtful collectability case.

The agency does not routinely allow a one-time or first-time waiver of penalty, except in the case of a pass-through entity that meets certain criteria discussed later in this document. Although a good filing history is a factor that is considered in making a penalty waiver determination, filing history is not a basis for waiver on its own.

Extension Penalty The agency will generally allow waiver of an extension penalty in the following situations, provided the taxpayer has a good filing and payment history, and does not have a history of similar requests:  K-1 information needed for an accurate estimate of the taxpayer’s liability was not received until after the original due date, provided the taxpayer does not have a regular history of claiming late receipt of K-1 information. (See Examples 11 and 12)  A corporation or pass-through entity made an election to claim bonus depreciation after the original due date, and the resulting fixed-date conformity addition created a significant Virginia income tax liability. (See Example 13)  A corporation was part of a complex merger or restructuring and was unable to obtain income information in time to make an accurate estimate of its tax liability. (See discussion under Examples)  A corporation operating within an affiliated group did not receive accurate information for determining its apportionment factors until after the original due date, resulting in underpayment of tentative tax. (See discussion under Examples)

Late Filing Penalty In addition to the general circumstances outlined above, the agency will usually waive the late filing penalty in the following situations:  The taxpayer voluntarily filed delinquent returns after discovering the liability, without being notified by Virginia Tax. This situation is more common for corporations and pass-through entities, but can occur with individual filers. The waiver would be allowed only in a case where the taxpayer had reason to believe that no return was required.  The taxpayer discovered and corrected an error by filing tax-due amended returns for sales and use tax, employer withholding tax, or another non-income tax. This applies only in cases where the taxpayer was not notified of a discrepancy by Virginia Tax, and where the error was corrected within a reasonable time – usually a year or less – after the original return was filed. 146  The taxpayer can prove that an attempt was made to e-file by the due date, but the return was rejected, provided the return is either resubmitted or filed on paper within 10 days.

Late Payment Penalty In addition to the general circumstances outlined above, the agency will usually waive the late payment penalty in the following situations:  The taxpayer can prove that an attempt was made to e-pay by the due date, but the payment was rejected or there was a bank error, provided the payment is either resubmitted or paid by check within 10 days.  The taxpayer was not aware that the tax due with an income tax return filed on extension must be paid on the date the return is filed, but the tax was paid by the extended due date and the taxpayer has not incurred similar penalties for previous years. This applies in cases where the return is filed before the extension expires.

One-Time Waiver for a Pass-Through Entity To allow the agency to equitably address waiver requests for $1,200 penalty assessed for late filing, the following criteria have been established.

  1. The request for waiver involves only one taxable year in the account; and
  2. Either the period in question is the initial period of liability for the PTE, or this is the first instance of late filing of Form 502; and
  3. There are no other penalty assessments or nonfilers outstanding in the PTE’s other business tax accounts.

All criteria must be met for the assessment to qualify for waiver. The one-time waiver applies only to the late filing penalty of $1,200 assessed on a Form 502 that shows no withholding tax liability. For details on handling a one-time waiver case, see the procedure posted in TAXi at http://taxi/toolbox/Policy%20Library/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=71.

Other Factors to Consider for Waiver of Penalty  IRS waiver: If the IRS has waived the corresponding federal penalty, this can work in the taxpayer’s favor. However, an IRS waiver does not guarantee a Virginia waiver, especially if the taxpayer has a poor filing history. Both the request to the IRS and the IRS approval should be considered before a determination is made.  Errors made by professional preparers: The agency does not generally waive penalties caused by errors made by professional tax preparers, or resulting from negligence on the part of a tax professional. The taxpayer can take legal action against the preparer under these circumstances.  Embezzlement or other criminal activity of an employee: A case of criminal activity by an employee requires detailed information. The taxpayer must be able to provide evidence of a criminal complaint, and the outcome of the case if charges were filed, or at least an official status of the case if prosecution has not taken place. It is not uncommon for the discovery of embezzlement to take up to 18 months; therefore, it is not unusual for an embezzlement case to involve multiple tax years or periods. However, if the delinquencies related to embezzlement extend for more than 18 months, we also have to consider whether the company had adequate accounting controls in place. In some cases, waivers may be granted for only some of the periods requested, or may not be granted at all.  Employee negligence or misconduct: In cases of employee misconduct, multiple tax years or periods may be affected. These cases should be evaluated in the same manner as embezzlement and criminal cases. 147  Oversight: The agency usually does not waive penalties in cases of simple oversight, such as a taxpayer forgetting to mail a return.

Interest Waivers As a general rule, Virginia Tax does not waive interest charges that are associated with a tax liability because Section 58.1-105 of the Code of Virginia allows waiver of tax only in cases where an assessment is potentially invalid or liability is assigned to the wrong party (doubtful liability), or where the balance due cannot be collected (doubtful collectability). The agency may waive interest under the following circumstances:  The taxpayer can demonstrate that he or she never received an assessment prior to collection action, or was not aware of the assessment for an extended period after it was issued.  In these cases, we may waive interest accrued during the period that the taxpayer was not aware of the liability.

Virginia Tax has agreed to waive penalties on bills that are over 30 days old. Although the initial bill in a case like this would have shown only interest on the underlying tax, any interest accrued after 30 days would be partially accrued on the outstanding penalty. Therefore, the portion of interest accrued on the penalty would be waived as part of the penalty waiver.

Examples General Death of the taxpayer, taxpayer’s spouse or other close family member, or death of the taxpayer’s preparer, provided the death occurred at a time that would reasonably prevent timely filing.

Example 1. A joint income tax return for 2014 was filed on January 19, 2016, reflecting tax due of $4,500, which was paid. An assessment was issued for late filing penalty of $1,350 (30%), plus interest on the tax due. The husband responded to the assessment with a request for waiver of penalty. He explained that his wife, who had handled the couple’s tax matters, passed away unexpectedly on October 5, 2015. Along with the responsibilities for handling her estate, the taxpayer had to locate the tax records and get the help of an accountant. The taxpayers have an excellent filing and payment history.

The taxpayer’s spouse died just before the federal and Virginia extended due dates for filing the 2014 return. It would not be reasonable to assume that the surviving spouse could locate records and engage an accountant in time to file the Virginia return by November 1. It appears that the taxpayer acted as promptly as possible to file the return. The penalty should be waived.

Example 2. A joint income tax return for 2012 was filed on January 19, 2016, reflecting tax due of $4,500, which was paid. An assessment was issued for late filing penalty of $1,350 (30%), plus interest on the tax due. The husband responded to the assessment with a request for waiver of penalty. He explained that his wife, who had handled the couple’s tax matters, passed away unexpectedly on October 5, 2014. Along with the responsibilities for handling her estate, the taxpayer had to locate the tax records and get the help of an accountant. The taxpayers have an excellent filing and payment history.

The taxpayer’s spouse died almost a year after the extended due date for the 2012 return, and the taxpayer delayed another 15 months before filing the return. The information presented does not indicate any extenuating circumstances prior to the death of the spouse, or offer any explanation for the additional delay in filing. Unless the taxpayer can provide an acceptable explanation for the 148 original failure to file the return and the extended delay in filing after his wife passed away, the request for waiver should be denied.

Illness of a taxpayer, spouse or other close family member, provided the illness was serious and occurred at a time that would reasonably prevent timely filing.

Example 3. A joint income tax return for 2014 was filed on January 19, 2016, reflecting tax due of $4,500, which was paid. An assessment was issued for late filing penalty of $1,350 (30%), plus interest on the tax due. The husband responded to the assessment with a request for waiver of penalty. He explained that his wife, who had handled the couple’s tax matters, passed away on October 5, 2015, after a lengthy illness that began with a cancer diagnosis in January 2013. When he began gathering records for preparation of the 2015 return, he discovered that the 2014 return had not been filed. His request for waiver includes documentation of his wife’s medical treatments and death. The taxpayers have an excellent filing and payment history.

The taxpayer’s wife was unable to handle the couple’s tax matters because of her illness. Because he was not accustomed to handling tax matters, it is unlikely that the taxpayer would have thought to check on tax filings for 2014. It appears that he filed as promptly as possible to file the return after discovering the delinquency. The penalty should be waived.

Example 4. A joint income tax return for 2012 was filed on January 19, 2016, reflecting tax due of $4,500, which was paid. An assessment was issued for late filing penalty of $1,350 (30%), plus interest on the tax due. The husband responded to the assessment with a request for waiver of penalty. He explained that he and his wife suffered from serious medical conditions that required surgeries, one in 2012 and one in 2013.

Although documentation was provided to support his claim, no explanation was provided for the extended delay in filing the return. The taxpayers have an excellent filing and payment history.

From the information presented, it is likely that the taxpayers could not file their 2012 return by the extended due date of November 1, 2013. However, they have not documented any illnesses or other extenuating circumstances extending beyond 2013 that would explain the extended delay in filing.

Unless they can provide an acceptable explanation for not filing the return prior to 2016, the request for waiver should be denied.

Floods, storms, or other natural disasters that prevent timely filing and/or payment, provided that the Tax Commissioner has issued an extension for affected taxpayers, or the Internal Revenue Service has provided an extension for affected taxpayers.

Example 5. The taxpayer, who is a resident of South Carolina, filed a 2014 nonresident income tax return on February 16, 2016. The return reflected total tax liability of $63,000 and tax due of $5,000, which was paid. An assessment was issued for late filing penalty of $1,500 (30%), plus interest on the tax due. The taxpayer requests waiver of the penalty, explaining that the IRS extended the 2014 due date to February 16, 2016 because of flooding throughout the state in October 2015.

Although the taxpayer did not provide supporting documentation, the IRS extension can be verified online. The penalty should be waived.

Example 6. The taxpayer, who is a resident of South Carolina, filed a 2014 nonresident income tax return on March 10, 2016. The return reflected total tax liability of $63,000 and tax due of $5,000, which was paid. 149 An assessment was issued for late filing penalty of $1,500 (30%), plus interest on the tax due. The taxpayer requests waiver of the penalty, explaining that the IRS extended the 2014 due date to February 16, 2016 because of flooding throughout the state in October 2015.

Although the taxpayer did not provide supporting documentation, the IRS extension can be verified online. Since Virginia law sets the extended due date for filing an individual income tax return at 30 days after the expiration of a federal extension, the return was timely filed. The penalty should be waived.

Example 7. The taxpayer, who is a resident of South Carolina, filed a 2014 nonresident income tax return on June 10, 2016. The return reflected total tax liability of $63,000 and tax due of $5,000, which was paid.

An assessment was issued for late filing penalty of $1,500 (30%), plus interest on the tax due. The taxpayer requests waiver of the penalty, explaining that the IRS extended the 2014 due date because of flooding throughout the state in October 2015.

Although the taxpayer did not provide supporting documentation, the IRS extension can be verified online. The IRS extended the due date to February 16, 2016. Virginia law sets the extended due date for filing an individual income tax return at 30 days after the expiration of a federal extension. The Virginia return was filed more than 30 days after February 16, 2016. Unless the taxpayer can provide an acceptable explanation for the additional delay in filing, the request for waiver should be denied.

Loss of records due to fire, theft or other disasters provided the taxpayer makes an effort to reconstruct records and file the affected returns within a reasonable period of time.

Example 8. A corporation filed its calendar year 2014 Form 500 on May 12, 2016, nearly seven months after the extended due date of October 15, 2015. The return shows total tax liability of $23,000 and net tax due of $4,200, which was paid. An assessment was issued for late filing penalty of $1,260 (30%), plus interest on the tax due. The company requested waiver of penalty, stating that a fire on its premises in February 2015 destroyed paper records and damaged computers and backup files. The company was able to reconstruct its records with help from an outside firm but, due to the extensive damage to the computer records, the process took nearly a year. Once the records were recreated, another few weeks were needed to have returns prepared. The request includes detailed documentation about the fire, as well as a statement from the firm that assisted in reconstructing the records. The statement includes a timeline of the reconstructions, showing that the taxpayer contracted with the firm in April 2015, and the work was completed in March 2016. The corporation has a good filing and payment history.

The fire and associated damage are well documented, and the taxpayer has provided proof that records were not available until March 2016. It is reasonable that the return preparation took a few weeks. The penalty should be waived.

Example 9. A corporation filed its calendar year 2014 Form 500 on October 25, 2016, more than a year after the extended due date of October 15, 2015. The return shows total tax liability of $23,000 and net tax due of $4,200, which was paid. An assessment was issued for late filing penalty of $1,260 (30%), plus interest on the tax due. The company requested waiver of penalty, stating that a fire on its premises in February 2015 destroyed paper records and damaged computers and backup files. The company was able to reconstruct its records with help from an outside firm but, due to the extensive damage to the computer records, the process took nearly a year. Once the records were recreated, another few weeks were needed to have returns prepared. The request includes detailed documentation about the fire, as well as a 150 statement from the firm that assisted in reconstructing the records. The statement includes a timeline of the reconstructions, showing that the taxpayer contracted with the firm in April 2015, and the work was completed in March 2016. The corporation has a good filing and payment history.

The fire and associated damage are well documented, and the taxpayer has provided proof that records were not available until March 2016. Although it could be reasonably expected that final return preparation might take a few weeks after the records were completed, the taxpayer filed six months after the outside firm completed its work. No explanation has been provided for the delay.

Unless the corporation can provide an acceptable explanation for the additional delay in filing, the request for waiver should be denied.

For pass-through entities only, a partnership experienced a technical termination for federal purposes, which required a short year return, provided the return is filed by the extended due date for the original taxable year.

Example 10. A partnership formed in 2010 filed timely calendar year returns for 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. Due to a sales of assets, the partnership experienced technical termination under federal law on August 10, 2014. The termination required that a short-year return for January 1, 2014 through August 10, 2014 be filed by December 15, 2014. The corresponding Virginia return was due on January 15, 2015. The partnership mistakenly filed both of its short-year returns, for the years ended August 10, 2014 and December 31, 2014, on October 15, 2015, which was the extended due date for December return only. The entity has a good filing and payment history.

This is a common filing error seen at both the federal and Virginia levels. Because the partnership filed both returns on a date consistent with the due date for its usual calendar year filing, the penalty should be waived.

Extension Penalty K-1 information needed for an accurate estimate of the taxpayer’s liability was not received until after the original due date, provided the taxpayer does not have a regular history of claiming late receipt of K-1 information.

Example 11. Taxpayers filed a joint individual income tax return for 2015 on October 17, 2016, with payment for the full tax liability of $23,000. An assessment is issued for an extension penalty of $2,760 (12%), plus interest on the tax due. The taxpayers request waiver of the penalty, stating that their primary source of income is from a pass-through entity that did not furnish a Schedule K-1 until late September 2016. The taxpayers have an excellent filing and payment history.

The taxpayers have an excellent history of compliance and paid the balance of tax due with their return at the time of filing. A review of the return supports their claim that their primary source of income was from an S corporation. A review of the corporation’s return is inconclusive, but there is no evidence to contradict the taxpayers’ claim of late receipt of Schedule K-1. The penalty should be waived.

Example 12. Taxpayers filed a joint individual income tax return for 2015 on October 17, 2016, with payment for the full tax liability of $23,000. An assessment is issued for an extension penalty of $2,760 (12%), plus interest on the tax due. The taxpayers request waiver of the penalty, stating that their primary source of income is from a pass-through entity that did not furnish a Schedule K-1 until late September 151 2016. The taxpayers’ account shows two previous waivers of extension penalties for 2010 and 2012 for similar circumstances involving the same pass-through entity.

A review of the return supports their claim that their primary source of income was from an S corporation. A review of the corporation’s return is inconclusive, but there is no evidence to contradict the taxpayers’ claim of late receipt of Schedule K-1. However, the taxpayers have encountered this situation before, and they should have made estimated payments to offset any potential tax liability. The request for waiver should be denied.

A corporation or pass-through entity made an election to claim bonus depreciation after the original due date, and the resulting fixed-date conformity addition created a significant Virginia income tax liability.

Example 13. A corporation filed its 2015 calendar year return on September 15, 2016, with payment for the full tax liability of $18,000. An assessment was issued for extension penalty of $1,800 (10%), plus interest on the tax due. The corporation requests waiver of the penalty, stating that the tax liability was created by a fixed-date conformity addback for bonus depreciation. Since the bonus depreciation election was not made until after the original due date, April 15, 2016, the corporation could not have anticipated the tax liability. The corporation has a good filing and payment history.

A review of the 2015 Form 500 shows that the corporation reported a net operating loss of $35,000, and a bonus depreciation addback of $350,000. After allocation and apportionment, its Virginia taxable income was $300,000, all of which was created by the addback. It is not uncommon for the bonus depreciation election to be made well after the end of a taxable year, so the corporation’s claim is reasonable. The penalty should be waived.

A corporation was part of a complex merger or restructuring and was unable to obtain income information in time to make an accurate estimate of its tax liability.

A corporation operating within an affiliated group did not receive accurate information for determining its apportionment factors until after the original due date, resulting in underpayment of tentative tax.

It is difficult to present examples of these circumstances because the situations are complex and varied. In general, we look for circumstances that seem reasonable. The question we need to consider as we review the case is whether the company had adequate controls in place to ensure tax compliance. Companies that encounter the circumstances outlined above usually have internal accounting staffs and external accounting support, so they must experience extreme circumstances to receive a waiver of penalty.

Guidance for Waiver of Penalty and Interest - June 2017 A current version of this document can be found in the TAXi Toolbox Internal Policy Library. http://taxi/toolbox/Policy%20Library/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=71 152 Chapter 15 Customer Service and Taxpayer Rights Customer service is provided in various ways and degrees within each section of Virginia Tax. Ensuring customer satisfaction and putting the customer first in everything we do is a high priority. This is achieved by providing the following:  Improved quality service  Reduced burden of compliance  Improved customer education  Improved support to external stakeholders Providing Service to Customers Employees of Virginia Tax are expected to provide quality customer service, regardless of their role within Virginia Tax. All customer contacts should be handled in a professional and courteous manner.

Field Agents often receive phone calls or other types of contact from customers, local officials, bookkeepers, and other business professionals that require customer service assistance. Field Agents should refer inquiries requiring customer service assistance to the appropriate customer service section by providing Virginia Tax’s website, email address, or the proper customer service phone number and/or mailing address. Field Agents should make referrals based on the type of customer inquiry to ensure the customer makes contact with the appropriate agent or section for assistance. Field Agents may handle inquiries or requests requiring minimal assistance. Field Agents may also perform certain accounting transactions normally performed by Customer Service staff to resolve assigned accounts. The following are examples of Customer Service assistance that may be handled by Field Agents:  Responding to customer calls requesting some type of form, return coupon, etc., with the exception of bulk mailings.  Answering questions regarding the business registration application.  Answering general questions regarding completing returns and return filing requirements.  Providing local officials and tax practitioners with the Practitioner/Locality Hotline phone number.  Providing customers with Virginia Tax’s web page address and/or phone numbers, fax numbers, and Customer Services address.  Posting and/or issuing nonfiler assessments on assigned accounts.

Virginia Tax has advanced technologically in recent years to better assure quality customer service by providing email and website availability to customers. Customers may obtain a variety of services by accessing the Virginia Tax website.

Customer Services Agents are located at the Westmoreland address in Richmond. These employees provide various types of assistance to customers, local officials, attorneys, practitioners and others including:  Walk-in assistance during income tax filing season only.  Phone assistance.  Issuing letters in response to customers’ written inquiries. 153  Review, research, examine, analyze and compare information obtained and provided by customers to determine or verify tax liability in consonance with applicable tax laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.  Issuing and explaining abatements, assessments, refunds, setoffs, transfers, discharges, etc.  Providing assistance with completing various types of tax returns not including income tax returns.  Processing payments and tax returns.  Processing business registration applications to create account numbers.  Defending the validity of assessments in order to affect compliance.  Responding to customer emails.  Issuing transfers, abatements, adjustments, discharges, and write-offs for resolution of account.

Taxpayer Bill of Rights The taxpayer Bill of Rights was enacted to ensure protection of taxpayer rights in the tax determination and collection processes administered by Virginia Tax. The publication provides an overview of a taxpayer’s rights per law and covers topics such as:  Confidentiality Rights  Taxpayer Rights and Audits  Taxpayer Rights and Collections  Taxpayer Rights Advocate  Taxpayer Rights in the Appeal Process

Virginia Tax employees should become familiar with the taxpayer Bill of Rights to ensure they are not in violation of the rights afforded taxpayers. Field Agents should especially take precaution to adhere to the guidelines noted in the section, Taxpayer Rights and Collections. The publication may be viewed in its entirety by accessing Virginia Tax’s website, and selecting taxpayer Bill of Rights at the bottom of the screen. 154 Chapter 16 Payments and Payment Agreements Payments by check, money order, cashier’s check, or certified funds are only accepted when at least two Field Agents or a Field Agent and a Supervisor are present. The taxpayer must be given a receipt for payment signed by the two Field Agents or the Field Agent and the Supervisor. It is very important that the Field Agent take extraordinary care to ensure payments are kept in a secure place until submitted to the Central Office for deposit. All payments should be submitted to the Central Office for processing no later than the next business day.

Field Agents are assigned a tablet which allows them to immediately process bill payments electronically.

Checking, savings, credit, and debit cards can be accepted and processed immediately with the taxpayer’s permission. This is the only other method of bill payment that will be accepted.

If the Field Agent receives a “VOIDED” check from the taxpayer to obtain bank and routing numbers, the check must be sent to backscanning.

Payments must be recorded in CACSG using the “Payment Received” icon. The amount of payment, bill number paid and confirmation number should be entered as follows: Establishing Payment Plans The Field Agent should follow the guidelines below when setting up a payment plan. These guidelines became effective August 14, 2020: Individual Income Tax – Require 10% down payment Balance Due Maximum PPA Length 0-$999 12 months $1,000-$4,999 24 months $5,000-$9,999 36 months $10,000 and above 48 months 155 Business Taxes – Require 20% down payment Non-Habitual (NH) Habitual (H) Balance Due Maximum PPA Balance Due Maximum PPA Length Length 0-$4,999 12 months 0-$2499 6 months $5,000-$14,999 24 months $2,500- $9,999 12 months $15,000-$34,999 36 months $10,000- $17,999 18 months $35,000 and above 48 months $18,000k and above 24 months

Non-Habitual (NH) is defined by, see Exhibit 16a:  First partial payment arrangement (PPA) and/or no prior defaults due to non-payment,  Taxpayer is compliant (returns current for last three years),  Taxpayer submitted OIC and was denied,  Supervisor Approval required beyond 24 months, review will happen upon entry on the supervisor’s worklist.

Habitual (H) is defined by, see Exhibit 16b:  Prior payment arrangements defaulted due to non-payment,  Defaults due to the creation of sales or withholding nonfilers or failure to pay current taxes,  Resets are permitted over three times for defaults due to (new nonfiler for litter, corporate tax or VA6)  Taxpayers who have defaulted more than three times due to non-payment are no longer eligible to establish payment plans,  Supervisor Approval required beyond 24 months, review will happen upon entry on the supervisor’s worklist.

Field Agent must uncheck the Re-establish eligible box when creating a new payment plan to limit accessibility for the habitual offenders from creating multiple plans online or tele-plan.

Handling Cash Payments The Field Agent never accepts cash as a payment. The only exceptions to this rule is during a Padlock Hearing or at a padlocked business and two Field Agents or a Supervisor and a Supervisor are present. An Officer of the Court or a Law Enforcement Officer may act as an alternative as the second witness.

Receipt Book Procedure

156Supervisors or Managers are assigned a receipt book. Prior to the receipt book being assigned the Supervisor records the receipt numbers. Once assigned, the inclusive receipt book numbers (Ex. 25001-25025) are reported to the Compliance Support Supervisor.

Care must be taken to ensure the book is not lost or stolen. Receipt books should never be left unattended at a taxpayer’s business. If a receipt book is lost or stolen, the Supervisor must report the incident to their Manager immediately. If a receipt book is lost, the Supervisor will immediately notify the Compliance Support Supervisor in writing. The lost receipt book should be identified by its receipt numbers. Additional information provided should include the number of receipts remaining in the lost receipt book and all facts related to the loss.

Receipts are written for all non-iPad payments received from a taxpayer. This must be done in the presence of two Field Agents or a Field Agent and a Supervisor. Copies of receipts are distributed as follows:  Original (white) copy goes to taxpayer.  Second (green) copy is attached to the Field Agent’s Daily Transmittal.  Third (yellow) copy remains in the receipt book.

If a receipt must be voided, the following procedures will be followed:  “VOID” is written on all copies  White and green copies go to the Supervisor with written documentation explaining the reason for voiding the receipt  The Supervisor initials all documents and forwards them to the Compliance Support Section  The yellow copy remains in the receipt book  When it is necessary to make a correction to any item on a receipt, the receipt preparer must initial the correction while all copies are intact in the receipt book. A written explanation will accompany the green copy of the receipt when forwarded to the Central Office.

Handling Checks and Money Orders Payments can only be accepted during a Padlock Hearing or when there are two Virginia Tax employees present. Checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, or certified funds are the only forms of payment accepted. All payments received must be kept in a secure location until time to submit the payment to Central Office for processing. All payments must be made payable to Virginia Tax. Postdated checks are never accepted. If the taxpayer has a history of issuing bad checks, the Field Agent may request that all payments be made by certified funds. 157 iPad Payments with Banking Information The Field Agent can process payments using their assigned tablet (iPad) while in person or on a regular payment agreement. For payments being withdrawn from the taxpayer’s bank account the Field Agent must obtain the taxpayer’s bank and routing number, amount of payment, terms of the payment agreement, and email address if a receipt is requested.

The Field Agent should keep two tickler systems with their iPad information in case the CACSG system is not available, Exhibit 16c. This information can be kept in a “daily” folder or 3-ring binder. The Field Agent must keep all banking information locked in a secure location.

If the payment is recurring, the Client ID of the taxpayer should be entered in the Field Agent’s calendar to indicate a payment must be processed. This calendar entry allows another Field Agent or Supervisor to process any iPad payments that come due when the Field Agent is out for a day or an extended period of time. The Field Agent must make sure another Field Agent and/or Supervisor has access to their Gmail calendar. The Field Agent should enter the taxpayer’s banking information, amount of payment, terms of the payment agreement, and email address (if a receipt is requested) in the Notes section in CACSG found under Case. See instructions below on how to locate the Notes section and the Client ID number in CACSG.

The Field Agent should list the Client ID number on their Gmail Calendar on the due date of iPad payment.

You can obtain the Client ID number as follows

Client ID number is located in bottom right hand corner.

158List the following information on your Gmail calendar in case you are on Leave and another Field Agent or Supervisor needs to process your iPad payments: iPad Payments with Credit Card Field Agents can process credit or debit card payments for tax bills on their tablet. The Field Agent must obtain the taxpayers credit or debit card number, expiration date, name listed on card, three digit CVV code on back of card, phone number and email address. Fees are noted below and should be explained to the taxpayer. The Field Agent must not store credit or debit card information. The taxpayer must call each month to provide the required information for payment processing.

If a request for payment by credit card is received, and the agent encounters issues that prevent them from processing the payment, the following information should be provided to the taxpayer:  Credit Card payments are handled by Paymentus, phone number 1-833-339-1307 or online at www.paymentus.com.  Paymentus accepts all major credit cards and charges a convenience fee that is added to each transaction.  Payments through Paymentus can be for: o Business tax o Assessment notice or consolidated bill(s) 159 o Personal income tax o Estimated payments  Payments usually post to Virginia Tax account within 48-72 hours.  Tax bills may be paid online via QuickPay, a free service to pay and view outstanding tax bills.  Virginia Tax’s Cashier’s Office will accept credit and debit card payments from walk-in customers only in Richmond. Discover, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Convenience fees apply and are disclosed prior to submitting the transaction.

When a taxpayer indicates they are going to make payment by credit or debit card, the Field Agent should follow-up by checking the account within 48-72 hours to see if the payment has posted. System problems can cause delays in the posting of credit or debit card payments; therefore, the account may have to be checked several times.

Incorrect iPad Payments If the Field Agent submits a payment for an incorrect amount while using the iPad, an email must be sent immediately to TAX-MobileAppSupport or call 804-404-4183. Provide the amount of the payment, the taxpayer’s account number, and the confirmation number of the payment. Make sure you follow up with mobile support if you do not hear back.

Bank Deposits Checks and money orders requiring financial institution deposit are submitted on a Transmittal Report to the Central Office for processing. Payments of any type (never cash), other than those processed using the iPad, should only be received when there are two Field Agents and/or a Supervisor present and both must sign the written receipt that is given to the taxpayer.

Field Agent’s Transmittal Report A Transmittal Report must be submitted to Processing at the Central Office when revenue has been collected from a taxpayer. A copy of the report must be emailed to the Supervisor and the other Field Agent who signed the receipt. The report must include required information to enable correct processing of payments. Transmittals should be held for at least two years, Exhibit 16d.

All reports must contain the following information:  Transmittal Report Date  Account Number (15 digit number if a return is submitted)  Legal Name  Tax Type (such as sales or employer withholding)  Bill Number  Payment Amount  Comment (if appropriate)  Field Agent Name  District  Total amount of payments  # of items (number of checks submitted on the report) 160 Exhibit 16a – Quick Reference for Establishing Payment Plans and Issuing MOL’s – Non-Habitual Taxpayers 161 Exhibit 16b – Quick Reference for Establishing Payment Plans and Issuing MOLS – Habitual Taxpayers 162 Exhibit 16c – iPad Payment Form (front) 163 Exhibit 16c – iPad Payment Form (back) 164 Exhibit 16d – Transmittal 165 Chapter 17 Calendars and Miscellaneous Policies The Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) and Virginia Tax have established a number of policies and procedures for the management of personnel and the use of State owned equipment. These policies and procedures affect the daily work of Field Agents. Many of these policies, including the Employee Handbook, are available for review on DHRM’s website or on Virginia Tax website.

Field Agents are required to perform certain administrative functions such as keeping a detailed daily calendar, field visit and mileage records. Individual Supervisors may require specific monthly reports for their employees.

G Suite Calendar Field Agents are required to maintain daily itineraries in G Suite Calendar. Office and/or field hours, including location, leave and training hours, etc. are to be maintained on the G Suite calendar. Access to a Field Agent’s calendar must be delegated and should be made available to your Supervisor and Manager within your region. If requested, calendar should be shared with Managers. The calendar not only provides a daily work history, but also informs others of the general hours the Field Agent is available. The Field Agent may keep mileage and expense information on the calendar as well.

G Suite calendars should be updated 30 days in advance on a weekly basis. It is realized that appointments and deadlines arise unexpectedly in the field and that calendars may change at the last moment. The Field Agent should make every effort to record changes as soon as possible and notify any affected persons.

How to Clear Cache Files in Google If your G Suite Calendar, Email or web browser is running slow, you can clear your cache files to possibly help resolve the issue. Follow these instructions to clear the cache files: 1 Open a new chrome window 2 Click the three dots in the upper right hand side 3 Go to more tools 166 4 Select Clear browsing data

5 Make sure the time range is “All time” and all the boxes are checked on the left side.

6 Select advanced tab

7 Select “All time” under time range, check all the boxes on the left side then click the “Clear data” button.

8 Once you finish this process you will need to restart Google in order for this process to take effect.

167Gmail – Miscellaneous Information Emails can be “snoozed” in Gmail to allow the email to reappear on a date and time of your choosing. To snooze an email do the following:

  1. Open the email you want to snooze.
  2. Click on the “snooze” button at the top, icon looks like a clock.
  3. Select when you would like the email to reappear. There are preselected dates and time or you can pick a date and time.
  4. On the date and time you selected the email will reappear and have a message beside it “snoozed # days ago”.

Mail Field Agents no longer have post office boxes for receiving Virginia Tax mail. All taxpayer mail must be sent to: Virginia Department of Taxation, PO Box 1775, Richmond, Virginia 23218. Field Agents must not have any mail sent to their home address.

Meetings Communication with our teams are important to safety, engagement, and ensuring accurate information is provided to our taxpayers. Field Agents are required to attend and participate in all scheduled meetings with their teams. Cell phones should be off or on vibrate and out of sight during meetings and conference calls.

Cell Phones Cell phones must be on vibrate or off and out of site during meetings or when meeting with taxpayers.

State cell phones are for business use only. Personal use of state cell phones is limited to emergencies. 168 Office Supplies Each Field Agent will be required to determine the types and quantities of supplies needed to operate efficiently from a home office environment and to keep track of their inventory to insure replenishment of items before supplies are exhausted.

Virginia Tax forms, stationery, memo pads, staples, pencils, pens, markers, rulers, etc., will be requested from the Supervisor a minimum of two weeks before stocks are depleted. The Supervisor will assemble the requested supplies from local stocks, inventory in Richmond or through local purchases and arrange to meet with the employee for delivery of supplies.

Postage If a Field Agent has an expense for postage, it may be included on the travel voucher as long as there is mileage associated with it. If there is no mileage associated to a postage expense, and the Field Agent does not have a state car, then the postage expense must be submitted on a "Receiving Report".

If the Field Agent has a state car, a postage expense may also be included on the travel voucher even though there is no mileage associated to the postage expense. The Field Agent must make sure that one of the "State Vehicle" statements on the top of the travel voucher has been selected. If one is not, the voucher will be returned.

Professionalism Field Agents are expected to be professional and respectful to all taxpayers, peers, and management at all times. Additionally, Field Agent must comply with all rules and regulations found in the Attendance, Code of Ethics, Dress Code and Technology policies located in TAXi and in the Field Collections Guide.

Break-Ins If it is discovered that a break-in has occurred in the home of a Field Agent containing state tax related items, information, equipment, or an automobile used for fieldwork, the following actions should be taken:  Contact proper police authority in your area. If local police discover the break-in, they will determine the need to contact State Police.  Notify the Supervisor of the break-in.  Conduct an inventory of equipment and tax related information.  Check all security areas to determine if confidential information has been tampered with during the break-in.  Report the facts and circumstances to the Supervisor outlining any discrepancies and/or findings. A police report of findings should be requested and attached to the Supervisor’s report of the incident.  State owned equipment that is damaged or stolen will be repaired or replaced by Virginia Tax.  For personal property damage or stolen items, contact your homeowner’s policy insurance agent.

Dress Code Agency employees will observe and comply with a minimum dress standard of “business casual”. For purposes of this policy, business casual attire means clothing that allows employees to feel comfortable at work, yet is appropriate for an office environment. 169 Employees should consider each day’s activities when determining what to wear. Employees who are scheduled to meet with person(s) from outside the office should dress in traditional business attire, unless meeting attendees agree in advance to wear business casual attire. While it is intended that employees feel comfortable at work, we must realize that we are representatives of our agency, no matter what type of dress we wear. Employees are expected to present themselves during working hours in attire that is appropriate to the nature of the work they have scheduled for the day.

There will be circumstances when professional business attire will be appropriate and necessary (e.g., scheduled meetings with outside customers, vendors, or government representatives etc.). In these situations, employees are expected to dress accordingly. If scheduled to meet with outside customers at their place of business, employees may adapt their dress according to the customers’ dress standards. Employees in designated jobs that are physically demanding should wear clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for the job performed. However, they should always maintain a clean, neat, and well-groomed appearance.

Managers will inform employees of any inappropriate situations, if necessary.

Appropriate as Business Casual Business casual attire encompasses many looks and includes, but is not limited to slacks, khakis, collared sports shirts, blouses, turtlenecks, sweaters, skirts and dress, loafers or similar casual shoes.

Never Appropriate Unacceptable clothing includes, but is not limited to the following:  Workout attire (sweatpants, sweatshirts, wind suits, jerseys)  Jeans, cutoffs, leggings, shorts, skorts  T-shirts, halter, or tank tops  Dresses or skirts that are more than two inches above the knee  Beach attire  Sheer clothing, or clothing that otherwise is revealing, distracting, or provocative  Clothing with obscene, profane, abusive writings, or pictures  Inappropriate footwear (tennis shoes, beach shoes, slippers, flip-flops, sports sandals or similar open-toed shoes)

Choice This policy does not require employees to purchase business casual attire. Employees who prefer to dress in formal or traditional business attire should feel free to do so.

Virginia Tax may make reasonable accommodations for dress or grooming directly related to an employee’s religion, ethnicity, or disabilities.

If there are specific questions about appropriate office dress, employees should refer to their Supervisor, Human Resources staff, or the Dress Code Policy, which can be found in the Toolbox on Virginia Tax.

Agency Responsibility The Tax Commissioner, Leadership Team, agency Managers and Supervisors, and the Human Resources Director are responsible for the consistent application of this policy. Violations of this policy may be cause for appropriate disciplinary action. 170 Relocation Having access to high speed internet is a requirement for the Field Agent position. If relocating, the Field Agent must be sure the required internet service is available at the new location.

Workers Compensation Claims An injured Field Agent should call Human Resources to report the injury. The Field Agent should contact the HR Benefits Analyst. Required information will be obtained and the HR Benefits Analyst will explain the process to the injured Field Agent. The Field Agent should also notify their immediate Supervisor.

Chapter 18 Backscanning, Processing and Dead End Accounts Processing and Back Scan Below is the approved method Field Agents can use to send documents to be processed or back scanned.

Important: Always leave a note in CACSG that items were received from taxpayer and sent for processing or back scanning.

Faxing Document You Received via Fax or Email

  1. Open the attachment in your email and select the download arrow icon.
  2. Locate the documents in your downloads folder. You may rename the files for easier reference by right clicking on the file and selecting rename. 171
  3. Download Tax Processing Work Order Form from SharePoint. a. Click the link to open the document. b. Click on the 3 dots in the top right corner. c. Select Download from the drop down menu. d. Locate the document in your downloads folder.

TIP: See instructions below on how to save the work order form with your name and phone number for future use.

  1. Complete a tax processing work order Form: a. Fill out your name, phone number and date sent b. Indicate if it is individual return, business return, correspondence or other. c. Identify if the documents are for PROCESSING or BACK SCAN d. Any additional instructions: PUT THE TAXPAYER FEIN OR SSN
  2. Send the documents and the work order form via email. a. Open “Compose” in Gmail. b. To: rr-Tax-ProcessingWorkOrders@tax.virginia.gov c. Subject: Tax Processing Work Order d. Attach the taxpayer’s documents and the processing word order form by clicking the paperclip icon and locating the files on your laptop. 172 Saving Tax Processing Work Order

You may save a copy of the work order to your documents on your laptop with your name and phone number filled out so that the only thing that needs updated each time is the taxpayer info.

  1. Download the by completing step 3 above.
  2. Fill out your name and phone number on the form.
  3. Go to File > Save As > Browse and save the document in “Documents”
  4. The next time you need to send taxpayer documents to processing, open the above saved Work Order. Update the details and Go to File > Save As > Browse and save the document as “Tax Processing Work Order TAXPAYER NAME.” This will save it as a separate document from the original one you have saved with your name and phone number.

FAQs for Biscom Faxcom

173QUESTION: Can I store a phone number I fax to often?

ANSWER: Yes. The private phone book is a great way to store often used phone numbers. See the Job Aid Link for “How to create and use a phonebook with Faxcom”.

QUESTION: Can I use the 5 digit Virginia Tax extension to fax?

ANSWER: No. You must use the area code and full phone number to fax.

QUESTION: Is there a phone number format needed to send a fax?

ANSWER: The phone number format is very flexible. Alphabet (A-z, a-x), backslash (), forward slash (/) and spaces are not allowed. Some acceptable formats are (804)123-4567, 804-123-4567, 804.123.4567 or 8041234567.

QUESTION: Can I search in the phonebook?

ANSWER: No. The phonebooks do not have a search function. You can jump to a letter by selecting that letter. For example, if you are looking for someone who has a last name beginning with “S” you can jump to “S” by selecting it on your keyboard.

QUESTION: Can I change my name and fax number for all of my faxes?

ANSWER: Yes. You can change the name and fax number in the settings section of the Faxcom client.

QUESTION: Can I forward a fax with Faxcom?

ANSWER: Yes. Using “Biscom Fax Print” will forward the fax.

QUESTION: Do I have to open the Faxcom application to fax a document?

ANSWER: No. Documents can be faxed using the “Biscom Fax Printer” in the document print function.

QUESTION: Does Faxcom keep records of incoming and outgoing faxes?

ANSWER: Faxcom does not keep records. However, all faxes are put in your email inbox by default. Gmail features can be used to filter on the subject line and place faxes in sub folders for organization and easy reference.

QUESTION: From CACSG can a duplicate fax be sent using the print to Biscom printer option or does it have to be saved in a separate folder?

ANSWER: A duplicate fax can be sent using the print to Biscom printer option. It does not have to be saved to a separate folder.

Dead End Accounts A Dead End account is an account for which all collection activities, short of criminal action, has been exhausted and meets the following criteria:

Business Account  Business is closed.  No filing activity for at least 3 years.  No funds collected for at least 3 years. 174  Account has a Bad Address indicator and a good address cannot be found using field visit or skip-tracing resources, e.g., DMV, VEC, Lexis-Nexis Accurint, CLEAR, etc.  No viable lien sources (income source or financial institution) to attach within the last 3 years.  Account has a balance ≤ $1000.00 that does not merit further collection attempts to include summonses, civil suit, padlock, etc. Accounts >$1000.00 should be reviewed with a supervisor  Has been through the OCA cycle 2 times.

Individual Income Tax Account  No filing activity for 3 years.  No funds collected for at least 3 years.  Account has a Bad Address indicator and a good address cannot be found using field visit or skip-tracing resources, e.g., DMV, VEC, Lexis-Nexis Accurint, etc.  No viable lien sources (income or financial institution) to attach within the last 3 years.  Account has a balance ≤ $1000.00 that does not merit further collection attempts to include summonses, civil suit, etc. Accounts >$1000.00 should be reviewed with a Supervisor.  Has been through the OCA cycle 2 times.

Exception to above:  If the account has no other bills or non-filer periods and the only items outstanding on the account are Corporate or VA6 Non-Filers dated 7 years or older:  Open Business: CB50 Nonfiler Cases to Delete  Closed Business: CB51 NF ELD cases for Purge

Converted Account  The criteria for a Converted account is the same as that for an Individual Income Tax account.

Once the criteria for each type of account (Business, Individual Income Tax, Converted) has been met, the account can then be moved to the appropriate queue. Accounts can be moved to:

CB50 Nonfiler Cases to Delete The user moves business cases from field inventory to here. Cases will stay even if there are non-eld (open) tax types. Documentation on the case should reflect the user's intent.

CB51 NF ELD cases for Purge

The user moves business cases from field inventory here. If the case has any non-eld (open) tax types the case will not stay. Documentation on the case should reflect the user’s intent.

Examples:  District Office New (DX01) > CB50 or CB51 >  Audit Review (HO40) > Bus Out of Stat-Do Not Coll (RO97) > Bus Partial Conv (RO98) >

Note: If the taxpayer is deceased, move the account to HO10, Deceased Cases. 175 Exhibit 18a – Tax Processing Work Order 176 Exhibit 18b – Document Separator Sheet 177 Chapter 19 Deceased Taxpayers Accounts The purpose of this section is to provide Field Agent staff with steps for working correspondence and phone calls related to a deceased taxpayer’s business and/or individual (converted) account.

Returned Mail Addressed to the Taxpayer If the Field Agent receives correspondence assigned to them in Siebel and it is returned mail addressed to the taxpayer, the Field Agent should review the account in Siebel, CACSG and/or AR.

If the bills on the account have been converted, send the Request for Information on Deceased (COL014) letter to the address on file and the circuit court checking the box indicating the death certificate has been received from the Initiate Correspondence window in CACSG. This letter should be printed to “Batch”.

If a death certificate has been received or the death can be confirmed by an obituary the Field Agent should note the source in CACSG and AR. If the death is discovered through an online obituary the Field Agent should copy the obituary into the history notes in CACSG and/or AR.

If it is discovered there is no Estate or the Estate has been resolved the Field Agent should put the account in the Deceased State, H010, in CACSG. Make sure the “Deceased” box is checked in AR.

Returned Mail Addressed to a Lien Source If the Field Agent receives correspondence assigned to them in Siebel and it is returned mail addressed to a lien source, the Field Agent should review the account in Siebel, CACSG and/or AR.

In CACSG open the demographics window then select the lien source and enter the end date in the Assets window if the lien source is an employer. If the lien source is a financial institution, check the Bad Source box and do not enter an end date. Make sure the “Deceased” box is checked in AR.

If the bills on the account have been converted, send the Request for Information on Deceased (COL014) letter to the address on file and the circuit court checking the box indicating the death certificate has been received from the Initiate Correspondence window in CACSG. This letter should be printed to “Batch”.

