An Act To Simplify the Process for Fuel Tax Rebates
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, many taxpayers when they file income tax returns request a fuel tax refund for off-highway purposes such as farming and fishing; and
Whereas, it is important to change the period for which refund requests may be made during the 2015 income tax filing period ending April 15, 2015; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Sec. 1. 36 MRSA §2908, 2nd ¶, as amended by PL 2007, c. 438, §70, is further amended to read:
A refund application on a form prescribed by the State Tax Assessor must be filed to claim a refund pursuant to this section. Interest must be paid at the rate determined pursuant to section 186, calculated from the date of receipt of the claim, for all proper claims not paid within 30 days of receipt. Applications for refunds must be filed with the assessor within 12 16 months from the date of purchase.
Sec. 2. 36 MRSA §3218, 2nd ¶, as amended by PL 2007, c. 438, §87, is further amended to read:
A refund application on a form prescribed by the assessor must be filed to claim a refund pursuant to this section. Interest must be paid at the rate determined pursuant to section 186, calculated from the date of receipt of the claim, for all valid claims not paid within 30 days of receipt. Applications for refunds must be filed with the assessor within 12 16 months from the date of purchase.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
summary
This bill ensures that certain taxpayers requesting a fuel tax refund at the same time as they file income tax returns will be able to receive a refund for purchases made during the entire previous calendar year.