If a death certificate has been received or the death can be confirmed by an obituary the Field Agent should note the source in CACSG and AR. If the death is discovered through an online obituary the Field Agent should copy the obituary into the history notes in CACSG and/or AR.

If it is discovered there is no Estate or the Estate has been resolved the Field Agent should put the account in the Deceased State, H010, in CACSG. 178 Mail Received from a Spouse or a Third Party If the Field Agent receives correspondence assigned to them in Siebel and it is returned mail addressed to the taxpayer, the Field Agent should review the account in Siebel, CACSG and/or AR.

If the bills on the account have been converted, send the Request for Information on Deceased (COL014) letter to the address on file and the circuit court checking the box indicating the death certificate has been received from the Initiate Correspondence window in CACSG. This letter should be printed to “Batch”.

If a death certificate has been received or the death can be confirmed by an obituary the Field Agent should note the source in CACSG and AR. If the death is discovered through an online obituary the Field Agent should copy the obituary into the history notes in CACSG and/or AR.

If the date of death is older than three years, Discharge the debt from the Bill Summary in AR under the converted account. DO NOT discharge the bills for other responsible parties who are obligated to pay the liability and DO NOT discharge the bills from the business account if they have been converted to more than one person. Make sure the “Deceased” box is checked in AR. 179 Chapter 20 Timekeeping and Leave Policies DHRM’s leave policies apply to all positions covered under the Virginia Personnel Act including classified and restricted employees. Below is a list of leave types that are defined on DHRM’s website.

Most of the Leave Policies can be found under Benefits Management.  Civil and Work Related Leave  Annual Leave  Compensatory Leave  Educational Leave  Emergency/Disaster Leave  Family and Medical Leave  Leave Sharing  Leave to Donate Bone Marrow or Organs  School Assistance and Volunteer Service Leave  Leave Without Pay - Conditional/Unconditional  Military Leave  Overtime Leave  Public Health Emergency Leave  Sick Leave  Virginia Sickness and Disability Program Leave  Worker’s Compensation Timekeeping Virginia Tax employees are required to use TAL (Time, Attendance, & Leave), the agency’s automated timekeeping system, to capture time worked and leave usage. TAL also provides real-time leave balances.

This system was designed to ensure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act recordkeeping requirements for non-exempt employees, which require employers to keep certain records for each non-exempt employee for a period of at least three years.

Classified, non-exempt employees and hourly wage employees are required to complete timesheets, documenting all hours worked or any leave taken for the workweek. The data recorded on the timesheet in TAL shall be considered the official record of the workweek.

Timesheets for the week should be completed and submitted to the Supervisor for approval by noon on Monday of the following week, but no later than noon on Wednesday of the following week. TAL is accessed through Employee Direct; links can be found on the TAXi homepage.

If the Field Agent has issues assessing TAL on your laptop then you can access it from Safari on your iPad at edirect.virginia.gov in order to complete the timesheet. 180 Leave Request It is recommended that the Field Agent maintain a balance of five days of leave; family/personal, annual, and/or sick combined.

Field Agents should request leave as far in advance of the desired leave as practicable. If the Field Agent could not have anticipated the need for leave, the request for approval must be made as soon as possible after leave begins. The request may be submitted verbally, by email, or through TAL and submitted to the Supervisor on Monday of the week following the leave. Leave is recorded in TAL.

Leave balances are available in TAL however, a Leave Recording spreadsheet is provided by Human Resources to record your leave time. At the beginning of each year (when new leave is assigned) you would add the starting balance.

Under “earned” you will enter the number of hours you accrue each pay period. This gives you a running total of your leave balance and can help you to plan for future leave.

Annual Leave Field Agents wishing to take annual leave should notify their Supervisor of their request via email and/or phone call at least 24 hours prior to the absence. Annual leave requests should also be entered on the Gmail calendar.

Unplanned Sick Leave (Illness) Field Agents who will be out of the office for unplanned sick leave (leave other than a scheduled appointment) should notify their Supervisor via phone, email, or text. If you are unable to reach the Supervisor by phone, leave a message or send an email. In the event of an extended, unplanned absence, the Supervisor may enter sick leave requests for the employee.

Planned Sick Leave (Scheduled Appointments) Employees wishing to take sick leave for a scheduled appointment, should notify their Supervisor of the request at least 24 hours in advance or with enough advanced notice as possible prior to that absence.

Planned sick leave requests must be included on Gmail calendar prior to the leave date. 181 Out of Office If the Field Agents will be out of their office (Leave or Training) for more than two days, they are expected to update their email and voicemail accordingly.

When in the Field, the Field Agent is expected to monitor their emails and VoIP voice messages using their iPad Gmail application. If an immediate return call is needed, the email can be forwarded to the Supervisor or Manager.

All voicemails and emails are to be returned within 48 hours.

Sample Out of Office Greeting: This is (NAME) with Virginia Department of Taxation. I’ll be out of the office from (DATE) through (DATE). Please leave your name, either your FEIN, SSN or Client ID and your phone number and I will return your call on (DATE). For immediate assistance call (Alternate Field Agent) at 804-xxx-xxxx. Thank you.

Leave Approval Before taking leave from work, whether with or without pay, Field Agents must request and receive agency approval for the desired leave. When agency operations are not affected adversely by a request for leave, the agency should attempt to approve the Field Agent’s request.

If the time requested for leave conflicts with agency operations, the agency has the discretion to approve the Field Agent’s request for an alternate time. Agencies may not approve paid leave to be taken in a pay period in which an employee does not have sufficient accrued leave to cover the absence.

The employee is responsible for knowing their amount of accrued leave. Employees will be required to reimburse their agencies for time taken without sufficient accrued leave to cover such time off.

Reimbursements may be in the form of money or annual, sick, compensatory or overtime leave.

Attendance Field Agents are expected to be logged into CACSG on time and for the duration of their established shift.

They are expected to return to work from lunch/meal periods at the appointed time.

If a Field Agent is unable to report to work at their normal start time or is going to be late in reporting to work or returning from lunch/meal period, the Field Agent must notify their Supervisor as soon as possible, or their Manager if the supervisor is not available. In these instances, and upon approval of the Supervisor, the Field Agent must include the time on the TAL timesheet.

Failure to notify the appropriate authority may result in disciplinary action.

TAL Field Agents are required to enter their daily working time into the TAL Timesheet. Final submissions should be completed by noon on Wednesday for the prior week. Time must be entered at the end of each working day exactly as it is worked. Time entry into TAL is essential as it affects employee pay and the accrual of leave time. 182 Breaks At the discretion of the Supervisor, Field Agents will be allowed two 15 minute breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These breaks may not be used in conjunction with lunch, leave, or leaving early.

If an alternate work schedule is needed, due to unexpected circumstances, speak with your Supervisor in regards to working an alternate schedule for that particular day.

Lunch Virginia Tax Policy states that lunches are 45 minutes in length. Field Agents are required to log out of CACSG for lunches and log in after lunch, if they are in the office. Lunches can be taken any time beginning at 11:00 am with the latest return time of 2:00 pm. Any lunches taken with a later return time after 2:00 pm, will be at the discretion of the Supervisor. Reducing the length of the lunch period cannot be used to make up time during the work shift or to leave early. 183 Chapter 21 State Equipment The Virginia Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) and Virginia Tax have established a number of policies and procedures for the management of personnel and the use of State owned equipment. These policies and procedures affect the daily work of Field Agents.

Many of these policies, including the Employee Handbook, are available for review on DHRM’s website or on Virginia Tax’s Website.

The state will provide equipment and materials needed by the Field Agents to effectively perform their duties. However, where agreements specify, Field Agents may be authorized to use their own equipment.

When Field Agents are authorized to use their own equipment, agencies will not assume responsibility for the cost of equipment, repair, or service.

Authorized use of state owned equipment is only for legitimate state purposes by authorized employees. Field Agents are responsible for protecting state-owned equipment from theft, damage, and unauthorized use. Field Agents are responsible for notifying their Supervisor immediately if there is a theft or fire involving any state owned equipment.

State owned equipment used in the normal course of employment would be maintained, serviced, and repaired by the state. Virginia Tax will stipulate who is responsible for transporting and installing equipment, and for returning it to the Central Office for repairs or service. When Field Agents are authorized to use their own equipment, agencies will not assume responsibility for the cost of equipment, repair, or service.

Equipment assigned to Field Agent may be a Laptop, iPad, 3 in 1 printer copier scanner, shredder, locking file cabinet, locking shred bin, VoIP phone, and miscellaneous office supplies. Field Agents may be assigned other equipment based on assigned job duties. i-Pads All Field Agents are provided an iPad which is to be used for official tax business only. Care should be taken to adequately secure tablets being used in the field and at home. Never leave a tablet unattended in a car.

Lost or stolen tablets are to be reported immediately to your Supervisor and the proper authorities.

Setting Updates Field Agents are responsible for making sure the most recent updates are installed on their iPad. Updates must be done within two days of receiving notification. 184 Hotspot Field Agents can use tablets as a hotspot when needed and should follow these instructions for establishing the connection: 1 Go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Personal Hotspot 2 Tap the slider next to Allow Others to Join 3 On the device to which you want to connect, go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot or Settings > Personal Hotspot and make sure that it's on. Verify the Wi-Fi password and name of the phone. Stay on this screen until you’ve connected your other device to the Wi-Fi network.

This password can be changed simply my clicking on Wi-Fi password and entering a new one of your choice. 4 On the device to which you want to connect, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and look for your iPad in the list. Then tap the Wi-Fi network to join. When asked, enter the password for your Personal Hotspot. 185 Duo-Mobile Setting Occasionally the settings in the Duo Mobile application can come undone. When this happens, use the following steps to help solve the problem.  Go into Settings on iPad and select the Notifications option.  Scroll down in Notifications and tap the DUO Mobile option.  Make sure the Allow Notifications switch is on. It should be green.  Under Alerts make sure the Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banner options are checked (√).  Under Banner Style select Persistent.

If you still have issues send an email to the iPad team at TAX-MobileAppSupport or call 804-404-4183.

Incorrect iPad Payments If a Field Agent submits a payment for an incorrect amount using the tablet, an email needs to be sent immediately to TAX-MobileAppSupport or call 804-404-4183. Provide the amount of the payment, the taxpayer’s account number, and the confirmation number for the payment.

If a response to the email is not received within an hour, place a phone call. Incorrect payments need to be stopped immediately.

If an incorrect payment cannot be stopped, the Field Agent must contact the taxpayer and advise them of the error and request that they contact their bank and advise the bank the payment amount was not authorized. Once the bank stops the payment, the payment will be reversed and a returned check fee will be applied. The returned check fee should be abated by the Field Agent.

Laptops If you have issues with your Laptop and/or any programs uploaded on your Laptop you should contact the Help Desk at 866-637-8482 or email them at VCCCC@vita.virginia.gov. You will be given a ticket number which should be recorded on your Gmail Calendar along with the time you are unavailable and notify your Team Leader and/or Supervisor.

Map Drives If you are unable to connect to your network drives you will need to remap them to resolve the issue.

Following the instructions below to remap your drive

  1. Click the magnifying glass at the bottom left corner of your screen.
  2. Type Software Center and select Tax Software Center

186 3. You will be presented with all of the available software for your pc. Select MAPPED DRIVES.

  1. Click the Reinstall Button and your drives will be remapped.

  2. Check the drives and verify they are all accessible.

VoIP Phones Please ensure you follow these recommendations for the highest quality home based VoIP service:

DO:  Connect your phone directly to your router using Ethernet cable, ensure there are no other device in the path, especially wireless devices.

187 Please review the VoIP Phone Assembly and Connection Instructions for specifics.  Make sure you have an adequate Internet coverage plan, preferable ISP’s, subject to local availability include: Verizon FiOS, Comcast xfinity, COX.  Many of these Internet Service Providers (ISP) offer multiple plans, subscribe to a plan with the specifications below.  Subscription to a reliable, high-speed, hard-wired, bi-directional Internet connection. Fiber or cable with bi-directional speeds: o 3 Mbps downstream, or greater o 1 Mbps upstream, or greater o Maximum latency of 100ms  Limit the amount of non-work Internet traffic during phone calls, which could come from other devices on your network e.g., smart phones, tablets, other PCs.  Work with the Virginia Tax VoIP Support Team if you have questions by entering a VoIP Support request (on the right side of this page).

DON'T:  Don’t use Internet Service providers that utilize satellite, dish, 3G/4G, cellular, wireless cards, MIFIs, or DSL technologies (they do not work well with VoIP)  Don’t use any wireless connections between your phone and the Internet  Don’t upload or download large files during a VoIP phone call  Don’t open or save large files to the network during a phone call  Don’t upload/download Siebel working papers or synch Siebel during a call  Don’t archive email or open large email attachments during a phone call

BEST PRACTICES WHEN USING IP COMMUNICATOR:  When you exit IP Communicator be sure to click on the menu button at the top of the screen and select "exit"; clicking on the "X" does not close it properly;  Rebooting the modem is a good way to clear IP Communicator during heavy call volume;  Always reboot your computer at the start of each day; this allows IP Communicator to refresh registration;  If you are using a USB headset, make sure it is plugged in before boot up;  After booting up, connect to the VPN, and then start IP Communicator before running any other applications after booting up, connect to the VPN, and then start IP Communicator before running any other applications;  If you are using IP Communicator, wired Ethernet connection is highly recommended;  Wireless connections can cause calls to drop or other interference issue that we have no way of supporting;  Your home internet service should provide at least 3mb download and 1 mb upload with no more than 100ms latency;  You should limit other uses of internet service during working hours (like movie streaming or gaming); 188  Slow connections or other internet activity can cause issues with Call Quality or call dropping.

If you are having call quality issues please reset your phone AND clear your cache prior to submitting a Work Request, How Do I Reset my Phone.

For more help go to: http://taxi/voipsupport/default.aspx Transferring Calls from VoIP Below are the steps for transferring calls to Customer Service or another VoIP phone your VOIP phone.

Look at the VoIP Screen (you will only see these options when you are on a phone call): you should see commands on the bottom of the screen that say HOLD/END CALL/ TRANSFER/MORE. When you hit MORE, you get additional options for CONFRM/COMFLIC and SELECT.  Select MORE to get the second list then hit CONFRN. This will give you a dial tone and you can then dial the 5 digit Tax VoIP phone code for your transfer (Customer Service list below).  Once a Customer Service Representative is on the line, follow the transfer guidelines: o Stay on the line until the transfer call is answered (unless the wait time is over 1 minute). o Identify yourself to the Customer Service Representative and indicate the taxpayers information has been verified. o Briefly summarize the issue or why you are transferring the call. o Advise the taxpayer you are transferring the call and to whom you are transferring to.

Customer Service Transfer Queues (Recorded Calls) Below numbers are INTERNAL USE ONLY!

Individual Assistance Business Assistance Bills 44203 Corp / PTE 44209 Online Services 44202 Online Services 44212 Ind Rfnds/Filing Asst 44204 Sales & Misc Taxes 44208 Spanish 44200 Withholding Taxes 44207

DCU Bankruptcy Transfers – 44155

External Customer Service Numbers: Customer Service Business: (804) 367-8037 FAX: (804) 254-6113 Customer Service Individual: (804) 367-8031 FAX: (804) 254-6111 189 Chapter 22 Standards of Conduct, Confidentiality, and Disclosure It is the objective of the Commonwealth of Virginia to promote the well-being of employees in the work place and to maintain high standards of professional conduct and work performance. Standards of Conduct have been established to set forth standards for professional conduct, to define behavior that is not acceptable and to establish corrective actions that may be imposed to address behavior and employment problem. This policy applies to all employees covered by the Virginia Personnel Act, including Virginia Tax Field Agents and can be found on DHRM’s website in the Human Resources Policies section under General Policies.

Virginia Tax has also established an Addendum to the Standards of Conduct Pertaining to Confidentiality of Tax Information. A copy of this policy can be found in the Toolbox on Virginia Tax.

Information Security Virginia Tax established an Acceptable Use Policy in an effort to protect the citizens and businesses of the Commonwealth from information security breaches or other data disclosures. When employees access Virginia Tax and Commonwealth computer applications and systems, they must follow all security guidelines, policies, and procedures provided by the Office of Technology, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the IRS. All users of the agency’s systems must adhere to rules and regulations set forth in the Acceptable Use Policy, which may be found in the Toolbox on Virginia Tax.

Confidentiality of Taxpayer Information Field Agent staff must protect and store all taxpayer in a secured cabinet or desk. Fax machine, computer, and other items where taxpayer information can be received and/or displayed should be away from public or family use areas.

Items to be shredded should be stored in provided bins and locked until shredded or properly destroyed. Phone calls should be made where conversations cannot be overheard by family members or guests.

No federal information will be kept at a home office without approval from your immediate Supervisor. If federal data is authorized, data storage area should meet requirements for federal data storage. Data should be mailed to/from Virginia Tax office in secure double sealed packaging.

Confidentiality and Disclosure All Field Agents of Virginia Tax are bound by state and federal laws designed to protect the confidentiality of information and records accessed during the performance of job duties. As outlined in Code of Virginia §58.1-3, maintaining the confidentiality of taxpayer tax information is of the utmost importance.

Confidential Information Confidential information is defined as transactions, property (including personal property), income or business of any person, firm or corporation, and any tax information provided to Virginia Tax by the taxpayer, the taxpayer's representative, or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 190 This includes all of the tax information maintained at Virginia Tax and tax information maintained in offices, in the possession of Field Agent, stored in file cabinets in the homes of the home-based Field Agent, stored in Virginia Tax’s and other federal and or state agency computer systems or databases, and any other tax information controlled, accumulated, gathered or stored by any member of Virginia Tax and in the offices of local Commissioners of the Revenue and Treasurers and other authorized agencies, regarding specific individuals and businesses.

Incidents of inadvertent and intentional disclosure of confidential information are subject to reprimands, dismissal, or punishment under the law as outlined in the Standards of Conduct (Policy 1.60, Exhibit 22a, found at the DHRM Website.

Disclosure Disclosure is releasing or making known confidential tax information to any person in any manner.

Disclosures can be oral, written, or by action such as showing someone a document containing confidential tax information. There are two types of disclosure, authorized and unauthorized.

Authorized Disclosure Includes the Following:  Discussing or providing information by phone about a bill or other related issues when the taxpayer’s identity has been verified.  Explaining or discussing a document in the taxpayer’s possession when you have verified the identity of the taxpayer or established the individual has proper authorization from the taxpayer to receive confidential tax information.  Providing information about a tax refund, bill, set off debt, or other tax related issue through a phone call as long as you have verified the taxpayer’s identity is an authorized disclosure.

Unauthorized Disclosure Examples:  Releasing the fact that another person has filed a return is an unauthorized disclosure.  Revealing any information from Virginia Tax Integrated Revenue Management System (IRMS) or other sources, such as forms, returns or printouts, to a person not properly identified as the taxpayer or as someone properly authorized by the taxpayer to receive the information, is an unauthorized disclosure.  If a police officer calls and asks you to verify a certain social security number, you cannot give an answer. This is confidential information and an unauthorized disclosure.  If a person wins the lottery, only to find that, his or her winnings are held by a debt set-off because another person is using his SSN and you divulge the name of the other person using that SSN, is an unauthorized disclosure.  Discussing taxpayer information with coworkers who do not have a work related need to know the information is an unauthorized disclosure.  If a taxpayer files married filing separately for a tax year, releasing information to the spouse not listed on the return is an unauthorized disclosure.  If taxpayer information is left on your desk or a screen on your PC is displayed in an unsecured area and someone reads the information, unauthorized disclosure has occurred.  Discussing taxpayer information in any public area, including a hallway, cafeteria, or elevator and where others overhear it is an unauthorized disclosure. 191 Reporting Unauthorized Disclosures Report all unauthorized disclosures to your Supervisor immediately. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to report the disclosure to Virginia Tax Disclosure Officer, Exhibit 22b.

Request for Advice on Disclosure Matters Anytime there is doubt or question about release of confidential information, the Field Agent must not release the information before obtaining clarification regarding the release. The agent can consult Virginia Tax, Compliance, Safeguarding and Disclosure of Tax Information, contact a Supervisor, or contact the agency Disclosure Officer.

Browsing Browsing is the willful or negligent unauthorized access or inspection of taxpayer records, either computerized or paper information. The taxpayer Browsing Protection Act makes it a crime for employees to look through taxpayer files without authorization. Violations of the browsing protections are punishable upon conviction by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or imprisonment of not more than 1 year, or both, together with the costs of prosecution. Do not look at taxpayer information without a work related reason.

Examples of the types of browsing violations:  If you review your own tax records without a work related reason, you are browsing.  If you just look at (and do not tell) taxpayer information, electronic or paper, without a work related purpose, you are browsing.

Reporting Unauthorized Browsing Report all unauthorized browsing to your Supervisor immediately. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to report the browsing incident to Virginia Tax Disclosure Officer.

Browsing violations involving federal tax information should be reported to Virginia Tax Disclosure Officer but may be reported directly to the IRS fraud hotline at 1-800-366-4484.

Confidentiality/Disclosure Issues Affecting Field Personnel  Virginia Tax Laptops: Care should be taken when leaving the work area to insure that the computer is not logged on in a manner that would allow usage and/or access without a password.  Virginia Tax Tablets: Care should be taken to adequately secure tablets being used in the field and at home. Never leave a tablet unattended in a car. When reviewing an account with a taxpayer the discussion should take place in a secure area where taxpayer account, financial institution, or credit/debit card information cannot be overheard or seen by unauthorized individuals. Lost or stolen tablets should be reported immediately to the proper authority.  Copier: Unintentionally leaving materials such as tax returns, checks, etc., in the copier is an inadvertent unauthorized disclosure.  After Hours: Confidential materials such as tax returns, checks, computer printouts, etc., should not be left exposed. All checks, tax returns, and return information should be properly secured at the end of the workday  Personal Computers: PCs containing confidential tax information should be properly secured after work hours and when not in the actual possession of the Field Agent.  Vehicles: If a Field Agent’s vehicle is stolen or vandalized and a taxpayer's files are missing or a Field Agent’s state issued electronic devices are stolen, this is an inadvertent unauthorized 192 disclosure. The disclosure should be reported to the taxpayer’s management and to Virginia Tax Disclosure Officer. Vehicles containing confidential tax information should be locked at all times when not occupied. Confidential information must be properly secured in vehicles so that the information is not visible to others.  Appointment books, brief cases and cash receipt books: All such documents should be adequately secured while at a taxpayer’s place of business  Telephone calls from a taxpayer’s place of business: Making calls from a taxpayer’s place of business should be avoided. The necessity for the phone call should be evaluated and the following security issues should be considered: o Privacy: Can the phone call be made without others hearing confidential tax information? o Phone tapping: Be mindful that the taxpayer’s telephone may have a wiretap. Field Agents are not to use a taxpayer’s telephone to conduct any confidential tax related business. o Caller I.D.: Is the privacy of a taxpayer compromised by the caller identification of the person receiving the call?  Cell Phones: Cell phones are generally not secured communication and should not be used to discuss confidential tax information.  Friends, spouse, and relatives: It is an unauthorized disclosure to discuss the nature of any official business with friends or relatives who are not Virginia Tax employees.  Corresponding with a taxpayer: When correspondence is received concerning an inquiry about an account, caution should be used to insure the response is being made to the taxpayer whose account is the subject of the inquiry. The correspondence should have the taxpayer's name, address, and social security number or other applicable identification number. Give only information pertinent to the inquiry.  Corresponding with a taxpayer by FAX: Steps must be taken to identify the person requesting information before sending confidential information via FAX. No confidential tax information relating to the Estate or Fiduciary returns is to be sent via FAX. The first page of a FAX cover sheet should not contain confidential information such as a SSN, FEIN or Virginia account number. All transmissions of confidential tax information will be noted on the system for each taxpayer with an audit trail showing details of information sent, e.g., date, FAX number, name, type of letter/form transmitted, and operator number. If a document has been sent to the wrong number via FAX, this is considered an inadvertent unauthorized disclosure. If information is faxed to the wrong number, the person receiving it should be notified immediately that through error, they have received confidential information and that viewing or copying could bring undesirable consequences. The attempt should be made to solicit their cooperation in mailing the material to Virginia Tax or destroying the material. Notify the Disclosure Officer immediately.  Responding to taxpayers by secure email: Confidential tax information can be sent via encrypted (Virtru) email if necessary. Unencrypted email responses can be given to general tax questions such as when to file, where to file, or which form to file, etc. State and federal laws require us to keep return and account information from our records confidential.  Internet Policy: The Commonwealth’s Electronic Communications and Social Media Policy allows occasional and incidental personal use of the Internet, as long as it does not adversely affect the efficient operations of the Commonwealth’s systems and networks. Personal use of the Internet from an agency workstation should not interfere with productivity or work performance and usage should be for a reasonable amount of time, given an employee’s work schedule. Personal use should be viewed as an occasional and incidental activity. Virginia Tax will monitor Internet usage by employees and any prohibited, or inappropriate activity will be addressed with individuals as necessary. This may include formal disciplinary action up to or including termination. The only 193 approved online chatting medium is Google Hangouts. Online games should not be played from any office workstation (Exhibit 22c).

Written Authorization and Powers of Attorney Anyone can authorize an individual such as a tax preparer, attorney, family member, etc., to discuss confidential tax matters and receive correspondence from Virginia Tax on their behalf. Virginia Tax requires a specific form (PAR101) for authorization of a representative and release of confidential information. However, alternative forms of authorization such as Federal From 2848 (Virginia Tax Matters must be specified) and other POA forms (Durable, General, Limited, etc.) that include Virginia Tax Matters may be accepted. Form R-7, Application for Enrollment as a Virginia Authorized Agent, is required for an authorized representative to be eligible to receive copies of correspondence, documentation, or other written materials related to a specific tax matter for which Form PAR 101 has been filed. Forms PAR 101 and R-7 can be downloaded from the Virginia Tax website. All Power of Attorney forms and Applications for Enrollment as a Virginia Authorized Agent received by Field Agents must be submitted to Central Office to be entered into AR.

Safeguarding and Disposing Tax Information Furnished by IRS In accordance with the AGREEMENT ON COORDINATION OF Virginia Tax ADMINISTRATION between the State and the IRS, federal tax information must be adequately protected to insure confidentiality of the data. The Office of Compliance manages federal tax information. Only specifically designated persons in the Office of Compliance are authorized to request federal tax information. Employees who are authorized to have access to federal tax information are required to return such information to the secured area in the Office Audit Section at the end of each workday. Virginia Tax's Disclosure Officer and IRS Safeguard Coordinator are responsible for federal tax information from the time it is received until destruction.

The manual entitled Procedures for Safeguarding Federal Tax Information (IRS Publication 1075) gives details on this subject. Under no circumstance is federal tax information to be released by Virginia Tax to anyone, including any other state agency, except as provided by Internal Revenue Code 6103(d). If you have access to any federal information, do not release it to anyone without the approval of Virginia Tax's Disclosure Officer.

If the assigned agent or district Supervisor requests federal tax information, the Supervisor under double lock must maintain the documents.

Safeguarding and Disposing State Tax Information Much like federal tax information, state tax information must be adequately protected to insure confidentiality of the data. Only employees who work with state tax information are authorized to have access to the data. State tax information should be secured at the end of each workday. Virginia Tax's Disclosure Officer is responsible for ensuring policies are in place to insure taxpayer information is properly stored and destroyed. If confidential tax material must be destroyed, the paper must be shredded to strips of 5/16 inch wide or smaller.

Request for Advice on Disclosure Matters 194 Anytime there is doubt or question about release of confidential information, the Field Agent must not release the information before obtaining clarification regarding the release. The agent can consult Virginia Tax, Compliance, Safeguarding and Disclosure of Tax Information, contact a Supervisor, or contact the agency Disclosure Officer, Exhibit 22d.

How to Avoid Phishing Attacks STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE OPENING AN EMAIL  Hover over the sender name to verify the source (If the source is an internal employee, their credentials will pull up. If you are not familiar with the name of the employee you can cross check by searching the sender’s name in taxi to verify if they are an employee. If the email is coming from a source outside the agency, follow the same step above and it will give you the email address of the person emailing you).  Click the More Info option. This will let you know if you have had any previous interactions with the person sending you the email.  When in doubt, do not click on the email. Make your supervisor aware of the email and contact Tax Security Operations (Security@tax.virginia.gov) (A mass email will be sent to the staff of the agency to be on the lookout for the email to prevent further breaches in security from the upper management team).

TIP: Phishing attacks usually occur when someone tries to trick you into sharing your personal information online through links provided in email. Virginia Department of Taxation will never ask you to provide your personal information in an email.

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER OPENING AN EMAIL  Check that the email address and the sender’s name match.  Check if the email is authenticated. o How to verify if the email is authenticated  If the email is coming from a source outside the agency, under the person’s name you will see a down arrow, click on the down arrow. This will show details of the sender.  A message is authenticated if you see: “Mailed by,” header with the domain name, like google.com “Signed by,” header with the sending domain.

TIP they should both be the same if the email is authenticated.

 If the email is coming from an internal source within the agency please follow the same steps for authentication process. However, below the sender’s name, you will not see the down arrow you can just hover over the name and the details of the sender will show. If you click on more info it will give you contact information from the employee and whom they report to.  The next step, is hover over any links in the email before you click on them. Phishing links can also be concealed within the body of the email text.  Before clicking on links, hover over and inspect first. If the URL of the link does not match the description of the link, it might be leading you to a phishing site.  Check the message headers to make sure the, “from header is not showing an incorrect name. When in doubt, do not click on the email. Make your supervisor aware of the email and contact Tax Security Operations (Security@tax.virginia.gov). 195 Exhibit 22a - Standards of Conduct STANDARDS OF CONDUCT Standards of Conduct Policy: 1.60 Effective Date: April 16, 2008 Revised: 6/1/11

Application: All positions covered by the Virginia Personnel Act, including non-probationary full-time and part-time classified and restricted employees. Agencies may use this policy as a guide for evaluating the workplace conduct of employees who are not covered by the Virginia Personnel Act, such as wage employees, probationary employees and employees expressly excluded from the Act's coverage. (Official Written Notice forms may not be issued to these employees.)

POLICY It is the policy of the Commonwealth to promote the well-being of its employees by maintaining high standards of work performance and professional conduct.

PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to set forth the Commonwealth’s Standards of Conduct and the disciplinary process that agencies must utilize to address unacceptable behavior, conduct, and related employment problems in the workplace, or outside the workplace when conduct impacts an employee’s ability to do his/her job and/or influences the agency’s overall effectiveness.

It is the intent of this policy that agencies follow a course of progressive discipline that fairly and consistently addresses employee behavior, conduct, or performance that is incompatible with the state’s Standards of Conduct for employees and/or related agency policies. Disciplinary actions must be founded on the principles of due process and will employ a range of corrective and disciplinary actions that are applied based on the nature and history of the misconduct or unacceptable performance. Corrective and disciplinary actions must be administered through a prompt and fair process as described in this policy’s Administrative Procedures. The ultimate goal of this policy and its procedures is to help employees become fully contributing members of the organization. Conversely, this policy is also designed to enable agencies to fairly and effectively discipline and/or terminate employees whose conduct and/or performance does not improve or where the misconduct and/or unacceptable performance is of such a serious nature that a first offense warrants termination.

The Administrative Procedures for the consistent administration of this policy are attached.

EMPLOYEE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT Employees covered by this policy are employed to fulfill certain duties and expectations that support the mission and values of their agencies and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner deserving of public trust. The following list is not all-inclusive but is intended to illustrate the minimum expectations for acceptable workplace conduct and performance.

Agencies have the authority to supplement this list as needed in a manner consistent with the needs of the organization and intent of this policy.

Employees who contribute to the success of an agency’s mission:  Report to work as scheduled and seek approval from their supervisors in advance for any changes to the established work schedule, including the use of leave and late or early arrivals and departures. 196  Perform assigned duties and responsibilities with the highest degree of public trust.  Devote full effort to job responsibilities during work hours.  Maintain the qualifications, certification, licensure, and/or training requirements identified for their positions.  Demonstrate respect for the agency and toward agency coworkers, supervisors, managers, subordinates, residential clients, students, and customers.  Use state equipment, time, and resources judiciously and as authorized.  Support efforts that ensure a safe and healthy work environment.  Utilize leave and related employee benefits in the manner for which they were intended.  Resolve work-related issues and disputes in a professional manner and through established business processes.  Meet or exceed established job performance expectations.  Make work-related decisions and/or take actions that are in the best interest of the agency.  Comply with the letter and spirit of all state and agency policies and procedures, the Conflict of Interest Act, and Commonwealth laws and regulations.  Report circumstances or concerns that may affect satisfactory work performance to management, including any inappropriate (fraudulent, illegal, unethical) activities of other employees.  Obtain approval from supervisor prior to accepting outside employment.  Obtain approval from supervisor prior to working overtime, if non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  Work cooperatively to achieve work unit and agency goals and objectives.  Conduct themselves at all times in a manner that supports the mission of their agency and the performance of their duties.

Note: Non-probationary law enforcement officers employed by the Department of State Police, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Motor Vehicle, and the campus police department of any public institution of higher education of the Commonwealth where such department, bureau or force has ten or more law-enforcement officers(policy corrected 1/10/12) also have access to the procedural guidelines of Va. Code § 9.1-500 – 507 in cases of investigation of work-related matters that could lead to the dismissal, demotion, suspension or transfer for punitive reasons of a law-enforcement officer. (This Code section also applies to certain non-covered employees who are law enforcement officers employed by the Division of Capitol Police and the Virginia Port Authority.)

AUTHORITY The Director of the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) is responsible for the official interpretation of this policy pursuant to the authority provided § 2.2-1201 of the Code of Virginia. DHRM reserves the right to revise or eliminate this policy as necessary.

The Virginia Personnel Act, Code of Virginia § 2.2-2900 et. seq. specifies that agency heads shall be the appointing authorities of their respective agencies and shall establish methods of personnel administration within their agencies.

Agencies may supplement this policy to accommodate specific business needs.

Supplemental policies must be consistent with the provisions of DHRM policy and must be communicated to all agency employees. 197 Exhibit 22b - Virginia Tax Incident Response Policy Virginia Tax Incident Response Policy (Revised 11/8/19)

Virginia Tax takes the protection of federal and state taxpayer information very seriously. Pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3 and I.R.C. §§ 6103, 7213, 7213A, and 7431, all taxpayer information must remain confidential and shall only be viewed, processed, or inspected in compliance with state and federal laws.

All employees and contractors shall be notified of incident response procedures prior to gaining physical or logical access to taxpayer information. If any employee or contractor becomes aware of any situation that may involve an unauthorized disclosure or inspection of state or federal tax information, he or she must promptly send an email to Disclosureofficer@tax.virginia.gov or call (804) 404-4029 to reach Virginia Tax’s Disclosure Officer directly. The notification should at minimum, include the following information:

  1. When the disclosure or inspection occurred;
  2. What type of information was disclosed or inspected;
  3. Who accessed or received the information without proper authorization;
  4. How the disclosure occurred; and
  5. Steps you have taken to prevent further disclosure or inspections (e.g., retrieval, containment, etc.)

The Disclosure Officer will record the incident in a tracking log and notify the appropriate parties. If the disclosure or inspection involves Federal Tax Information, the Disclosure Officer will immediately notify the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the IRS Office of Safeguards, and the IRS Government Liaison.

In cases where unauthorized access, inspection, or disclosure of unencrypted, unredacted, or unsecured data compromises the security or confidentiality of confidential information maintained by Virginia Tax and causes, or Virginia Tax reasonably believes has caused, or will cause, financial hardship, identity theft, or other fraud to any taxpayer, Virginia Tax shall, without unreasonable delay, notify the affected taxpayer(s). If Virginia Tax provides notice to more than 1,000 taxpayers at one time, Virginia Tax shall also notify the Office of the Attorney General and major Credit Reporting Agencies (i.e., Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) of the timing, distribution, and details of the notice.

Notice to affected taxpayers shall consist of the following information

  1. The nature of the incident in general terms;
  2. The type(s) of personal information involved;
  3. The general acts taken to retrieve or protect the information;
  4. A telephone number that the taxpayer can call for further information; and
  5. Advice that directs the taxpayer to remain vigilant by reviewing account statements and monitoring free credit reports.

The Disclosure Officer shall be responsible for testing the incident response procedures at least once annually.

Contact Information

  1. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration: (TIGTA) at TIGTA Field Division (215) 861-1003 or TIGTA Hotline (800) 589-3718.
  2. IRS Safeguards: SafeguardReports@IRS.gov
  3. IRS Government Liaison: Kyle Roberts, kyle.g.roberts@irs.gov , (443) 853-5124 or (202) 746-4232 (cell)
  4. Virginia Tax Disclosure Officer: Michael Palmer, Michael.Palmer@tax.virginia.gov, (804) 404-4029
  5. Virginia Tax Information Security Officer: Simon Xue, Simon.xue@tax.virginia.gov, (804) 404-4130. 198 Exhibit 22c – Use of Electronic Communications and Social Media

USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Policy 1.75 – Use of Electronic Communications and Social Media Effective Date: 08/01/01 Revision Date: 03/17/11

Application: All state employees, including employees of agencies exempt from coverage of the Virginia Personnel Act. NOTE: Agencies may also require consultants, contract personnel, or other non-employees such as volunteers or interns to abide by this policy.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the appropriate, responsible, and safe use of electronic communications and social media by employees. This policy establishes minimum standards for all state employees. Agencies may supplement this policy as necessary, as long as such supplement is consistent with this policy.

POLICY SUMMARY

This policy includes the following:  Employee Responsibilities and Requirements, o Business Use o Personal Use  User Requirements  Prohibited Activities  Agency Responsibilities and Requirements o Monitor Usage o Communication o Address Violations  Glossary and Relevant Terms  Attachment A

AUTHORITY

This policy is issued by the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) pursuant to the authority provided in §2.2-1201 and §2.1-2827 of the Code of Virginia.

DHRM reserves the right to revise or eliminate this policy as necessary. Agencies may supplement this policy to accommodate specific business needs. Supplemental policies must be consistent with the provisions of DHRM policy and must be communicated to all agency employees.

RELATED POLICIES  Policy 1.60 - Standards of Conduct  Virginia Information Technologies Agency Information Security Policy, Standards, and Guidelines  Virginia Information Technologies Agency - Information Technology Standard Use of Non-Commonwealth Computing Devices to Telework

199 Virginia Information Technologies Agency - Telework Resources  Office of Fleet Management Services Policies and Procedures Manual

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

All employees must comply with this policy and any additional policies that may be adopted by the agency or institution of the Commonwealth where the user is working.

A. Business Use Agency provided electronic communications tools are the property of the Commonwealth and are provided to facilitate the effective and efficient conduct of State business. Users are permitted access to the Internet and electronic communications tools to assist in the performance of their jobs. Some users may also be permitted to access and use social media to conduct agency business. Each agency or institution of the Commonwealth may adopt its own policy setting forth with specificity the work-related purposes for which such equipment and access are provided.

B. Personal Use Personal use means use that is not job-related. In general, incidental and occasional personal use of the Commonwealth’s electronic communications tools including the Internet is permitted as long as the personal use does not interfere with the user’s productivity or work performance, does not interfere with any other employee’s productivity or work performance, and does not adversely affect the efficient operation of the Commonwealth’s systems and networks. Personal use of social media that refers to any aspect of the work environment should be done in a responsible and professional manner. C. User Requirements 1. General Requirements When using electronic communications tools and social media, users should:  Follow all applicable Commonwealth policies. Users may not violate any provision of this policy, any supplemental policy adopted by agencies, or any other policy, regulation, law or guideline as set forth by local, State or Federal law (see Code of Virginia §2.2-2827) This may include but is not limited to copyright laws, trademark laws, and other legislated requirements.  Be responsible and professional in their activities. Employees should conduct themselves in a manner that supports the mission of their agency and the performance of their duties.  Exercise the appropriate care to protect the agency’s electronic communications tools against the introduction of viruses, spyware, malware, or other harmful attacks. When using the Commonwealth’s electronic communications tools, social media or Internet access, employees must: o Use the Internet, electronic communications tools and social media only in accordance with State and agency policy; o Maintain the conditions of security (including safeguarding of passwords) under which they are granted access to such media; o Check with the appropriate agency staff prior to downloading or accessing a file or document if the source of the file or other circumstances raises doubts about its safety. 200 o Be respectful of the agency/organization, other employees, customers, vendors, and others when posting and communicating information. Users should be sensitive to referring to or including others in their communications and posts and should be aware of any associated potential liabilities. Users may desire to obtain consent prior to communicating or posting information about the work place. 2. Business Use Requirements When using electronic communications tools and social media, users should:  Use their accurate identities and state their affiliation when using electronic communications or social media for business purposes.  Ensure the security of sensitive or confidential information when communicating electronically or posting the information on internal or external websites including social media.  Ensure information is accurate prior to posting on social media sites, state or agency websites, or other electronic media sites. If it is discovered that information is inaccurate after posting, users should work to quickly correct the errors. 3. Personal Use Requirements When using electronic communications and social media, users should:  Be clear that their communication or posting is personal and is not a communication of the agency or the Commonwealth when using electronic communications or social media for personal use, including personal use of social media outside of the work environment. For example: o Users should use their personal email addresses and not those related to their positions with the Commonwealth when communicating or posting information for personal use. o Users may use a disclaimer when posting opinions or views for personal use such as, “The views expressed on this (website, blog, social media site) are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or of the Commonwealth of Virginia.” when appropriate to ensure these views are not viewed as official Commonwealth of Virginia communications. D. Prohibited Activities Certain activities are prohibited when using the Commonwealth’s Internet and electronic communications media or using social media in reference to the work environment. Employees who engage in prohibited activities may be subject to disciplinary action according to Policy 1.60, Standards of Conduct. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:  Any use that is in violation of applicable local, state, and federal law.  Accessing, uploading, downloading, transmitting, printing, posting, or storing information with sexually explicit content as prohibited by law (see Code of Virginia §2.2-2827).  Accessing, uploading, downloading, transmitting, printing, posting, or storing fraudulent, threatening, obscene, intimidating, defamatory, harassing, discriminatory, or otherwise unlawful messages or images.  Installing or downloading computer software, programs, or executable files contrary to the Virginia Information Technology Agency’s (VITA) Information Security Policy, Standards, and Guidelines. 201  Accessing, uploading, downloading, transmitting, printing, communicating, or posting access-restricted agency information, proprietary agency information, sensitive state data or records, or copyrighted materials in violation of agency or state policy.  Using proprietary agency information, state data or records, and social media to locate agency customers for personal reasons.  Posting information or sending electronic communications such as email using another’s identity.  Permitting a non-user to use for purposes of communicating the message of some third party individual or organization.  Posting photos, videos, or audio recordings taken in the work environment without written consent.  Using agency or organization logos without written consent.  Texting, emailing, or using hand-held electronic communications devices while operating a state vehicle according to the Office of Fleet Management Services Policies and Procedures Manual.  Any other activities designated as prohibited by the agency.

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS Agencies have the following responsibilities and requirements related to this policy.

A. Monitor Usage No user shall have any expectation of privacy in any message, file, image or data created, sent, retrieved, received, or posted in the use of the Commonwealth’s equipment and/or access. Agencies have a right to monitor any and all aspects of electronic communications and social media usage. Such monitoring may occur at any time, without notice, and without the user’s permission. In addition, except for exemptions under the Act, electronic records may be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and, therefore, available for public distribution. B. Communication Agencies are responsible for ensuring employees have access to, read, understand, and acknowledge this policy and any related policies. Agencies may develop a written policy, consistent with this policy which supplements or clarifies specific issues for the agency. With regard to use of electronic communications and social media, agencies are responsible for:  Communicating this policy and agency policy, if appropriate, to current and new users, including users transferring from other agencies.  Retaining electronic records in accordance with the retention requirements of the Library of Virginia.  Requiring and retaining acknowledgement statements, signed by each user, acknowledging receipt of a copy of this policy and agency policy, if appropriate. A sample is attached (Attachment A) that agencies may use, or they may include the acknowledgement statement with other such statements obtained when employees are hired.

NOTE: Agencies also may develop procedures by which a user must actively acknowledge reading the policy before access to electronic communications and social media will be granted.

C. Address Violations Violations of this policy must be addressed under Policy 1.60, Standards of Conduct, or appropriate disciplinary policy or procedures for employees not covered by the Virginia Personnel Act. The appropriate level of disciplinary action will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the agency head 202 or designee, with sanctions up to or including termination depending on the severity of the offense, consistent with Policy 1.60 or the appropriate applicable policy.

GLOSSARY AND RELEVANT TERMS

Blog – A contraction of “web log” that is a website or part of a website with commentary, descriptions of events, or journal type entries usually with an ability for readers to reply and post comments.

Computer Network – Two or more computers that can share information, typically connected by cable, data line, or satellite link.

Crowdsourcing – An open call, usually through an Internet based resource, to an undefined community of people to obtain and use ideas, content, or solutions to business needs.

Electronic Communications Tools – Tools used as a means of sending and receiving messages or information electronically through connected electronic systems or the Internet. Tools may include networked computers, email, voicemail, cell phones, smart phones, any other similar system, and new technologies as they are developed.

Internet – An international network of independent computer systems. The World Wide Web is one of the most recognized means of using the Internet.

Microblog – A form of a blog in which frequent, short updates are posted about specific activities (e.g., Twitter).

Photo Sharing – The online publishing of photographs with the ability to transfer and share the photos with others.

Podcast – Digital media file that can be downloaded for playback to computers and personal digital devices.

Social Media – Form of online communication or publication that allows for multi-directional interaction.

Social media includes, blogs, wikis, podcasts, social networks, photograph and video hosting websites, crowdsourcing, and new technologies as they evolve.

Social Networking – Interacting with a group of people with common interests in a virtual environment.

Users – All employees of the Commonwealth who use the Commonwealth’s Internet access and/or electronic communications media or external electronic communications media to communicate about the Commonwealth’s activities.

NOTE: Agencies may also require consultants, contract personnel, or other non-employees such as volunteers or interns to abide by this policy.

Video Sharing – The online publishing of videos with the ability to transfer and share them with others.

Wikis – A collaborative website that allows users to edit materials and information posted and to create collaborative solutions for identified topics. 203 ATTACHMENT A Use of Electronic Communications and Social Media

CERTIFICATE OF RECEIPT

I have been given a copy of Department of Human Resource Management Policy 1.75, “Use of Electronic Communications and Social Media” and I understand that it is my responsibility to read and abide by this policy, even if I do not agree with it. If I have any questions about the policy, I understand that I need to ask my supervisor or the agency/institution Human Resource Officer for clarification.

I understand that no user shall have any expectation of privacy in any message, file, image or data created, sent, retrieved, received, or posted in the use of the Commonwealth’s equipment and/or access. Agencies have a right to monitor any and all aspects of electronic communications and social media usage. Such monitoring may occur at any time, without notice, and without the user’s permission.

In addition, except for exemptions under the Act, electronic records may be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and, therefore, available for public distribution.

If I refuse to sign this certificate of receipt, my supervisor will review this statement with me and will be asked to initial this form indicating that a copy has been given to me and that this statement has been read to me.

Employee's Name

Employee Number: __________

Signature: ___________

Date: 204 Exhibit 22d - Safeguarding Taxpayer Information Overview Safeguarding Taxpayer Information Overview I. Introduction.

Virginia Department of Taxation (“Virginia Tax”) takes the protection of tax information seriously. Taxpayer information cannot be inspected or disclosed except as authorized by law. Each year, you must certify that you understand your duties and responsibilities regarding the use of taxpayer information.

II. Rules and Regulations.

Each employee and contractor must acknowledge his or her obligation to safeguard confidential taxpayer information. Misuse of taxpayer information can result in imprisonment or fines pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3 and I.R.C. §§ 6103, 7213, 7213A, and 7431.

III. General Security and Safeguarding Reminders. a) Inspecting or disclosing confidential taxpayer information must be for a job-related “need to know.” b) The Safeguarding and Disclosure staff conduct home inspections for employees who telework and home-based employees. You will receive 24-hour notice prior to an inspection unless special circumstances warrant a shorter notice (e.g., request from manager, indicia of misuse of data, notification from a third party, etc.) c) Most documents that you create or have access to while at Virginia Tax belong to the agency. You cannot take Virginia Tax documents that contain confidential or proprietary information with you to job interviews or similar settings without prior approval from the Disclosure Officer. d) If you receive a request related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a subpoena, or search warrant for records, you must contact the Disclosure Officer. If you receive a data request from an agency, locality, or other third party, you must contact the Disclosure Officer. e) You should contact the Disclosure Officer prior to entering into or modifying a contract involving taxpayer information to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Federal contracts require 45-day notice to the IRS. f) All modifications to an employees or contractor’s physical or electronic access to information should be timely submitted using the Sailpoint process. Managers and supervisors are also responsible for verifying, updating, and signing the quarterly Access to Federal Tax Information Report. g) Lock your screen and secure taxpayer information when you are away from your desk. h) You must wear your ID badge at all times. Swipe your badge each time you enter an area with a badge reader. i) Before you send an email message or fax, verify that you have listed the correct recipients. Encrypt email messages that contain confidential taxpayer information. j) Do not share your password(s) with anyone. 205 Chapter 23 Teleworking Since the closure of district offices, all field collections staff are home based. Virginia Tax has established Teleworking Policy, Exhibit 23a, for guidelines on working in a home based or telework environment. The current Teleworking Policy, along with current Telework Agreements can be found on Virginia Tax under the Teleworking link. Each home based or telework Field Agent must complete and sign a Telework Agreement, Exhibit 23b.

All home based or telework Field Agents are subject to a Safeguarding Inspection by Disclosure staff member(s) of their office space with a 24 hour notice unless special circumstances warrant a shorter notice. 206 Exhibit 23a – Teleworking Policy

Teleworking Policy

Policy It is the policy of Virginia Tax to support flexible work arrangements that promote general work efficiencies in carrying out the Agency mission. Flexible work arrangements such as alternate work schedules or telework are intended to benefit both the employee and Virginia Tax. Agency management has the responsibility of ensuring that business needs can be met when approving flexible work arrangements and may terminate those arrangements at any time.

Purpose To promote flexible work arrangements such as alternate work schedules or telework as a means of achieving administrative efficiencies (e.g., reducing office and parking space); reducing traffic congestion, transportation costs, and the impact of commuting on the environment; supporting Continuity of Operations Plans; and sustaining the hiring and retention of a highly qualified workforce by enhancing work/life balance.

Application This policy applies to classified, probationary, hourly, and “at-will” employees. This policy also applies to contract workers and temporary agency workers.

Authority & Interpretation Authority for this policy rests with the Tax Commissioner but interpretation is delegated to the Director of Human Resources. Responsibility for ensuring adherence to this Policy is assigned to all managerial and supervisory staff, as well as Human Resources staff. Questions regarding the application of this policy should be directed to the Human Resources Office.

General Provisions for Alternate Work Schedules Management reserves the right to establish and adjust the work schedules of employees in the agency, being mindful of the hours of public need. Management may adjust an employee’s work schedule temporarily within a workweek to avoid overtime liability or to meet operational needs. At management’s discretion, an employee’s schedule may be adjusted to meet the employee’s personal needs. A Flex Work Agreement must be completed with details of the alternate work schedule pattern.

Employees are expected to:  Adhere to their assigned work schedules;  Take breaks and lunches as authorized;  Notify management as soon as possible if they are unable to adhere to their schedules, such as late arrivals or early departures; and  Work overtime hours when required by management.

General Provisions for Telework Telework assignments do not change the conditions of employment or the employee’s required compliance with all state and Virginia Tax policies, practices, and guidelines. Telework should not adversely affect the

207performance of the teleworker or their co-workers. A teleworker must notify their supervisor immediately of any situation that interferes with their ability to perform their job.

Supervisors may temporarily alter scheduled telework days based on business needs. Any change of scheduled telework exceeding 90 days will be considered a permanent change and will require a new Flex Work Agreement.

Teleworkers must provide a diagram or photo of their home office. Copies may be made available to Virginia Tax’s safeguard team to perform or complete inspections. Any change of alternate work location requires an updated Flex Work Agreement, along with an updated diagram or photo of the home office.

Any employee request to move outside of Virginia and remain employed with the agency as a teleworker must be approved in advance by the employee’s Assistant Commissioner, the HR Director, and the Tax Commissioner. Any request from a full-time teleworker or mobile worker to move more than 50 miles from the employee’s current approved work location must be approved in advance by the employee’s Assistant Commissioner, the HR Director, and the Tax Commissioner. All approvals will be in the form of a written agreement between the Agency and the employee to specify terms applicable to the new work location.

Virginia Tax management may conduct inspections of the alternate work location to ensure compliance with agency policies. Additionally, supervisors may meet with employees in their alternate work location as a normal course of managing work performance, to include coaching and development. Advance notice of at least 24 hours will be provided if possible. An employee’s workspace in an alternate work location must provide reasonable protections against inadvertent verbal or visual disclosure of sensitive information.

Eligibility for Telework Employee initiated telework is not an entitlement, but rather a management option where such arrangements support the agency’s business needs. Management has sole discretion to designate positions for telework and supervisors are expected to consider work performance in determining eligibility. Virginia Tax supports telework for employees with job duties that lend themselves to this arrangement provided certain requirements are met. Not all positions lend themselves to telework arrangements.

A Flex Work Agreement is required for both Employee Initiated Telework and Business Mandated Telework.

Employees must sign the Flex Work Agreement and comply with conditions set forth prior to teleworking.

Supervisors must agree to the terms of the Flex Work Agreement before employees are permitted to work at an alternate work location. Virginia Tax may require an employee to telework as a condition of employment. In such cases, this requirement will be included in the job announcement in the Recruitment Management System (RMS) and in the Employee Work Profile (EWP).

Suitability of Work & Characteristics for Telework The nature of the work should be suitable for telework. Suitability for telework depends on job content, rather than job role, title, or work schedule. Telework is best suited for employee who are organized, highly disciplined, and conscientious self-starters requiring minimal supervision. Employees should achieve and maintain a performance rating of contributor or higher to qualify for telework.

Compensation & Benefits In general, an employee’s compensation as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Virginia Tax policies and pay practices, and benefits will not change when teleworking or as a result of telework arrangements. 208 Work Hours & Expectations The total number of hours that employees are expected to work will not change, regardless of their work location. Previously designated work schedules may be modified as necessary provided management agrees. In addition, any telework schedule may be adjusted as business needs dictate. Telework may help facilitate solutions for some employees who have other responsibilities, but employees must make arrangements that will not interfere with work obligations. Telework is not intended to serve as a substitute for child or adult care. If children or adults in need of direct supervision or care are in the alternate work location during employees’ work hours, some other individual must be present to provide the supervision or care.

Supervisors must ensure that procedures are in place to document the work hours of teleworkers, ensuring compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Prior management approval to work overtime is required; failure to obtain this approval may be addressed under the Standards of Conduct (DHRM Policy 1.60). FLSA and Virginia Tax policies and pay practices for overtime apply to telework.

Supervisors may require employees to report to a central workplace as needed for work-related meetings or other events and may meet with employees in their alternate work location as needed to discuss work progress or other work related issues. Employees who telework are expected to:  Comply with the agency’s Clean Desk Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, and Minimum Home Wireless Network Requirements;  Follow the policies and procedures established by their supervisor for tracking time, requesting time off and approval of time off;  Follow Virginia Tax procedures for reporting sick or disability situations;  Participate in staff meetings, progress review meetings, or other business-related meetings at their alternate work location and/or central office; and  Agree to apply themselves to their work during work hours.

Use of Leave Telework is not intended to be used in place of sick leave (DHRM Policy 4.55), Family and Medical Leave (DHRM Policy 4.20), leave used under the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (DHRM Policy 4.57), Workers’ Compensation leave (DHRM Policy 4.60), or other types of leave. However, management in conjunction with Human Resources may determine if it is appropriate to offer telework as an opportunity for partial or full return to work from traditional sick leave, short-term disability, or long-term disability. The criteria normally applied to decisions regarding the approval of telework will apply.

Central Work Location Inclement Weather/Emergency Closing During an emergency closing, teleworkers are expected to perform their duties on their assigned telework day unless they are prevented from accomplishing work because of the same emergency condition that caused the central office to close (e.g., power outage).

Teleworkers who experience an emergency that has not affected their central office must contact their supervisor. Teleworkers may be directed to report to the central office or another alternate worksite to complete their workday or use leave. Although a variety of circumstances may affect individual situations, Virginia Tax policies and practices for appropriate leave usage remain the same in an emergency closing; however, situations will be considered on an individual basis determined by job duties and expectations. 209 Workers’ Compensation Liability Employees are covered under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act and may be covered for injuries suffered, arising out of and in the course of performing official duties at the alternate work location or central workplace during the set work hours. Employees are responsible for immediately reporting to their supervisor, any accident or injury suffered, arising out of and in the course of performing official duties at the alternate work location, during the set work hours. Employees must also allow their supervisor (or designee) to visit the alternate work location immediately after any accident or injury while working has occurred, if necessary.

Supervisor Responsibility Work performed at alternate work locations is considered official state business. The duties, performance, and work expectations should be fully discussed with employees prior to implementing any telework arrangement. The supervisor will monitor productivity and deadlines to measure and evaluate the employee’s job performance when teleworking, in accordance with established performance management policies and procedures. The supervisor must clearly communicate procedures to track and document hours worked by non-exempt employees covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Use of Equipment, Supplies, & Data Employees must agree to follow agency security procedures in order to ensure confidentiality and security of data. Removal of confidential documents requires prior supervisory approval; failure to obtain this approval may be addressed under the Standards of Conduct.

Employees working at alternate work locations are responsible for:  Security and confidentiality of any information, documents, records, or equipment in their possession.  Protecting Virginia Tax owned or issued equipment from theft, damage, and unauthorized use.  Immediately reporting any information, documents, or equipment that has been lost or damaged to their supervisor.

In the event that equipment becomes temporarily inoperable or the employee is unable to perform job duties at the alternate work location, the employee and their supervisor should reach an agreement of whether other work assignments can be performed without relying on the equipment or if the employee should report to the central workplace or other work location.

Telecommunication Various telecommunication devices may be provided as needed for the efficient operation of the teleworker. If devices such as a cell phone or iPad are provided, users must comply with the Acceptable Use Policy. (See Virginia Tax’s Acceptable Use Policy)

State-Owned Equipment Authorized Use & Maintenance Authorized employees are responsible for protecting state-owned equipment from damage and unauthorized use. State-owned equipment used in the normal course of employment will be maintained, serviced and repaired by VITA or VITA’s authorized leasing agent. Full-time Teleworkers and Mobile workers will complete Attachment A of the Flex Work Agreement, which lists equipment, date issued, and VITA Tag Number. Before signing, the employee must verify the information on Attachment A matches the equipment issued to them.

Internet Access & Services Employees must provide their own internet access to perform work at their alternate work location.

Employees will typically be responsible for any costs associated with internet usage, including equipment 210 maintenance. Virginia Tax will not assume responsibility for the cost of equipment not provided by the agency, or for its repair, service, home maintenance or any other incidental cost (e.g., utilities), associated with its use at the alternate work location. Full-time teleworkers and mobile workers are required to demonstrate that their internet service meets the minimum internet speed standards for their work unit.

Termination of Agreement/Inter Agency Transfers Virginia Tax may terminate a Flex Work Agreement at its discretion. Advance notice of terminating the Flex Work Agreement is not required; however, in most circumstances advance notice will be given. Employees may terminate the Flex Work Agreement at their discretion, preferably providing two weeks’ notice. This does not apply in the case of business mandated telework. Flex Work Agreements are specific to the employee’s position and office. Employees who transfer to different positions within Virginia Tax will need to complete a new Flex Work Agreement, provided the needs of the new position and office allow for continued flex work.

Reference  Department of Human Resource Management Policy #1.60 Standards of Conduct  Department of Human Resource Management Policy #1.61 Teleworking  Department of Human Resource Management Policy #4.20 Family and Medical Leave  Department of Human Resource Management Policy #4.55 Sick Leave  Department of Human Resource Management Policy #4.57 Virginia Sickness and Disability Program  Department of Human Resource Management Policy #4.60 Workers’ Compensation  Virginia Tax Acceptable Use Policy  Virginia Tax Clean Desk Policy  Virginia Tax Minimum Home Wireless Network Requirements

Glossary  Alternate Work Location: Approved work sites other than the employee’s central workplace where official state business is performed. Such locations may include, but are not necessarily limited to, employees’ homes and satellite offices.  Alternate Work Schedule: Defined as those that differ from the standard 40 hour (five 8-hour days) workweek (e.g., four 10-hour days per week).  Central Workplace: An employee’s work headquarters or official duty station.  Flex Work Agreement: Virginia Tax’s written agreement with the employee that details the terms and conditions of the employee’s alternate work arrangement.  Full-Time Teleworker: An employee who, under written agreement with Virginia Tax, teleworks all or a clear majority of their planned schedule from a defined and agreed upon alternate worksite.  Hybrid Teleworker: An employee who, under written agreement with Virginia Tax, teleworks one day per week on a consistent and regular basis.  Limited Teleworker: An employee who, under written agreement with Virginia Tax, teleworks on a limited, sporadic, or task driven basis.  Mobile Worker: An employee who works a majority of their planned schedule in a mobile mode away from the agency’s offices/facilities in the “field” (e.g., Collectors/Auditors). A mobile worker is not generally considered a teleworker due to field/remote location but is still governed by the Virginia Tax Flex Work Policy.  Office/Facility Worker: An office based employee who reports to and works from a defined central agency workplace (e.g., MSC/Westmoreland). 211  Telework: A work arrangement where supervisors direct or permit employees to perform their usual job duties at an alternate work location, in accordance with the same performance expectations and other Virginia Tax approved or agreed-upon terms. o Employee Initiated Telework: A work arrangement where employees request to telework and management approves where such arrangements support the agency’s business needs. o Business Mandated Telework: A work arrangement either where the business needs mandate telework for all or part of the workweek as a condition of employment or if there is a business necessity for doing so.  Teleworker: An employee who, under written agreement with Virginia Tax, performs their usual job duties in an alternate work location with or without a specific telework schedule.  Work Schedule: The employee’s designated hours of work regardless of work location. 212 Exhibit 23b – Flex Work Agreement 213 214215216217218Chapter 24 Travel Travel within and outside of the Field Agent’s assigned territory is part of routine job activity. The Commonwealth of Virginia will reimburse Field Agents traveling on official State business for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred.

Travel Time Field Agent employees will commence work in the home office at the beginning of the regular work shift or leave for the first assignment of the day no later than thirty minutes before the beginning of the regular work shift. The workday will end at a time, which, allowing for travel will permit the employee to arrive at home thirty minutes after the end of their regular work shift.

If living outside the assigned boundary, an employee should leave home to arrive at the boundary no later than thirty minutes before the regular work shift. The workday will end at a time that, allowing for travel, will permit the employee to arrive at home thirty minutes after the end of the regular work shift. For purposes of this policy, assigned boundaries include both district boundaries and assigned work area within the district boundaries.

Employees who live outside the boundary will be reimbursed for work related travel to the local Post Office, other mail facility and financial institution.

Travel within an Assigned Territory and District During the course of routine job activity, the Field Agent often travels within their assigned territory or district. The distance of travel from the base point varies, but normally does not require overnight travel.

Base point is defined as the place, office, or building where the employee performs their duties on a routine basis. For many Field Agents, the base point is their home.

Travel Estimate Field Agents must prepare an estimate of the total cost of any proposed overnight travel expected to exceed $500.00. A Travel Estimate Form must be submitted by the Field Agent and approved by an appropriate member of management prior to travel, Exhibit 24a. The agency may determine the appropriate member of management at its discretion. To ensure adequate planning (identification of costs and exceptions), the requirement to prepare a cost estimate for overnight travel expected to exceed $500.00 also applies to agency heads and cabinet.

Total costs include lodging, transportation, meals, conference registration, and other travel costs or course fees. Costs of the trip that may be direct billed, such as lodging or conference registrations, must also be included in the cost estimate. The estimate must accompany both the Travel Reimbursement Voucher and any applicable direct-billed Vendor Payment Vouchers. For planned travel, the Field Agent must be able to demonstrate, with documentation, that a reasonable effort was made to secure the most cost beneficial means of travel for the Commonwealth. The Travel Reimbursement Voucher is also available in the Virginia Tax Toolbox Forms Library/Office of Administration- Fiscal Division. 219 To ensure compliance with travel guidelines issued by the Department of Accounts, the following should be conducted when traveling over 200 miles per day for normal field activity or 100 miles per day when attending a scheduled meeting:  If the Field Agent has been assigned a state owned vehicle the state owned vehicle should be used for travel (Chapter 25, State Vehicles).  If the Field Agent does not have a state owned vehicle, they should contact Sandy Baker to see if a state owned vehicle is available.  If a state owned vehicle is not available, the Field Agent should complete the Department of General Service’s (DGS) trip calculator to determine if it is cheaper to use an Enterprise rental automobile or the Field Agent’s personal vehicle. The Field Agent should use the cheaper of the two options, Enterprise rental or personal vehicle.

Note: If the Field Agent elects to drive their personal vehicle when a state owned vehicle is available or when it is cheaper to use an Enterprise rental automobile, they will be reimbursed at the lower mileage rate.

Reimbursement for Expenses Although not all-inclusive, the following information is required for expense reimbursement and must be submitted with the Travel Expense Reimbursement Voucher, Exhibit 24b.

Employee Identification Number Department, Agency (top block)  Last name, first name and address of Field Agent  Personal vehicle statement (Must check one box if personal vehicle used for travel.)  Check box confirming state employee status  Dates of travel, including departure and arrival times  Initial area confirming computations are correct and all receipts attached.  Authorization Approvals, normally, immediate Supervisor.  Exception Approvals (Must be received in advance of travel.)  Reason for travel  Hard-copy confirmations of expenses if online methods were used to procure services (airline tickets, rental automobiles)  Itemized receipt for lodging  Receipt for registration fees, parking, taxi, metro  Original electronic signature of Field Agent  Original electronic initials certifying computations are correct  Scan copies of receipts to an additional page

The Field Agent must keep receipts and accurate records to ensure correct reporting and submission of travel reimbursements. Travel reimbursements will not be made from travel charge card statements.

Expenses for each day must be shown separately on the voucher. The Field Agent must submit the Travel Expense Reimbursement Voucher via email to the Supervisor within three working days of the last day of travel for which reimbursement is requested. Vouchers showing overnight travel must be submitted within five days of completion of overnight travel.

By signing the travel reimbursement request (electronic signature is accepted), the Field Agent is certifying the accuracy of all information and the legitimacy of the travel. The signature of the Field Agent’s Supervisor certifies that they agree that the travel was necessary and the requested reimbursements are proper. 220 Exhibit 24a - Travel Estimate Form 221 Exhibit 24b - Travel Expense Reimbursement Voucher 222 223Chapter 25 State Vehicles Due to the travel required to perform job duties, Field Agents may submit a request for assignment of a State owned vehicle for use in job related travel. Virginia Tax management may determine that personal mileage reimbursement is not economical when the amount of miles traveled per year equals or exceeds a certain level. Assignment of State owned vehicles is usually based on the number of miles traveled per year and the availability of state owned vehicles.

Use and operation of State owned vehicles should be in accordance with Virginia Department of General Services, The Office of Fleet Management Services Policies and Procedures. The manual is available online at http://fleet.dgs.virginia.gov. Vehicle operators are responsible for reviewing and conforming to all rules and regulations pertaining to the use, maintenance and operation of a fleet vehicle. Drivers must complete a review with the Agency Transportation Officer prior to use of a state vehicle.

Use of State Owned Vehicles Field Agents shall use fleet vehicles for official state business only. When a Field Agent is using a fleet vehicle for travel while away from their workstation, the vehicle may be used for travel to obtain meals or other work related necessities. Field Agent who operate a fleet vehicle should drive in such a manner as to be a credit to themselves and the Commonwealth. It is the responsibility of each Field Agent to observe all motor vehicle laws of Virginia. Operators must not knowingly operate vehicles that do not comply with legal requirements. All violations and fines, including parking citations, are the responsibility of the assigned Field Agent at the time of such violation.

Field Agents who operate a fleet vehicle should confirm the registration card, state inspection certificate, Voyager Card and Accident Packet are in the glove box. The Accident Packet should include the following:  Auto Loss Notice/Incident Report, Exhibit 25a;  Insurance card (white laminated card), Exhibit 25b;  In Case of an Accident (yellow laminated card), Exhibits 25c and 25d;  Use of State owned Vehicle Policy Manual (reduced version), Exhibit 25e;  Vehicle Cleaning Tips, Exhibit 25f;  Voyager card.

To obtain any replace Accident Packet items contact Sandy Baker at or 804-786-4178 or email at sandy.baker@tax.virginia.gov.

Field Agents and agencies are responsible for secure and safe storage and parking of vehicles. Fleet vehicles shall not be left on non-residential streets, residential streets, or highways overnight unless it is necessary due to mechanical failure or emergency.

For complete information on the use and operation of State owned vehicles, (See the Office of Fleet Management Services Rules and Regulations for complete information on the use and operation of State owned vehicles.) 224 State Vehicle Accidents or Incidents It is required that all accidents or incidents involving a fleet vehicle, regardless of the amount of damage, be reported and investigated by State Police. Vehicle Maintenance Control Center (VMCC) should be notified immediately and will contact State Police when the accident or incident is reported to them. If there are injuries involved, 911 should be the first call, then VMCC, then the Field Agent’s Supervisor, and then the Agency Transportation Officer.

Each State owned vehicle should have an Accident Packet in the vehicle that provides instructions to follow including a yellow laminated card, which provides step-by-step instructions to follow in the event of an accident. There is also a white laminated card included in the packet with instructions for the other driver to contact the Division of Risk Management (DRM) for any claim in lieu of an insurance company. The Commonwealth is self-insured so DRM acts as a representative. If the Field Agent communicates with State Police and State Police informs the Field Agent they will not be responding to the accident or incident, the Field Agent should ask for the State Police Officer’s name, badge number, and division to which they are assigned. This information should be documented and reported to the Agency Transportation Officer.

Accident or Incident Reports The Field Agent is required to fill out an Automobile Loss Notice form on any accident or incident regardless of the amount of property damage or personal injury. A copy of the form should be in the Accident packet in the vehicle. If a form is needed, it can be obtained from the Agency Transportation Officer. Email the original Automobile Loss Notice form to the VMCC via email at vmcc@dgs.virginia.gov as well as an email copy to the Agency Transportation Officer.

Field Agents are cautioned against accepting responsibility for an accident or incident or discussing the accident or incident with anyone other than their Supervisor, law enforcement officer, Risk Management, or Agency Transportation Officer.

Summary of Accident Reporting and Repairs  Contact VMCC at 866-857-6866. VMCC or the driver must notify State Police immediately. VMCC should routinely notify State Police, but the driver should ask VMCC if they are contacting State Police, if not, Field Agent should do so.  Obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, and license numbers of all involved parties and witnesses (Instructions and forms are provided in the Accident Packet located in the State vehicle).  If vehicle is inoperable, VMCC will make arrangements for towing and transportation of the Field Agent and any passengers to safe location.  Follow instructions in the Accident Packet for reporting the accident or incident to the Commonwealth’s insurance representative (DRM).  The vehicle will be taken to a shop specified by VMCC for securing estimates and/or repair.  The Field Agent must advise their Supervisor and Agency Transportation Officer of the accident or incident and obtain necessary forms.  Complete the Automobile Loss Notice form and submit original section of this form to the VMCC and Agency Transportation Officer. The fleet administrator will advise the agency of the decision of the Uniform Accident Prevention committee regarding accident or incident responsibility determination.

Removal or Recall of Fleet Vehicles from Agency Vehicles, either agency pool or individual assignment, may be recalled if any of the following occur: 225  The vehicle is not driven and is not exempt from the quarterly minimum mileage requirement.  Vehicle abuse occurs, which includes but is not limited to, the improper care and maintenance of the vehicle such as excess or the extended filth of vehicle, operating the vehicle without servicing at the specified frequency, and damage to the vehicle caused by willful disregard or improper use.  If the operator of a fleet vehicle is delinquent in the payment of parking tickets, fine or citations on more than two occasions in a six-month period.  Complete the Automobile Loss Notice form and submit original section of this form to the VMCC and Agency Transportation Officer. The fleet administrator will advise the agency of the decision of the Uniform Accident Prevention committee regarding accident or incident responsibility determination.

State Car Expense Report Every Field Agent who is assigned a State vehicle must complete the monthly State Car Expense Report on the first workday of each month.

You must include the beginning and ending mileage for the month and any expenses incurred. You need to keep all receipts for the State vehicle for the fiscal year.

READ through this entire document before you try to access the spreadsheet Note: If you have not used Sharepoint yet, you may be prompted to Sign In to Sharepoint. Sharepoint is a Microsoft product, so it will show up that you are trying to login to Microsoft. Use your Tax email address. If you are already signed in to the VPN, you should not have to use a password. If you are not signed in to the VPN, you will have to go through the VITA authentication steps. If a password is requested, use the same one as the login to your computer:

  1. Use Google Chrome. If you are already in Sharepoint, go to the Compliance Support page or simply follow this link: https://covgov.sharepoint.com/sites/Virginia-Tax/compliance/compliance%20support/SitePages/Compliance-Support.aspx 226
  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. On the right side, there is a link to the state car spreadsheet for 2020 – 2021 (future fiscal years will be set up in this same manner):

When you click on the link, it will open a new tab which takes you to the List where the spreadsheet is located. The list should already be sorted by the Modified column, in newest to oldest order, so that the spreadsheet will be at or near the top of the list. If the list is not sorted in this order on your machine, simply select the Modified column header to open up the sort order options and select Newer to Older:

  1. When you locate the State Car spreadsheet, toggle the checkmark on to select it, then a menu will appear up top in the taskbar with several options including how to open it. Click the down arrow next to “Open” and select the option to Open in App. If you open it in the browser, you will be unable to scroll down to the open fields to enter your information because most of the cells in the spreadsheet are locked down to protect the formulas.

  2. When you select the option to Open in App, a warning message will pop up. Select Yes on this message:

Note: if this is your first time trying to open a spreadsheet in Sharepoint, you may also get the following message. Check the box to always Allow, then click the Open Excel (desktop) option:

  1. The spreadsheet will now open in Read Only view. Select the Edit Workbook button to make your changes. When done with your changes, select the Save icon, then wait about 10 to 15 second to allow it to be uploaded back to Sharepoint before you close the spreadsheet.

229Because Sharepoint is so new to everyone, you may encounter other unexpected issues or pop-ups that are not replicated in these instructions. If you encounter any problems, please contact Michael Zagursky immediately through email: michael.zagursky@tax.virginia.gov Please describe the issue and include applicable screenshots.

230Exhibit 25a - Automobile Incident Report

231232 Exhibit 25b - Laminated Insurance Card 233 Exhibit 25c - In Case of an Accident (Yellow Laminated Card – Front) 234 Exhibit 25d - In Case of an Accident (Yellow Laminated Card – Back) 235 Exhibit 25e - Use of a State Vehicle USE OF A STATE VEHICLE  FUELING: When fueling the vehicle, the Voyager credit card should be used to purchase unleaded gasoline only. After inserting the Voyager credit card, you will be prompted to enter the vehicle number from the card. This is a six-digit number listed on the first line of the credit card located next to the word VEHICLE. You will also be prompted to enter the odometer reading; please do not enter 10ths. If the vehicle number from the card is entered incorrectly, three times you will be locked out of the system. Once locked out you will be to contact Sandy Baker at 804-786-4178 to have the card reset, it will not reset automatically. If mileage is entered incorrectly, you will not be locked out of the system. Please contact Sandy with the correct mileage so vehicle records can be updated. Gas receipts should be placed in the labeled envelope in the vehicle if available. If an envelope is not available, please let the receipts in the vehicle glove box.  PARKING/TICKETS: Vehicles should be parked legally, observing all signs, etc. All parking citations received are paid by the driver and must be paid immediately. Caution, when proceeding through changing traffic lights be sure you have enough time to cross the intersection to avoid photo ticketing.  SPEEDING: Employees are requested to follow speed limits and will be required to pay any speeding tickets received while driving a state vehicle. Employees are required to report speeding tickets to their supervisor within three business days. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action as well as loss of state vehicle use.  EATING: Eating is prohibited while driving a state owned vehicle.  CELL PHONE: Cell phones must be operated via hands-free or while the vehicle is parked. GPS device may be used.  TEXTING: Text messaging or emailing is prohibited while the vehicle is in motion.  SMOKING: Smoking is prohibited, including e-cigarettes.  HOV LANES: Please be observant of the required number of occupants before using HOV lanes. State vehicles must comply with requirements.  ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS: If you are involved in an accident or incident with injuries, please call 911 immediately, and then call VMCC at 866-857-6866. If the accident or incident does not involve injuries, contact VMCC at 866-857-6866 to report it. VMCC will contact State Police to respond and VMCC will contact towing, etc. as needed. All accidents or incidents involving a state vehicle must be reported to State Police no matter the amount of damage. If you speak to State Police and they inform you they will not be responding to the situation, please ask for their name, badge number and make a note of the information they provided such as why they would not be responding. You should also contact your supervisor and Sandy Baker at 804-786-4178. If you are unsure of what to do when the accident or incident occurs, there is an Accident packet in the glove box, in a manila envelope.

The yellow laminated card will list step-by-step instructions for an accident on one side and step-by-step instructions for a vehicle break down on the other side. The Accident packet also includes a white laminated card that provides contact information to be shared with other drives, exchange of information, or to file a claim. The state is self-insured and does not have a designated insurance company. A loss notice form is also included in the packet. This form should be completed when returning to the office after an accident or incident. A copy would be emailed to VMCC at vmcc@dgs.virginia.gov and Sandy at sandy.baker@tax.virginia.gov as well as any paperwork received from State Police or the other driver.  OFFICIAL USE: State vehicles should be used for official business only. No one other than employee on related state business should be in the vehicle. No family members, pets, hitchhikers, etc. should 236 be in the vehicle. No personal business or errands should be conducted while driving the state vehicle.  EQUIPMENT/PERSONAL ITEMS: Personal equipment should not be installed in the state vehicle.

Portable GPS may be used, but should be removed when vehicle is not in use to avoid theft. Loss or theft of personal items left in vehicles will not be replaced. Any Virginia Tax items needing to be left in the vehicle should be secured in the locked trunk.  MILAGE REPORTING: Mileage should be recorded and reported to assigned driver of the vehicle or recorded and posted to the spreadsheet at the end of each month if the vehicle is a permanent assignment. If a log box is available, please record the mileage there as well. If a gas receipt is lost, please notify Sandy of the date and location of gas purchase so the information can be retrieved.  COMPLAINCE: Drives must comply with all motor vehicle laws such as a valid driver’s license, wearing seatbelts, legally parking, observing speed, etc.  ALCOHOL BEVERAGES and DRUGS: Under no circumstances may a state employee operate a state vehicle under the influence of intoxicating beverages, drugs or other substances. Conviction of such offense will result in the loss of privilege to drive a state owned vehicle. No state vehicle may be used to transport alcoholic beverages unless it is operated by an employee of the Alcohol Beverage Control Board or other law enforcement personnel in the performance of their official duties.  TOLL CHARGES: Toll charges incurred during travel in a state vehicle are paid by the driver and reimbursed by the agency via travel reimbursement voucher. If there is no tollbooth such as a run through toll (Elizabeth River Tunnel in Hampton Roads area), the agency will be billed for the state vehicle passing through. If it is a personal vehicle, the vehicle owner will be billed and can submit voucher for reimbursement. EZ pass lanes should not be used, as it will be considered a violation, the driver will be responsible for payment. Virginia Tax does not provide EZ pass transponders for use in state vehicles.  ADVERSE WEATHER: Drives are cautioned to ensure their safety, safety of passengers and safety of others on the road. Drivers should anticipate potential dangers that could occur given weather conditions. Drivers should keep a safe distance, lower speed; turn on headlights, wipers, etc. If you should have a need to replace a wiper blade, replace a bulb, etc., contact VMCC and inform them of your concern and they will direct you to the closest vendor for replacement. VMCC – 1-866-857-6866  LOCKSMITH: If you are locked out of your vehicle and need assistance VMCC will arrange a vendor to assist. However, drivers are responsible for payment. If you are an AAA member, the state vehicle is covered under that membership.  KEY: If a key is lost, please report it to Sandy as soon as possible. Please do not duplicate state vehicle keys without prior approval.

SAFE TRAVELS 237 Exhibit 25f – Vehicle Cleaning Tips 238 Chapter 26 Learning Resources All agency employees have mandatory training that must be completed within specified timeframes. A list of the Required Employee Training Courses, Exhibit 26a, is available on the Learning Support Virginia Tax site. In addition, there are a variety of learning resources to support Field Agent development. The Virginia Learning Center (VLC) offers many eLearning courses including:

 A series of Operational Area Fundamental courses which provide high-level information about the function and structure of the various offices of the agency. Use “Operational Area Fundamental” in a keyword search in the VLC to locate these courses.

 Linkedin Learning courses are also available to support professional growth and development.

 A series of Sales Tax, Withholding Tax, and Corporate Tax Fundamentals which provide basic information about these taxes administered by the Agency. These courses can be found at the Learning Opportunities section.

 Learning Support maintains a lending library. To view a list of the books available, see Tax Lending Library Catalog list on the Learning Support page.

There are many job aids available in Toolbox Quick Reference site to help the Field Agent navigate within the VLC and locate courses. Access the Toolbox Quick Reference site and search using “VLC” or find “OA-Learning Support” under the Unit column to find them.

Open classes in Google. 239 Job Shadow Program The Job Shadow Program provides an overview of the various processes for the following departments: Collections, Field Audit, Office Audit, General Legal Tax Services and Revenue Analysis Program (RAP). Each department will host their program a couple times each year. To register for a Job Shadow Program first get approval from your Supervisor then go to TAXi, select Job Shadow then go to the calendar and select the program you want to attend. Below is a breakdown of information covered for each department:  Collections: The Collections Job Shadow Program provides an overview of the different collection processes we use to collect outstanding debt for the Commonwealth. You will learn about the Delinquent Collection Unit (DCU), Field Collections, Outside Collection Agency and Bankruptcy Attorneys. One of the most used tools to collect on an account is the lien. This process attaches your bank account or your wages to satisfy the debt. Field collectors use an iPad when they are in the field doing their job and you will hear about how this tool helps them do their job. You will also learn about the Court Debt Collection Unit. Court Debt collects delinquent fines and fees for approximately 248 courts throughout the Commonwealth.  Field Audit: The Field Audit Job Shadowing Program will provide an overview of auditing for business taxes, especially sales/use taxes, corporate income, and withholding. The program will discuss the day of an auditor, whether a Virginia based auditor or an Interstate auditor (located throughout the United States). You will hear what is involved in reviewing detailed records and supporting documentation, such as invoices, ledger and tax returns. You will have the opportunity to work on a mock audit using the audit workbench, the tool of an auditor. This tool is used for all taxes.  Office Audit: The Office Audit Job Shadow Program will provide an overview of various individual and corporate desk audit programs conducted in Office Audit. You will learn about the Individual Nonfiler Program, Federal Audit, Federal Compare, and Corporate and Estate. These programs are based on receiving federal information for the IRS. All of these programs impact other areas in the agency and it is important to understand how other areas interact with the programs.  Revenue Analysis Program (RAP): The Revenue Analysis Program (RAP) primary focus is on individual audit programs. The intent of this Job Shadowing Program is to provide an overview of the desk audits performed in this unit. The refund review program and the Information Return Master File (IRMF) individual nonfiler programs are the two primary individual programs audited in this unit. The refund review program focuses on refund fraud and identity theft. These programs continue to be a growing issue for states. The IRMF individual nonfiler program is based on collecting data utilizing federal return and audit information, as well as state ad commercial data. A majority of audit programs utilize federal return and audit information, as well as state and commercial data. You will also learn about the other functions performed in this unit. 240  General Legal Tax Services (GLTS): GLTS is broken down into two separate classes/parts. Part one is Tax Credits, Officers in Compromise, and Miscellaneous Taxes. The second part is Property Tax, Tobacco Tax, Disclosure, and Nonprofit Exemptions. Note: To understand all of General Legal and Technical Services, we recommend that you attend both sessions. You can take either session before the other.

o Tax Credits, Officers in Compromise, and Miscellaneous Taxes: This session covers one half of the functions in GLTS. The Tax Credit Unit/Credit Bank will provide an overview of its, purpose, “capped” vs. “non-capped” credits, the application process, the forms used, verification of credits taken, Tax administered credits and other Agency administered credits. The Land Preservation Tax (LPC) Credit Unit will provide an overview, maximum allowed for LPC, along with the audit and application process for this credit. The Miscellaneous Taxes/Communications Taxes area will provide an overview, all the tax types administered, revenue accounting, and transfers to Boards or distribution to localities. The Customer Satisfaction Team will provide an overview of its mission, supporting the Taxpayer Rights Advocate, Virginia Taxpayer Bill of Rights and external education efforts along with Web site updates. The Insurance Premium License Tax (PLT) team will provide an overview of the history and imposition of the PLT tax, tax rates and Retaliatory Tax on insurance companies, insurance policy premiums liable for taxes and the tax administration. The Locality Issues/Motor Vehicle Rental Tax (MVRT) area will provide an overview of the primary functions of the Locality Liaison, the locality sales and use tax transfer process as well as the transfer of the MVRT from DMV to TAX along with the MVRT tax rate and distribution to localities. o Tobacco Tax, Disclosure, and Nonprofit Exemptions: This session covers one half of the functions in GLTS. The Tobacco Tax Audit & Administration Unit will review the administration and audits (at retail and wholesale) for the Cigarette Tax, and the Other Tobacco Products Tax. The Nonprofit Exemption Unit and Bank Franchise Tax (BFT) area will provide an overview of the Nonprofit Exemption history, qualifications, applications, approvals, and types of exemption certificates issued by TAX. We will also provide information on the Bank Franchise Tax, the responsibilities of TAX and localities, the filing of the BFT returns and revenue distribution. The Property Tax section will provide an overview of Who We Are, Assessment Sales Ratio Studies, Education, Qualification & Certification, Advisory Aid & Assistance, State Land Evaluation Advisory Council, and Recordation Tax Refunds. The Railroad & Pipeline Appraisal section will provide an overview of Who We Are, our purpose, and primary functions. And lastly, the Disclosure area will provide an overview of the purpose and responsibilities of disclosure.

TAXi Toolbox Resources There are a variety of support documents to help the Field Agent in the performance of their daily work activities, most of which can be found in Virginia Tax Toolbox.

Documents in the Toolbox have designated contacts, or owners, for the content found in the document. If the Field Agent has a question about the information in a document, the Field Agent can follow up with the contact.

The Toolbox includes the following sites:  Forms Library: Contains forms used internally within the agency. For example, the “Bond Memorandum” or “Request to Engage in Outside Employment” forms can be found here. 241  Glossary: Explains Virginia Tax related terms and acronyms.  Internal Policies: Is a repository for documented guidelines that affect the internal agency affairs.

For example, “Email Standards” and the “Dress Code Policy” can be found in this site.  Procedures: Is a repository for documents that provide step-by-step instructions for processes and tasks. For example, “How to Handle Defaulted Payment Plans” and “Adjusting a Third Party Lien” documents can be found here.  Quick Reference (Job Aids): Contains reference documents with helpful listings, checklists, and task instructions.  User Guides: Contains system user guides. User Guides provide detailed explanations of system fields and windows, as well as step-by-step instructions necessary to properly use the various Virginia Tax systems.  Suggestion Box: Can be used to convey new ideas. The Suggestion Box can be accessed through TAXi>Compliance>(District)>My idea is…Click Here: Tip: Sometimes procedure and quick reference documents are not published where you think they would be (i.e. a quick reference job aid is published to the procedures site or a procedure is published as a quick reference document). View the “Search Tips Demo” found on the Welcome to Virginia Tax Toolbox home site. 242 Exhibit 26a - Required Employee Training Courses

243244245 Chapter 27 Using Technology There are many technology based tools available to assist Field Agents with performing job duties.

Equipment such as tablets assist Field Agents in collection duties while in the field. Virginia Tax systems including AR, CACSG, Tax Collections application, Image Retrieval/Viewer, G Suite, iFile viewer, and eForms viewer are essential elements of the collections process. Field Agents also have access to information through other State agency systems including Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) and State Corporation Commission (SCC). Field Agents have access to many sources of information through the internet such as directory assistance, maps, zip code information, etc.

Using Other State Agency Systems Information from other State agency computer systems can help Field Agents with finding or verifying addresses, finding possible lien sources and other information such as corporate officer names and addresses. When using these systems, Field Agents must comply with user policies, procedures and security requirements for each agency including maintaining confidentiality of information. Some of these systems are available to authorized users only.

Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) – The VEC computer system is a useful tool in locating third party lien sources by identifying places of employment of taxpayers. Central Office routinely runs automated matches with VEC information for issuing third party liens. Field Agents must manually research VEC for possible lien sources. Other beneficial information includes VEC registration/demographic information, SSN of responsible officer, reported gross wages of a business and the beginning and ending liability dates. See Exhibit 27a.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – The DMV computer system is a useful tool for finding addresses and possible lien sources. DMV information includes taxpayer information such as name and address and vehicle information including current vehicles registered to an individual or business and liens against each vehicle. The name and address information can help a Field Agent in locating taxpayers and identifying name and address changes. The vehicle lien information can provide a possible lien source or an asset such as an unencumbered antique vehicle. See Exhibit 27b.

State Corporation Commission (SCC) – The SCC system provides valuable information about corporations, limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships.

The Field Agent can use this information to find termination dates for corporate charters, names of officers, partners, or members and address information. Other information available includes UCC filings and business trust information. Authorization for use of this system is not required. See Exhibit 27c.

Court Sites for MOL Research The Field Agent can submit the Remote Access form to the court within their designated territory to obtain online access to view MOL information. The form states there is a fee; however, the fee is waived for State agencies. A username and password will be issued to the Field Agent once access is granted and access is good for one year. It must be renewed yearly by contacting the appropriate court. 246 Locating MOL Information in LexisNexis Accurint Recording information for Memorandum of Liens can often be located in LexisNexis Accurint.

Select Courts > Bankruptcies, Liens & Judgements.

From the drop down menu, select Liens & Judgements Search Enter the search criteria and click Search. You may input the FEIN, the SSN or the Company Nane. 247 Scroll through the results until the lien information is located.

Use the date issued, the amount and the court to find the correct lien.

Obtain the recording information.

248 Virginia Department of Taxation Website

Virginia Tax website provides useful information that can assist Field Agents as well as taxpayers. Through the Tax Policy Library, Field Agents can access the Tax Code of Virginia, Virginia Tax Regulations, Legislative Summaries, Tax Commissioner Rulings, and Tax Bulletins. Field Agents can also download Virginia Tax and IRS forms.

Commonwealth of Virginia and Federal Websites  State of Virginia http://www.virginia.gov  Virginia General Assembly http://legis.state.va.us  Virginia’s Judicial System http://www.courts.state.va.us/ Code of Virginia http://lis.virginia.gov/000/src.htm  State Corporation Commission http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/clk/diracc.htm  Internal Revenue Service http://www.irs.gov/ United States Postal Service http://www.usps.com/

Telephone Number and Address Resources Using directory assistance websites can assist the Field Agent in locating phone numbers and addresses for taxpayers, see Chapter 3. In addition, websites are available that offer driving directions and maps for finding a specific location. However, Field Agents must not access services requiring membership and/or fees. The following is a list of websites that provide this information:

249Directory Assistance: Phone Numbers, Addresses (see Chapter 3) and Maps  http://www.anywho.com/  LexisNexis Accurint: Contact your  http://www.corp.att.com/directory/ Supervisor with information which you  http://www.dexknows.com/ are seeking. Provide them with the  http://www22.verizon.com/ account name, FEIN or Social Security  http://www.yellowpages.com/ Number.

Maps, Applications and Driving Directions  http://mapquest.com/directons/  https://www.google.com/maps  https://www.mapquest.com/routeplanner  https://www.waze.com/ https://www.speedyroute.com/

Zip Codes and Addresses, see Chapter 3  http://usps.com

Miscellaneous Information  Federal Reserve Financial Services (search for bank routing numbers) https://www.frbservices.org/

Training Resources  Virginia Learning Center (VLC) https://covlc.virginia.gov.

NOTE: It can also be accessed from the Virginia Tax home page and the Learning Support site  Virginia Tax Toolbox  Career Skills Resource Center http://www.mindtools.com/

Human Resources and Other Benefits  Department of Human Resource Management http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov  Virginia Commonwealth Health Program http://www.commonhealth.virginia.gov/commonhealthvirginia.htm  Defined Contribution Plan https://vadcp.gwrs.com/tl001/SplashAuth.asp  Department of Accounts http://www.doa.virginia.gov  Department of Accounts Payline (pay history) https://payline.doa.virginia.gov/Login.cfm  Employee Dispute Resolution http://www.edr.virginia.gov  Virginia Retirement Service http://www.varetire.org  Commonwealth of Virginia Health Benefits Enrollment https://edirect.virginia.gov/

 Flexible Benefits http://www.fbmc-benefits.com/ Value Options Achieve Solutions (mental health) https://www.achievesolutions.net  Virginia Governmental Employee Association http://www.vgea.org/

250Exhibit 27a & 27b – Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) and Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Information from other State Agency computer systems such as the DMV and the VEC can help Field Agents with finding or verifying addresses, finding possible lien sources, and other information such as corporate officer information. When using these systems, Field Agents must comply with user policies, procedures, and security requirements including maintaining confidentiality of information. These systems are available to authorized users only and both DMV and VEC use the same user identification and password. Passwords expire every thirty days and logins are purged from the system after six months of inactivity.

The VEC computer system is a useful tool in locating the following information:  Third Party Lien sources,  VEC registration and/or demographic information,  Social Security Number of Responsible Officer,  Reported gross wages of a business,  Beginning and ending liability dates.

The DMV computer system is a useful tool in locating the following information:  Finding new addresses,  Current vehicle registrations,  Liens against vehicles which can provide a possible lien source or an asset such as an unencumbered antique vehicle,  Possible lien sources.

PF Keys: PF keys provide you with a means of moving quickly from screen to screen and are intended to save you keystrokes. There are two types of function keys. The Standard Function Keys perform the same function, regardless of what screen you may be viewing. These keys and their functions are listed below.

There are also Screen Dependent Function Keys whose functions change with the screen you are viewing.

You can use these keys to access other inquiry screens directly from the screen you are viewing. Screen specific PF keys are located at the bottom of each screen.

Standard Function Keys Help PF1 Displays on-screen information about the screen you are viewing.

Press the key to return to the screen you were viewing.

Return to Main Menu PF2 Returns you to the CSS Main Menu from any screen you are viewing.

Return to Functional Menu PF3 Returns you to the CSS External User Menu. 251 Exhibit 27a – Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) Virginia Employment Commission (VEC):

Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) – The VEC system is a useful tool in locating third party lien sources by identifying places of employment for individual taxpayers. Field Agents may manually research VEC for possible lien sources. VEC can also be used in researching a business to obtain beneficial information such as VEC registration/demographic details, reported gross wages of a business and liability dates.

Link to VEC: https://css.vec.virginia.gov/VRI/

Requestor ID: TX01 (Same for everyone) Enter log in information provided by your supervisor.

Username: Password: On your first log in, you will be prompted to change your password and select security questions.

After updating questions, you will be directed to log in again.

Next you will be required to enter a verification code as part of multi-factor authentication. An email will be sent to your Virginia Tax email address. Enter the code from the email and click SUBMIT to complete the log in process. 252 Once the code is entered, you will be directed to the main screen.

SEARCH A BUSINESS To search for information about a business, select Employer Search on the left.

Enter at least one search term in the fields. All fields are not required, but at least one field must be filled out to generate results.

Most commonly used search criteria: 253  FEIN  Employer Name (name of the business you are searching)

Once information has been input, click the search button in the center of the page to see search results. Reset next to the search button clears the form.

Search results will appear below the input box. Select the radio button next to the record you wish to view and click select in the center of the page beneath the list of results.

You will be directed to the Employer Details page for the record you selected. This will provide information such as the demographics and VEC account info. 254 To determine if a business was reporting wages during a time period, select the year from the drop down box next to WAGE DETAILS FOR YEAR. With the year selected, click search to the right.

Employee Wages for the desired year will appear below the Employer Details. Wages reported for each quarter are displayed in columns across the page. The wages reported for the year are totaled in the bottom right.

If there are no results to display for the selected year, you will receive the message “No Matching Records found in Employer’s account for the year selected”

SEARCH AN INDIVIDUAL To search for an individual taxpayer’s employment information, select Wage History on the left side.

255Enter the SSN of the taxpayer to research.

Once information has been input, click the search button in the center of the page to see search results. Reset next to the search button clears the form.

Search results will appear below the input box. The Employer Reported Wages detail lists the name of an employer, the year and quarter of the reported wages and the dollar amount.

Select the radio button next to EMPLOYER NAME and the Employer Details will populate below, providing demographic information for the employer.

To view more information about the employer, with the radio button selected, click Employer Information in the center of the screen.

To search benefits information for an individual, select Benefits History on the left side.

256Enter the SSN of the taxpayer to research.

Once information has been input, click the search button in the center of the page to see search results. Reset next to the search button clears the form.

The Name and Birthdate will populate after a search by SSN is entered. Individual Details will contain helpful demographic information for the individual such as address and phone number.

If claims are available, information will generate below Claim and Monetary fields. Select the drop down arrow to determine if multiple claims are available to view.

Payment Summary will detail the dates and amounts of the benefits received for each selected claim.

Additional resources: Training video for new VRI system on Benefits and Wages screens

257Exhibit 27b –Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): To access DMV, double click the icon to open a session. You will then get the following options:

If you already have a session open in VEC you may click on the “File” tab at the top left hand side of the screen and then select “DMV” from the “Recent Documents”. If opening an additional tab, this will allow you to toggle between DMV and VEC.

Once you are at the Virginia Information Technology Screen, you will enter “DMV” and press .

Enter your user name and password and press .

You will see a security warning Banner. Press .

You will now be on the CSS Main Menu. Field Agents are external user, so you will always Enter “Q” at the bottom and press . 258 This is the external User Menu. Not all options are available for all users. Your user agreement number and request reason code automatically displays and determines which screens you are authorized to access.

On the external user menu, you will see options A-Z, one and two. Each is a different inquiry and requires specific customer information to perform the search. Field Agents have access to the following screens:  C - Customer Primary Information: Requires you to search using the social security number, FEIN or driver’s licenses number. Not all taxpayers with FEIN’s will be found in DMV. o On this screen you will find the following:  Customer’s name  Customer number  Social security number  Date of birth  Current mailing address and sometimes physical address 259  D – Driver Primary Status: Requires you to search using the social security number or FEIN. o On this screen you will find the following:  Customer’s name  Customer number  Social security number  Date of birth  Current mailing address and sometimes physical address  Different licenses issued to the customer  Physical description of the person  Issue date and expiration date of the license  May have license surrender date  E – Prior Name and/or address: Requires you to search using the social security number or FEIN. o On this screen you will find the following:  Prior names and effective dates  Prior addresses and effective dates 260  I – Name Inquiry: Screen allows you to search by an individual or business name. You will enter the name (John Smith or Smith Enterprises) and press . Continue to press enter to scroll down to locate the taxpayer you are looking for.

The next few screens will help with locating lien sources.  M – Vehicle Inquiry: Requires you to search using the social security number or FEIN. o On this screen you will find the following:  List customer vehicles  Shows lienholders  VIN number  Title number o You can select each vehicle by enter the corresponding letter “Enter Choice”. o PF6 > Page forward to the C screen o PF8 > Page forward to the D screen o PF3 > Return to the beginning 261  When you select “A” and press , vehicles owned by both the taxpayer and/or the business will display. There are multiple screens under this selection; you will press to see those. You will notice here the additional options “A - L”.  On this screen you will find the following: o VIN number o Title number o Year, make and model o Purchase price o Plate number o Purchase date

262 The most valuable to tax would be option “B” –“liens”. Select option “B” by entering the letter and pressing .

If no lien information is available for a vehicle, you will see the banner “no additional information found for this selection”.

Check under the FEIN (XXXXXXXXX) for other vehicles with possible lien sources. A “Y” will be listed by “# of liens”. This is a quick way to tell if there is a possible lien source. Select the first vehicle “A” and press . This in the “Vehicle Inquiry “screen so remember there are multiple screens so continue to press until you get to the last page.

If there is a “Y” next to “liens”, enter option “B” and press and you will see the lien holder. 263 NOTE: Sometimes you will find that the taxpayer has the vehicle financed through the bank that the taxpayer does their banking. Other times, you will simply find a finance company like “GMAC”.  N – Vehicles Owned by Customer: We have access to this screen however, when you make the vehicle selection, it takes you to the “M” screen.

264 O – Inactive Veh Owned by Customer: Even though the vehicle is inactive, you may see some lien information on the vehicle. o On this screen you will find the following:  List vehicles previously owned  Disposition date  P – Current Plate Owner Inquiry: This screen allows you to search by the license plate number of the vehicle. o On this screen you will find the following:  Reports date plates number was issued  Expiration date  Name of the customer that the plate was issued to  VIN number of the vehicle that goes to that plate number NOTE: This is useful when you are in the field. When in the field, write down the license plate numbers of any vehicles at the place of business or residence. When you are able to locate the vehicle information by the plate number, you identify your taxpayer and possibly locate additional lien sources.  Q – Prior Plate Owner Inquiry: This screen search is performed using the plate number. o On this screen you will find the following: 265  Shows who held the plate previously  Make and model of the vehicle  Customer’s name  Social security number  Customer number  Date issued and date expired  R – Current Plates on Vehicle: This screen allows you to search by customer number, name, plate number, or VIN. Once the search is completed, it forward you to the “M” Screen Vehicle Inquiry Screen.  S – Prior Plates on Vehicle: This screen allows a search by name, VIN number, or title number. o A name look up will show prior plates that a particular person had o A VIN look up gives prior plates for the vehicle 266  T – Vehicle Lien Info Inquiry: This screen moves to the “N” Screen and after making a vehicle selection, it will move to the “M” screen. Enter the SSN or FEIN in the customer number field.  U – Vehicle Owner(s) Inquiry: This screen allows you to use F7, F8, or F9 keys to short cut to other screens previously listed on the reference guide.  V – Previous Vehicle Owner(s): On the “V” screen, you have to search using a VIN or title number and it gives a list of previous owners of the vehicle. 267 NOTE: Once you become acclimated in DMV, you will mostly use the “D”, “E”, “I”, “N”, “O”, and “I” functions. The information found on these screens are sometimes duplicated on other screens and sometimes screens are forwarded to these.

The large reference guide is a good source for additional information needed to search for each of the above screens. 268 Exhibit 27c – State Corporation Commission (SCC) State Corporation Commission The Clerk’s Information System (CIS) is an online tool that allows the public to search for key business information and helps businesses to more quickly and easily make payments and submit most filings required under Virginia law. Users can manage their business information in one place from their online dashboard, including annual reports, online payments, certificates, and other correspondence, so nothing ever gets lost. Additionally, the system has controls in place to prevent common filing errors and allows for real-time approvals, so you do not have to wait to find out if a document was accepted.

  1. How do I sign up for a CIS account in the new system?

You can create a CIS account online by entering your name, address, phone number, and email. You will need to create a username and secure password. A third-party identity management database will verify your information. If it matches, your account will be created, and you can begin using the new system immediately. For step-by-step instructions, see our How-to guide on creating an account here.

  1. I am getting the error message “Experian was not able to verify the name and home address combination." What do I need to do?

CIS includes an identity verification step that validates your identity by cross-referencing it to your home address, not your business address. If you are still seeing this error, visit our account help request form to view additional troubleshooting tips or to submit a request to the Clerk's Office.

  1. I created a new CIS account but forgot my password. How do I reset it?

You can reset your password by choosing the “Forgot your password?” option from the CIS login page. You will receive an email with the new password. It may take a few minutes to receive it.

https://cis.scc.virginia.gov/ Type in the name of the business you want to search. 269  Click on the Entity ID to retrieve the business information

 This screen will give you the following information o Entity Name o Entity Type o Formation Date o Entity ID o Entity Status o Reason for Status o Status Date o Registered Agent Information o Principal Office Address o Principal Information

 You can click on any of the five tabs below to get additional information: o Filing History o RA History o Name History o Previous Registrations o Garnishment Designees o Back to Login

270  Filing History – will give you the details of the business filings on file. Click on the magnifying glass under View and you can view the document that was filed. When prompted, do not “download” just click on “open” to view the document.

This is an example of an annual report filed with the State Corporation Commission.

271You can obtain officers of the business from this report.

At the bottom of most screens, you will find the following buttons

BACK

Takes you back one screen RETURN TO SEARCH: Returns you to the search screen RETURN TO RESULTS: Will take you back to your Business Entity search results

UCC / Federal Tax Lien Search The Clerk's Information System (CIS) contains most information on file at the Commission for Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and federal tax liens. This information can be searched by the name of the debtor or secured party, or by the file number. The file number is a number assigned by the Clerk’s Office once a filing has been processed. Images of UCC and federal tax lien documents filed in the Clerk’s Office since October 1, 2003, in PDF format, are available in CIS.

  1. Where can information be found regarding UCC Tax Liens Searches? https://cis.scc.virginia.gov/
  2. Can UCC filings be viewed online? Yes, visit CIS to view filings online. 272
  3. Does the index of UCC filings also include Tax Liens filing?

UCC and Tax Lien searches can be performed as separate or combined searches.

  1. What information is returned with the results from a UCC search?

A search report includes the date of the search, the search criteria, number of records found, the type of search performed and data about the filing chains found. Filing chain data include the initial file number, debtor name(s), secured party name(s) and any associated subsequent filings.

Select Search By – Debtor Name

Select Organization and then type the business name.

The Search will bring up the following screen. Click on the filing number to view the document.

The next page will give you more details and you will be able to view different documents that have been filed by selecting the magnifying glass.

273274Appendix State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act ............................................................................. 277 §2.2-3100. Policy; application; construction. ........................................................................................... 277 §18.2-11. Punishment for conviction of misdemeanor. ........................................................................... 277 §18.2-182.1. Issuing bad checks in payment of taxes. ............................................................................. 277 §58.1-3. Secrecy of information; penalties. ............................................................................................. 278 §58.1-103. Inspection of records and documents by the Department. ................................................... 282 §58.1-104. Period of limitations. .............................................................................................................. 282 §58.1-105. Offers in compromise; Department may accept; authority and duty of Tax Commissioner. 282 §58.1-216. Writs, notices, processes, and orders. ................................................................................... 283 §58.1-217. Form of writs, processes and orders; how served. ................................................................ 283 §58.1-219. Examination of books and records of taxpayers. ................................................................... 283 §58.1-312. Limitations on assessment. .................................................................................................... 283 §58.1-313. Immediate assessment where collection jeopardized by delay; notice of assessment; termination of taxable period; memorandum of lien. ............................................................................. 284 §58.1-314. Lien of jeopardy assessment; notice of lien. .......................................................................... 285 §58.1-348. Criminal prosecution for failure or refusal to file return of income or for making false statement therein; limitation. .................................................................................................................................... 285 §58.1-461. Requirement of withholding. ................................................................................................. 286 §58.1-473. Jeopardy assessments. ........................................................................................................... 286 §58.1-474. Liability of employer for failure to withhold. ......................................................................... 286 §58.1-485. Willful failure by employer to make return, to withhold tax, to pay it or to furnish employee with withholding statement; penalty. .............................................................................................................. 286 §58.1-486. Bad checks. ............................................................................................................................. 286 275 §58.1-499. Refunds to individual taxpayers; crediting overpayment against estimated tax for ensuing year. .................................................................................................................................................................. 287 §58.1-601. Administration of chapter. ..................................................................................................... 288 §58.1-612. Tax collectible from dealers; "dealer" defined; jurisdiction. .................................................. 288 §58.1-613. Dealers' certificates of registration. ....................................................................................... 290 §58.1-615. Returns by dealers. ................................................................................................................. 291 §58.1-616. Payment to accompany dealer's return. ................................................................................ 292 §58.1-625. (Effective until July 1, 2022) Collection of tax. ....................................................................... 292 §58.1-629. Sale of business. ..................................................................................................................... 293 §58.1-630. Bond. ...................................................................................................................................... 293 §58.1-631. Jeopardy assessment.............................................................................................................. 294 §58.1-634. Period of limitations. .............................................................................................................. 294 §58.1-635. Failure to file return; fraudulent return; civil penalties. ........................................................ 294 §58.1-636. Penalty for failure to file return or making false return......................................................... 295 §58.1-637. Bad checks. ............................................................................................................................. 295 §58.1-1802.1. Period of limitations on collection; accrual of interest and penalty. ................................ 295 §58.1-1803. Department of Taxation may appoint collectors of delinquent state taxes; Contract Collector Fund established. ...................................................................................................................................... 296 §58.1-1804. Collection out of estate in hands of or debts due by third party. ........................................ 297 §58.1-1805. Memorandum of lien for collection of taxes; release of lien. .............................................. 297 §58.1-1812. Assessment of omitted taxes by the Department of Taxation. ........................................... 298 §58.1-1813. Liability of corporate officer or employee, or member, manager or employee of partnership or limited liability company, for failure to pay tax, etc. ................................................................................ 299 §58.1-1814. Criminal liability for failure to file returns or keep records. ................................................ 299 § 58.1-1815. Willful failure to collect and account for tax. ...................................................................... 300 §58.1-1816. Conversion of trust taxes; penalty; limitation of prosecutions. ........................................... 300 §58.1-1817. Installment agreements for the payment of taxes. ............................................................. 300 §58.1-1817.1. Waiver of tax penalties for small businesses. ................................................................... 300 §58.1-1823. Reassessment and refund upon the filing of amended return or the payment of an assessment. .................................................................................................................................................................. 301 23VAC10-210-570. Fairs, Flea Markets, Circuses, Carnivals, Etc. ............................................................. 301 23VAC10-210-1080. Occasional Sale. ....................................................................................................... 302 23VAC10-210-3090. Sale or Quitting of Business; Successor Business. ................................................... 302 276 State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act §2.2-3100. Policy; application; construction.

The General Assembly, recognizing that our system of representative government is dependent in part upon (i) citizen legislative members representing fully the public in the legislative process and (ii) its citizens maintaining the highest trust in their public officers and employees, finds and declares that the citizens are entitled to be assured that the judgment of public officers and employees will be guided by a law that defines and prohibits inappropriate conflicts and requires disclosure of economic interests. To that end and for the purpose of establishing a single body of law applicable to all state and local government officers and employees on the subject of conflict of interests, the General Assembly enacts this State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act so that the standards of conduct for such officers and employees may be uniform throughout the Commonwealth.

This chapter shall supersede all general and special acts and charter provisions which purport to deal with matters covered by this chapter except that the provisions of §§15.2-852, 15.2-2287, 15.2-2287.1, and 15.2-2289 and ordinances adopted pursuant thereto shall remain in force and effect. The provisions of this chapter shall be supplemented but not superseded by the provisions on ethics in public contracting in Article 6 (§2.2-4367 et seq.) of Chapter 43 of this title and ordinances adopted pursuant to §2.2-3104.2 regulating receipt of gifts.

The provisions of this chapter do not preclude prosecution for any violation of any criminal law of the Commonwealth, including Articles 2 (Bribery and Related Offenses, §18.2-438 et seq.) and 3 (Bribery of Public Servants and Party Officials, §18.2-446 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of Title 18.2, and do not constitute a defense to any prosecution for such a violation.

This chapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish its purpose. §18.2-11. Punishment for conviction of misdemeanor.

The authorized punishments for conviction of a misdemeanor are: (a) For Class 1 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both. (b) For Class 2 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for not more than six months and a fine of not more than $1,000, either or both. (c) For Class 3 misdemeanors, a fine of not more than $500. (d) For Class 4 misdemeanors, a fine of not more than $250.

For a misdemeanor offense prohibiting proximity to children as described in subsection A of §18.2-370.2, the sentencing court is authorized to impose the punishment set forth in subsection B of that section in addition to any other penalty provided by law. §18.2-182.1. Issuing bad checks in payment of taxes.

Any person who shall make, draw, utter, or deliver two or more checks, drafts, or orders within a period of ninety days which have an aggregate represented value of $1,000 or more, for the payment of money upon any bank, banking institution, trust company, or other depository on behalf of any taxpayer for the payment of any state tax under §58.1-486 or §58.1-637, knowing, at the time of such making, drawing, uttering, or delivering, that the account upon which such check, draft, or order is drawn has not sufficient funds or credit with such bank, banking institution, trust company, or other depository for the payment of such check, draft, or order, although no express representation is made in reference thereto, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The word "credit," as used herein, means any arrangement or understanding 277 with the bank, banking institution, trust company, or other depository for the payment of such check, draft, or order. §58.1-3. Secrecy of information; penalties.

Except in accordance with a proper judicial order or as otherwise provided by law, the Tax Commissioner or agent, clerk, commissioner of the revenue, treasurer, or any other state or local tax or revenue officer or employee, or any person to whom tax information is divulged pursuant to this section or §58.1-512 or 58.1-2712.2, or any former officer or employee of any of the aforementioned offices shall not divulge any information acquired by him in the performance of his duties with respect to the transactions, property, including personal property, income or business of any person, firm or corporation. Such prohibition specifically includes any copy of a federal return or federal return information required by Virginia law to be attached to or included in the Virginia return. This prohibition shall apply to any reports, returns, financial documents or other information filed with the Attorney General pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 (§3.2-4204 et seq.) of Chapter 42 of Title 3.2. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The provisions of this subsection shall not be applicable, however, to:

  1. Matters required by law to be entered on any public assessment roll or book;
  2. Acts performed or words spoken, published, or shared with another agency or subdivision of the Commonwealth in the line of duty under state law;
  3. Inquiries and investigations to obtain information as to the process of real estate assessments by a duly constituted committee of the General Assembly, or when such inquiry or investigation is relevant to its study, provided that any such information obtained shall be privileged;
  4. The sales price, date of construction, physical dimensions or characteristics of real property, or any information required for building permits;
  5. Copies of or information contained in an estate's probate tax return, filed with the clerk of court pursuant to §58.1-1714, when requested by a beneficiary of the estate or an heir at law of the decedent or by the commissioner of accounts making a settlement of accounts filed in such estate;
  6. Information regarding nonprofit entities exempt from sales and use tax under §58.1-609.11, when requested by the General Assembly or any duly constituted committee of the General Assembly;
  7. Reports or information filed with the Attorney General by a Stamping Agent pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 (§3.2-4204 et seq.), when such reports or information are provided by the Attorney General to a tobacco products manufacturer who is required to establish a qualified escrow fund pursuant to §3.2-4201 and are limited to the brand families of that manufacturer as listed in the Tobacco Directory established pursuant to §3.2-4206 and are limited to the current or previous two calendar years or in any year in which the Attorney General receives Stamping Agent information that potentially alters the required escrow deposit of the manufacturer. The information shall only be provided in the following manner: the manufacturer may make a written request, on a quarterly or yearly basis or when the manufacturer is notified by the Attorney General of a potential change in the amount of a required escrow deposit, to the Attorney General for a list of the Stamping Agents who reported stamping or selling its products and the amount reported. The Attorney General shall provide the list within 15 days of receipt of the request. If the manufacturer wishes to obtain actual copies of the reports the Stamping Agents filed with the Attorney General, it must first request them from the Stamping Agents pursuant to subsection C of §3.2-4209. If the manufacturer does not receive the reports pursuant to subsection C of §3.2-4209, the manufacturer may make a written request to the Attorney General, including a copy of the prior written request to the Stamping Agent and any response received, for copies of any reports not received. The Attorney General shall provide copies of the reports within 45 days of receipt of the request. 278 A. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit the publication of statistics so classified as to prevent the identification of particular reports or returns and the items thereof or the publication of delinquent lists showing the names of taxpayers who are currently delinquent, together with any relevant information which in the opinion of the Department may assist in the collection of such delinquent taxes. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or other law, the Department, upon request by the General Assembly or any duly constituted committee of the General Assembly, shall disclose the total aggregate amount of an income tax deduction or credit taken by all taxpayers, regardless of (i) how few taxpayers took the deduction or credit or (ii) any other circumstances. This section shall not be construed to prohibit a local tax official from disclosing whether a person, firm or corporation is licensed to do business in that locality and divulging, upon written request, the name and address of any person, firm or corporation transacting business under a fictitious name. Additionally, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner of revenue is authorized to provide, upon written request stating the reason for such request, the Tax Commissioner with information obtained from local tax returns and other information pertaining to the income, sales and property of any person, firm or corporation licensed to do business in that locality.
  8. This section shall not prohibit the Department from disclosing whether a person, firm, or corporation is registered as a retail sales and use tax dealer pursuant to Chapter 6 (§58.1-600 et seq.) or whether a certificate of registration number relating to such tax is valid. Additionally, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department is hereby authorized to make available the names and certificate of registration numbers of dealers who are currently registered for retail sales and use tax.
  9. This section shall not prohibit the Department from disclosing information to nongovernmental entities with which the Department has entered into a contract to provide services that assist it in the administration of refund processing or other services related to its administration of taxes.
  10. This section shall not prohibit the Department from disclosing information to taxpayers regarding whether the taxpayer's employer or another person or entity required to withhold on behalf of such taxpayer submitted withholding records to the Department for a specific taxable year as required pursuant to subdivision C 1 of §58.1-478.
  11. This section shall not prohibit the commissioner of the revenue, treasurer, director of finance, or other similar local official who collects or administers taxes for a county, city, or town from disclosing information to nongovernmental entities with which the locality has entered into a contract to provide services that assist it in the administration of refund processing or other non-audit services related to its administration of taxes. The commissioner of the revenue, treasurer, director of finance, or other similar local official who collects or administers taxes for a county, city, or town shall not disclose information to such entity unless he has obtained a written acknowledgement by such entity that the confidentiality and nondisclosure obligations of and penalties set forth in subsection A apply to such entity and that such entity agrees to abide by such obligations.

B. (Effective until October 1, 2019) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A or B or any other provision of this title, the Tax Commissioner is authorized to (i) divulge tax information to any commissioner of the revenue, director of finance, or other similar collector of county, city, or town taxes who, for the performance of his official duties, requests the same in writing setting forth the reasons for such request; (ii) provide to the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, upon entering into a written agreement, the amount of income, filing status, number and type of dependents, and Forms W-2 and 1099 to facilitate the administration of public assistance or social services benefits as defined in §63.2-100 or child support services pursuant to Chapter 19 (§63.2-1900 et seq.) of Title 63.2; (iii) provide to the chief executive officer of the designated student loan guarantor for the Commonwealth of Virginia, upon written request, the names and home addresses of those persons identified by the designated guarantor as having delinquent loans guaranteed by 279 the designated guarantor; (iv) provide current address information upon request to state agencies and institutions for their confidential use in facilitating the collection of accounts receivable, and to the clerk of a circuit or district court for their confidential use in facilitating the collection of fines, penalties, and costs imposed in a proceeding in that court; (v) provide to the Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission, after entering into a written agreement, such tax information as may be necessary to facilitate the collection of unemployment taxes and overpaid benefits; (vi) provide to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, upon entering into a written agreement, such tax information as may be necessary to facilitate the collection of state and local taxes and the administration of the alcoholic beverage control laws; (vii) provide to the Director of the Virginia Lottery such tax information as may be necessary to identify those lottery ticket retailers who owe delinquent taxes; (viii) provide to the Department of the Treasury for its confidential use such tax information as may be necessary to facilitate the location of owners and holders of unclaimed property, as defined in §55-210.2; (ix) provide to the State Corporation Commission, upon entering into a written agreement, such tax information as may be necessary to facilitate the collection of taxes and fees administered by the Commission; (x) provide to the Executive Director of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission for his confidential use such tax information as may be necessary to facilitate the collection of the motor vehicle fuel sales tax; (xi) provide to the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services such tax information as may be necessary to identify those applicants for registration as a supplier of charitable gaming supplies who have not filed required returns or who owe delinquent taxes; (xii) provide to the Department of Housing and Community Development for its confidential use such tax information as may be necessary to facilitate the administration of the remaining effective provisions of the Enterprise Zone Act (§59.1-270 et seq.), and the Enterprise Zone Grant Program (§59.1-538 et seq.); (xiii) provide current name and address information to private collectors entering into a written agreement with the Tax Commissioner, for their confidential use when acting on behalf of the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions; however, the Tax Commissioner is not authorized to provide such information to a private collector who has used or disseminated in an unauthorized or prohibited manner any such information previously provided to such collector; (xiv) provide current name and address information as to the identity of the wholesale or retail dealer that affixed a tax stamp to a package of cigarettes to any person who manufactures or sells at retail or wholesale cigarettes and who may bring an action for injunction or other equitable relief for violation of Chapter 10.1, Enforcement of Illegal Sale or Distribution of Cigarettes Act; (xv) provide to the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, upon entering into a written agreement, such tax information as may be necessary to facilitate the collection of unpaid wages under §40.1-29; (xvi) provide to the Director of the Department of Human Resource Management, upon entering into a written agreement, such tax information as may be necessary to identify persons receiving workers' compensation indemnity benefits who have failed to report earnings as required by §65.2-712; (xvii) provide to any commissioner of the revenue, director of finance, or any other officer of any county, city, or town performing any or all of the duties of a commissioner of the revenue and to any dealer registered for the collection of the Communications Sales and Use Tax, a list of the names, business addresses, and dates of registration of all dealers registered for such tax; (xviii) provide to the Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission for his confidential use such tax information as may be necessary to facilitate the collection of the motor vehicle fuel sales tax; (xix) provide to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services the name and address of the taxpayer businesses licensed by the Commonwealth that identify themselves as subject to regulation by the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to §3.2-5130; (xx) provide to the developer or the economic development authority of a tourism project authorized by §58.1-3851.1, upon entering into a written agreement, tax information facilitating the repayment of gap financing; and (xxi) provide to the Virginia Retirement System and the Department of Human Resource Management, 280 after entering into a written agreement, such tax information as may be necessary to facilitate the enforcement of subdivision C 4 of §9.1-401. The Tax Commissioner is further authorized to enter into written agreements with duly constituted tax officials of other states and of the United States for the inspection of tax returns, the making of audits, and the exchange of information relating to any tax administered by the Department of Taxation. Any person to whom tax information is divulged pursuant to this section shall be subject to the prohibitions and penalties prescribed herein as though he were a tax official.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A or B or any other provision of this title, the commissioner of revenue or other assessing official is authorized to (i) provide, upon written request stating the reason for such request, the chief executive officer of any county or city with information furnished to the commissioner of revenue by the Tax Commissioner relating to the name and address of any dealer located within the county or city who paid sales and use tax, for the purpose of verifying the local sales and use tax revenues payable to the county or city; (ii) provide to the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation for its confidential use the name, address, and amount of gross receipts of any person, firm or entity subject to a criminal investigation of an unlawful practice of a profession or occupation administered by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, only after the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation exhausts all other means of obtaining such information; and (iii) provide to any representative of a condominium unit owners' association, property owners' association or real estate cooperative association, or to the owner of property governed by any such association, the names and addresses of parties having a security interest in real property governed by any such association; however, such information shall be released only upon written request stating the reason for such request, which reason shall be limited to proposing or opposing changes to the governing documents of the association, and any information received by any person under this subsection shall be used only for the reason stated in the written request. The treasurer or other local assessing official may require any person requesting information pursuant to clause (iii) of this subsection to pay the reasonable cost of providing such information. Any person to whom tax information is divulged pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the prohibitions and penalties prescribed herein as though he were a tax official.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A or B or any other provisions of this title, the treasurer or other collector of taxes for a county, city or town is authorized to provide information relating to any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer obtained by such treasurer or collector in the course of performing his duties to the commissioner of the revenue or other assessing official for such jurisdiction for use by such commissioner or other official in performing assessments.

This section shall not be construed to prohibit a local tax official from imprinting or displaying on a motor vehicle local license decal the year, make, and model and any other legal identification information about the particular motor vehicle for which that local license decal is assigned.

D. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, state agencies and any other administrative or regulatory unit of state government shall divulge to the Tax Commissioner or his authorized agent, upon written request, the name, address, and social security number of a taxpayer, necessary for the performance of the Commissioner's official duties regarding the administration and enforcement of laws within the jurisdiction of the Department of Taxation. The receipt of information by the Tax Commissioner or his agent which may be deemed taxpayer information shall not relieve the Commissioner of the obligations under this section. 281 E. Additionally, it shall be unlawful for any person to disseminate, publish, or cause to be published any confidential tax document which he knows or has reason to know is a confidential tax document. A confidential tax document is any correspondence, document, or tax return that is prohibited from being divulged by subsection A, B, C, or D and includes any document containing information on the transactions, property, income, or business of any person, firm, or corporation that is required to be filed with any state official by §58.1-512. This prohibition shall not apply if such confidential tax document has been divulged or disseminated pursuant to a provision of law authorizing disclosure.

Any person violating the provisions of this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. §58.1-103. Inspection of records and documents by the Department.

All records and documents required by this subtitle or by rule or regulation shall be available during regular business hours for inspection by the Tax Commissioner or his duly authorized agents. Persons violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. §58.1-104. Period of limitations.

Except as provided in Chapters 3 (§58.1-300 et seq.) and 6 (§58.1-600 et seq.) of this title, any tax imposed by this subtitle shall be assessed within three years from the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing of the return. In the case of a false or fraudulent return with the intent to evade payment of any tax imposed by this subtitle, or a failure to file a required return, the taxes may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such taxes may be begun without assessment, at any time within six years from the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing of the return. §58.1-105. Offers in compromise; Department may accept; authority and duty of Tax Commissioner.

A. In all cases in which under the laws of this Commonwealth a prosecution is authorized for violation of the revenue laws and in all cases in which a penalty is imposed upon the taxpayer for failure to comply with the requirements of the tax laws, the Department shall in its discretion have authority to accept offers made in compromise of such prosecution and in compromise or in lieu of such penalties. An offer in lieu of the assessment of a penalty shall be deemed to be made by the filing of a return or payment of tax without payment of a penalty if information filed with the return or payment of tax or obtained from other sources demonstrates reasonable cause for the failure or omission for which the penalty would be imposed. The reason for the acceptance of such offers in compromise shall be preserved among the records of the Department.

B. The Tax Commissioner may compromise and settle doubtful or disputed claims for taxes or tax liability of doubtful collectability. An offer in compromise shall be deemed accepted only when the taxpayer is notified in writing of the acceptance by the Tax Commissioner. Whenever such a compromise and settlement is made, the Tax Commissioner shall make a complete record of the case showing the tax assessed, recommendations, reports and audits of departmental personnel, if any, the taxpayer's grounds for dispute or contest together with all evidences thereof, and the amounts, conditions and settlement or compromise of same. C. The Department may deposit into the state treasury all payments submitted with offers in compromise, unless the taxpayer specifically and clearly directs otherwise. 282 §58.1-216. Writs, notices, processes, and orders. A. The Tax Commissioner may, in all matters within his jurisdiction, award and issue and have served, executed and returned any writ, notice, process, order or order of publication which may by law be awarded, issued, served, executed or returned by or to any court in this Commonwealth for the purpose of compelling the attendance of witnesses, the production of books and papers and the enforcement and execution of his findings, orders and judgments. Such a summons to any witness or to produce any document may be personally served by an employee of the Department or served in the manner provided by §58.1-217. But all memoranda of liens for the collection of taxes shall issue under the provisions of §58.1-1805 or §58.1-1806.

B. Any person summoned as a witness, or summoned to produce books and papers, or both, who fails or refuses to attend, or to produce such books and papers, or both, may be proceeded against in the circuit court of the city or of the county in which such person resides by a rule or attachment issued on motion of the Tax Commissioner in the name of the Commonwealth to compel such person to attend as a witness, or to produce such books and papers, or both, at such time and place as may be designated by the court. C. The Tax Commissioner and such other officers or employees of the Department as the Tax Commissioner may authorize in writing may administer oaths in the performance of their duties. §58.1-217. Form of writs, processes and orders; how served.

All writs, processes and orders of the Tax Commissioner shall run in the name of the Commonwealth, shall be signed by the Tax Commissioner, and shall be directed to the sheriff or constable of the county or city wherein such writ, process or order is to be executed. All writs, notices, processes or orders of the Tax Commissioner may be executed and returned in like manner and upon like persons or property as the processes, writs, notices or orders of the courts of record of this Commonwealth and when so served, executed and returned shall have the same legal effect. The officer serving or executing any writ, notice, process or order of the Tax Commissioner shall receive the same fees allowed by law for the like services to sheriffs of the counties and cities. Any officer who fails to execute and return any writ, process, notice or order of the Tax Commissioner shall be subject to the same penalties provided by law for the failure to execute and return the process of any court, which penalties, after due notice to the officer so failing, may be enforced by the judgment of the Tax Commissioner. §58.1-219. Examination of books and records of taxpayers.

The Tax Commissioner may, in any case, in lieu of proceeding under §58.1-216, cause the books and records of any taxpayer containing information concerning the tax liability of such taxpayer to be examined by one of his authorized auditors or agents in order that the tax and revenue laws of the Commonwealth may be enforced; but, in any such case, if any taxpayer refuses to submit his books and records for examination, as aforesaid, the Department may proceed under §58.1-216. §58.1-312. Limitations on assessment.

A. The tax imposed by this chapter may be assessed at any time if

  1. No return is filed;
  2. A false or fraudulent return is filed with intent to evade tax;
  3. The taxpayer fails to comply with §58.1-311 in not reporting a change or correction increasing his federal taxable income as reported on his federal income tax return, or in not reporting a 283 change or correction which is treated in the same manner as if it were a deficiency for federal income tax purposes, or in not filing an amended return; or
  4. The taxpayer fails to comply with §58.1-311.1 by not reporting a change or correction decreasing the tax paid to another state for which a credit was claimed on his Virginia income tax return as a result of an examination conducted by any other state or an amended income tax return filed with any other state.

B. The tax may be assessed within six years after the return was filed, whether such return was filed on or after the date prescribed, if the taxpayer knowingly failed to disclose on his state income tax return a transaction identified by the Tax Commissioner as an abusive tax avoidance transaction and published as provided in §58.1-204. A return of tax filed before the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing thereof shall be considered as filed on the last day. If such return is false or fraudulent, an assessment may be made at any time whether or not the falsity or fraud is related to the abusive tax avoidance transaction.

C. If the taxpayer pursuant to §58.1-311 or 58.1-311.1 reports a change or correction or files an amended return increasing his federal taxable income, decreasing the tax paid to another state, or reports a change or correction which is treated in the same manner as if it were a deficiency for federal income tax purposes, the assessment (if not deemed to have been made upon the filing of the report or amended return) may be made at any time within one year after such report or amended return was filed. The amount of such assessment of tax shall not exceed the amount of the increase in Virginia tax attributable to such federal change or correction. The provisions of this paragraph shall not affect the time within which or the amount for which an assessment may otherwise be made.

D. If a deficiency is attributable to the application to the taxpayer of a net operating loss carry-back, or to a net capital loss carry-back, it may be assessed at any time that a deficiency for the taxable year of the loss may be assessed.

E. An erroneous refund shall be considered an underpayment of tax on the date made, and an assessment of a deficiency arising out of an erroneous refund may be made at any time within two years from the making of the refund, except that the assessment may be made within five years from the making of the refund if it appears that any part of the refund was induced by fraud or misrepresentation of a material fact.

F. If a return is required for a decedent or for his estate during the period of administration, the tax shall be assessed within eighteen months after written request therefor (made after the return is filed) by the executor, administrator or other person representing the estate of such decedent, but not more than three years after the return was filed, except as otherwise provided in this subsection. §58.1-313. Immediate assessment where collection jeopardized by delay; notice of assessment; termination of taxable period; memorandum of lien. A. If the Tax Commissioner determines that the collection of any income tax, penalties or interest required to be paid under this title will be jeopardized by delay, the Tax Commissioner shall immediately assess the actual or estimated amount of tax due, together with all penalties and interest, and demand immediate payment from the taxpayer. A notice of such assessment and demand shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the taxpayer's last known address or personally delivered to the taxpayer. In the case of a tax for a current period, the Tax Commissioner shall declare the taxable period of the taxpayer immediately terminated and shall 284 cause notice of such finding and declaration to be mailed or personally delivered to the taxpayer together with a demand for immediate payment of the tax based on the period declared terminated, and such tax shall be immediately due and payable, whether or not the time otherwise allowed by law for filing a return and paying the tax has expired. Assessments provided for in this section shall become immediately due and payable, and if any such tax, penalty or interest is not paid upon demand of the Tax Commissioner, he shall proceed to collect the same by legal process as otherwise provided by law. A memorandum of lien provided for in §58.1-1805 may be issued immediately upon assessment and notice thereof, or the Tax Commissioner may require the taxpayer to file a bond sufficient in the Commissioner's judgment to protect the interest of the Commonwealth. "Jeopardized by delay" for purposes of this section includes a finding by the Tax Commissioner that a taxpayer designs (i) to depart quickly from the Commonwealth, (ii) to remove his property therefrom, (iii) to conceal himself or his property therein, or (iv) to do any other act tending to prejudice or to render wholly or partially ineffectual proceedings to collect the income tax for the period in question.

B. A memorandum of lien may be filed for delinquent income taxes assessed by the Department only within six years after an assessment.

C. The Department shall notify the taxpayer that he shall have the opportunity to appear at a meeting within fourteen days and make an oral or written statement of why he believes no jeopardy to the revenue exists or why a memorandum of lien should be released, if one was recorded. Upon request of the taxpayer, the Department shall meet with the taxpayer at a time set by the Department within fourteen days after the issuance of the jeopardy assessment. The Department shall determine within twenty days after such meeting whether such jeopardy assessment or lien should be withdrawn and shall send written notice of such finding to the taxpayer. If the finding is not in the taxpayer's favor, he may use the remedies available for corrections of erroneous assessments in Article 2 (§58.1-1820 et seq.) of Chapter 18.

§58.1-314. Lien of jeopardy assessment; notice of lien.

Upon the completion of all acts necessary to effect a jeopardy assessment under §58.1-313 and upon the failure of the taxpayer to make payment in full upon demand of all taxes, penalties and interest immediately due thereunder or post a bond in lieu thereof when applicable, such assessment shall be a lien upon and bind the real and personal property of the delinquent taxpayer against whom it may be issued from the time the taxpayer fails to make full payment thereunder, except as against a bona fide purchaser for a valuable consideration. A notice of such lien, drawn by the Tax Commissioner, shall be sent to the clerk of the circuit court in all jurisdictions wherein the taxpayer is known or believed to own any estate.

The clerk to whom any such notice of lien is so sent shall record it, as a judgment is required by law to be recorded, and shall index the same in the name of the Commonwealth as well as of the delinquent taxpayer. Such recordation shall thereupon be constructive notice of the lien created by the assessment as to all estate of the delinquent taxpayer located in such jurisdiction. §58.1-348. Criminal prosecution for failure or refusal to file return of income or for making false statement therein; limitation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title and in addition to any other penalties provided by law, any individual or fiduciary required under this chapter to make a return of income, who willfully fails or refuses to make such return, at the time or times required by law, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, or who, with intent to defraud the Commonwealth, makes any false statement in any such return, shall be 285 guilty of a Class 6 felony. A prosecution under this section shall be commenced within five years next after the commission of the offense. §58.1-461. Requirement of withholding.

Every employer making payment of wages shall deduct and withhold with respect to the wages of each employee for each payroll period an amount determined as follows: Such amount which, if an equal amount was collected for each similar payroll period with respect to a similar amount of wages for each payroll period during an entire calendar year, would aggregate or approximate the income tax liability of such employee under this chapter after making allowance for the personal exemptions to which such employee could be entitled on the basis of his status during such payroll period and after making allowance for withholding purposes for a standard deduction from wages in accordance with the laws of the United States relating to federal income taxes and after making an allowance for any credit available to the employee as provided by §58.1-332, and without making allowance for any other deductions. In determining the amount to be deducted and withheld under this article, the wages may, at the election of the employer, be computed to the nearest dollar.

An employer shall not be required to deduct any amount upon a payment of wages to an employee if there is in effect with respect to such payment a withholding exemption certificate, in such form and containing such other information as the Tax Commissioner may prescribe, furnished by the employee to the employer, certifying that the employee: (i) incurred no liability for income tax imposed by this chapter for his preceding taxable year; and (ii) anticipates that he will incur no liability for income tax imposed by this chapter for his current taxable year. §58.1-473. Jeopardy assessments.

If the Tax Commissioner, in any case, has reason to believe that the collection of moneys, required by this article to be withheld by the employer, is in jeopardy, he may require the employer to make such return and pay to the Tax Commissioner such amounts required to be withheld at any time the Tax Commissioner may designate therefor subsequent to the time when such amounts should have been deducted from wages and withheld. §58.1-474. Liability of employer for failure to withhold.

Every employer who fails to withhold or pay to the Tax Commissioner any sums required by this article to be withheld and paid shall be personally and individually liable therefor. Any sum or sums withheld in accordance with the provisions of this article shall be deemed to be held in trust for the Commonwealth. §58.1-485. Willful failure by employer to make return, to withhold tax, to pay it or to furnish employee with withholding statement; penalty.

Willful failure by any employer to (i) make any return required by this article to the Tax Commissioner, (ii) withhold the required tax or to pay it to the Tax Commissioner as specified, or both, or (iii) furnish an employee the written statement required by §58.1-478 shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor. §58.1-486. Bad checks.

If any check tendered for any amount due under this chapter is not paid by the bank on which it is drawn and such person fails to pay the Commissioner the amount due the Commonwealth within five days after the Commissioner has given him written notice by registered or certified mail or in person by an agent that such check was returned unpaid, the person by whom such check was tendered shall be guilty of a violation of §18.2-182.1. 286 §58.1-499. Refunds to individual taxpayers; crediting overpayment against estimated tax for ensuing year.

A. In the case of any overpayment of any tax, addition to tax, interest or penalties imposed on an individual income taxpayer by this chapter, whether by reason of excessive withholding, overestimating and overpaying estimated tax, error on the part of the taxpayer, or an erroneous assessment of tax, the Tax Commissioner shall order a refund of the amount of the overpayment to the taxpayer. The overpayment shall be refunded out of the state treasury on the order of the Tax Commissioner upon the Comptroller.

B. If a refund of an overpayment of individual income tax payments is made payable jointly to a husband and wife who receive a final divorce decree after filing a joint income tax return, separate income tax returns on a single form, an amendment thereto, or other claim resulting in the issuance of a refund, the Tax Commissioner shall order the reissuance of the refund in separate checks to the husband and to the wife if the unnegotiated joint refund check is returned to Department with a certification, in a form satisfactory to the Department, made by one spouse that the other spouse refuses to endorse the joint refund check or cannot be located. In making such certification, the spouse returning the check shall agree to indemnify the Commonwealth for any amounts that the Commonwealth may be required to pay to the other spouse with respect to such refund. A certified copy of the final divorce decree, including any agreement with respect to the division of property between the spouses, shall be provided with the certification. If the final divorce decree addresses the apportionment or ownership of the refunded amount, the refund shall be apportioned and separate payments ordered as provided therein. If the final divorce decree does not address the apportionment or ownership of the refunded amount, the amount of the refund shall be divided equally between the husband and wife. The reissuance of refund payments pursuant to this subsection shall not affect the joint and several liability of the husband and wife for tax liabilities for the period for which the return or returns were filed.

C. Whenever the annual income tax return of an individual income taxpayer indicates in the place provided thereon that the taxpayer has overpaid his tax for the taxable year by reason of excessive withholding or overestimating and overpaying estimated tax, or both, the amount of the overpayment as shown on his return, subject to correction for error, may be credited against the estimated income tax for the ensuing year at the taxpayer's election and according to regulations prescribed by the Department and such overpayments by either a husband or wife on a separate return may be credited to the tax for the ensuing year of either of them or may be credited to their joint tax at the election of the person to whom the overpayment is payable; or otherwise such amount shall be refunded to him as soon as practicable. Interest on such refund shall be allowed and computed in accordance with §58.1-1833. The making of any refund shall not absolve any taxpayer of any income tax liability which may in fact exist and the Tax Commissioner may make an assessment for any deficiency in the manner provided by law.

D. No refund under this section, however, shall be made for any overpayment of less than one dollar except on special written application of the taxpayer, nor shall any refund of any amount under this section be made, whether on discovery by the Department or on written application of the taxpayer, if such discovery is not made or such written application is not received within three years from the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing of the return, or within sixty days from the final determination of any change or correction in the liability of the taxpayer for any federal tax upon which the state tax is based, whichever is later. 287 E. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Setoff Debt Collection Act, Article 21 (§58.1-520 et seq.) of this chapter, whenever any taxpayer is entitled to a refund under this section, or under §58.1-309 or §§58.1-1821 through 58.1-1830 and such taxpayer owes the Commonwealth a past due income tax, or balance thereof, for any year, the amount of such refund may be credited on such past due income tax or balance, to the extent indicated. §58.1-601. Administration of chapter. A. The Tax Commissioner shall administer and enforce the assessment and collection of the taxes and penalties imposed by this chapter, including the collection of state and local sales and use taxes from remote sellers.

B. In administering the collection of state and local sales and use taxes from remote sellers, the Tax Commissioner shall: 1. Provide adequate information to remote sellers to enable them to identify state and local sales and use tax rates and exemptions; 2. Provide adequate information to software providers to enable them to make software and services available to remote sellers; 3. Ensure that if the Department requires a periodic audit the remote seller may complete a single audit that covers the state and local sales and use taxes in all localities; and 4. Require no more than one sales and use tax return per month be filed with the Department by any remote seller or any software provider on behalf of such remote seller.

C. For purposes of evaluating the fiscal, economic and policy impact of sales and use tax exemptions, the Tax Commissioner may require from any person information relating to the evaluation of exempt purchases or sales, information relating to the qualification for exempt purchases, and information relating to direct or indirect government financial assistance that the person receives.

Such information shall be filed on forms prescribed by the Tax Commissioner. §58.1-612. Tax collectible from dealers; "dealer" defined; jurisdiction.

A. The tax levied by §§58.1-603 and 58.1-604 shall be collectible from all persons that are dealers, as defined in this section, and that have sufficient contact with the Commonwealth to qualify under (i) subsections B and C or (ii) subsections B and D.

B. As used in this chapter, "dealer" includes every person that

  1. Manufactures or produces tangible personal property for sale at retail, for use, consumption, or distribution, or for storage to be used or consumed in this Commonwealth;
  2. Imports or causes to be imported into this Commonwealth tangible personal property from any state or foreign country, for sale at retail, for use, consumption, or distribution, or for storage to be used or consumed in this Commonwealth;
  3. Sells at retail, or that offers for sale at retail, or that has in its possession for sale at retail, or for use, consumption, or distribution, or for storage to be used or consumed in this Commonwealth, tangible personal property;
  4. Has sold at retail, used, consumed, distributed, or stored for use or consumption in this Commonwealth, tangible personal property and that cannot prove that the tax levied by this chapter has been paid on the sale at retail, the use, consumption, distribution, or storage of such tangible personal property; 288
  5. Leases or rents tangible personal property for a consideration, permitting the use or possession of such property without transferring title thereto;
  6. Is the lessee or rentee of tangible personal property and that pays to the owner of such property a consideration for the use or possession of such property without acquiring title thereto;
  7. As a representative, agent, or solicitor, of an out-of-state principal, solicits, receives and accepts orders from persons in this Commonwealth for future delivery and whose principal refuses to register as a dealer under §58.1-613; or
  8. Becomes liable to and owes this Commonwealth any amount of tax imposed by this chapter, whether it holds, or is required to hold, a certificate of registration under §58.1-613.

C. A dealer shall be deemed to have sufficient activity within the Commonwealth to require registration under § 58.1-613 if it: 1. Maintains or has within this Commonwealth, directly or through an agent or subsidiary, an office, warehouse, or place of business of any nature; 2. Solicits business in this Commonwealth by employees, independent contractors, agents or other representatives; 3. Advertises in newspapers or other periodicals printed and published within this Commonwealth, on billboards or posters located in this Commonwealth, or through materials distributed in this Commonwealth by means other than the United States mail; 4. Makes regular deliveries of tangible personal property within this Commonwealth by means other than common carrier. A person shall be deemed to be making regular deliveries hereunder if vehicles other than those operated by a common carrier enter this Commonwealth more than 12 times during a calendar year to deliver goods sold by him; 5. Solicits business in this Commonwealth on a continuous, regular, seasonal, or systematic basis by means of advertising that is broadcast or relayed from a transmitter within this Commonwealth or distributed from a location within this Commonwealth; 6. Solicits business in this Commonwealth by mail, if the solicitations are continuous, regular, seasonal, or systematic and if the dealer benefits from any banking, financing, debt collection, or marketing activities occurring in this Commonwealth or benefits from the location in this Commonwealth of authorized installation, servicing, or repair facilities; 7. Is owned or controlled by the same interests which own or control a business located within this Commonwealth; 8. Has a franchisee or licensee operating under the same trade name in this Commonwealth if the franchisee or licensee is required to obtain a certificate of registration under §58.1-613; 9. Owns tangible personal property that is for sale located in this Commonwealth, or that is rented or leased to a consumer in this Commonwealth, or offers tangible personal property, on approval, to consumers in this Commonwealth; 10. Receives more than $100,000 in gross revenue, or other minimum amount as may be required by federal law, from retail sales in the Commonwealth in the previous or current calendar year, provided that in determining the amount of a dealer's gross revenues, the sales made by all commonly controlled persons as defined in subsection D shall be aggregated; or 11. Engages in 200 or more separate retail sales transactions, or other minimum amount as may be required by federal law, in the Commonwealth in the previous or current calendar year, provided that in determining the total number of a dealer's retail sales transactions, the sales made by all commonly controlled persons as defined in subsection D shall be aggregated.

D. A dealer is presumed to have sufficient activity within the Commonwealth to require registration under §58.1-613 (unless the presumption is rebutted as provided herein) if any commonly 289 controlled person maintains a distribution center, warehouse, fulfillment center, office, or similar location within the Commonwealth that facilitates the delivery of tangible personal property sold by the dealer to its customers. The presumption in this subsection may be rebutted by demonstrating that the activities conducted by the commonly controlled person in the Commonwealth are not significantly associated with the dealer's ability to establish or maintain a market in the Commonwealth for the dealer's sales. For purposes of this subsection, a "commonly controlled person" means any person that is a member of the same "controlled group of corporations," as defined in § 1563(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended or renumbered, as the dealer or any other entity that, notwithstanding its form of organization, bears the same ownership relationship to the dealer as a corporation that is a member of the same "controlled group of corporations," as defined in § 1563(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended or renumbered.

E. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the following shall not be considered to determine whether a person that has contracted with a commercial printer for printing in the Commonwealth is a "dealer" and whether such person has sufficient contact with the Commonwealth to be required to register under §58.1-613: 1. The ownership or leasing by that person of tangible or intangible property located at the Virginia premises of the commercial printer which is used solely in connection with the printing contract with the person; 2. The sale by that person of property of any kind printed at and shipped or distributed from the Virginia premises of the commercial printer; 3. Activities in connection with the printing contract with the person performed by or on behalf of that person at the Virginia premises of the commercial printer; and 4. Activities in connection with the printing contract with the person performed by the commercial printer within Virginia for or on behalf of that person.

F. In addition to the jurisdictional standards contained in subsections C and D, nothing contained in this chapter other than in subsection E shall limit any authority that this Commonwealth may enjoy under the provisions of federal law or an opinion of the United States Supreme Court to require the collection of sales and use taxes by any dealer that regularly or systematically solicits sales within this Commonwealth. Furthermore, nothing contained in subsection C shall require any broadcaster, printer, outdoor advertising firm, advertising distributor, or publisher which broadcasts, publishes, or displays or distributes paid commercial advertising in this Commonwealth which is intended to be disseminated primarily to consumers located in this Commonwealth to report or impose any liability to pay any tax imposed under this chapter solely because such broadcaster, printer, outdoor advertising firm, advertising distributor, or publisher accepted such advertising contracts from out-of-state advertisers or sellers. §58.1-613. Dealers' certificates of registration. A. Every person desiring to engage in or conduct business as a dealer in this Commonwealth shall file with the Tax Commissioner or the local commissioner of the revenue, if the local commissioner elects to provide the services authorized under this section, an application for a certificate of registration for each place of business in this Commonwealth.

B. Every application for a certificate of registration shall set forth the name under which the applicant transacts or intends to transact business, the location of his place or places of business, and such other information as the Tax Commissioner may require. 290 C. When the required application has been made, the Tax Commissioner shall issue to each applicant a separate certificate of registration for each place of business within this Commonwealth. A certificate of registration is not assignable and is valid only for the person in whose name it is issued and for the transaction of business at the place designated therein. It shall be at all times conspicuously displayed at the place for which issued. D. Whenever any person fails to comply with any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation relating thereto, the Tax Commissioner, upon hearing after giving such person 10 days' notice in writing, specifying the time and place of hearing and requiring him to show cause why his certificate of registration should not be revoked or suspended, may revoke or suspend any one or more of the certificates of registration held by such person. The notice may be personally served or served by registered mail directed to the last known address of such person. E. Any person who engages in business as a dealer in this Commonwealth without obtaining a certificate of registration, or after a certificate of registration has been suspended or revoked, and each officer of any corporation which so engages in business shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. Each day's continuance in business in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense. F. If the holder of a certificate of registration ceases to conduct his business at the place specified in his certificate, the certificate shall thereupon expire, and such holder shall inform the Tax Commissioner in writing within 30 days after he has ceased to conduct such business at such place that he has so ceased. If the holder of a certificate of registration desires to change his place of business to another place in this Commonwealth, he shall so inform the Tax Commissioner in writing and his certificate shall be revised accordingly. The holder of a certificate of registration alternatively may complete the transactions required under this subsection with any local commissioner of the revenue electing to provide the services authorized under this section. G. This section shall also apply to any person who engages in the business of furnishing any of the things or services taxable under this chapter. Moreover, it shall apply to any person who is liable only for the collection of the use tax. H. At the request of a local commissioner of revenue, the Tax Commissioner shall provide, on a quarterly basis, a listing of new businesses in the locality which obtained a certificate of registration.

I.

A commissioner of the revenue electing to provide the services authorized under this section shall follow the guidelines, rules, or procedures set forth by the Tax Commissioner for providing such services and shall provide the Tax Commissioner on a quarterly basis a list of each certificate of registration he has issued or revised. §58.1-615. Returns by dealers.

A. Every dealer required to collect or pay the sales or use tax shall, on or before the twentieth day of the month following the month in which the tax shall become effective, transmit to the Tax Commissioner a return showing the gross sales, gross proceeds, or cost price, as the case may be, arising from all transactions taxable under this chapter during the preceding calendar month, and thereafter a like return shall be prepared and transmitted to the Tax Commissioner by every dealer 291 on or before the twentieth day of each month, for the preceding calendar month. In the case of dealers regularly keeping books and accounts on the basis of an annual period which varies 52 to 53 weeks, the Tax Commissioner may make rules and regulations for reporting consistent with such accounting period.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a dealer may be required by the Tax Commissioner to file sales or use tax returns on an accounting period less frequent than monthly when, in the opinion of the Tax Commissioner, the administration of the taxes imposed by this chapter would be enhanced. If a dealer is required to file other than monthly, each such return shall be due on or before the twentieth day of the month following the close of the period. Each such return shall contain all information required for monthly returns.

A sales or use tax return shall be filed by each registered dealer even though the dealer is not liable to remit to the Tax Commissioner any tax for the period covered by the return.

The Tax Commissioner shall not require that more than one sales and use tax return per month be filed with the Department by any remote seller or any software provider on behalf of such remote seller.

B. [Expired.] C. Any return required to be filed with the Tax Commissioner under this section shall be deemed to have been filed with the Tax Commissioner on the date that such return is delivered by the dealer to the commissioner of the revenue or the treasurer for the locality in which the dealer is located and receipt is acknowledged by the commissioner of the revenue or treasurer. The commissioner of the revenue or the treasurer shall stamp such date on the return, and shall mail the return to the Tax Commissioner no later than the following business day. The commissioner of the revenue or the treasurer may collect from the dealer the cost of postage for such mailing. D. Every dealer that elects to file a consolidated sales tax return for any taxable period and that is required to remit payment by electronic funds transfer pursuant to subsection B of §58.1-202.1 beginning on and after July 1, 2010, shall file its monthly return using an electronic medium prescribed by the Tax Commissioner. A waiver of this requirement may be granted if the Tax Commissioner determines that it creates an unreasonable burden on the dealer.

§58.1-616. Payment to accompany dealer's return.

At the time of transmitting the return required under §58.1-615, the dealer shall remit to the Tax Commissioner the amount of tax due after making appropriate adjustments for purchases returned, repossessions, and accounts uncollectible and charged off as provided in §§58.1-619, 58.1-620 and 58.1-621. The tax imposed by this chapter shall for each period become delinquent on the twenty-first day of the succeeding month if not paid. §58.1-625. (Effective until July 1, 2022) Collection of tax.

A. The tax levied by this chapter shall be paid by the dealer, but the dealer shall separately state the amount of the tax and add such tax to the sales price or charge. Thereafter, such tax shall be a debt from the purchaser, consumer, or lessee to the dealer until paid and shall be recoverable at law in the same manner as other debts. No action at law or suit in equity under this chapter may be 292 maintained in this Commonwealth by any dealer that is not registered under §58.1-613 or is delinquent in the payment of the taxes imposed under this chapter.

B. Notwithstanding any exemption from taxes which any dealer now or hereafter may enjoy under the Constitution or laws of this or any other state, or of the United States, such dealer shall collect such tax from the purchaser, consumer, or lessee and shall pay the same over to the Tax Commissioner as herein provided. C. Any dealer collecting the sales or use tax on transactions exempt or not taxable under this chapter shall transmit to the Tax Commissioner such erroneously or illegally collected tax unless or until it can affirmatively show that the tax has since been refunded to the purchaser or credited to its account. D. 1. Any dealer that neglects, fails, or refuses to collect such tax upon every taxable sale, distribution, lease, or storage of tangible personal property made by it, its agents, or employees shall be liable for and pay the tax itself, and such dealer shall not thereafter be entitled to sue for or recover in this Commonwealth any part of the purchase price or rental from the purchaser until such tax is paid. Moreover, any dealer that neglects, fails, or refuses to pay or collect the tax herein provided, either by itself or through its agents or employees, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. 2. Notwithstanding subdivision 1, any remote seller or marketplace facilitator that has collected an incorrect amount of sales and use tax shall be relieved from liability for such amount, including any penalty or interest, if the error is a result of the remote seller's or marketplace facilitator's reasonable reliance on information provided by the Commonwealth.

E. All sums collected by a dealer as required by this chapter shall be deemed to be held in trust for the Commonwealth.

F. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, any dealer is authorized during the period of time set forth in §§58.1-611.2 and 58.1-611.3 or subdivision 18 of §58.1-609.1 not to collect the tax levied by this chapter or levied under the authority granted in §§58.1-605 and 58.1-606 from the purchaser, and to absorb such tax itself. A dealer electing to absorb such taxes shall be liable for payment of such taxes to the Tax Commissioner in the same manner as it is for tax collected from a purchaser pursuant to this section. §58.1-629. Sale of business.

If any dealer liable for any tax, penalty, or interest levied hereunder sells out his business or stock of goods or quits the business, he shall make a final return and payment within fifteen days after the date of selling or quitting the business. His successors or assigns, if any, shall withhold sufficient of the purchase money to cover the amount of such taxes, penalties, and interest due and unpaid until such former owner produces a receipt from the Tax Commissioner showing that they have been paid or a certificate stating that no taxes, penalties, or interest is due. If the purchaser of a business or stock of goods fails to withhold the purchase money as above provided, he shall be personally liable for the payment of the taxes, penalties, and interest due and unpaid on account of the operation of the business by any former owner. Nothing herein shall be deemed to qualify or limit the exemption as to such a sale as is covered by subdivision 2 of §58.1-609.10. §58.1-630. Bond.

The Tax Commissioner may, when in his judgment it is necessary and advisable so to do in order to secure the collection of the tax levied by this chapter, require any person subject to such tax to file with him a 293 bond, with such surety as the Tax Commissioner determines is necessary to secure the payment of any tax, penalty or interest due or which may become due from such person. In lieu of such bond, securities approved by the Tax Commissioner may be deposited with the State Treasurer, which securities shall be kept in the custody of the State Treasurer, and shall be sold by him, at the request of the Tax Commissioner, at public or private sale if it becomes necessary so to do in order to recover any tax, penalty or interest due the Commonwealth under this chapter. Upon any such sale, the surplus, if any, above the amounts due under this chapter shall be returned to the person who deposited the securities. §58.1-631. Jeopardy assessment.

If the Tax Commissioner is of the opinion that the collection of any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected and paid under this chapter will be jeopardized by delay, he shall make an assessment of the tax or amount of tax required to be collected and shall mail or issue a notice of such assessment to the taxpayer together with a demand for immediate payment of the tax or of the deficiency in tax declared to be in jeopardy including penalties. In the case of a tax for a current period, the Tax Commissioner may declare the taxable period of the taxpayer immediately terminated and shall cause notice of such finding and declaration to be mailed or issued to the taxpayer together with a demand for immediate payment of the tax based on the period declared terminated and such tax shall be immediately due and payable, whether or not the time otherwise allowed by law for filing a return and paying the tax has expired.

Assessments provided for in this section shall become immediately due and payable, and if any such tax, penalty or interest is not paid upon demand of the Tax Commissioner, he shall proceed to collect the same by legal process, or, in his discretion, he may require the taxpayer to file such bond as in his judgment may be sufficient to protect the interest of the Commonwealth. §58.1-634. Period of limitations.

The taxes imposed by this chapter shall be assessed within three years from the date on which such taxes became due and payable. In the case of a false or fraudulent return with intent to evade payment of the taxes imposed by this chapter, or a failure to file a return, the taxes may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such taxes may be begun without assessment, at any time within six years from such date. The Tax Commissioner shall not examine any person's records beyond the three-year period of limitations unless he has reasonable evidence of fraud, or reasonable cause to believe that such person was required by law to file a return and failed to do so. §58.1-635. Failure to file return; fraudulent return; civil penalties.

A. When any dealer fails to make any return and pay the full amount of the tax required by this chapter, there shall be imposed, in addition to other penalties provided herein, a specific penalty to be added to the tax in the amount of six percent if the failure is for not more than one month, with an additional six percent for each additional month, or fraction thereof, during which the failure continues, not to exceed 30 percent in the aggregate. In no case, however, shall the penalty be less than $10 and such minimum penalty shall apply whether or not any tax is due for the period for which such return was required. If such failure is due to providential or other good cause shown to the satisfaction of the Tax Commissioner, such return with or without remittance may be accepted exclusive of penalties. In the case of a false or fraudulent return where willful intent exists to defraud the Commonwealth of any tax due under this chapter, or in the case of a willful failure to file a return with the intent to defraud the Commonwealth of any such tax, a specific penalty of 50 percent of the amount of the proper tax shall be assessed. All penalties and interest imposed by this chapter shall be payable by the dealer and collectible by the Tax Commissioner in the same manner as if they were a part of the tax imposed. 294 B. It shall be prima facie evidence of intent to defraud the Commonwealth of any tax due under this chapter when any dealer reports its gross sales, gross proceeds or cost price, as the case may be, at 50 percent or less of the actual amount. C. Interest at a rate determined in accordance with §58.1-15, shall accrue on the tax until the same is paid, or until an assessment is made, pursuant to §58.1-15, after which interest shall accrue as provided therein.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any remote seller or marketplace facilitator that has collected an incorrect amount of sales and use tax shall be relieved from liability for such amount, including any penalty or interest, if the error is a result of the remote seller's or marketplace facilitator's reasonable reliance on information provided by the Commonwealth. §58.1-636. Penalty for failure to file return or making false return.

Any dealer subject to the provisions of this chapter failing or refusing to file a return herein required to be made, or failing or refusing to file a supplemental return or other data required by the Tax Commissioner, or who makes a false or fraudulent return with intent to evade the tax hereby levied, or who makes a false or fraudulent claim for refund, or who gives or knowingly receives a false or fraudulent exemption certificate, or who violates any other provision of this chapter, punishment for which is not otherwise herein provided, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. §58.1-637. Bad checks.

If any check tendered for any amount due under this chapter is not paid by the bank on which it is drawn and such person fails to pay the Commissioner the amount due the Commonwealth within five days after the Commissioner has given him written notice by registered or certified mail or in person by an agent that such check was returned unpaid, the person by whom such check was tendered shall be guilty of a violation of §18.2-182.1. §58.1-1802.1. Period of limitations on collection; accrual of interest and penalty.

A. Where the assessment of any tax imposed by this subtitle has been made within the period of limitation properly applicable thereto, such tax may be collected by lien, by a proceeding in court, or by any other means available to the Tax Commissioner under the laws of the Commonwealth, but only if such collection effort is made or instituted within seven years from the date of the assessment of such tax. Except as otherwise provided in this section, effective for assessments made on and after July 1, 2016, all collection efforts shall cease after such seven-year period even if initiated during the seven-year period. Prior to the expiration of any period for collection, the period may be extended by a written agreement between the Tax Commissioner and the taxpayer, and subsequent written agreements may likewise extend the period previously agreed upon. The period of limitations provided in this subsection during which a tax may be collected shall not apply to executions, lien or other actions to enforce a lien created before the expiration of the period of limitations by the docketing of a judgment or the filing of a memorandum of lien pursuant to §58.1-1805; nor shall the period of limitations apply to the provisions of §§8.01-251 and 8.01-458.

B. The running of the period of limitations on collection shall be suspended for the period the assets of the taxpayer are in the control or custody of any state or federal court, including the United States Bankruptcy Court; for the period during which a taxpayer is outside the Commonwealth if 295 such period of absence is for a continuous period of at least six months; or during the period that an installment agreement entered into by the taxpayer pursuant to §58.1-1817 is in effect.

C. If the Department of Taxation has no contact with the delinquent taxpayer for a period of six years and no memorandum of lien has been appropriately filed in a jurisdiction in which such taxpayer owns real estate, interest and penalty shall no longer be added to the delinquent tax liability. The mailing of notices by the Department to the taxpayer's last known address shall constitute contact with the taxpayer.

D. For purposes of this section, the "last known address" of the taxpayer means the address shown on the most recent return filed by or on behalf of the taxpayer or the address provided in correspondence by or on behalf of the taxpayer indicating that it is a change of the taxpayer's address.

§58.1-1803. Department of Taxation may appoint collectors of delinquent state taxes; Contract Collector Fund established.

A. The Department of Taxation may appoint a collector in any county or city, including the treasurer thereof, to collect delinquent state taxes that were assessed at least 90 days previously therein, or elsewhere in the Commonwealth, and may allow him a reasonable compensation, to be agreed on before the service is commenced. Where the appointed collector is a local government treasurer, any actions taken pursuant to this section shall be considered part of the official duties of such treasurer.

B. The Department of Taxation may appoint collectors or contract with collection agencies to collect delinquent state taxes that were assessed at least 90 days previously and allow reasonable compensation for such services, to be agreed on before the service is commenced. Delinquent claims for state taxes may be assigned to collectors or collection agencies so designated for the purpose of litigation in the Department of Taxation's name and at the Department of Taxation's expense.

C. Such collectors who are attorneys-at-law shall have authority to institute actions at law or suits in equity for the recovery of state taxes. For the purpose of this section, the term "state taxes" shall include any penalty and interest and shall also include the local sales and use tax imposed under the authority of §§58.1-605 and 58.1-606 and any penalty and interest applicable thereto. Each collector so appointed or collection agency so contracted with shall give bond to the Commonwealth for the faithful performance of the duties placed upon him by this section, in a penalty to be fixed by the Tax Commissioner, in whose office the bond shall be filed.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any local government treasurer so appointed may collect any delinquent state taxes pursuant to the provisions of Article 2 (§58.1-3910 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of this title. Any county or city treasurer turning over delinquent tax tickets to any such collector in pursuance of orders issued by the Department of Taxation shall receive credit on the Comptroller's books for the amount so turned over.

D. There is hereby established a special fund in the state treasury to be known as the Contract Collector Fund, hereinafter referred to as the Fund. All moneys collected by collectors and collection agencies appointed by or under contract with the Department of Taxation pursuant to this section shall be placed in the Fund. Compensation of such collectors and collection agencies shall be paid out of the Fund on warrant of the Comptroller. The Comptroller shall transfer to the 296 appropriate general, non-general, or local fund all moneys in the Fund in excess of that required to be paid to persons under contract, as determined by the Department, no later than June 30 each year.

§58.1-1804. Collection out of estate in hands of or debts due by third party.

The Tax Commissioner may apply in writing to any person indebted to or having in his hands estate of a taxpayer for payment of any taxes assessed under §58.1-313 or 58.1-631, or of any taxes more than thirty days delinquent, out of such debt or estate. Payment by such person of such taxes, penalties and interest, either in whole or in part, shall entitle him to a credit against such debt or estate. The taxes, penalties and interest shall constitute a lien on the debt or estate due the taxpayer from the time the application is received. For each application served, the person applied to shall be entitled to a fee of twenty dollars which shall constitute a charge or credit against the debt to or estate of the taxpayer.

The Tax Commissioner shall send a copy of the application to the taxpayer, with a notice informing him of the remedies provided in this chapter.

If the person applied to does not pay so much as ought to be recovered out of such debt or estate, the Tax Commissioner shall procure a summons directing such person to appear before the appropriate court, where the proper payment may be enforced. Any person so summoned shall have the same rights of removal and appeal as are applicable to disputes among individuals. §58.1-1805. Memorandum of lien for collection of taxes; release of lien.

A. If any taxes or fees, including penalties and interest, assessed by the Department of Taxation in pursuance of law against any person, are not paid within thirty days after the same become due, the Tax Commissioner may file a memorandum of lien in the circuit court clerk's office of the county or city in which the taxpayer's place of business is located, or in which the taxpayer resides.

If the taxpayer has no place of business or residence within the Commonwealth, such memorandum may be filed in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond. A copy of such memorandum may also be filed in the clerk's office of all counties and cities in which the taxpayer owns real estate. Such memorandum shall be recorded in the judgment docket book and shall have the effect of a judgment in favor of the Commonwealth, to be enforced as provided in Article 19 (§8.01-196 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01, except that a writ of fieri facias may issue at any time after the memorandum is filed. The lien on real estate shall become effective at the time the memorandum is filed in the jurisdiction in which the real estate is located. No memorandum of lien shall be filed unless the taxpayer is first given ten or more days' prior notice of intent to file a lien; however, in those instances where the Tax Commissioner determines that the collection of any tax, penalties or interest required to be paid pursuant to law will be jeopardized by the provision of such notice, notification may be provided to the taxpayer concurrent with the filing of the memorandum of lien. Such notice shall be given to the taxpayer at his last known address. For purposes of this section, "last known address" means the address shown on the most recent return filed by or on behalf of the taxpayer or the address provided in correspondence by or on behalf of the taxpayer indicating that it is a change of the taxpayer's address.

B. Recordation of a memorandum of lien hereunder shall not affect the right to a refund or exoneration under this chapter, nor shall an application for correction of an erroneous assessment affect the power of the Tax Commissioner to collect the tax, except as specifically provided in this title. 297 C. If after filing a memorandum of lien as required by subsection A, the Tax Commissioner determines that it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth, the Tax Commissioner may place padlocks on the doors of any business enterprise that is delinquent in either filing or paying any tax owed to the Commonwealth, or both. He shall also post notices of distraint on each of the doors so padlocked. If after three business days, the tax deficiency has not been satisfied or satisfactory arrangements for payment made, the Tax Commissioner may cause a writ of fieri facias to be issued.

It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone to enter the padlocked premises without prior approval of the Tax Commissioner.

In the event that the taxpayer against whom the distraint has been applied subsequently makes application for correction of the assessment under § 58.1-1821, the taxpayer shall have the right to post bond equaling the amount of the tax liability in lieu of payment until the application is acted upon.

The provisions of subsection C shall be enforceable only after the promulgation, by the Tax Commissioner, of regulations under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) setting forth the circumstances under which this subsection can be used.

D. A taxpayer may appeal to the Tax Commissioner after a memorandum of lien has been filed under this section if the taxpayer alleges an error in the filing of the lien. The Tax Commissioner shall make a determination of such an appeal within fourteen days. If the Tax Commissioner determines that the filing was erroneous, he shall issue a certificate of release of the lien within seven days after such determination is made. §58.1-1812. Assessment of omitted taxes by the Department of Taxation. A. If the Tax Commissioner ascertains that any person has failed to make a proper return or to pay in full any proper tax he shall assess the taxes prescribed by law, adding to the taxes so assessed the penalty prescribed by law, if any, for the failure to file a return (if a return was required by law but not filed within the time prescribed by law) and the penalty or penalties prescribed by law for the failure to pay the taxes and penalty or penalties within the time prescribed by law. If no penalty is so prescribed, he shall assess a penalty of 5 percent of the tax due, or if the failure to pay in full was fraudulent, a penalty of 100 percent of the tax due. In addition thereto, interest on the outstanding tax and penalty shall be charged at the rate established under §58.1-15 for the period between the due date and the date of full payment.

Except as otherwise provided by law, the amount of tax shall be assessed within three years after the return was filed, whether such return was filed on or after the date prescribed, and no proceeding in court without assessment shall be begun for the collection of such tax after the expiration of such period. A return of tax filed before the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing thereof shall be considered as filed on the last day. A return of recordation tax shall be considered as having been filed on the date of recordation. If no return is filed, the tax may be assessed within six years of the date such return was due. If a false or fraudulent return is filed with intent to evade the payment of tax, an assessment may be made at any time.

Upon such assessment, the Department of Taxation shall send a bill therefor to the taxpayer and the taxes, penalties and interest shall be remitted to the Department of Taxation within thirty days from the date of such bill. If such taxes, penalties and interest are not paid within such thirty days, 298 interest at the rate provided herein shall accrue thereon from the date of such assessment until payment.

B. The Department of Taxation shall not assess penalty or interest on any assessment of tax for the recovery of an erroneous refund, as defined in this section, provided that the tax is paid to the Department within thirty days from the date of the bill. If the tax is not remitted to the Department within thirty days from the date of such bill, interest at the rate provided herein shall accrue thereon from the date of such assessment until payment.

As used in this section "erroneous refund" means any refund of tax resulting solely from an error by the Department of Taxation which results in the taxpayer receiving a refund to which the taxpayer is not entitled.

§58.1-1813. Liability of corporate officer or employee, or member, manager or employee of partnership or limited liability company, for failure to pay tax, etc.

A. Any corporate, partnership or limited liability officer who willfully fails to pay, collect or truthfully account for and pay over any tax administered by the Department of Taxation, or willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any such tax or the payment thereof, shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be liable to a penalty of the amount of the tax evaded, or not paid, collected or accounted for and paid over, to be assessed and collected in the same manner as such taxes are assessed and collected.

B. The term "corporate, partnership or limited liability officer" as used in this section means an officer or employee of a corporation, or a member, manager or employee of a partnership or limited liability company, who as such officer, employee, member or manager is under a duty to perform on behalf of the corporation, partnership or limited liability company the act in respect of which the violation occurs and who (1) had knowledge of the failure or attempt as set forth herein and (2) had authority to prevent such failure or attempt. §58.1-1814. Criminal liability for failure to file returns or keep records. A. Any corporate or partnership officer, as defined in §58.1-1813, and any other person required by law or regulations made under authority thereof to make a return, keep any records or supply any information, for the purpose of the computation, assessment or collection of any state tax administered by the Department of Taxation, who willfully fails to make such returns, keep such records or supply such information, at the time or times required by law or regulations, shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. Any person who willfully utilizes a device or software to falsify the electronic records of cash registers or other point-of-sale systems or otherwise manipulates transaction records that affect any state tax liability shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. C. In addition to the criminal penalty provided in subsection B and any other civil or criminal penalty provided in this title, any person violating subsection B shall pay a civil penalty of $20,000, to be assessed and collected by the Department as other taxes are collected and deposited into the general fund. 299 § 58.1-1815. Willful failure to collect and account for tax.

Any corporate or partnership officer as defined in §58.1-1813, or any other person required to collect, account for and pay over any sales, use or withholding tax, who willfully fails to collect or truthfully account for and pay over such tax, and any such officer or person who willfully evades or attempts to evade any such tax or the payment thereof, shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. §58.1-1816. Conversion of trust taxes; penalty; limitation of prosecutions.

Any corporate or partnership officer as defined in §58.1-1813, or any other person owning and operating a business, or a fiduciary operating or liquidating a business, who through two or more acts or omissions within a period of ninety days willfully fails to truthfully account for any state sales use or withholding tax totaling $1,000 or more collected from others with the intent not to pay over, shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a Class 6 felony. A prosecution under this section shall be commenced within five years next after the commission of the offense. §58.1-1817. Installment agreements for the payment of taxes.

A. The Tax Commissioner is authorized to enter into a written agreement with any taxpayer under which such taxpayer is allowed to satisfy his tax liability in installment payments, if the Tax Commissioner determines such an agreement will facilitate collection.

B. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any agreement entered into by the Tax Commissioner under subsection A shall remain in effect for the term of the agreement.

The Tax Commissioner may terminate any installment agreement if

  1. Information which the taxpayer provided prior to the date such agreement was entered into was inaccurate or incomplete; or
  2. The Tax Commissioner determines that the collection of any tax to which an agreement relates is in jeopardy. C. If the Tax Commissioner makes a determination that the financial condition of a taxpayer who has entered into an installment agreement under this section has significantly changed, the Tax Commissioner may alter, modify, or terminate such agreement. Such action may be taken only if (i) notice of the action is provided to the taxpayer no later than thirty days prior to the date of such action and (ii) such notice includes the reasons why the Tax Commissioner believes a significant change in the financial condition of the taxpayer has occurred. D. The Tax Commissioner may alter, modify, or terminate an installment agreement in the case of the failure of the taxpayer:
  3. To pay any installment at the time it is due;
  4. To pay any other tax liability at the time it is due;
  5. To provide a financial condition update as requested by the Tax Commissioner; or
  6. To file with the Department any required tax or information return during the time period such agreement is in effect. E. The Tax Commissioner may alter, modify, or terminate an installment agreement under other exceptional circumstances as he deems appropriate. §58.1-1817.1. Waiver of tax penalties for small businesses.

As used in this section, "small business" means an independently owned and operated business that has been organized pursuant to Virginia law or maintains a principal place of business in Virginia and has 10 or fewer employees. 300 Any penalties related to taxes administered by the Department shall be waived for a small business during its first two years of operation, provided that such small business enters into an agreement pursuant to §58.1-1817. However, the Department shall not be required to waive the penalty imposed by §58.1-1816 or any civil penalties for the failure to remit state sales or withholding taxes. §58.1-1823. Reassessment and refund upon the filing of amended return or the payment of an assessment.

Any person filing a tax return or paying an assessment required for any tax administered by the Department may file an amended return with the Department within the later of (i) three years from the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing of the return; (ii) one year from the final determination of any change or correction in the liability of the taxpayer for any federal tax upon which the state tax is based, provided that the refund does not exceed the amount of the decrease in Virginia tax attributable to such federal change or correction; (iii) two years from the filing of an amended Virginia return resulting in the payment of additional tax, provided that the amended return raises issues relating solely to such prior amended return and that the refund does not exceed the amount of the payment with such prior amended return; (iv) two years from the payment of an assessment, provided that the amended return raises issues relating solely to such assessment and that the refund does not exceed the amount of such payment; or (v) one year from the final determination of any change or correction in the income tax of the taxpayer for any other state, provided that the refund does not exceed the amount of the decrease in Virginia tax attributable to such change or correction. If the Department is satisfied, by evidence submitted to it or otherwise, that the tax assessed and paid upon the original return exceeds the proper amount, the Department may reassess the taxpayer and order that any amount excessively paid be refunded to him.

The Department may reduce such refund by the amount of any taxes, penalties and interest which are due for the period covered by the amended return, or any past-due taxes, penalties and interest which have been assessed within the appropriate period of limitations. Any order of the Department denying such reassessment and refund, or the failure of the Department to act thereon within three months shall, as to matters first raised by the amended return, be deemed an assessment for the purpose of enabling the taxpayer to pursue the remedies allowed under this chapter. 23VAC10-210-570. Fairs, Flea Markets, Circuses, Carnivals, Etc.

A. Any person selling tangible personal property at fairs, flea markets, carnivals, circuses, etc. must hold a certificate of registration to collect the sales tax and is required to collect and remit the tax on all such sales. For purposes of collection of the tax, no distinction is made between profit and nonprofit vendors. Persons selling at fairs, flea markets, carnivals and circuses do not qualify for the "occasional sale" exemption set forth in 23VAC10-210-1080. Any person selling at a fair, flea market, carnival or circus should contact the department to obtain a certificate of registration for purposes of making sales at the fair, flea market, etc. However, nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the department from authorizing sponsors or operators of fairs, carnivals, flea markets, circuses, etc. to remit the tax collected by persons selling at such events. Any operator or sponsor seeking authorization to remit tax on behalf of participants must apply in writing to the department. B. Tangible personal property used or consumed in operating fairs, flea markets, circuses, amusement parks, etc. is subject to the tax at the time of purchase. If the property is purchased outside of Virginia, the purchaser is liable for the use tax. A credit against use tax liability may be allowed for sales or use tax paid to another state or its political subdivision. (See 23VAC10-210-450.) 301 23VAC10-210-1080. Occasional Sale. A. Generally. The tax does not apply to an occasional sale provided the sale or exchange is not one of a series of sales or exchanges sufficient in number, scope and character to constitute an activity requiring the holding of a certificate of registration.

B. Occasional sale defined. The term "occasional sale" means

  1. A sale by a person who is engaged in sales on three or fewer separate occasions within one calendar year, except that sales at fairs, flea markets, circuses and carnivals and sales made by peddlers and street vendors are not occasional sales; or
  2. A sale of tangible personal property not held or used by a seller in the course of an activity for which he is required to hold a certificate of registration. The words "not held or used by a seller in the course of an activity for which he is required to hold a certificate of registration" mean that a registered dealer is not entitled to an occasional sale exemption solely by virtue of the fact that the article sold may be of a different class from the merchandise he/she regularly sells; or
  3. The sale or exchange of all or substantially all the assets of any business; or
  4. The reorganization or liquidation of any business.

The following examples illustrate the application of the occasional sale exemption: Example 1: If Company A, which holds a certificate of registration only for retail sales made in its employee cafeteria, sells one piece of computer equipment, such transaction will be deemed an occasional sale since the computer is not property used in the cafeteria, which is the activity for which A is required to hold a certificate of registration.

Example 2: If Company B, which operates a hotel and holds a certificate of registration for collecting tax on room rentals, sells beds and mattresses used in the hotel, the occasional sale exemption is inapplicable since the property being sold is being used in the activity for which B is required to hold a certificate of registration.

Any person who is engaged in limited sales activity is encouraged to request a written ruling on the applicability of the occasional sale exemption to the sales activity.

C. Purchases. Any person who purchases an item in a transaction which is deemed an "occasional sale" shall likewise not be liable for any use tax on such purchase.

For auctioneers, agents and factors, see 23VAC10-210-140. 23VAC10-210-3090. Sale or Quitting of Business; Successor Business.

A. Sale or quitting business, final return. If any dealer liable for any tax, penalty or interest sells his business or stock of goods or quits the business, he must make a final return and payment within 15 days after the date of selling or quitting the business. At that time, he must also return his Certificate of Registration to the Department of Taxation and include a letter explaining the situation. He must report on his final return the full name and address of any successor.

B. Liability of successor business for unpaid taxes. If a sale of a business for a consideration occurs, the dealer's successors or assigns, if any, must withhold a sufficient portion of the purchase money to cover the amount of any taxes, penalties and interest due and unpaid until the former owner produces either a receipt from the Department of Taxation showing that payment has been made or a certificate stating that no taxes, penalties or interest are due. If the purchaser of a business or stock of goods fails to withhold a sufficient portion of the purchase money, he becomes personally liable for the payment of the taxes, penalties and interest due and unpaid by any former owner.

This section does not qualify or limit the exemption from the sales tax of an occasional sale as defined in 23VAC10-210-1080 nor does it intend to imply successor liability where no "sale" of a business occurs. 302 C. Application of successor business for Certificate of Registration. Any person, firm or corporation who succeeds a dealer in the operation of a business must apply for a Certificate of Registration.

When applying for a Certificate of Registration, the successor dealer must inform the department of the acquisition of the business previously operated and furnish the name and certificate number of the previous dealer. The successor may request a receipt of certificate from the department showing the amount of tax, or no tax, due by the previous dealer. Such a receipt or certificate will be sufficient evidence to authorize the successor to release to the previous dealer any funds withheld from the purchase price. A Certificate of Registration may not be issued to a successor who has been notified by the department that any tax, penalty or interest is due and unpaid by previous dealers until such amount is paid in full. 303

Reciprocal Income Tax AgreementDoc ID: Agreements

Original: 1,871 words
Condensed: 1,539 words
Reduction: 17.7%

--- Page 1 ---

RECIPROCAL INCOME TAX AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA ;

AND -

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA Is STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

It is the intention of this agreement and the parties hereto: A. To relieve employers and employees in the State of West Virginia and the Commonwealth of Virginia from the withholding of Virginia income tax on compensation paid in Virginia to domiciliary residents of West Virginia, and from the withholding of West Virginia income tax on compensation paid in West Virginia to domiciliary residents of Virginia;

B. To relieve West Virginia domiciliary residents from liability for Virginia income tax and the requirement for filing a tax return with regard to compensation paid in Virginia;

Cc. To relieve Virginia domiciliary residents from liability for West Virginia income tax and the requirement for filing a tax return with regard to compensation paid in West Virginia;

D. To establish procedures to assist each party in the enforcement of the withholding provisions of the income tax laws of his state against employers in the other party's state; E. To establish procedures for the interchange of state tax information between the parties to assist each Party in the administration and enforcement of their respective income tax laws.

II. AGREEMENTS.

In furtherance of their above stated intention, the parties agree as follows: A. Agreements respecting withholding.

  1. No Virginia employer shall be required to withhold Virginia income tax from compensation paid in Virginia to a domiciliary resident of West Virginia who files with his employer a certificate of nonresidence unless and until such employer is advised that any such certificate was improperly filed.
  2. No West Virginia employer shall be required to withhold West Virginia income tax from compensation Paid in West Virginia to a domiciliary resident of Virginia who files with his employer a certificate of nonresidence unless and until such employer is advised that any such certificate was improperly filed. .
  3. Every West Virginia employer shall, to the extent provided by the Virginia income tax laws, be liable to the State of Virginia for the withholding of Virginia income tax from compensation paid in West Virginia to residents of Virginia. - : .
  4. Every Virginia ewfployer shall, to the extent provided by the West Virginia income tax laws, be liable to the State of West Virginia

--- Page 2 ---for

the

withholding

of West Virginia

individual

income

tax

from

compensation paid in Virginia to residents of West Virginia.

5

Virginia will encourage Virginia employers to withhold and

remit West Virginia

income tax for

domiciliary

residents of West

Virginia employed in Virginia.

6

West Virginia will

encourage West Virginia

employers to

withhold and remit Virginia income tax for domiciliary residents of

Virginia employed in West Virginia.

7

For purposes of this agreement, "compensation paid in Virginia"

is compensation as described in Article l,

Section 58 of the

Code of

Virginia.

8

For purposes of this agreement,

"compensation paid in West

Virginia"

is compensation as described

in Chapter ll,

Article 2l,

Section 41 of the West Virginia Code.

9

For

Purposes of this agreement,

the term

"West Virginia

employer" means an employer who is subject to the jurisdiction of the

State of West Virginia,

and the term

"Virginia employer"

means an

employer who is subject to the jurisdiction of the State of Virginia.

.

~

B

Agreements respectin

liability for individual income tax,

tax

return filing and credit for resident state's tax.

1

No West Virginia domiciliary resident who signs a Virginia

certificate of nonresidence shall be required to Pay Virginia income tax

or to

file a

Virginia

income tax

return on compensation paid

in

Virginia.

2

No Virginia domiciliary resident who signs a West Virginia

certificate of nonresidence shall be required to pay West Virginia

income tax or to file a West Virginia income tax return on compensation

paid in West Virginia.

3

For purposes of this agreement,

the term

"West Virginia

domiciliary

resident"

means an

individual who

is

a

West Virginia

resident whose domicile is in West Virginia,

and the term "Virginia

domiciliary resident" means an individual who is a Virginia resident

whose domicile is in Virginia,

and the terms "domicile" and "resident"

have the meanings ascribed to them by the income tax laws of the

respective jurisdiction.

4

Nothing in this agreement shall be interpreted to exempt a

domiciliary resident of West Virginia or Virginia who was a part-year

domiciliary resident of the other state from liability for payment of

income tax or filing an income tax return with regard to compensation

received while a resident of the other state.

5

Nothing in this agreement shall be interpreted to exempt a

domiciliary resident of West Virginia or Virginia who has taxable income

in the state of nonresidence other than in the form of compensation from

liability for payment of income tax or filing an income

tax return with

regard to such other taxable income.

If such return is required, - any

credit for taxes paid to the state of residence shall be taken on the

nonresident tax return.

6

Virginia and West Virginia shall each allow nonresidents who

are domiciliary residents of the: other state,

and who: have income

subject to the income tax of each jurisdiction,

a tax credit for income

tax imposed by the state 6f residence.

The credit shall be allowed to

nonresident individuals and to nonresident estates and trusts having

income from sources within the other state.

The credit allowed to such

=2e

--- Page 3 ---nonresident estates and trusts shall be computed in the same manner, and subjected to the same limitations, as for nonresident individuals.

The credit shall apply only to net income tax imposed by the state, and will not apply to any other tax imposed by the state or to any tax imposed by any subordinate political subdivision of the state.

The credit shall be limited to the portion of the tax imposed by the state of nonresidence which is attributable to the income which is also subjected to tax by the state of residence.

C. Agreements respecting exchanges of information.

  1. Each of the parties hereto agrees to furnish the other with the following information at such time or times and in such manner as may be agreed upon between them; provided, that such information will be used only to the extent necessary for the enforcement of tax laws and for the assessment and collection of taxes.

(a) The state income tax return and information relating thereto of each individual filing an income tax or information return in such party's state, which shows any mailing or residential address for such individual in the other party's state, or otherwise upon request by the other party. -

. (b) ‘The amount of income tax shown as due on each return referred to in subparagraph 1 of this section.

(c) The amount and nature of any adjustments made in any item affecting the tax liability of the individual in such party's state.

(d) Such other information as the parties hereto may from time to time agree upon and as shall be set forth in writing and appended hereto.

Ce) Copies of certificates of nonresidency filed by each individual claiming residency within the other party's jurisdiction, if such certificates are available to the party.

  1. The parties to this agreement shall designate in writing the -personnel authorized to request and receive tax information under the terms of this agreement. Neither party shall be obligated to furnish information to personnel who are not so designated.

Upon the occurrence of any change in employment, position, duties, or other relevant matters which affect a designated person's right or authority to request or receive information under this agreement, the ;

West Virginia State Tax Commissioner or the State Tax Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Virginia, whichever is appropriate, shall promptly give notice of such fact to the other party to this agreement.

No information received by either party from the Internal Revenue Service or information identifying a confidential informant or which would seriously impair any civil or criminal investigation shall be exchanged under this agreement.

Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the use of tax information obtained by virtue of this agreement by non-designated personnel of either party, for official purposes, after such tax information has been received by the designated personnel of said party.

=3—

--- Page 4 ---

III. OTHER MATTERS.

A. If for any reason either party is unable to comply with any one or more of the terms of this agreement, the parties shall mutually agree on the extent to which this agreement shall continue in effect or, in the absence of such mutual agreement, this agreement shall become null and void in its entirety without prejudice to any action previously taken hereunder.

B. Each of the parties signatory hereto hereby states and represents that he is authorized to enter into this agreement and to furnish the information and assistance contemplated hereby, and that the fulfillment of his obligations hereunder will not violate any provision ef his state's constitution or laws, including, without limitation, provisions respecting confidentiality of state information.

IV. Effective date.

This agreement is made this LO day of OtAo— , 1988, and shall become effective and operative upon the parties with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1987.

7 4 Wy liam HY Forst at Tax Commissioner Commonwealth of Virginia non , Caryl =

, Tax Commissioner

State of West Virginia -4-

--- Page 5 ---4

ADDENDUM TO THE

RECIPROCAL INCOME TAX AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA

AND

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

1. Page 2, Section II (A)(7) - Substitute

  1. For purposes of this agreement, "compensation paid in Virginia" is compensation as described in Article 1 of Chapter 3 of Title 58.1 of the Code of Virginia.

2. Page 2, Section II (A)(9) - Substitute

  1. For purposes of this agreement, the term "West Virginia employer" means an employer who is subject to the jurisdiction of the State of West Virginia, and the term "Virginia employer" means an employer who is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  2. Page 3, Section II (C)(2) - Pursuant to this agreement, the following personnel employed by the Virginia Department of Taxation are authorized to request and to receive tax information: Tax Commissioner Any Deputy Tax Commissioner Any Assistant Tax Commissioner Any Division Director Any Assistant Division Director
  3. Page 3, Part II (C)(2), second paragraph - Substitute: Upon the occurrence of any change in employment, position, duties, or other relevant matters which affect a designated person's right or authority to . request information under this agreement, the West Virginia State Tax Commissioner or the Tax Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Virginia, whichever, is appropriate, shall promptly give notice of such fact to the other party to this agreement. ;

--- Page 6 ---

  1. Page 4, Part IV, Effective date - Substitute: This agreement is made this Ap day of Giga, 1988. The provisions with respect to Section II (A) shall be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, . 1988. All other provisions shall be effective to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1987.

APPROVED: . i lian H. Forst 4 chael E. Catyl Tax Commissioner Tax Commissioner Commonwealth of Virginia State of West Virginia

Definition of Clinic for Tax PurposesDoc ID: Sales

Original: 497 words
Condensed: 429 words
Reduction: 13.7%

--- Page 1 ---{4 Fee eet og

Jf agate Ls

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA -

DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

RICHMOND 232 MEMORANDUM a

TO: W. S&S. Cordle, Director Field Services Division

Frank W. Lewis, Director Office Services Division

FROM: E. A. Dore, Director Tax Policy Division

DATE: December 10, 1980

RE: Sales and Use Tax Definition of Clinic

Reference is made to the memorandum of July 25, 1980 from Harris Payne to Russell Whitehead requesting the definition of a clinic for sales and use tax purposes. The purpose of our response is clarify "clinic" as the term is used in Section 1-47(d) of the Regulations.

The term "clinic" is not defined in the Code of Virginia and is viewed

by the Department of Heal'sh as a “loose term.” The Department of

Health, under the provisions of Virginia Code Section 32.1-93 through 32.1-102, basically separates bealth care operations into two categories -medical care facilities and physicians’ offices. Madical care facilities must be issued a certificate of public need as determined by the State Board of Health, while physicians’ offices are subject to no such require-ment, except to the extent that a physician muat obtain a certificate of public nead specifically for the acquisition of certain specialized equipment.

The Health Department uses two criteria to distinguish a "clinic" from a physician's office as follows:

(1) Bo they participate in a third party payment plan based on need?

(2) Do they perform surgery, abortion, radiation or dialysis therapy?

If a facility meets these two criteria, it is a true clinic or medical care facility and will be required to obtain a certificate of public need,

--- Page 2 ---a a sss | Ps W. S. Cordle & Frank W. Lewis 7 December 10, 1980 7 Page 2 However, the fact that a facility has been issued a certificate of public need does not subject it to direct regulation or licensure by the board of health unless it is a hospital as defined in Virginia Code The only sales and use tax exemptions availabla for health care facilities are under Section 53-441.6(s) which axempts controlled drugs purchased by a licensed physician for use in his professional practice and Section 58=-441.6(t) which exempts purchases by nonprofit hospitals. It is clear that any facility licensed as a nonprofit hospital is entitled to exemption.

An out-patient care facility which is a part of the same entity as the nonprofit hospital isa likewise exempt.

A physician or group of physicians engaged in professional practice whether they hold themselves out as a clinic, professional corporation or otherwise, are entitled to an exemption only on the controlled drugs they purchase for use in thair practice. Any other facility or group which holds a certificate of public need but is not licensed aa a non-profit hospital is not entitled to any exemption.

We intend to revise Section 1-47(d) to set forth this clarification.

If you have any additional questions, please let us know. dik ec: J, Harris Payne = f

Virginia Vehicle Rental Tax Data AgreementDoc ID: Agreements

Original: 816 words
Condensed: 532 words
Reduction: 34.8%

--- Page 1 ---Memorandum of Agreement between the Virginia Department of Taxation and Department of Motor Vehicles

In accordance with Virginia Code Section 58.1-1736, the Virginia Department of Taxation (TAX) is

required to administer and collect a motor vehicle rental tax (MVRT) on such vehicles subject to the

tax under Virginia law.

TAX shall provide to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) such tax information (Tax Data) as

deemed necessary for TAX to effectively and efficiently carryout TAX’s obligations to Virginia’s

taxpayers. Because such Tax Data is confidential, DMV and TAX agree to the following terms and conditions.

  1. In no case will Tax Data include federal tax information received by TAX from the federal government and subject to federal safeguarding requirements.

  2. DMV shall limit access to Tax Data to only those DMV employees, officers, and officials that have a need to use the information in performance of their responsibilities, obligations and duties as employees, officers, or officials of DMV.

  3. With the exception of DMV’s relationship with VITA/Northrop Grumman, and successor agencies and organizations, regarding Virginia’s consolidated data center and technology operations, DMV shall be prohibited from sharing Tax Data with vendors, contractors, or other third-parties except as specifically authorized in writing by TAX.

  4. DMV acknowledges that Tax Data shall be kept confidential and shall not divulge such information except as required by Federal or Virginia law.

  5. DMYV agrees not to commingle Tax Data with other records and at all times DMV will be able to identify and separate Tax Data from all other records maintained by DMV.

  6. DMV agrees to implement all reasonable steps and procedures to safeguard Tax Data from any and all unauthorized accesses. These standards include, but shall not be limited to,:

a. Locking up or destroying Tax Data when not in use;

b. Never storing Tax Data on a temporary storage device such as a laptop, CD or flash drive;

c. Only storing Tax Data on a state server maintained by VITA;

d. Only e-mailing Tax Data (a) in an encrypted file; (b) to authorized employees, officers and officials at DMV; and (c) only using DMV’s internal network; and

e. When the Tax Data is no longer needed, DMV shall either destroy the Tax Data and all backups by shredding, witness destruction, deleting the files and/or records, or by some other method approved by TAX, or return the Tax Data to TAX; and

f. Documenting such safeguard and destruction procedures and maintaining such documentation for a period of three years following the date of destruction.

  1. DMV acknowledges that failure to properly secure and safeguard such Tax Data may subject DMV, as well as the officers, officials, agents and employees of DMV, to penalties and sanctions under Federal and Virginia law.

  2. Transfer of Tax Data between TAX and DMV shall be in a format and channel as agreed to by DMV and TAX with the intent to secure the data during such transfer.

  3. At any time during normal working hours, DMV shall grant TAX personnel and their agents access to DMV’S locations where such Tax Data is stored as well as to all records and electronic files containing Tax Data for the purpose of determining that all reasonable steps and procedures are in place to protect the confidentiality of the Tax Data and to ensure compliance with the safeguarding requirements included within this agreement.

--- Page 2 ---10. If DMV suspects or determines an unauthorized release of Tax Data occurred, DMV shall immediately notify TAX of such unauthorized disclosure and allow TAX to both participate in the investigation of any and all incidents and exercise control over decisions regarding external reporting.

  1. Each Party shall be responsible for the costs they incur in fulfilling their obligations under this

MOA.

  1. This MOA may be cancelled by either party for any reason upon 30 days written notice.

Furthermore, this MOA may be immediately cancelled by either party for breach of any material provision upon written notice. All provisions related to the on-going safeguarding and use of Tax Data by DMV, as well as all provisions related to reporting of any suspected security breaches involving Tax Data, however, shall survive the termination of this MOA in perpetuity.

  1. Both parties shall be in compliance with the most recent Commonwealth of Virginia (COV) Information Technology (IT) security policies, standards, and guidelines.

  2. This MOA has no impact on any other agreements between DMV and TAX.

This MOA represents a cooperative understanding between the two agencies, as indicated by the representative signatures below. This MOA shall be effective upon the signature of both parties and shall remain in effect until modified by mutual consent or operation of law, or until cancelled by either party.

Signature: Aum 4 Date: bla ula

Richard D. Holcomb

Commissioner

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

) ‘ j

Signature: Leg l 0 4 e Date: g Lg [ Ze

Craig M. Burns

Commissfoner

Virginia Department of Taxation

Virginia Income Tax Penalty and Interest GuidelinesDoc ID: Individual

Original: 1,478 words
Condensed: 1,373 words
Reduction: 7.1%

--- Page 1 ----

rr

Nt

£

eto

~—wE

s. 7 “3

=~

, rs

3

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

Richmond, Virginia

23282

MEMORANDUM

TO

Ronald L. Holt,

Supervisor

Technical Services Section

FROM

Janie E.

Bowen,

Director

Tax Policy Division

¥

DATE

November 29, 1990

SUBJECT

Computation of Income Tax Penalty and Interest

This will reply to your memorandum of October 29, 1990, in which

you request guidance regardin

tax penalty and interest,

g the proper computation of income

effective for taxable year 1990.

As you know,

the statutory penalty changes were enacted as part

of the 1989 Vv

  1. .

irginia Tax Amnesty legislation (SB 732 and HB

As an incentive to encourage delinquent taxpayers to

come forward under the amnesty program, the late filing and late

Payment penalties for individual and

were increased.

corporate income tax filers

Also, in changing the penalties, the intent was

to equate the income tax penalties with the existing penalties

for business taxes and to create a unif

orm penalty structure for

all major taxes.

Below are your inquiries and responses to each

1

Under § 58.1-450, a minimum $100 late filing penalty is

imposed on corporations even if no tax is due.

Does this

mean that the minimum penalty should be imposed against

corporations which file after the due date and are due a

refund or have a loss for the year?

Va. Code § 58.1-450,

effective for taxable years beginning on

and after January 1, 1990, provides for a late filing penalty

equal to five percent of the amount of tax

es assessable per

month.

The maximum penalt

y is limited to twenty-five percent of

the taxes assessable,

with a minimum penalty of $100.

The

statute further provides that the minimum penalty of $100 shall

apply “whether or not any tax is due for the period for which

the filing of a report or return is required."

--- Page 2 ---

MEMORANDUM

Ronald L. Holt

Page 2

November 29, 1990

Since corporations may be required to file a return, even when

they have no tax liability, any corporation that 1s required to

file a return and fails to do so within the time required, may

be liable for the minimum penalty of $100. Like the penalty

under the previous law, the decision to assess the penalty is an

operational one. It is recommended that before the decision is

made to begin assessing this penalty routinely, consideration be

given to the impact on STARS, Taxpayer Assistance and Debt

Set-off.

2. How will the penalty apply in situations involving extensions? For example

a. The return with the tax payment is filed after the extension expires. Does the penalty accrue from the original due date or the date the extension expired?

In order for an extension to be valid, the taxpayer must take all of the following actions:

  • Complete the extension request.

” Complete the tentative tax return.

  • Remit the extension request, tentative tax return and the amount of tax shown to be due on the tentative tax return on or before the original due date of the return.

» File the tax return prior to the expiration of the extension period.

If the taxpayer fails to take any of the above actions, the taxpayer is subject to the late filing and late payment , penalties, as if the extension had never been filed. Based upon the scenario you present, the extension would be voided and the late penalties would accrue from the Original due date of the -return.

b. The return is filed within the extended period, but the tax is paid after the expiration of the extension. On what date does penalty begin to accrue?

--- Page 3 ---

MEMORANDUM

Ronald L.

Holt

Page

3

November 29, 1990

Both individual and corporate inco

me taxes have separate and

distinct penalties for late filin

of tax due late.

9 a return or paying the amount

In the above scenario,

the taxpayer met all

the requirements necessary to have a vali

d extension;

therefore,

the late filing penalty is not applicable

-

Since the due date

of the return was extended by means of a val

id extension,

the

late payment penalty would be

gin to accrue on the balance of tax

due as of the extended due da

te

As long as the actual tax due

shown on the return does not excee

d the tentative tax computed

on the tentative tax return by mor

e than 10%,

no extension

penalty would be applicable.

Currently, we do not assess the extension penalty and

the late filing/payment penalty.

Is this correct or

can both penalties be assessed if the taxpayer pays

less than 90% of his liability by the original due date

and pays the balance due after the extension expires?

A taxpayer may never be liable for both the extension penalty

and the late filing penalty.

As long as the taxpayer has a

valid extension [see 2(a) above], he is liable for the extension

penalty, rather than the late filing penalty.

The extension

penalty is computed on the amount by which the actual tax due

shown on the return exceeds the tentative tax computed on the

tentative tax return, if such amount is more than 10% of the

actual tax due shown on the return.

For example

$700

Actual Tax Due on Return

$500

Tentative Tax Remitted

$200

Excess of Actual Tax Over Tentative Tax

200/700

=

29%

Since the difference is greater than 10%,

the extension penalty

is applicable.

The extension penalty (1/2% per month) would be

assessed on $200 from the original due date to the extended due

date or the date that the return is filed, whichever is earlier

If the taxpayer has a valid extension and full payment of the

balance due is not

received with the return and the balance due

exceeds 10% of the actual tax due, the late

ayment penalty may

be assessed on the

balance of tax due,

in addition to the

extension penalty.

Since the due date of the return was

extended by means of a valid extension, the late payment penalty

would begin to accrue on the balance of tax due as of the

extended due date or the date that the return was filed,

whichever is earlier.

--- Page 4 ---

MEMORANDUM

Ronald L. Holt

Page 4

November 29,

1990

l

Interest - It would be helpful to have an example which

shows the computation of interest on a tax due return

beginning

until the

with the initial assessment and continuing monthly

full 25% penalty has been assessed.

The intent of

the legislation making the income tax penalties

equal to the existing penalties for business taxes was to make

the administration of the income taxes easier for both the

department and tax practitioners.

However,

the legislature did

not amend the language that specified how interest would accrue

on the tax and penalties.

To continue to apply interest to accrued income tax penalties,

not yet assessed, would put these taxpayers in a disadvantaged

position relative to other business taxpayers.

In addition,

not

to conform the penalty and interest structure for income taxes

fully to the penalty and interest structure of other business

legislation.

taxpayers, would be inconsistent with the intent of the

Accordingly,

the method of assessing penalty and

interest for sales and withholding taxes should be applied to

individual and corporate income taxes.

The following example demonstrates how to compute penalty and

interest for income taxes (assuming the interest rate is 11%).

Assume that the taxpayer is a calendar year individual who files

his return on July 1,

1991,

showing a tax due of $100.

$100.

00

Tax Due as of May 1,

1991

00

Late Filing Penalty (2 months X 5% per month

10% X $100)

1

84

Interest Due -

-01838

(61 Days) X $100.00

(Tax Only)

$111.

84

Total Assessed - 7/1/91

S

i

05

8/1/91 - Accrued Interest

.00934

(31 Days) X $111.84

5

00

Late Payment Penalty (1 month X 5% per month

=

$117.

89

Total Due - 8/1/91

5% X $100)

$ 50.00

Payment 8/25/91

S 67.89

Balance Due After Payment

S

-58

9/1/91

  • Accrued Interest

-00934

(31 Days)

X

$61.84 ($111.84 -

  1. 00)

S$ 70.97

Late Payment Penalty (1 month X 5% per month

5% X $50)

Total Due - 9/1/91

S

  • 56

10/1/91

  • Accrued Interest
  1. 50

-00904 (30 Days) X $61.84

Late Payment Penalty (1 month X 5% per month

5% X $50)

S 74.03

Total Due - 10/1/91

Interest will continue to accrue on $61.84 until paid.

--- Page 5 --- MEMORANDUM Ronald L. Holt Page 5 Novémber 29, 1990 I hope that this has answered your questions. Please let me know if you have additional questions. ;

Sit ae

APPROVED: [4 q (a ~<D

W. H. Forst

Tax Commissioner

TPD/4704

First-Year R&D Tax Credit EligibilityDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

Original: 614 words
Condensed: 411 words
Reduction: 33.1%

--- Page 1 ---Dl

rated

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

TO

Jay Doshi

Director, Sp

e

es

d Services

FROM

Mark C. Haski

Director, Poli

lopment Division

DATE

May 22, 2013

RE

First-Year Companies Claiming the Research and Development Expenses Tax

Credit

ISSUE

Policy Development recently received questions regarding whether a company that is in

its first year of operation may claim the Virginia Research and Development Expenses Tax

Credit and how such company should compute the amount of the tax credit.

ANALYSIS

A company is eligible to claim ihe Virginia Research and Development Expenses Tax

Credit for qualified research expenses incurred during its first year of operation. Under Va.

Code § 58.1-439.12:08, a taxpayer may claim a Virginia Research and Development Expenses

Tax Credit equal to either 15 percent or 20 percent of its qualified research and development

expenses, to the extent that such expenses exceed its Virginia base amount.

“Virginia base amount” is defined in Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:08 to mean the base

amount as defined in IRC § 41(c) that is attributable to Virginia by (i) substituting “Virginia

qualified research and development expense” for “qualified research expense;” (ii) substituting

“Virginia qualified research’ for “qualified research;” and (iii) instead of the federal definition of

“fixed-base percentage,” using the following

  1. The perceniage that the Virginia qualified research and development expense for the

three taxable years immediately preceding the current taxable year in which the

expense is incurred is of the taxpayer’s total gross receipts for such years; or

--- Page 2 ---Jay Doshi May 22, 2013 Page 2

  1. The percentage that the Virginia qualified research and development expense for the applicable number of taxable years immediately preceding the current taxable year in which the expense is incurred is of the taxpayer’s total gross receipts for such years, for the taxpayer that has fewer than three but at least one prior taxable year.

Because the second formula applies only to taxpayers that have fewer than three, but at least one prior taxable year, all other taxpayers would compute this percentage using the first formula. If a taxpayer was not in existence prior to the current taxable year, then both the Virginia qualified research and development expense for the three immediately preceding taxable years and the taxpayer's gross receipts for such years would be zero. Since both the numerator and denominator would be zero, the Virginia percentage that replaces the federal fixed-base percentage would be equal to zero percent.

In IRC § 47(c), “base amount” is defined as the product of

A. The fixed-base percentage; and

B. The average annual gross receipts of the taxpayer for the four taxable years

preceding the taxable year for which the tax credit is being determined.

Under Treas. Reg. § 1.41-3(a), if a taxpayer was not in existence prior to the current taxable year, the average annual gross receipts of the taxpayer for the four taxable years preceding the tax credit year is zero. Therefore, the average annual gross receipts for a company in its first year of operation will always equal zero.

Because the Virginia base amount is determined by multiplying the Virginia formula above by the taxpayer’s average annual gross receipts, the Virginia base amount for such businesses would be zero. However, under IRC § 41(c)({2), the base amount may never be less than 50 percent of the taxpayer's qualified research expenses for the tax credit year. As a consequence, companies thai are in their first year of operation will always have a base amount equal to 50 percent of their Virginia qualified research and development expenses.

If you have any questions, please call Matt Huntley at (804) 786-2010.

c. Larry Durbin Bill White Cathy Early

Interest on Delayed Tax RefundsDoc ID: Individual

Original: 285 words
Condensed: 169 words
Reduction: 40.7%

--- Page 1 ---COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation. es | Richmond,. Virginia 23282% . = |

MEMORANDUM TO: Patti Higgins

Information Services Division

-- DATE: November 24, 1987

RE: Interest on Refunds Delayed

by Set-Off Debt Collection This will answer your recent questions on the computation of interest on refunds that are delayed under the set-off debt collection progran.

VIRGINIA LAW § 58.1-1833 of the Code of Virginia provides that interest on overpayments of tax “shall accrue from a date sixty days after payment of the tax, or sixty days after the last day prescribed by law for such payment, whichever is later, and shall end on a date determined by the Department preceding the date of the refund check by not more than thirty days." COMPUTATION OF INTEREST NORMALLY Under the above statute, interest on individual income tax refunds should normally be computed starting sixty days after the May 1 due date (or the date the return is filed, if later than May 1) and ending on the date that the refund is authorized. This differs from present operating policy, which is to start the computation of interest ninety days after the May 1 due date or the date of filing.

COMPUTATION OF INTEREST ON SET-OFF REFUNDS .

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-1833 of the Code of

Virginia, interest will not be paid to claimant agencies or to

taxpayers when refunds are delayed under the set-off program.

--- Page 2 ---m_* .

  • : rr

-MEMORANDUM Patti Higgins

! Page 2 ! November 24, 1987

If you have any questions, please let us know.

A Le ce coo es ye 7

Danny M. Payne, Director Tax Policy Division

W. - Forst

Tax Commissioner

Virginia Firearm Safety Device Tax CreditDoc ID: 7818

Original: 1,785 words
Condensed: 952 words
Reduction: 46.7%

--- Page 1 ---

Firearm Safety Device Tax Credit Guidelines

During the 2023 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted House Bill 2387 (2023 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 220), which established the Firearm Safety Device Tax Credit.

This is an individual income tax credit for taxpayers who purchase one or more locking devices for the storage of a firearm from a dealer that is federally licensed pursuant to 18

U.S.C. § 923.

These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the Firearm Safety Device Tax Credit. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with

the requirement that the Tax Commissioner develop guidelines pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-339.14 D, as well as the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under

Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

General Overview Effective for Taxable Year 2023, Virginia allows a nonrefundable individual income tax

credit referred to as the Firearm Safety Device Tax Credit. Such credit is available for the purchase of one or more locking devices for the storage of a firearm from a federal licensed dealer during the taxable year. For the purposes of this credit, a firearm is any handgun, shotgun, rifle, or other firearm that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material. The maximum credit that can be applied for by any one taxpayer for a taxable year is $300. The credit is allowed only to the extent that the total amount of credits

granted for a year does not exceed the annual $5 million credit cap. Credits will be allocated by the Department on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, the taxpayer

  • Must purchase one or more locking devices for the storage of a firearm, and
  • Must purchase the device from a dealer that is federal licensed pursuant to 18

U.S.C. § 923.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 1 - October 31, 2023

[TABLE 1-1] These guidelines are published by the Department of Taxation (“the Department”) to provide guidance to taxpayers regarding the Firearm Safety Device Tax Credit. These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code

[/TABLE]

[TABLE 1-2] These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under Va. Code

[/TABLE]

--- Page 2 ---

These requirements are further described below.

Locking Storage Requirement

To be eligible, the purchased device must be a safe, gun safe, gun case, lock box, or other device:

  • That is designed to be or can be used to store a firearm (“storage device”), and
  • That is designed to be unlocked only by means of a key, a combination, or other

similar means (“locking mechanism”).

Because this is restricted to storage devices, non-storage devices—such as trigger locks and cable locks—do not qualify. In addition, the storage device must reasonably limit

access and not be easily cut, ripped, or opened. For example, if one only needs a pair of scissors or a ladder for access, the device will not meet the locking storage requirement.

For this reason, bags, racks, gun socks, or mounts do not qualify.

Because this is restricted to storage devices with a locking mechanism, an unlocked storage device will generally not qualify. However, a taxpayer will not be ineligible if the device meets the definition above except for the fact that it does not come with a lock but instead is designed to be used with a lock that the taxpayer acquires separately, provided that the taxpayer buys a separate, compatible lock in the same transaction that the storage device is bought. In that case, the taxpayer can claim a credit for both the device and the lock, up to the $300 maximum amount.

Because the locking storage requirement set forth in Va. Code § 58.1-339.14 is identical to the requirements of subparagraph C of 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(34), the device must meet the

requirements of subparagraph C, as interpreted by the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), to qualify for this tax credit. Zip ties, rope, and string do not qualify under 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(34)—including subparagraph C—according to the ATF, and consequently, they do not qualify for this credit. This can be found at www.atf.gov.

Federally Licensed Dealer Requirement

To be eligible for this tax credit, a taxpayer must purchase a device meeting the locking storage requirement above from a dealer that is federally licensed pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 923. The ATF maintains a list of federally licensed dealers. For additional information including such list, please visit the ATF’s website, www.atf.gov. If a taxpayer anticipates making a purchase from a company with multiple stores, please ensure that the store at which the purchase is made is a federally licensed dealer.

Amount of the Tax Credit

The Firearm Safety Device Credit is equal to the cost of the device meeting the eligibility requirements above or $300, whichever amount is less. The cost of the device includes both:

Virginia Department of Taxation - 2 - October 31, 2023

--- Page 3 ---

  • The purchase price of such devices and
  • Any sales tax paid for the purchase of such devices.

A tax credit is not allowed for purchases of any other property. A tax credit is also not allowed for shipping charges, handling fees, or any other charge or fee, even if such charge or fee is associated with a purchase meeting the eligibility requirements above.

In addition, if the taxpayer buys a firearm in the same transaction that they buy the firearm safety device, the device will be ineligible for the credit. In such cases, the taxpayers should ensure that they buy the firearm in a separate transaction from the firearm safety device.

Administration of the Tax Credit

To receive the Firearm Safety Device Tax Credit, taxpayers must apply to the Department prior to claiming the credit on their income tax returns. Taxpayers can submit their application online. Please see the Department’s website (www.tax.virginia.gov) for more information. If a taxpayer does not wish to submit their application online, they may complete Form FSD, which is available to download from the Department’s website (www.tax.virginia.gov). The Department is only allowed to allocate one Firearm Safety

Tax Credit per taxpayer per taxable year. As a result, taxpayers may only submit one application per taxable year.

The maximum amount of Firearm Safety Device Credits for all qualifying taxpayers is

limited to $5 million for each taxable year. Credits must be allocated by the Department on a first-come, first-served basis based upon when the taxpayer’s application is filed.

This means that, until the $5 million is depleted for the taxable year, the Department will continue to allocate credits.

The amount of the credit claimed may not exceed the taxpayer’s individual income tax liability for the taxable year. If the amount of the credit exceeds one’s tax liability, the taxpayer may carryover the amount for credit against their individual income taxes for up to five years. Spouses who file a joint Virginia individual income tax return may both claim the credit, but each spouse must submit their own application where he or she is limited

to applying for a maximum of $300 of tax credit.

Example 1

Taxpayer A and Taxpayer B are a married couple planning to file their returns jointly for the taxable year. Taxpayer A purchases a gun safe for $320 and Taxpayer B purchases a gun safe for $400. They both submit separate applications for the Firearm Safety Device

Credit for the taxable year. Their purchases meet all the eligibility requirements explained above. Because the $5 million cap has not been met yet, the Department is able to allocate Taxpayer A a $300 tax credit and Taxpayer B a $300 tax credit. On their jointly filed return, Taxpayer A and B may claim a combined total of $600 in Firearm Safety Device Tax Credits.

Virginia Department of Taxation - 3 - October 31, 2023

--- Page 4 ---

Example 2: Same as above, but only Taxpayer A purchases a gun safe for $500 and Taxpayer B

does not buy any devices. Consequently, Taxpayer A submits an application for the Firearm Safety Device Credit for the taxable year. Her purchase meets all the eligibility requirements explained above. Because the $5 million cap has not been met yet, the Department is able to allocate Taxpayer A a $300 tax credit. On their jointly filed return, Taxpayer A and B may claim a Firearm Safety Device Tax Credit equal to $300.

Example 3

Taxpayer A purchases a gun safe for $500 and submits an application for the Firearm Safety Device Credit for the taxable year. Her purchase meets all the eligibility requirements explained above. The $5 million cap has not been met yet. She only has $200 in tax liability. The Department is able to allocate Taxpayer A a $300 tax credit, $200 of which Taxpayer A may put towards her tax liability. Taxpayer A carries over the remaining $100 to the next taxable year when she has sufficient tax liability to fully utilize

the credit.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online in the Laws, Rules & Decisions section of the Department’s website, located at www.tax.virginia.gov. For additional information, please contact the Department at (804) 786-2992.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation - 4 - October 31, 2023

Virginia Age Deduction Changes 2004Doc ID: Individual

Original: 454 words
Condensed: 445 words
Reduction: 2.0%

The Virginia Age Deduction under HB 5018 Effective for the 2004 taxable year, House Bill 5018 (Chapter 3, 2004 Special Session) changes the age deduction for taxpayers age 62 and over.

  • Individuals who were already age 65 on January 1, 2004 will continue to claim an age deduction of $12,000.
  • Individuals who were age 62 or 63 on January 1, 2004 will continue to claim an age deduction of $6,000 until they reach age 65. Once they reach age 65, they will receive a $12,000 deduction subject to income limitations, as explained below.
  • Individuals who reach age 62 after January 1, 2004 will be eligible for an age deduction when they reach age 65.
  • Individuals who reach age 65 after January 1, 2004 will be eligible for a deduction of $12,000, subject to the following income limitations. The deduction of $12,000 will be reduced by one dollar for each dollar that their Adjusted Federal Adjusted Gross Income exceeds the following thresholds: Single $50,000 Married $75,000 (total for both) Married, filing separately $75,000 (total for both) “Adjusted federal adjusted gross income” means the federal adjusted gross income reduced by the taxable social security and Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits reported as a Virginia subtraction.
  • A table summarizing the new age deduction provisions is shown below.

Taxable Year For each individual born: 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 On or before January 1, 1939 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 On or between January 2, 1939 & January 1, 1940 $6,000 $12,000$12,000$12,000$12,000$12,000$12,000$12,000 On or between January 2, 1940 & January 1, 1941 $6,000 $6,000 $12,000$12,000$12,000$12,000$12,000$12,000 On or between January 2, 1941 & January 1, 1942 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $12,000$12,000$12,000$12,000$12,000 On or between January 2, 1942 & January 1, 1943 $0 $0 $0 $0 $12,000$12,000$12,000$12,000 On or between January 2, 1943 & January 1, 1944 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $12,000$12,000$12,000 On or between January 2, 1944 & January 1, 1945 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $12,000$12,000 On or between January 2, 1945 & January 1, 1946 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $12,000 * The maximum age deduction of $12,000 will be subject to income limitations, based on the individual’s adjusted federal adjusted gross income. “Adjusted federal adjusted gross income” means the federal adjusted gross income reduced by the taxable social security and Tier 1 railroad retirement benefits reported as a Virginia subtraction. The age deduction will be reduced by one dollar for each dollar that the adjusted federal adjusted gross income exceeds $50,000 for single filers, or $75,000 (combined total) for married individuals filing joint or separate returns.

Allocation of Local Sales and Use TaxDoc ID: Sales

Original: 410 words
Condensed: 307 words
Reduction: 25.1%

--- Page 1 ---aut Gate alin . {TN poets sey A ~~ Py IT 7 | i ‘ ’ \ , al ! ; 5

oc” - — aa lead a TY \f 4 ™~, j \ ac | oe | . ‘

' pa’ i ; ‘ — | | \ | * Pa Ne RY ToT! FF id ee al can te nme Yoda ery ta Fane ak — ha on ‘a wa ATT H CEerA3 ile. IT OF TAXATION

RICHMOND 232382

MEMORANDUM

TO: Russell C. Whitehead, Supervisor Taxpayer Assistance Section Office Services Division

FROM: Danny M. Payne, Director A -Tax Policy Division DATE: January 9, 1984

RE: Allocation of Local Sales and Use Tax Where Business Property is Located in More Than One Locality

It is our understanding that a question has recently arisen regarding the proper allocation of the local sales and use tax where a4 dealer's business is situated in more than one locality.

Virginia Code Section 58-441.49(e) provides that

If a dealer has any place of business located in more than one political subdivision by reason of the boundary line or lines passing through such place of business, the amount of the local sales tax paid by a dealer...(shall be divided between localities).

The use tax is allocated in the same manner pursuant to Section 58-441.49(f).

The term "place of business" is not defined by statute and is only generally defined by Sales and Use Tax Regulation Section 1-84. For purposes of the sales and use tax, and specifically for purposes of the allocation of local tax, the term "place of business" is construed to include not only the building which houses the dealer's stock, cash register, etc., but also the contiguous ancillary property such as the parking lot, storage area, etc. when such property is used in the ordinary course of business for which the dealer is registered.

--- Page 2 --- S—————— ’ * v MEMORANDUM | Page 2 Therefore, in the situation where a boundary line passes through a dealer's parking lot which is adjacent to his store, the local tax should be divided between the two localities. However, if the parking lot or other outbuilding is not adjacent, e.g., is separated by a public road, the local tax should be allocated to the locality in which the retail store is located. ;

If you have any further questions, please let us know.

W. H. Forst State Tax Commissioner dik |

Virginia Taxation and Liquidation Sales PolicyDoc ID: Sales

Original: 907 words
Condensed: 767 words
Reduction: 15.4%

--- Page 1 ---Pears

FEE,

ir

he

uM

\ ae ye

et

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

MEMORANDUM

TO

Lawrence Durbin, Assistant Tax Commissioner

Office of Customer Services

Robert Schultze, Assistant Tax Commissioner

Office of Compliance

FROM

Howard T. Macrae, Jr., Assistant Tax Commissioner

Office of Tax Policy

DATE

December 23, 1998

SUBJECT

Steuart Petroleum Co. v. Virginia Department of Taxation

This case stems from a sales and use tax audit assessment. The Richmond

Circuit Court found in favor of Steuart Petroleum Co. (“Steuart”) in a case concerning

the liquidation of a business and the application of the occasional sale exemption. The

Virginia Supreme Court denied the department's petition for appeal, thus adversely

affecting the department's established policy on liquidation sales.

Facts of the Case

Steuart Petroleum owned and operated 24 service stations/convenience stores

located throughout Virginia. Under a plan of liquidation, Steuart sold all of these

locations to five separate buyers over a nine month period. Steuart testified that it tried

to find one buyer for all of the Virginia locations but was unable to do so. Accordingly,

the locations were sold in five geographical blocks to the five buyers. Each of the

buyers were themselves established businesses which continued operating the service

stations/convenience stores which were purchased from Steuart.

The department assessed Steuart on untaxed sales of fixed assets associated

with the sales of the 24 stores. Shortly after the assessment, the department denied

Steuart’s § 58.1-1821 appeal and upheld the assessment. The determination relied on

the department's established policy that the sale of a business over an extended period

of time does not qualify as an exempt occasional sale. See Attachment 1.

--- Page 2 ---Memorandum

Lawrence Durbin and Robert Schultze December 23, 1998

Page 2

Circuit Court's Decision

The court found for Steuart. See Attachment 2. The primary basis for the court’s decision was the language of the occasional sale regulation in 23 VAC 10-210-1080.

The regulation defines an “occasional sale” to include “the reorganization or liquidation of any business.” The court held that:

The defendant's [Dept. of Taxation] over broad application of the “three or

fewer” provision to all types of occasional sales ignores the clear

construction of the regulation: the term “occasional sale” may also be

read to include the sale of all the assets of any business and the

liquidation of any business.... The number (five) and the time frame (nine

months) of sales collides with a single, alternative subsection of [TAX’s]

regulations. This sale/liquidation may not be denied an exemption solely

by virtue of the defendant's misguided application of the “three or fewer”

provision.

Implications

First, the court's decision is applicable only to liquidation sales. The court’s decision does not jeopardize the department's established policy regarding the validity of the occasional sale exemption to other transactions. For example, fund raising sales by a nonprofit organization on more than three occasions within one calendar year remain taxable sales.

Second, the court's decision does not in any way imply that all liquidation sales are exempt occasional sales. Indeed, the court made a clear distinction between the controlled sale of assets in Steuart’s case (and found to be exempt sales) and a piecemeal distribution of assets to many buyers over an long period of time (which continue to be taxable).

Ideally, the department's regulation on occasional sales will be revised to address exempt and taxable liquidation sales. In the meantime, the department will have to be very careful when assessing and ruling on liquidation transactions. The distinguishing elements the department will need to look at include:

--- Page 3 ---Memorandum

Lawrence Durbin and Robert Schultze

December 23, 1998

Page 3

. The court noted that Steuart’s liquidation was “approved by the unanimous consent of Steuart’s Board of Directors.” Such approval may prove a good indicator of an exempt occasional sale in subsequent cases;

2 sales of assets to the general public (compared with Steuart’s sales to established businesses);

5 the number of transactions (compared to Steuart’s five sales). Other criteria being equal, six or seven sales may not be enough to deny the exemption. Ten or more transactions may be enough to void the exemption:

° the period during which sales were made (compared to Steuart’s nine months).

Other criteria being equal, a small number of transactions in less than a year may create problems in light of the court's decision;

. other facts which may be used to distinguish cases from Steuart. For example, a protective claim has been filed by the buyer of a hotel (who was assessed sales and use tax on the furniture and fixtures associated with that purchase). In that case, the seller sold eight Virginia motels to eight separate buyers in a seven month period. The seller was a partnership established with the express purpose of selling a limited number of hotel properties. This differs from Steuart’s case, in which the contested assets were used by Steuart to operate an established business.

The Office of the Attorney General advises that any differences that distinguish other liquidation cases from Steuart will have to be thoroughly documented. F urther, compliance and customer service staff need to look beyond the “three or fewer” guideline when addressing liquidation sales. Still, the department retains some flexibility in advising taxpayers of the exemption based on individual circumstances.

If you have any questions about this issue, please contact Steven Schwartz in Office of Tax Policy at 367-0959.

OTP/20198I1 C. Leadership Team

Retail Sales and Use Tax Refund ProceduresDoc ID: Sales

Original: 9,984 words
Condensed: 9,153 words
Reduction: 8.3%

Retail Sales and Use Tax Refund Claim Procedures Table of Contents

Pages 1 -16: Retail Sales and Use Tax Refund ClaimProcedures Page Introduction 1 Exemptions from Retail Sales and Use Tax 1 Refunds by Dealers 2 Amended Returns Refunds 3 Examples: Refunds by Dealers and Amended Return Refunds 3 Refunds by the Virginia Department of Taxation 5 Procedures for Refunds from a Dealer 5 Refund Procedures for Dealers and Other Businesses Registered 6 with the Virginia Department of Taxation Refund Procedures for Customers who Accrued and Remitted 7 Sales Tax to the Virginia Department of Taxation Refund Procedures for Customers who Seek Refunds from the 7 Virginia Department of Taxation Vendor Certification Form 9 FilingProcedures 10 Refund Claim Outcome Form 11 Statute of Limitations 11 Interest Generally 13 Interest on Refunds from Virginia Tax Issued Exemption 14 Certificates Penalties 15 Appeal Rights 15 Power of Attorney 16

2Appendix A Index: Page Refund Claimant Return A-1 Refund Claimant Return A-2 Refund Claimant Return Instructions A-3 Vendor Certification Form A-4 Vendor Certification Form Instructions A-5 Refund Request Spreadsheet Accrued A-6 Refund Request Spreadsheet Accrued Instructions A-7 Refund Request Spreadsheet Dealer Request A-8 Refund Request Spreadsheet Dealer Request Instructions A-9 Refund Request Spreadsheet Paid to Vendor A-10 Refund Request Spreadsheet Paid to Vendor Instructions A-11

3RETAIL SALES AND USE TAX

REFUND CLAIM PROCEDURES Introduction: This document outlines the procedures for purchasers and dealers to request refunds from the Virginia Department of Taxation (Virginia Tax) in instances where tax has been collected and or remitted in error on exempt transactions. There are three methods for taxpayers to recover sales taxes remitted to the Virginia Department of Taxation in error:  Take a credit on their return for the month in which the error is discovered or corrected.  File an amended return for the period(s).  File a Refund Claim.

Exemptions from Retail Sales and Use Tax: All sales or leases are subject to the tax until the contrary is established. The burden of proving that a sale, distribution, lease, or storage of tangible personal property is not taxable is upon the dealer unless he takes from the purchaser a certificate to the effect that the property is exempt. A completed and valid exemption certificate will relieve the dealer of liability for the payment or collection of the tax, except upon notice that the certificate is no longer acceptable. The certificate must be signed by and bear the name and address of the purchaser; indicate the number of the certificate of registration, if any, issued to the taxpayer; indicate the general character of the tangible personal property sold, distributed, leased, or stored, or to be sold, distributed, leased, or stored under a blanket exemption certificate; and must be substantially in such form as prescribed by Virginia Tax. (Source: Virginia Code § 58.1-623) Title 23 VAC 10-210-280a states, in part, that: “a certificate that is incomplete, invalid, infirm or inconsistent on its face is never acceptable, either before or after notice.” Title 23 VAC 10-210-280 B further states that: reasonable care and judgement must be exercised by all concerned to prevent the giving or receiving of false, fraudulent or bad faith exemption certificates. An exemption certificate cannot be used to make a tax free purchase of any items of tangible personal property not covered by the exact wording of the certificate.” 1 The majority of Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax exemption certificates are “self-executed” or “self-issued” by the taxpayer. Currently, the Virginia Department of Taxation only issues applicable exemption certificates and letters to taxpayers who are engaged in specific types of businesses such as:  Data centers and their tenants under Virginia Code § 58.1-609.3(18)  Pollution control equipment and facilities under Virginia Code § 58.1-609.3(9)  Real property contractors allowed to purchase tangible personal property exempt of the tax in limited circumstances  Resellers of stamped cigarettes under Virginia Code § 58.1-623.2. (effective January 1, 2018)  Organizations meeting the requirements for the non-profit entity exemption under Virginia Code § 58.1-609.11.

To obtain an exemption certificate issued by the Virginia Department of Taxation, the taxpayer must apply in writing to the Virginia Department of Taxation and demonstrate that they meet the statutory requirements for the exemption.

For any exemption from the tax, the courts apply the rule of strict construction against the exemption. That is, statutory tax exemptions are strictly construed against the taxpayer, with doubts resolved against the exemptions. (See, e.g., Department of Taxation v.

Wellmore Coal Company, 228 Va. 149; 320 S.E.2d 509 (1984); Dep’t of Taxation v.

Progressive Community Club, Inc., 215 Va. 732 (1975); and Commonwealth of Virginia v. Research Analysis Corporation, 214 Va. 161, 198 S.E.2d 622 (1973)) Any dealer collecting the sales or use tax on an exempt or non-taxable transaction must remit the erroneously or illegally collected tax to the Tax Commissioner unless the tax has been refunded to the customer or credited to their account. (Source: Virginia Code §

  1. 1-625(C)) Refunds: Refunds by Dealers Dealers must refund sales or use tax erroneously collected on transactions exempt or not subject to the tax directly to the customer when requested to do so by the customer, except in certain very limited situations:  The dealer believes the transaction was properly subject to the tax  The dealer is no longer in business  Refunding the tax would cause an undue financial hardship to the dealer because the amount of the refund exceeds twice their average Virginia Retail Sales and Use Tax monthly liability for the locality the tax liability was remitted to on the original return. 2 Dealers are entitled to recover the amount of sales tax refunded or credited to a customer that was previously reported and remitted to Virginia Tax on their Retail Sales and Use Tax Return or their Out-of-State Dealer's Use Tax Return for the month in which the refund or credit is made. The dealer should report the item’s sales price on the “Exempt Sales and Other Deductions” line on the applicable return. The dealer’s sales tax liability for the month is thus reduced by the sales tax amount refunded. Dealers are required to maintain supporting documentation regarding refunds and credits to customers along with the return worksheet in their records. (Source: Virginia Code § 58.1-633) Likewise, dealers and others registered for Consumer Use Tax who have erroneously remitted use tax to Virginia Tax on their purchases may recover the tax paid on their return for the month in which the correction is made. They should reduce their taxable purchases by the item’s cost price in order to recover the amount of use tax that was previously remitted to Virginia Tax in error.

Amended Return Refunds In the event that a dealer cannot recover the amount of tax paid to Virginia Tax on their return for the month in which the error is recognized or in the next succeeding period, they must file an amended return with Virginia Tax to seek a refund.

The amended return shall supply all the information required in an original return and, in addition, the taxpayer must attach a statement explaining the changes made and the reasons for the changes. If the refund claim is due to a change in federal taxable income, the taxpayer must furnish appropriate documentation that the change has been accepted by the Internal Revenue Service. When a dealer is applying for a refund of sales tax, the dealer shall attach a list of the purchasers from whom the tax was collected and to whom the refund and interest, if allowed, will be paid… (Source: 23 VAC 10-20-180) The Dealer should be advised that certain amended returns will be forwarded to the Refund Review Unit for review. If this occurs, the dealer will be notified that the procedures outlined in these Guidelines should be followed to initiate a claim for refund.

Examples: Refunds by Dealers and Ame nded Return Refunds Example 1 Customer purchases an item from Dealer and pays sales tax of $5.00 on the transaction. A month later, stating that the transaction qualified for a sales tax exemption, Customer asks Dealer for a refund of the sales tax paid. Customer does not provide Dealer with an exemption certificate and Dealer believes that the transaction was taxable.

As Dealer believes that the transaction was subject to tax, Dealer must refuse to refund or credit Customer the sales tax paid on the transaction. 3 Example 2 Customer purchases an item from Dealer and pays sales tax of $50,000.00 on the transaction. Three months later, Customer provides Dealer with a valid exemption certificate for the transaction and requests a refund of the sales tax paid. Dealer has an average monthly sales tax liability of $15,000.

Dealer informs Customer they will file an amended sales tax return and refund the monies when received from the Virginia Department of Taxation. The dealer files the amended return with the Virginia Department of Taxation, included with the return are the original invoice to the Customer, the Exemption Certificate received from the Customer and a statement supporting the reason for filing the amended return. The return is processed and the refund is issued to the Dealer. The Dealer refunds the Customer the sales tax paid on the transaction.

Example 3 Customer purchases an item from Dealer and pays sales tax of $50,000 on the transaction. Ten days later, and prior to Dealer remitting the sales tax to Virginia Tax, Customer provides Dealer with a valid exemption certificate for the transaction and requests a refund of the sales tax paid.

As the sales tax paid has not been remitted to Virginia Tax, Dealer cannot show an undue financial hardship that would prevent Dealer from refunding or crediting Customer the sales tax paid. Dealer must refund or credit Customer the sales tax paid on the transaction.

Example 4 Customer purchases an item from Dealer and pays sales tax of $50,000 on the transaction. A month later, Customer provides Dealer with a valid exemption certificate for the transaction and requests a refund of the sales tax paid. Dealer has an average monthly sales tax liability of $35,000.

As Dealer has sufficient sales to recover the sales tax refunded or credited to Customer on their sales tax return in two months, Dealer cannot show an undue financial hardship that would prevent Dealer from refunding or crediting Customer the sales tax paid. Dealer must refund or credit Customer the sales tax paid on the transaction.

Example 5 Customer purchases an item from Dealer and pays sales tax of $50,000 on the transaction. Two years later, Customer provides Dealer with a valid exemption certificate for the transaction and requests a refund of the sales tax paid. Dealer has an average monthly sales tax liability of $15,000. Dealer does not have enough cash on hand to refund the sales tax and Customer cannot use a credit to their account in 4 such a large amount. As the amount collected in error exceeds the Dealer’s average sales tax liability for two months, refunding or crediting the amount would cause an undue financial hardship on Dealer. Dealer may refuse to refund or credit Customer the sales tax paid on the transaction and should advise Customer to seek a refund from Virginia Department of Taxation, as discussed below. Dealer must explain/document their reason for refusing to make the refund or credit on the Vendor Certification Form concerning the error. It is mandatory that the Dealer provide a valid reason for refusing to make the refund.

Refunds by the Virginia Department of Taxation In cases where the dealer is unable to provide a refund or credit the customer’s account when requested, the customer may apply directly to Virginia Tax for a refund of the tax.

Customers must make every effort, however, to receive a refund or credit for the tax directly from the dealer prior to requesting a refund from Virginia Tax. If a dealer filed a timely return and deducted the dealer discount under Virginia Code § 58.1-622 for the period for which the refund is claimed, the amount of refund will be reduced by the dealer discount taken by the dealer. The customer’s only recourse for recovering the amount of sales tax paid but not remitted to Virginia Tax by the dealer due to the dealer discount is from the dealer. Virginia Tax will not refund any amount of sales tax that was not remitted to Virginia Tax. (Source: 23 VAC 10-210-3040) Refund Procedures: Proce dures for Refunds from a Dealer A dealer who accepts a returned item for a refund or credit of the sales price must refund or credit the customer the amount of sales tax paid by the customer at the time of purchase. This includes any dealer discount that the dealer did not remit to Virginia Tax.

The dealer should retain sufficient documentation from the customer to demonstrate, at a minimum, that the sales tax was paid on the item; the date the sales tax was paid on the item; and the sales tax was refunded or credited to the customer’s account. The dealer also must be able to document when the sales tax was remitted to Virginia Tax and to which locality the sales tax was allocated when recovering the amount of sales tax previously reported and remitted to Virginia Tax.

Example 6 Customer purchases an item from Dealer for a sales price of $100.00 on July 1, 2021 and pays $5.30 in sales tax for a total of $105.30. Dealer remits $5.25 in sales tax to Virginia Tax and keeps $0.05 as their dealer discount. Dealer has a 45-day return policy for a refund. Customer returns the item on August 1, 2021.

Dealer should refund Customer $105.30, the total amount paid by Customer for the item. Dealer should retain documentation to show that the sales tax of $5.30 5 was paid at the time of purchase, July 1, 2021, and that the sales tax was refunded to the customer. Dealer should reduce the sales tax liability on their next Retail Sales and Use Tax return by $5.25, the amount of sales tax previously reported and remitted to Virginia Tax.

Similarly, if a purchaser did not present a valid Retail Sales and Use Tax exemption certificate at the time of purchase and paid sales tax on an item that qualified for exemption from the tax, the purchaser is entitled to a refund of the amount of sales tax paid upon presentation of the valid exemption certificate.

Likewise, when refunding the sales tax to the customer, the dealer must include any discount that they did not remit to Virginia Tax. The dealer should retain the same documentation from the customer as required above for a returned item as well as a copy of the customer’s exemption certificate, at a minimum.

Example 7 Customer has a valid “self-issued” sales tax exemption certificate. Customer purchases an item qualifying for the exemption from Dealer for a sales price of $100.00 on July 1, 2021 but fails to present the exemption certificate.

Dealer properly charges Customer sales tax of $5.30, for a total of $105.30.

Dealer remits $5.25 in sales tax to Virginia Tax and keeps $0.05 as their dealer discount. Customer subsequently realizes that the purchased item qualified for an exemption. On August 1, 2021, Customer presents Dealer with the exemption certificate and requests a refund of the sales tax.

Dealer should refund Customer $5.30, the total sales tax paid by Customer for the item. Dealer should keep a copy of the exemption certificate as well as documentation to show that the sales tax of $5.30 was paid at the time of purchase, July 1, 2021, and that the sales tax was refunded to the customer.

Dealer should reduce the sales tax liability on their next return by $5.25, the amount of sales tax previously reported and remitted to Virginia Tax.

Refund Proce dures for Dealers and Other Businesses Registe r e d with the Vi rginia Depa r t ment of T axation In the event that a dealer or any other person registered with the Virginia Department of Taxation for Retail Sales and Use Tax seeks to use their return to recover an amount of tax erroneously reported and remitted to the Department, they must complete and maintain the following:  Vendor Certification Form  Refund Claimant Return  Refund Request Spreadsheet Dealer Request 6 The above documents must be maintained in the dealer or other person’s records to support any credit taken. The Refund Request Spreadsheet is considered part of the Refund Claimant Return. (See page A-4 in Appendix A for the Vendor Certification Form, pages A-1 and A-2 in Appendix A for the Refund Claimant Return, and page A-8 in Appendix A for the Refund Request Spreadsheet Dealer Request).

If an amended return is filed to recover an amount of tax erroneously reported and remitted to the Virginia Department of Taxation, the dealer or other person may be required to file a complete Refund claim. If the Virginia Department of Taxation requires the Dealer to file a Refund Claim, the amended return must be accompanied by the following:  Refund Claimant Return  Vendor Certification Form  Refund Request Spreadsheet Dealer Request The Refund Request Spreadsheet is considered part of the Refund Claimant Return. (See pages A-1 and A-2 in Appendix A for the Refund Claimant Return, page A-4 in Appendix A for the Vendor Certification Form, and page A-8 in Appendix A for the Refund Request Spreadsheet Dealer Request).

Refund Proce dures for Custome rs who Accrued and Remitted Sale s T ax to the Vi rginia Dep ar t ment of T axation Any person who has accrued and remitted sales tax on an exempt transaction may file a complete refund claim with the Virginia Department of Taxation, if they are unable to recover the sales taxes by taking a credit on the following two months tax returns. They may submit the following completed forms:  Refund Claimant Return  Refund Request Spreadsheet Accrued  Supporting Documentation as Required by these Guidelines The Refund Request Spreadsheet is considered part of the Refund Claimant Return. (See pages A-1 and A-2 in Appendix A for the Refund Claimant Return, and page A-6 in Appendix A for the Refund Request Spreadsheet Accrued).

Refund Proce dures for Custome rs to Seek Refunds from the Vi rginia Departme nt of T axation Any person who has paid sales tax on an exempt transaction upon which the dealer is unable to provide a refund or credit of the tax must file a complete refund claim with the 7 Virginia Department of Taxation to request a refund of sales taxes paid to a vendor. The customer must submit the following completed forms:  Refund Claimant Return,  Refund Request Spreadsheet Paid to Vendor  Vendor Certification Form The documents listed above must be filed with the Virginia Department of Taxation in order to receive a refund of the tax remitted to the Virginia Department of Taxation by the dealer.

The Refund Request Spreadsheet Paid to Vendor is a part of the Refund Claimant Return. (See pages A-1 and A-2 in Appendix A for the Refund Claimant Return, page A-4 in Appendix A for the Vendor Certification Form, and page A-10 in Appendix A for the Refund Request Spreadsheet Paid to Vendor).

The purchaser must provide a copy of the Refund Request Spreadsheet Paid to Vendor to the dealer, who must ensure that all of the information in the spreadsheet is accurate.

The Refund Claim must include the following to be complete:  Purchaser’s full legal name and business/trade name;  Purchaser’s federal employer identification number or social security number;  Purchaser’s contact information, if an individual, or that of a responsible officer;  Proof of Exemption;  Reason given by dealer for not allowing the exemption on the Vendor Certification Form;  Amount on which refund is requested  Amount of refund requested;  Date of purchase(s);  Declaration that the tax has not been refunded or credited to the purchaser by Virginia Tax or the dealer and that the purchaser will immediately send any duplicate refund to Virginia Tax; and  Authorization for Virginia Tax to communicate with and to receive and inspect records from any dealer regarding the claim for refund.

Additionally, the purchaser must submit an electronic copy of the Refund Request Spreadsheet (Excel or Excel compatible spreadsheets are required). The Refund Request Spreadsheet is considered part of the Refund Claimant Return. The Refund Request Spreadsheet must list the following for each transaction:  Dealer’s name;  Invoice number;  Invoice date;  Amount on which refund is requested (excluding taxes);  Tax paid on invoice items for which refund is requested; 8  The period the return covers (mm/yy); i.e. January 2022 due by February 20th should be entered 01/22;  Locality reported by the vendor for each transaction on the invoice (The five digit locality code as reported on their Sales and Use Tax Return should be used);  Brief description of the items purchased;  Detailed explanation of how/why the items qualify for exemption.

The purchaser also must submit copies of all invoices and other documentation demonstrating that the transactions qualify for an exemption, with invoices embedded into the spreadsheet by line item. Examples of documentation the purchaser must provide include, but are not limited to, invoices, exemption certificates, contracts, purchase orders, credit memos, and agreements. The purchaser must provide proof of payment of sales taxes in which they are requesting a refund of.

Documentation provided by the purchaser must establish the validity of the claim and is subject to verification by audit of the purchaser’s accounting books and records for the period involved.

Additional information or access to records may be requested by Virginia Tax as needed, including, but not limited to: sales quotations, lease agreements, contracts, and any information deemed necessary to validate the refund claim. The Refund Claimant Return and a template of the Refund Request Spreadsheet are available on the Virginia Department of Taxation’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

Ve ndor Certification Form The Refund Claimant Return must also be accompanied by a Vendor Certification Form completed by each dealer from whom the purchaser requested a refund of tax paid on exempt transactions and such vendor is unable or unwilling to issue a refund. A Vendor Certification Form does not need to be provided for any dealer who is no longer in business. In this situation, the purchaser should provide a statement that the business is closed. A responsible officer for the dealer must review the refund request spreadsheet.

The dealer must enter the locality and period the tax was remitted on the spreadsheet and complete the Vendor Certification Form and provide:  Dealer’s full legal name;  Dealer’s sales and use tax registration number;  Dealer’s business/trade name;  Responsible officer’s name and contact information;  Customer’s exemption certificate; and  Reason for not refunding or crediting the tax to the purchaser, (i.e., “Taxpayer is filing their own refund claim”, “Taxpayer wants to file directly with the Department”, “Customer filing directly”, “Prior year transactions”). The customer cannot file a refund claim directly with Virginia Tax without seeking the refund from the vendor. 9 The customer must make three attempts to receive the completed Vendor Certification Form from the vendor with at least 30 days in between each attempt. If the vendor has not provided the vendor certification after two attempts by email or mailing, with a 30 day period to respond for each attempt, a third attempt must be made and documented by a certified letter. If 30 days passes without a response to the certified letter, the customer must provide the documentation of the three required attempts as an alternative to the vendor certification. If received, the customer must also provide an email or letter from the vendor stating the refusal to provide the vendor certification. By filing the refund claim with the Virginia Department of Taxation you are authorizing the vendor to be contacted directly by the Virginia Department of Taxation to verify any documentation you provide.

It is recommend that you begin this process at least 120 days prior to the expiration of the Statute of Limitations for the period you are filing the Refund Claim for, so as to not lose any periods. The vendor’s failure to complete the Vendor Certification Form timely does not protect or extend the Statute of Limitations.

The information submitted will be verified with the vendor.

The responsible officer must certify on the Vendor Certification Form that the Refund Claim Spreadsheet correctly lists:  Items that were sold by the dealer to the purchaser;  Date of sale;  Amount on which refund is requested;  Amount of tax charged to the purchaser;  Date the tax was remitted to Virginia Tax; and  Locality allocated the local option tax for each transaction.

The responsible officer must also certify that:  The dealer has not refunded or credited the tax to the purchaser; and the dealer has not and will not request a refund of the tax or take a credit for such tax.

The Vendor Certification Form is available on the agency’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

Filing Procedures The Virginia Department of Taxation requests that taxpayers seeking a refund send Refund Claimant Returns, Refund Request Spreadsheets, Vendor Certification Forms and all supporting documentation as explained in these guidelines to the Virginia Department of Taxation by e-mail.

All Refund Claimant Request forms must be submitted to the Refund Coordinator Email address refund.coordinator@tax.virginia. gov . If the total file size of your attachments is larger than 20MB, you must request a Box file transfer link along with your emailed 10 request. Once your request is received, we will send you a Box file transfer link to use to submit files that exceed 20MB. Box is a secure file transfer system used by the Virginia Department of Taxation. The requir e m e nt for a Box file transfer link does not extend the Statue of Limitations, please plan your submission to ensure it is file d timely.

Once Virginia Tax has received a Refund Claimant Return and supporting documentation, it will be reviewed for completeness. A Refund Claimant Return is considered complete when all the appropriate documentation to substantiate the refund claim is received.

If the Refund Claimant Return is not complete, the Virginia Department of Taxation will notify the purchaser that information is missing. An incomplete Refund Claimant Return will not protect the statute and it will continue to change on the twenty-first (21st) of each month. The purchaser will then have a maximum of 60 calendar days to provide the missing information. The span period of the request will be adjusted based on when the completed Refund Claimant Return is received. All supporting documentation required for the processing of the refund claim must be provided upon request within a maximum of 60 calendar days. If the taxpayer does not provide all of the requested information within the required time period or the Refund Claimant Return is not complete, the refund claim will be decided on the information submitted (denied in part or denied in full). The 60 calendar day’s deadline is strictly adhered to. A new Refund Claimant Return must be submitted if the missing information is obtained after a maximum of 60 calendar days. For purposes of satisfying the three-year statute of limitations, an incomplete Refund Claimant Return is not sufficient. If a refund claim is denied and a taxpayer files a new Refund Claimant Return for the same transaction, the date of the request for purposes of the statute of limitations is the date the Virginia Department of Taxation receives the new complete Refund Claimant Return, not the date of the first refund claim that was denied.

Refund Claim Outcome Form Virginia Tax will issue the purchaser a Refund Claim Outcome Form with the amount of the refund approved or denied by the agency. The denial of a refund claim will be deemed an assessment, and a taxpayer may file an administrative appeal if the taxpayer does not agree with the denial of a portion or all of a refund claim. (See “Appeal Rights” below for more information) Statute of Limitations Complete requests for refunds of erroneously or illegally collected and remitted taxes must be filed within three years from the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing of the original return to be within the statute of limitations mandated by Virginia Code § 58.1-1823. Refund requests filed after the statute of limitations has expired will be denied.

Generally, the tax must be remitted to Virginia Tax by dealers when filing their return on or before the 20th day of the month following the reporting period of the dealer. This applies regardless of whether the refund is issued by the dealer or by Virginia Tax. 11 For purposes of satisfying the three-year statute of limitations, an incomplete Refund Claimant Return is not sufficient. If a refund claim is denied and a taxpayer files a new Refund Claimant Return for the same transaction, the date of the request for purposes of the statute of limitations is the date Virginia Tax receives the new complete Refund Claimant Return, not the date of the first refund claim that was denied.

Example 8 Purchaser erroneously pays sales tax on an exempt transaction on August 1, 2018 to Dealer who files and remits the tax on a monthly basis. Dealer subsequently goes out of business. On January 1, 2021, Purchaser files an incomplete Refund Claimant Return with no copy of the invoice for the transaction or any other documentation. Virginia Tax notifies Purchaser that the Refund Claimant Return is incomplete and that they have a maximum of 60 calendar days to provide a copy of the invoice. Purchaser provides the additional information on February 1, 2021.

As Dealer filed and remitted the tax on a monthly basis, Purchaser must file a complete Refund Claimant Return within three years from September 20, 2018, to be within the statute of limitations. The incomplete Refund Claimant Return filed on January 1, 2021 is not sufficient to satisfy or extend the limitations period. As the date of the complete Refund Claimant Return, February 1, 2021, is within the three years from the last day of prescribed for timely filing the original return, the Refund Claimant Return is timely filed as of February 1, 2021.

Example 9 Purchaser erroneously pays sales tax on an exempt transaction on August 1, 2018 to Dealer who files and remits the tax on a monthly basis. Dealer subsequently goes out of business. Purchaser files an incomplete Refund Claimant Return, with no copy of the invoice for the transaction or any other documentation, on May 1, 2021. Virginia Tax notifies Purchaser that the Refund Claimant Return is incomplete and that they have a maximum of 60 calendar days to provide a copy of the invoice. Purchaser does not provide any additional information and the refund claim is denied. Purchaser subsequently files a complete Refund Claimant Return for the same transaction on September 21, 2021.

As Dealer filed and remitted the tax on a monthly basis, Taxpayer must file a complete Refund Claimant Return within 3 years from September 20, 2018, to be within the statute of limitations. As the date of the complete Refund Claimant Return, September 21, 2021, is more than three years from the last day prescribed for timely filing the original return, the limitations period has expired and the refund claim will be denied. The incomplete Refund Claimant Return filed on May 1, 2021, is not sufficient to protect or extend the limitations period. 12 Interest: Generally Interest is required to be paid upon the overpayment, or any moneys improperly collected, of any tax administered by Virginia Tax at a rate equal to the rate of interest established pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-15. The rate of interest on refunds is the "Overpayment Rate" established pursuant to § 6621(a) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, plus 2%.

Interest accrues from a date 60 days after the date of the payment of the tax, or 60 days after the last day prescribed by law for such payment, whichever is later, on such overpayments of tax. (Source: Virginia Code § 58.1-1833; 23 VAC 10-20-200) Dealers are not required to pay interest on refunds to their customers. Virginia Tax will not pay interest on sales tax refunded to a dealer unless the interest is passed on to the purchaser. The agency is required to pay interest to purchasers that apply directly to Virginia Tax for refunds. (Source: Virginia Code § 58.1-1833; 23 VAC 10-20-200) Example 10 Purchaser holds a “self-issued” exemption certificate and erroneously pays sales tax on an exempt transaction on January 1, 2021 to Dealer. Purchaser presents the valid exemption certificate to Dealer and requests a refund of the sales tax on July 1, 2021.

Dealer refunds the sales tax to Purchaser, but does not refund interest. Dealer reduces the sales tax liability on their next return by the amount of the refunded sales tax. Dealer may not reduce their sales tax liability for interest on the sales tax as interest was not paid to Purchaser.

Example 11 Purchaser holds a “self-issued” exemption certificate and erroneously pays sales tax on an exempt transaction on January 1, 2021 to Dealer. Purchaser presents the valid exemption certificate to Dealer and requests a refund of the sales tax on July 1, 2021.

Dealer refunds the sales tax to Purchaser and pays interest to Purchaser at the “Overpayment Rate” plus 2%, accruing from 60 days after the payment of the tax, February 29, 2021. Dealer reduces the sales tax liability on their next Retail Sales and Use Tax Return by the amount of refunded sales tax and the interest on their next sales tax return.

Example 12 Purchaser holds a “self-issued” exemption certificate and erroneously pays sales tax on an exempt transaction on August 1, 2018 to Dealer. Dealer 13 subsequently goes out of business. Purchaser files a complete Refund Claimant Return with Virginia Tax on January 1, 2021.

Purchaser would receive a refund of the sales tax paid on the exempt transaction and interest on the tax accruing from 60 days after the date of the payment of the tax, September 29, 2018.

Interest on Refunds from Virginia T ax Issued Exemption Certificates During the 2016 Session, the General Assembly enacted House Bill 398 (2016 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 484) and Senate Bill 444 (2016 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 303), which prohibit a purchaser from receiving interest on a refund claim for erroneously paid Retail Sales and Use Tax for any period prior to the date the purchaser submits a complete refund claim to Virginia Tax in situations where the purchaser held a valid exemption certificate issued by Virginia Tax at the time of purchase but failed to present it to the dealer. The prohibition does not apply to “self-executed” or “self-issued” exemption certificates that purchasers download from Virginia Tax’s website and complete and sign.

Example 13 Purchaser holds an exemption certificate issued by Virginia Tax and erroneously pays sales tax on an exempt transaction on August 1, 2018 to Dealer because they failed to present the exemption certificate to Dealer.

Dealer subsequently goes out of business. Purchaser files a complete Refund Claimant Return with Virginia Tax on January 1, 2021.

Purchaser would receive a refund of the sales tax paid on the exempt transaction and interest on the tax accruing from the date Taxpayer submitted a complete refund claim to Virginia Tax, January 1, 2021.

Example 14 Purchaser holds an exemption certificate issued by Virginia Tax and erroneously pays sales tax on an exempt transaction on August 1, 2018 to Dealer because they failed to present the exemption certificate to Dealer.

Dealer subsequently goes out of business. Purchaser files an incomplete Refund Claimant Return with Virginia Tax with no copy of the invoice for the transaction or any other documentation on January 1, 2021. Virginia Tax notifies Purchaser that the Refund Claimant Return is incomplete and that they have a maximum of 60 calendar days to provide a copy of the invoice.

Purchaser provides the additional information on February 1, 2021.

Purchaser would receive a refund of the sales tax paid on the exempt transaction and interest on the tax accruing from the date Purchaser submitted a complete refund claim to Virginia Tax, February 1, 2021. 14 Penalties The Refund Claimant Return, along with the accompanying documents, is a return for purposes of the Retail Sales and Use Tax and subject to all applicable penalties: Any person who willfully signs a return which they do not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (Source: Virginia Code § 58.1-11) An exemption certificate holder may be assessed a penalty of up to $1,000 for the misuse of the exemption certificate by the holder or by any other person who, with the consent or knowledge of such holder, has misused the certificate. The penalty shall be assessed and collected as a part of the tax. (Source: Virginia Code § 58.1-623.1) In the case of a false or fraudulent return where willful intent exists to defraud the Commonwealth of any Retail Sales and Use Tax, a specific penalty of 50% of the amount of the proper tax shall be assessed. (Source: Virginia Code § 58.1-635) The penalty for making a false or fraudulent return with intent to evade the Retail Sales and Use Tax, making a false or fraudulent claim for refund, or giving or knowingly receiving a false or fraudulent exemption certificate is a Class 1 misdemeanor. (Source: Virginia Code § 58.1-636) Appeal Rights Virginia Code § 58.1-1821 gives a taxpayer the right to an administrative appeal of an assessment issued by Virginia Tax, if the taxpayer believes that the agency has incorrectly assessed tax, penalty or interest. The denial of a refund claim is deemed to be an assessment, and a taxpayer may file an administrative appeal if the taxpayer does not agree with the denial of a portion or all of a refund claim.

Virginia Tax enforces the 90-day limitations period for filing a timely administrative appeal.

A taxpayer must file a complete appeal within 90 calendar days after the date of assessment. For purposes of appealing a refund claim, the date of assessment would be the date of the Refund Claim Outcome Form. More information regarding Administrative Appeals can be found in regulation 23 VAC 10-20-165, Administrative Appeals.

Example 15 Purchaser files a Refund Claimant Return on January 1, 2021, for sales tax paid on a transaction he claims was exempt. Virginia Tax subsequently determines that transaction was taxable and denies the refund claim by issuing a Refund Claim Outcome Form dated March 1, 2021. 15 Purchaser has a right to an administrative appeal of the denial of the refund claim. In order for the appeal to be considered timely, Purchaser must file a complete appeal regarding the denial of the refund within 90 days from the date of the Refund Claim Outcome Form (May 30, 2021).

Power of Attorney In order for Virginia Tax to discuss confidential tax matters relating to the refund claim with an alternate party, a completed Form PAR 101 must accompany the Refund Claimant Return. The official and preferred Power of Attorney Form of the agency is Form PAR 101, which can be found on Virginia Tax’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov. Virginia Code § 58.1-1834 requires the agency to provide a copy of any written correspondence, documentation, or any other written materials that relate to a tax matter for which a taxpayer has filed a Power of Attorney Form to the person named to act under that express authority. Section 5 Signature of Taxpayer(s) and Section 6 Representative Signature must be an actual signature and cannot be electronic or rubber stamped. 16 Retail Sales and Use Tax Refund Claim Procedures APPENDIX A Refund Claim Forms Appendix A Index A-1 Refund Claimant Return A-2 Refund Claimant Return A-3 Refund Claimant Return Instructions A-4 Vendor Certification Form A-5 Vendor Certification Form Instructions A-6 Refund Request Spreadsheet Accrued A-7 Refund Request Spreadsheet Accrued Instructions A-8 Refund Request Spreadsheet Dealer Request A-9 Refund Request Spreadsheet Dealer Request Instructions A-10 Refund Request Spreadsheet Paid to Vendor A-11 Refund Request Spreadsheet Paid to Vendor Instructions COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Department of Taxation www.tax.virginia.gov

Refund Claimant Return

Please Print

Taxpayer Name

FEIN/SSN

VA Tax ID

Address

This refund is for sales and use tax paid during the period of MM/YY MM/YY

Amount of Refund Requested: $

Reason for Request

Taxpayer’s Employee Contact Information

Name

Title

Phone No

Email Who Should TaxpayerReceive Email Power of AttorneyCorrespondence?

Please check 1 or Other Email: more.

A-1 Refund Claimant Return Page 2

COMMONWEALTH of VIRG IN IA Department of Taxation www.tax.virginia.gov

Refund Claimant Return All requested information on Page 1 and 2 of this form must be completely filled out.

Box 1

The refund request spreadsheet must be filled out by the customer requesting the refund first. Unless Refund Request Spreadsheet the tax was self-accrued by the customer, the vendor needs to complete Column 5 and Column 9. See the Refund Request Spreadsheet Instructions for additional details. Please note: No application for refund will be processed without this completed spreadsheet attached.

Box 2

This form is to be completed by each Vendor you are requesting a refund from. All forms must be Vendor Certification included in the refund package to be considered complete.

Box 3 Certification

This section is to be completed by the refund claimant.

I authorize the Virginia Department of Taxation to 1) communicate with any vendor relating to this claim for refund and 2) receive and inspect records from the vendor for transactions relating to this claim for refund and such other information as may be necessary to verify and facilitate this claim for refund.

I certify under penalty of law that the amount of sales and use tax for which I am submitting this claim for refund has NOT been refunded or credited to me by TAX or the vendor to whom the tax was previously paid. I will immediately send payment for any duplicate refund to the Virginia Department of Taxation, Refund Coordinator, P O Box 5771 Richmond, VA 23220

Print Name & Title of Responsible Officer (Power of Attorney not valid)

Signature of Responsible Officer

Phone

Email

Date If your claim results from an overpayment to a vendor and includes a refund of sales and use tax paid to more than one vendor, you must attach a separate Refund Request Spreadsheet and a separate Vendor Certification Form for each vendor and summarize your total refund claim on page 1 of this form.

Questions: Email: Refund.coordinator@tax.virginia.gov Website: www.tax.virginia.gov

A-2 A-3

Retail Salesand Use Tax Refund Claim Procedures

REFUND CLAIMANT RETURNPage 1 INSTRUCTIONSInstructions

Purpose

This form is to summarize your sales and use tax refund requests. The Total of all Refund Request Spreadsheets must equal the amount of refund requested.

Line Instructions

  1. Taxpayer Name—Enter the full legal name of the entity requesting a refund from Virginia Tax
  2. FEIN/SSN—Enter the Federal Employee Identification Number or Social Security Number if a Sole Proprietorship
  3. VA Tax ID—Enter the 15 digit Virginia Tax ID Number
  4. Address—Enter the physical address for the corporate headquarters
  5. Telephone—Enter the Tax Depart. or Accounting Depart. phone n u m b e r
  6. Refund Period—Enter the period or periods for w hich you are requesting the refund
  7. Amount of Refund Requested—Enter the sales and use tax amount you are requesting
  8. Reason for request---Enter reason refund is being requested
  9. Taxpayer’s Employee Contact Information Name—Enter the name of the individual w ho can be contacted by Virginia Tax regarding the refund request Title—Enter the Title of the individual named above Phone No—Enter the phone number of the individual named above Email—Enter email address of the individual named above Who Should Receive Email Correspondence?— Check one or more boxes

Page 2 Instructions

Box 1

Refund Claim ant Return—Check this box to indicate that you have completed and enclosed the form.

Box 2

Refund Request Spreadsheet—Check this box to indicate that a Refund Request Spreadsheet for each vendor is included in your request for refund.

Box 3

Vendor Certification Form —Check this box to indicate the form is enclosed if required. For additional information, see the Vendor Certification instructions.

Certification—A responsible officer of the entity must sign the form. Please include the printed name and title of the officer, phone, email, and the date. We w ill not accept a pow er of attorney signature. COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Department of Taxation

www.tax.virginia.go v

Vendor Certification

This section is to be completed by vendor. Retain copy for records

Your customer, conducted an examination of their records and determined they paid sales tax to you, the vendor referenced below, on property that qualified for exemption from the tax. Please verify the taxes were remitted as indicated on the spreadsheet and enter the locality reported on your sales tax return in column 5 and date the tax was reported on your sales tax return in Column 9 (Filing Period of Return). Your customer must provide a valid certificate of exemption with this request. Be s ure to i nclude the conta ct i nformation a nd s i gnature of a n a uthorized representati ve of your company on this form. After the tax has been reimbursed to your customer by refund or credit memo, the vendor referenced below will be entitled to recover the amount refunded by taking a credit for tax on their monthly sales and use tax return or by applying in writing to the Virginia Department of Taxation, www.tax.virginia.gov for a refund.

Legal Name Type - Vendor Name Virginia Tax ID Type - Vendor Tax ID Business/Trade Name Type - Vendor Trade Name Telephone Number Type - Vendor Telephone Contact Person Type - Vendor Contact Person Title Type - Vendor Contact Person’s Title Email Address Type - Vendor Contact Email

Vendor Certification I have read and examined this document and attest to the fact that the items listed in the schedule of invoices in the Refund Request Spreadsheet were sold by me and that the proper sales and use tax was charged, reported and remitted to TAX. I, (the vendor), have taken the following action: (Choose one of the statements below.)

Have refunded or credited the customer the items listed in the Refund Request Spreadsheet onBox 1 . I am authorized to sign this document and will be taking a credit of tax on my monthly sales and use tax return or applying in writing to the Virginia Department of Taxation for the proper refund. Please note: Credit can be taken up to the amount of taxable sales measure for the period. Any carryover should be applied to the next month's return.

Have not refunded or provided the customer a credit memo on any of the items listed in the RefundBox 2 Request Spreadsheet and have not requested a refund or taken credit on any sales and use tax return. I am authorized to sign this document. I further declare that I will not request a refund of tax for any sales included in this request.

Reason (Required):Signature of PersonAuthorizedby Vendor: Print Name: Date

A-4

A-5 Retail Salesand Use tax Refund Claim Procedu res Vendor Certification Form Instructions Purpose: This form must be completed by the vendor to verify when sales and use taxes were paid and submitted to Virginia Tax and to confirm the correct locality information.

Line Instructions

  1. Legal Name – enter the full legal name of the vendor that paid the sales and use tax to Virginia Tax
  2. Virginia Tax ID- enter the VA Tax ID issued by Virginia Tax
  3. Business/Trade Name – enter the trading as name for the legal entity names above
  4. Telephone Number – enter the telephone number for the contact person
  5. Contact Person – enter the name of the individual who can be contacted by Virginia Tax regarding the refund request
  6. Title – enter the title of the individual names above
  7. Email Address- enter the email address of the contact person listed above Vendor Certification : Box 1 Check box 1 if you have refunded or credited your customer the sales and use tax requested. Enter the date you refunded the tax. Please note: If the tax is refunded by you, you are required to maintain all documentation to support the deduction taken on your sales and use tax return. If you are applying directly to Virginia Tax for the refund, you must include all documentation provided by the customer in order for your refund package to be complete. If you are filing an amended return, a copy of this vendor certification must accompany the return.

Box 2 Check box 2 if you have not refunded or credited your customer the sales and use tax requested and enter the reason.

You are still obligated to furnish your customer information for the Refund Request Spreadsheet.

Column 5 locality information and column 9 date tax paid information must be completedby you and furnished to your customer. For additional information, please see the Refund Request Spreadsheet instructions.

Name, Signature, & Date This form must be signed by an authorized individual on behalf of the vendor.

Please sign, print and date the form.

A-6

FORMACCRUED

Commonwealth of Virginia Virginia Department of Taxation

Taxpayer Name: VA Tax ID RefundRequestForm-Invoices required to supportclaim-Col.11 1 Invoice Date 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 VA Code or 12 Comments (Explain mm/yy Invoice # Vendor Name State Locality Amount on Tax accrued Include Image Filing Period Detailed Description of Item(s) Administrative the reason exempt and/or Code which Refund on Amount in Link Date mm/yy Purchased Code Reference why refund is requested) (XXXXX) is Requested Column 6

Page 1 of 3Retail Salesand Use Tax Refund Claim Procedures APPENDIX A- Initial Formsfor Refund Proceduresfrom Virginia Tax Refund Request Spreadsheet Instructionsfor FORM ACCRU ED: Please complete the Refund Request Spreadsheet and submit it electronically. If you fail to provide all applicable information and supporting documents, we will consider the application incomplete. An incomplete Refund Claimant Return is not sufficient to protect the 3-year statute of limitations. If Virginia Tax denies a refund claim and the taxpayer files a new Refund Claimant Return for the same transaction, the date of the request for purposes of the statute of limitations will be the date we receive the new Refund Claimant Return, not the date of the first refund claim that was denied.

Column 1 Invoice Date Enter the date of the invoice in month year format.

Column 2 Invoice # Enter the invoice number indicated on the invoice.

Column 3 Vendor Name Enter the name of the vendor from which the purchase(s) was/were made.

Column 4 State Enter the invoice ship to State.

Column 5 Locality Code (Taxpayer must complete column 5 as this information is retrieved from the Taxpayer’s Sales and Use Tax Return or the Taxpayer’s Consumer Use Tax Return) Enter the 5 digit locality code that the sales tax was reported to on the Virginia Sales and Use Tax return or the Virginia Consumer Use Tax Return.

Column 6 Amount on which Refund isRequested Enter the amount on which the refund is requested before tax. Do not include any tax that was paid on the invoice. Note: The amount of tax paid should be entered in Column

  1. Column 6 should not be the same as column 7.

Column 7 Tax Accrued on Amount in Column 6 Enter the amount of tax paid on the item(s).

Column 8 Include Image Link Attach (link) copies of documentation to support the refund claim. Initial documentation is the refund invoice. All Refund Claimant Request forms must be submitted to the Refund Coordinator Email address (refund.coordinator@tax.virginia.gov). If the total of your attachments is larger than 20MB, you must request a Box file transfer link along with your emailed request. Once your request is received, we will send you a Box file transfer link for files that exceed the 20MB. This is a secure file transfer system.

Column 9 Filing Period Date (mm/yy) Taxpayer must complete column 9 as this information is retrieved from the Taxpayer’s Sales and Use Tax Return or the Consumer Use Tax Return.

Taxpayer should enter the filing period the tax was submitted on their Virginia Sales and Use Tax Return or Consumer Use Tax Return.

Column 10 Detailed Description of Item(s) Purchased Provide a brief detailed description of the items purchased.

Column 11 VA Code or Administrative Code Reference Identify Code section. Example: 58.1-609.3(2) Manufacturing 23VAC10-210-920 Manufacturing & Processing Column 12 Comments(Explain the reason exempt, and/or why refund is requested) Indicate the reason the items purchased are exempt, and/or why you are requesting a refund of tax paid.

Example: Correct: Labels affixed to finished product. Incorrect: Used directly in manufacturing.

A-8

FORMDEALERREQU ST

Commonwealth o Virginia Departmentof Taxation

Taxpayer Name: VA Tax ID Refund Request Form - Invoices required to support claim - Col. 11 1 Invoice Date 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 VA Code or 12 Comments (Explain mm/yy Invoice # Customer Name State Locality Amount on Tax Remitted Include Image Filing Period Detailed Description of Item(s) Administrative the reason exempt and/or Code which Refund on Amount in Link Date mm/yy Purchased Code Reference why refund is requested) (XXXXX) is Requested Column 6

Page 1 of 3 Retail Salesand Use Tax Refund Claim Procedures

APPENDIX A- Initial Formsfor Refund Proceduresfrom Virginia Tax

Refund Request Spreadsheet Instructionsfor FORM DEALER REQU EST : Please complete the Refund Request Spreadsheet and submit it electronically. If you fail to provide all applicable information and supporting documents we will consider the application incomplete. An incomplete Refund Claimant Return is not sufficient to protect the 3-year statute of limitations. If Virginia Tax denies a refund claim and the taxpayer files a new Refund Claimant Return for the same transaction, the date of the request for purposes of the statute of limitations will be the date we receive the new Refund Claimant Return, not the date of the first refund claim that was denied.

Column 1 Invoice Date

Enter the date of the invoice in month year format.

Column 2 Invoice # Enter the invoice number indicated on the invoice.

Column 3 Vendor Name

Enter the name of the vendor from which the purchase(s) was/were made.

Column 4 State

Enter the invoice ship to State.

Column 5 Locality Code Dealer must complete column 5 as this information is retrieved from the Dealer’s Sales and Use Tax Return.

Enter the 5 digit locality code that the sales tax was reported to on the Virginia

Sales and Use Tax return.

Column 6 Amount on which Refund isRequested

Enter the amount on which the refund is requested before tax. Do not include any tax that was paid on the invoice. Note: The amount of tax paid should be entered in Column

  1. Column 6 should not be the same as column 7.

Column 7 Tax Remitted on the Amount in Column6 Enter the amount of tax paid by the Dealer on the item(s).

Column 8 Include Image Link Attach (link) copies of documentation to support the refund claim. Initial documentation is the refund invoice. All Refund Claimant Request forms must be submitted to the Refund Coordinator Email address:refund.coordinator@tax.virginia.gov. If the total of your attachments is larger than 20MB, you must request a Box file transfer link along with your emailed request. Once your request is received, we will send you a Box file transfer link for files that exceed the 20MB. This is a secure file transfer system.

Column 9 Filing Period Date (mm/yy) (Dealer must complete column 9 as this information is retrieved from the Dealer’s Sales and Use Tax Return). The dealer should enter the filing period the tax was submitted on their Virginia Sales and Use Tax return.

Column 10 Detailed Description of Item(s) Purchased Provide a brief detailed description of the items purchased.

Column 11 VA Code or Administrative Code Reference Identify Code section. Example: 58.1-619 Returned Goods 23VAC10-210-3080 Returned Goods Column 12 Comments(Explain the reason exempt, and/or why refund is requested) Indicate the reason the items purchased are exempt, and/or why you are requesting a refund of tax paid.

Example: Customer returned items purchased.

A-10

FORM PAID TO VENDOR

Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Taxation

Vendor Name: Vendor VA ID # : PrintName ofResponsibleOfficer: Signature Title: Date: Refund Request Form - Invoic es required to support claim - Col. 11 1 Invoice Date 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 VA Code or 12 Comments (Explain the mm/yy Invoice # Vendor Name State Locality Amount on Tax Paid to Include Image Filing Period Detailed Description of Item(s) Administrative Code reason exempt and/or why Code which Refund Vendor on Link Date mm/yy Purchased Reference refund is requested) (XXXXX) is Requested Amount in Column 6

Page 1 of 3Retail Salesand Use Tax Refund Claim Procedures APPENDIX A- Initial Formsfor Refund Proceduresfrom Virginia Tax Refund Request Spreadsheet Instructionsfor FORM PAID TO VEND OR: Please complete the Refund Request Spreadsheet and submit it electronically. If you fail to provide all applicable information and supporting documents we will consider the application incomplete. An incomplete Refund Claimant Return is not sufficient to protect the 3-year statute of limitations. If Virginia Tax denies a refund claim and the taxpayer files a new Refund Claimant Return for the same transaction, the date of the request for purposes of the statute of limitations will be the date we receive the new Refund Claimant Return, not the date of the first refund claim that was denied.

Column 1 Invoice Date Enter the date of the invoice in month year format.

Column 2 Invoice # Enter the invoice number indicated on the invoice.

Column 3 Vendor Name Enter the name of the vendor from which the purchase(s) was/were made.

Column 4 State Enter the invoice ship to State.

Column 5 Locality Code (Vendor must complete column 5 as this information is retrieved from the Vendor’s Sales Tax Return).

Enter the 5 digit locality code that the sales tax was reported to on the Virginia Tax return.

Column 6 Amount on which Refund isRequested Enter the amount on which the refund is requested before tax. Do not include any tax that was paid on the invoice. Note: The amount of tax paid should be entered in Column

  1. Column 6 should not be the same as column 7.

Column 7 Tax Paid to Vendor on Amount in Column 6 Enter the amount of tax paid on the item(s).

Column 8 Include Image Link Attach (link) copies of documentation to support the refund claim. Initial documentation is the refund invoice. All Refund Claimant Request forms must be submitted to the Refund Coordinator Email address, refund.coordinator@tax.vi rginia.gov. If the total of your attachments is larger than 20MB, you must request a Box link along with your emailed request. Once your request is received, we will send you a Box link for files that exceed the 20MB. This is a secure file transfer system.

Column 9 Filing Period Date (mm/yy) (Vendor must complete column 9 as this information is retrieved from the Vendor’s Sales Tax Return) The vendor should enter the filing period the tax was submitted on their Virginia Tax return.

Column 10 Detailed Description of Item(s) Purchased Provide a brief detailed description of the items purchased.

Column 11 VA Code or Administrative Code Reference Identify Code section. Example: 58.1-609.3(2) Manufacturing 23VAC10-210-920 Manufacturing & Processing Column 12 Comments- Explain the reason exempt, and/or why refund is requested) Indicate the reason the items purchased are exempt, and/or why you are requesting a refund of tax paid.

Example: Correct: Labels affixed to finished product. Incorrect: Used directly in manufacturing.

Application of Penalties in Virginia Tax AuditsDoc ID: CorporateIndividual

Original: 629 words
Condensed: 590 words
Reduction: 6.2%

--- Page 1 ---——_

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COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

Richmond, Virginia 23282

MEMORANDUM

TO

W. S. Cordle, Director

Field Services Division

Ronald W. Wheeler, Director

Office Services Division

DATE

October 26, 1990

SUBJECT

Application of Penalty to Corporate and Individual

Income Tax Audits

It was recently suggested that legislation be proposed to enable

the Department to impose an underpayment penalty on corporate

income tax audits, similar to that authorized for the sales and

use tax.

Upon review of the existing statutes, legislation is unnecessarv

to accomplish this objective.

Va. Code § 58.1-455 sets forth the

requirement for timely payment of annual corporate income tax.

This section further states

If any payment is not made in full when due, there shall be

added to the entire tax or any unpaid balance of the tax a

penalty

In the case of an additional tax assessed by

the Department, if the return was made in good faith and the

understatement of the amount in the return was not due to any

fault of the taxpayer, there shall be no penalty on the

additional tax because of such understatement.

{emphasis

added ]

This language is strikingly similar to that contained in Va. Code

§ 58.1-635 relating to the retail sales and use tax.

This

section states in part

When any dealer fails to make any return and pay the full

amount of the tax required by this chapter, there shall be

imposed in addition to other penalties provided herein, a

--- Page 2 ---, .

MEMORANDUM w. S. Cordle/Ronald W. Wheeler Page 2 specific penalty .. . If such failure is due to providential or other good cause shown to the Satisfaction of the Tax Commissioner, such return with or without remittance mav be accepted exclusive of penalties. [emphasis added] The language authorizing imposition of a penalty if the tax is not paid in full when due is Strikingly similar in both sections.

Both sections also allow for waiver of the penalty if the taxpayer is not at fault. Although the waiver language in each section is different, there is little functional difference between the two sections. In both cases, imposition of the penalty requires a two-part test: l- the tax was not paid in full when due, and 2- the failure was not due to taxpaver error.

We are currently administering this two-part test in the context of sales and use tax audits and there is no apparent legal impediment to adopting a similar procedure in corporation income tax audits. If anything, Va. Code § 58.1-635 provides broader discretion for penalty waiver in sales and use tax. Further. a Similar conclusion applies to the individual income tax penalty authorized by Va. Code § 58.1-351.

I hope that this answers the questions which have been raised regarding the application of penalty to income tax assessments.

However, we attempted only to respond to the request for an analysis of current law and did not examine the operational impacts of a change in current policy. Any change which is implemented would most likely impact systems, forms and other Operational areas, and we assume that these issues would be resolved in the normal manner for implementing changes in operational policy. Further, we would assume that significant further discussion is required as to the extent of implementation of this policy, particularly as it extends beyond corporate income tax audits. ;

If we can answer any questions or provide further information, please let us know. ate Janie E. Bowen, Director Tax Policy Division APPROVED: ites ——s J ty {4

  • H. Forst, Tax Commissioner Date ;

Virginia Supreme Court Ruling on Real Estate PublicationsDoc ID: Sales

Original: 2,144 words
Condensed: 2,095 words
Reduction: 2.3%

--- Page 1 ---%

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COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Taxation

MEMORANDUM

TO

Leadership Team

District mes

FROM

Tim Winks 7”

DATE

January 24, 1995

SUBJECT

Virginia Supreme Court Decision

Real Estate Publications

This is to let you know that the Virginia Supreme Court, on January 13,

overturned the department’s policy on publications which advertise homes for

sale.

Lawrence Carr, Jr. v. Forst.

The department’s previous policy was that these are not "true" publications

as they merely advertise property for sale. As such, the department held that

these homes magazines did not qualify for the sales and use tax exemption for

newspapers, magazines, and other publications published at least quarterly.

Rather, the department held that these were taxable purchases of printing for use

in media advertising.

The Supreme Court held, however, that the statute granting the exemption

for publications contained no specific language to exclude advertising

publications from the exemption.

The court reiterated that tax exemptions are to be narrowly construed, but

based its decision on another rule of statutory construction: ‘if a statute is clear

and unambiguous, a court must adopt its plain meaning and not resort to

extrinsic evidence or rules of construction."

Districts should not issue any additional assessments with respect to charges

for printing homes magazines, unless the magazines are distributed less frequently

than quarterly.

--- Page 2 ---FINANCE : ANSFUR IAT pOL + OUH7~F OO 3190 yaioat Se La kk te eee ek ; | | || present: All the Justices |

| LAWRENCE CARR, JR., ET AL. |

| OPINION BY JUSTICE ROSCOE B. STEPHENSON, JR. | i| v. Record No. 940337 | | January 13, 1995 |

| W.H. FORST, TAX COMMISSIONER )

| OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS 7 | Robert W. Curran, Judge : The dispositive issue in this appeal is whether a certain : | | publication is subject to Virginia’s retail sales and use tax. | | The parties stipulated the facts. Lawrence Carr, Jr. and | | Debra A. Carr, individually and trading as Homes & Land Magazine | of Newport News/Hampton and Homes & Land Magazine of Historic | ! : | | Williamsburg (the Taxpayers), are engaged in the business of | | \' compiling and distributing to the general public magazines in | | which real estate brokerage firms advertise residential property | | | for sale. The Taxpayers operate under a franchise from Homes & | Land Publishing Corporation, a Florida corporation (Homes) . | | Homes prints all the magazines for the Taxpayers and ships | | them to the Taxpayers’ office in Newport News. The Taxpayers pay | | || Homes a royalty fee and additional fees for printing and shipping| ! t | the magazines. The magazines are published every four weeks, | die., 13 times a year, and are distributed by the Taxpayers free | | of charge in the cities shown on the title covers of the magazines. The Taxpayers have never paid any sales or use taxes | to the Commonwealth on the cost of the printing of the magazines. | On March 12, 1990, the Department of Taxation (the | Department) assessed Homes with sales tax and interest in the | | amount of $226,997.05 for Homes & Land Magazines distributed in | | .

--- Page 3 ---“~~

ad

wwe

FINANCE & I RANSPURIHI 4 Ic SOUS OO-YLOO

va

\

|

|

|

|

through December 31,

vir

ginia during the period of April 1, 1984,

w. H. Forst, Tax Commissioner of the

|

On March 11,

1991,

{

Commonwealth (the Commissioner), is

sued a letter ruling,

|

'

in which the Commissioner

|

designated as Public Document 91-29,

ruled that the Taxpayers’

magazines do not qualify for the media-|

t

|

related exemption from taxation,

as set forth in former Code §

t

'

Homes has not remitted any sales tax to the |

  1. 1-608(A) (6) (c).'

Department.

brought a declaratory judgment proceeding,

The Taxpayers

seeking a determinatio

n that they are exempt from the retail

sales and use tax.

Both the Taxpayers and the Commissioner filed

conceding that the question

motions for summary judgment,

The trial

presented was purely one of statutory

interpretation.

judgment and

court granted the Commissioner’s motion for summary

magazines were not

denied the Taxpayers’ motion, holding that the

exempt, under former Code §

  1. 1-608(A) (6) (Cc), from the retail

We awarded the Taxpayers an appeal.

sales and use tax.

Code § 58.1-603 levie

s and imposes a sales tax "upon every

retail or

person who

engages in the business of selling at

Code § 58.1-604 levies

distributing tangible personal property."

and imposes a tax "upon the use or

consumption of tangible

personal property."

.

\

Former Code §: 58.1-608(A) (6) (Cc

), however, provided that such

taxes shall not apply to "(ajny publication i

ssued daily, or

ee

Icode § 58.1-608(A

) (6) (c) has

been recodified and now

pstantive change,

as Code § 58.1-609.6(3)-

appears, without any su

- 2°

--- Page 4 ---FINANCE o IRHNSrUR IAT A ioL + oOuUSsST 1 oO7 IL VY ’ ho SO Se ; ; | | | . 1 regularly at average intervals not exceeding three months, and ! | advertising supplements and any other printed matter ultimately. | distributed with or as part of such publications, except that | newsstand sales of the same are taxable."' Regulation 630-10-73, | promulgated by the Department, provides, inter alia, as follows: | The (retail sales and use} tax does not apply to : | the retail sale of any newspaper, magazine or other ; publication issued daily, or regularly at average | intervals not exceeding three months, except that | } newsstand sales of the publications are taxable. | | The regulation defines the term "publications" as follows: | i As used herein the term "publications" shall mean any written compilation of information available to the | general public. Publication does not include general | reference materials and their periodic updates. -| I The Commissioner contends that the Taxpayers’ magazines are | | taxable under Code §§ 58.1-603 and -604. The Taxpayers contend | t | that the magazines are exempt from such taxes pursuant to former | Code § $8.1-608(A) (6) (c)- | | | When a tax exemption is claimed, certain well-established ! | principles of law must be considered. The Constitution of | | Virginia, in Article x, Section 6(f), provides that “Ce)xemptions| i } | of property from taxation. . . shall be strictly construed." | | Thus, "taxation is the rule and not’ the exception; and... > | || statutory tax exemptions are strictly construed against the | | taxpayer, with doubts resolved against the exemptions." Commonwealth v- Research Analysis, 214 Va. 161, 163, 198 S.E.2d | 622, 624 (1973); accord Roberts V- Board of Supervisors, Va. | ; , S.E.24a ; (1995) (this day decided) ; | . | -3- | | | | i j

--- Page 5 ---raNANCO yee ICL + OU4- (0073400 Yaii af 30 14 6oL WU EEY fF wUS ! Westminster-Canterbury Vv. City of Virginia Beach, 238 Va. 493, | ‘| S01, 385 S.E.2d 561, 565 (1989). | | By statute, the tax commissioner has "the power to issue | | regulations relating to the interpretation and enforcement of the; | laws .. . governing taxes," Code § 58.1°203(A), and any such ! | : regulation "shall be sustained unless unreasonable or plainly | inconsistent with applicable provisions of law," Code § 58.1-| 205(2). Further, the tax commissioner's construction of a tax | | statute is entitled to great weight. Winchester TY Cable v. | State Tax Com., 216 Va. 286, 290, 217 S.E.2d 885, 889 (1975). | | Therefore, a presumption of validity attaches to the tax | | commissioner’s ruling, and the burden 4s on the taxpayer te prove | that the ruling is contrary to law or that the commissioner has | abused his discretion and acted unreasonably. Commonwealth v-|| Wellmore Coal, 228 Va. 149, 153, 320 S.E.2d 509, 511 (1984).

It also is well established, however, that, if a statute is | clear and unambiguous, a court must accept its plain meaning and f not resort to extrinsic evidence or rules of construction. USAA Casualty Ins. Co. v. Alexander, 248 Va. 185, 192, 445 S.E.2d 145,| i 148-49 (1994); Reistroffer v. Person, 247 Va. 45, 49, 439 S.E.2d i 376, 379 (1994); Norfolk Airport Authority v. Nordwall, 246 Va. | 391, 394, 436 S.E.2d 436, 438 (1993); Gonzalez V. Fairfax | Hospital System, 239 Va. 307, 310, 389 S.E.2d 458, 459 (1990). " In his letter ruling, the Commissioner opined as follows: | | The express statutory reference to advertising | } supplements in (former Code § 58 .1-608 (A) (6) (c) } | } indicates that the General Assembly intended for | advertising to be outside the scope of the exemption ! a : : | | | |

--- Page 6 ---riNmAWeL & IRMNOT URI a rob UUs tu Savy | | | granted for regularly issued and periodic publications. | Additionally, a compilation of advertisements promoting | | the sale of particular property Or gervices would not | | be considered a publication providing information of | general interest to the public under the term as | defined in the regulation. The exemption, thus, is | limited to publications providing general news and | information only and does not extend to those providing | | only advertising. | | Consistent with this ruling, the Commissioner, on brief, , states that “application of the exemption depends on the purpose | \ | of the publication in question; whether the publication is | | intended to promote the sale of goods and/or services or irene || to communicate ideas and information." The exemption does not | apply to the magazines in the present case, the Commissioner | || asserts, because their purpose is to advertise the sale of real | estate rather than to communicate information.

The trial court, relying upon Jefferson v- Tax comm., 217 | t Va. 988, 234 S.E.2d 297 (1977) ,? determined that the "printings" | { | | are not newspapers or magazines, which the court stated are | | defined as "periodical(s) containing miscellaneous pieces, | \ | articles, stories, and poems." The court further stated that a | | { 1 periodical is defined as “‘something published within a fixed | | | interval’" and concluded, therefore, that "a question exists" | | | whether the General Assembly "intended ‘periodical’ to mean just | | anything published between intervals, or whether {it} intended | | periodical to mean an item listed in something like an index to _ |, | | en ee | 2tn Jefferson, we defined the term “publication” as "a newspaper, magazine or other periodical which is available for | general distribution to the public." 217 Va. at 992, 234 S.E.2d | | at 300. | == :

--- Page 7 ---cqT lan) -_- a) y OQ ~D> > Tay . ‘ ‘ .

FL NANCE & IRANSPURIAI SL JEL + OSU4-fdO-“YLIO JGQii af Dy ae ; 27? ' <4 i ~~

| periodicals." Consequently, the trial court could not say that

‘(| the Commissioner’s ruling was unreasonable. We do not agree with!

|| the trial court or the Commissioner.

| When the exemption set forth in former Code § 58.1-

| 608(A)(6)(c) is examined in the light of the foregoing principles!

of law, we conclude that the language is clear and unambiguous

| and that the Commissioner misinterprets the statute. More

1 precisely, the Commissioner reads into the statute an element

{

| (i the purpose of the publication) that is contrary to the |

| (1.€-, | gtatute’s plain meaning. Former Code § 58.1- -608 (A) (6) (Cc) exempts | |

i| "C(ajny publication" without any exception or qualification. ! =

| || Although the exemption also applies to "aavertising supplements | |

and any other printed matter" which are distributed with or a6 a

'| part of “such publications," it does not follow that the |

es the term !

| provision regarding advertising supplements qualifi

| “any publication" and excludes from the exemption publications |

providing only advertising. Had the General Assembly intended

| such an exclusion, it could have 60 provided.

| We hold, therefore, that the magazines in question are

|| publications exempt from the retail sales and use tax under |

§ 58.1- -608(A) (6) (c) (now Code § 58.1-609.6(3))-

‘| former Code g judgment and enter |

| Accordingly, we will reverse the trial court’

| final judgment in favor of the Taxpayers, declaring that they are|

se tax. }

eve fi ent.

exempt from the retail sales and u

2022 Guidelines for Accommodation Tax ApplicationDoc ID: Sales

Original: 2,705 words
Condensed: 1,602 words
Reduction: 40.8%

--- Page 1 ---

2022 Guidelines for the Application of the Retail Sales and Use Tax to Sales of Accommodations Facilitated by Accommodations Intermediaries

Effective October 1, 2022, House Bill 518 and Senate Bill 651 (2022 Acts of Assembly, Chapters 7 and 640) change the application of the Retail Sales and Use Tax (“RSUT”) and transient occupancy taxes to sales of accommodations involving accommodations intermediaries. These guidelines provide processes and procedures for implementing the provisions of Va. Code §§ 58.1-602 and 58.1-612.2 relating to the application of the RSUT and the provisions of Va. Code § 58.1-3826 relating to the application of transient occupancy taxes to sales of accommodations, as required by House Bill 518 and Senate Bill 651.These changes also apply to the state imposed transient occupancy taxes that fund transportation purposes in certain localities under Va. Code §§ 58.1-1743 and 58.1-

1744 because these taxes are administered by local governments in the same manner as their local transient occupancy taxes.

These guidelines are not rules or regulations subject to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4000 et seq.) and are being published in accordance with the requirement that the Tax Commissioner publish these guidelines pursuant to the third enactment clauses of House Bill 518 and Senate Bill 651, as well as the Tax Commissioner’s general authority to supervise the administration of the tax laws of the Commonwealth pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-202. As necessary, additional information will be published and posted on the Department of Taxation’s website, www.tax.virginia.gov.

These guidelines represent the Department’s interpretation of the relevant laws. They do not constitute formal rulemaking and hence do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. In the event that the final determination of any court holds that any provision of these guidelines is contrary to law, taxpayers who follow these guidelines will be treated as relying on erroneous written advice for purposes of waiving penalty and interest under

Va. Code §§ 58.1-105, 58.1-1835, and 58.1-1845. To the extent there is a question regarding the application of these guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to write to the Department and seek a written response to their question.

Background on the Taxation of Sales of Accommodations Facilitated by Accommodations Intermediaries

In Public Document 06-139 (October 24, 2006), the Department determined that the RSUT levied on transient accommodations is to be computed only upon the amount paid to the provider of the accommodations without regard to any service fee paid to a third-party facilitator of the rental transaction.

2021 Senate Bill 1398 (2021 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 383) changed this treatment by providing that, effective September 1, 2021, the RSUT shall be calculated based on the total charges or the total price paid for the use or possession of transient lodgings, including any fees charged by accommodations intermediaries for the facilitation of

transactions for the provision of transient accommodations. Senate Bill 1398 also

Virginia Department of Taxation 1 Effective October 1, 2022

--- Page 2 ---

provided several new definitions for purposes of the RSUT. Senate Bill 1398 made similar changes to the transient occupancy taxes. For additional information about Senate Bill 1398, please refer to the Guidelines for the Application of the Retail Sales and Use Tax to Sales of Accommodations Facilitated by Accommodations Intermediaries (“2021 Guidelines”). The provisions of the 2021 Guidelines remain in effect for the period beginning September 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

Overview of 2022 House Bill 518 and Senate Bill 651

2022 House Bill 518 and Senate Bill 651 broaden the definition of “accommodations intermediary” and “room charge” for purposes of the RSUT, effective October 1, 2022.

The bills also require accommodations intermediaries to collect the tax and remit it to the

Department, and eliminate the requirement that, where the accommodations are provided at a hotel, accommodations intermediaries remit the portion of the tax not attributable to the accommodations fee to the hotel for the hotel to remit to the Department. The bills also provide that in a transaction involving multiple parties that may be considered accommodations intermediaries, such parties may agree that one party shall be responsible for collecting and remitting the tax. In such event, the party agreeing to collect and remit the tax shall be the sole party liable for the tax.

The bills make similar changes to transient occupancy taxes administered by localities.

The bills also require intermediaries to submit to the locality each month the property addresses and gross receipts for all accommodations facilitated by the intermediary in the locality.

Definitions

Effective October 1, 2022, the following definitions apply for purposes of the RSUT and transient occupancy taxes. (See Va. Code § 58.1-602) For definitions of these terms

applicable prior to October 1, 2022, refer to 2021 Guidelines.

“Accommodations” means any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations in any hotel, motel, inn, tourist camp, tourist cabin, camping grounds, club, short-term rental, or any other place in which rooms, lodging, space, or accommodations are regularly furnished to transients for a consideration.

“Accommodations fee” means the room charge less the discount room charge, if any, provided that the accommodations fee shall not be less than $0.

“Accommodations intermediary” means any person other than an accommodations provider that (i) facilitates the sale of an accommodation, and (ii) either (a) charges a room charge to the customer, and charges an accommodations fee to the customer, which fee it retains as compensation for facilitating the sale; (b) collects a room charge from the customer; or (c) charges a fee, other than an accommodations fee, to the customer, which fee it retains as compensation for facilitating the sale. For purposes of

this definition, “facilitates the sale” includes brokering, coordinating, or in any other way

Virginia Department of Taxation 2 Effective October 1, 2022

--- Page 3 ---

arranging for the purchase of the right to use accommodations via a transaction directly, including via one or more payment processors, between a customer and an accommodations provider. An “accommodations intermediary” does not include a person:

  1. If the accommodations are provided by an accommodations provider operating under a trademark, trade name, or service mark belonging to such person;

  2. Who facilitates the sale of an accommodation if (i) the price paid by the customer to such person is equal to the price paid by such person to the accommodations provider for the use of the accommodations and (ii) the only compensation received by such person for facilitating the sale of the accommodation is a commission paid from the accommodations provider to such person; or

  3. Who is licensed as a real estate licensee pursuant to Va. Code § 54.1-2100 et seq, when acting within the scope of such license.

“Accommodations provider” means any person that furnishes accommodations to the general public for compensation. The term “furnishes” includes the sale of use or possession or the sale of the right to use or possess.

“Affiliate” means with respect to any person, any other person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such person. For purposes of this definition, ‘control’ (including control by and under common control with) shall mean the power, directly or indirectly, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person whether through ownership or voting securities or by contract or otherwise.

“Discount room charge” means the full amount charged by the accommodations provider to the accommodations intermediary, or an affiliate thereof, for furnishing the accommodations.

“Room charge” means the full retail price charged to the customer for the use of the accommodations, as well as any charges made in connection with the rental of the accommodations, before taxes. This includes any fee charged to the customer and retained as compensation for facilitating the sale, whether described as an accommodations fee, or any other name. The room charge shall be determined in accordance with 23 Virginia Administrative Code (“VAC”) 10-210-730 and the related rulings of the Department on the same.

“Short-term rental” means the provision of a room or space that is suitable or intended for occupancy for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes, for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days, in exchange for a charge for the occupancy.

Virginia Department of Taxation 3 Effective October 1, 2022

[TABLE 3-1] “Room charge” means the full retail price charged to the customer for the use of the | | accommodations, as well as any charges made in connection with the rental of the | | accommodations, before taxes. This includes any fee charged to the customer and | | retained as compensation for facilitating the sale, whether described as an | | accommodations fee, or any other name. The room charge shall be determined in | | accordance with | | 23 Virginia Administrative Code (“VAC”) 10-210-730 and the related rulings of the Department on the same. | |

[/TABLE]

--- Page 4 ---

Collection of Tax Beginning October 1, 2022

For any retail sale of accommodations facilitated by an accommodations intermediary, regardless of whether the accommodations are at a hotel, short-term rental, or other type of lodging, the accommodations intermediary shall be deemed a dealer making a retail sale of accommodations and must collect the tax computed on the room charge and remit the same to the Department. (See Va. Code § 58.1-612.2 B)

For any transaction involving two or more parties that meet the definition of “accommodations intermediary,” the parties may make an agreement regarding which party shall be responsible for collecting and remitting the tax, so long as the responsible party is a dealer registered with the Department. (See Va. Code § 58.1-612.2 C)

Additional charges levied in connection with the rental of accommodations that are not part of the “room charge” and the tax collectible on such charges are collectible from the customer by the accommodations provider. In such instances, the accommodations provider shall remit the tax collected on the additional charges to the Department. (See

23 VAC 10-210-730)

Accommodations providers are required to collect and remit all taxes on transactions not facilitated by intermediaries. (See Va. Code § 58.1-612.2 A)

Similar rules apply to the transient occupancy taxes, which are remitted to the locality. In addition, intermediaries are required to submit to a locality each month the property addresses and gross receipts for all accommodations facilitated by the intermediary in such locality. (See Va. Code § 58.1-3826)

Invoice Requirements

In any retail sale of accommodations facilitated by an accommodations intermediary, the accommodations intermediary shall separately state the amount of the tax on the bill, invoice, or similar documentation and shall add the tax to the room charge. Thereafter, the tax shall be a debt from the customer to the accommodations intermediary, recoverable at law in the same manner as other debts. Where the retail sale of accommodations is not facilitated by an accommodations intermediary, the accommodations provider shall separately state the amount of the tax in the bill, invoice, or similar documentation and shall add the tax to the total price paid for the use or possession of the accommodations. (See Va. Code § 58.1-612.2 E).

Marketplace Facilitators

Accommodations intermediaries may have an obligation to register and collect the RSUT as marketplace facilitators. For additional information, please see the Guidelines for Remote Sellers and Marketplace Facilitators, Public Document 20-43 (June 27, 2019).

Virginia Department of Taxation 4 Effective October 1, 2022

--- Page 5 ---

Marketplace facilitators are generally permitted to apply for waivers of their duty to collect and remit tax pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-612.1 D 3 based on a showing either of undue hardship or that all of their marketplace sellers are already registered dealers. In the past, these waivers may have permitted accommodations intermediaries to allow accommodations providers to collect and remit all taxes due on retail sales of accommodations. However, under House Bill 518 and Senate Bill 651, accommodations intermediaries, where they are deemed dealers for purposes of a retail sale of accommodations, may not assign or otherwise transfer their duty to collect and remit taxes as required by law to accommodations providers or any other entity. (See Va. Code

§ 58.1-612.2 B)

Effective Date of Law Change

The law changes enacted in 2022 House Bill 518 and Senate Bill 651 apply to rentals of accommodations to transients on and after October 1, 2022. Accommodations i) furnished on or after October 1, 2022, and ii) paid for on or after October 1, 2022, are subject to the law change regardless of when the rental was reserved. The law change does not apply to accommodations furnished to transients prior to October 1, 2022, but paid for on or after October 1, 2022; nor does it apply when the accommodations are paid for in full prior to October 1, 2022, even if the accommodations are not furnished to the transient until on or after October 1, 2022.

Retail Sales and Use Tax Rates

RSUT rates vary by locality and are available on the Department’s website at www.tax.virginia.gov/retail-sales-and-use-tax.

Examples

For examples illustrating the collection and remittance of taxes for transactions occurring prior to October 1, 2022, please refer to 2021 Guidelines.

Example 1. On October 3, 2022, a customer books and pays for a one-night reservation for a hotel to be occupied on October 13, 2022 through an accommodations intermediary’s website at a rate of $100 per night plus an accommodations fee of $10.

Under Va. Code § 58.1-612.2 B, as amended by House Bill 518 and Senate Bill 651, the accommodations intermediary is required to collect the RSUT on the $110 room charge and remit it to the Department. Similarly, the accommodations intermediary is required to collect the transient occupancy tax on the $110 room charge and remit it to the locality.

If the customer had booked and paid for the reservation prior to October 1, 2022, even though the accommodations were to be occupied after October 1, 2022, the rules applicable prior to October 1, 2022 would govern the transaction. See the 2021 Guidelines.

Virginia Department of Taxation 5 Effective October 1, 2022

--- Page 6 ---

Example 2. On September 1, 2022, a customer books, but does not pay for, a reservation at a hotel through an accommodations intermediary’s website for September 28, 2022.

The customer subsequently stays one night and vacates the room before October 1, 2022. The customer pays for the reservation on October 2, 2021. The rules applicable prior to October 1, 2022 would govern the transaction since the accommodations were furnished before October 1, 2022 despite the fact that the customer paid after October 1, 2022. See the 2021 Guidelines

If the same customer extended their stay until October 1, 2022 and paid for the extended period on or after October 1, 2022, the rules applicable beginning October 1, 2022 would apply to the accommodations furnished and paid for after October 1, 2022 but not the accommodations furnished and paid for in September.

Example 3. A customer books a one-night reservation with a hotel through the hotel’s website. No facilitator is involved in the reservation. As the hotel is the dealer in this transaction, the RSUT would be remitted by the hotel to the Department and the transient occupancy tax would be remitted by the hotel to the locality.

Example 4. A customer books a one-night reservation for a hotel through an accommodations intermediary’s website after October 1, 2022. The RSUT levied on the room charge would be remitted by the intermediary to the Department and the transient occupancy tax would be remitted by the intermediary to the locality.

If the customer had accrued additional taxable charges during the stay at the hotel, and such charges were not part of the total room charge collected by the intermediary, it is the hotel’s responsibility to collect the taxes due on those charges from the customer and remit the taxes to the Department and the locality, as applicable.

Additional Information

These guidelines are available online under the Guidance Documents section of the Department’s website, located at http://tax.virginia.gov/guidance-documents. The Department will issue additional guidance regarding this law change if necessary. For additional information, please visit www.tax.virginia.gov or contact the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Approved

Craig M. Burns Tax Commissioner

Virginia Department of Taxation 6 Effective October 1, 2022

Inclusion of Federal Manufacturers Excise Taxes in Sales TaxDoc ID: Sales

Original: 391 words
Condensed: 212 words
Reduction: 45.8%

--- Page 1 ---Yo Se Ut teers oe

MEMORANDUM S49) \ oa TO: Janie Bowen ma /FROM: Tim Winks qn DATE: July 23, 1987 RE: Inclusion of Federal Manufacturers

Excise Taxes in Sales Price of Goods Sold From my review, it appears that there are no restrictions on states' authority to include federal manufacturers excise taxes within the sales and use tax base. The only instance in which an excise tax may not be included in the sales and use tax base is when the excise tax is imposed upon the purchaser or consumer. The fact that an excise tax may be collected from the purchaser or consumer does not necessarily indicate that the tax is imposed on the purchaser or consumer.

For instance, the federal manufacturers excise tax on gasoline is collected from consumers through the pump price, but is actually imposed upon the manufacturer.

BACKGROUND: Hellerstein and Hellerstein note that "the determination whether the (excise) tax is imposed on the consumer is an important factor in determining whether another tax is to be included in the measure of a retail sales tax." If the tax is imposed on the consumer directly, there is no reason for the inclusion of the excise tax in the sales price of the article. This is because the retailer is merely the tax collector of the federal government, i.e., the taxes held in trust for the government never enter into his gross receipts from the transaction.

Manufacturers excise taxes, however, are not imposed on the consumer. Rather, they are imposed on manufacturers and merely passed through to the consumer. Thus, our inclusion of the taxes in the sales price of goods sold would appear proper.

Our policy is directly supported by the 1975 U. S. Supreme Court opinion in Gurley v. Rhoden, in which the inclusion of the federal manufacturers excise tax on gasoline in the Mississippi sales tax base was upheld. In that case, the court upheld the Mississippi tax, finding that the federal tax was imposed on the manufacturer and was merely passed on to the consumer.

CCH notes that federal manufacturers excise are taxable except when the sale is from the manufacturer directly to the consumer. However, this would seem dated based on Gurley v.

Rhoden, which found the legal incidence of the manufacturers tax not to be on the consumer.

Virginia Tax Withholding for Civil Service RetireesDoc ID: Withholding

Original: 755 words
Condensed: 717 words
Reduction: 5.0%

--- Page 1 ---| | 7 | Og Gs | | . . gree” COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

. RICHMOND 23282

MEMORANDUM TO: Division Directors FROM: Danny M. Payne, Director Lowen /

  • Tax Policy Division ' ‘DATE: September 21, 1982 RE: © Withholding from Annuity Payments to Federal Civil Service Retirees The department is entering into an agreement with the Federal Office of Personnel Management to allow the voluntary withholding of Virginia income tax from resident federal civil service annuitants and their survivors. The program is not applicable to military retirees.

The attached letter and instructions are being mailed by OPM to all Virginia annuitants. These documents should help explain the program; | however, if there are any further questions, please let us know. As you know, a meeting is scheduled September 22, 1982 to further explain this program.

We would appreciate your distributing this information to your personnel. cc: W. H. Forst Clayton Stewart : Raymond Dobyns “a a a Ys ob Pes éf-i | | } | | |

--- Page 2 ---October 1982

TO

The Federal Civil Service Retiree Addressed

SUBJECT

Voluntary Virginia Income Tax Withholding

From Civil Service Annuities

The purpose of this communication is to advise you that pursuant to

Public Law 97-35, Section 1705, the Commonwealth of Virginia has entered

into an agreement with the U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to

provide the voluntary withholding of Virginia state income tax from the

annuities of retired civil service employees who reside in Virginia.

You may elect to have Virginia income taxes withheld from your monthly

civil service annuity check beginning January 1983,

If you elect to participate in the program, PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOU

MAY STILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENTS IF

the amount

you elect to have withheld from your annuity is not sufficient to satisfy

your tax liability with respect to such income, or 2) you have additional

income from other sources on which tax is not withheld.

If you have

income from other sources on which tax is not withheld, you may elect to

have a sufficient amount of tax withheld from your annuity payments to

satisfy your total tax obligation.

The attached withholding table will

assist you in selecting the amount to be withheld.

If you have any questions about the program, write to the Virginia

Department of Taxation, P. 0. Box 1114, Richmond, Virginia 23208, or

call (804) 257-8038.

TO PARTICIPATE YOU SHOULD READ THE INSTRUCTIONS, COMPLETE THE FORM ON

THE OTHER SIDE AND RETURN IT TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

N

O LATER THAN NOVEMBER 1, 1982.

era at th tall rar nD Dal tld

If you choose to request this service, you should know that under the

Privacy Act you do not have to provide the information requested; how-

ever, if you do not provide all the information requested we may not

be able to process your request.

--- Page 3 --- RETURN TO: Virginia Department of Taxation P. O. Box 1114 Richmond, Virginia 23208 COMPLETE THIS BLOCK:

[ ] NEW [] CHANGE [ ] DROP

SOCIAL SECURITY NO.

AFFIX MAILING LABEL (Shows name, address, claim no. ) AMOUNT OF WITHHOLDING $ - 00 SIGN HERE: DATE: et apne rae gp ee i

DETACH AND RETURN APPLICATION TO VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

INSTRUCTIONS

  • You DO NOT have to participate. - You may have State taxes withheld for only one State at a time. To change
  • To choose this service, you must from one State to another, first cancel sign the statement above. your old request; then request the new State to begin withholding. You cannot
  • State income tax will only be with- have taxes withheld for more than two held from regular, recurring, monthly States in any one calendar year. annuity payments.
  • You will receive a report of the amount
  • Your withholding MUST be in whole withheld during the calendar year for dollar amounts and at least $5.00. State income taxes on your annual W2P earnings statement.
  • You may change the amount withheld at any time. - See tax table provided in order to select an amount to be withheld. If
  • You may cancel your withholding at you have special considerations or any time. additional income, contact the Virginia Department of Taxation. AGAIN, IF YOU

DO NOT WITHHOLD DURING THE TAXABLE YEAR

THE AMOUNT REQUIRED BY LAW, YOU WILL

STILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE ESTIMATED

PAYMENTS.

Address all inquires to: Virginia Department of Taxation P. O. Box 1114 Richmond, Virginia 23208

QUESTIONS? CALL (804) 257-8038.

Executive Summary

The enhanced compliance analysis of Department of Taxation guidance documents has achieved an overall reduction of 26.4% across 85 documents.