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RULES

Motor Fuels Tax Rules as of March 2011
General Rules
 
810-8-1-.01.  Eligibility for consideration of an Applicant for a Wholesale Gasoline License.
 
(1)  Any person, firm or corporation that imports gasoline into the State of Alabama for distribution, storage or use must first obtain a gasoline license, or its equivalent, from the state from which the gasoline will be imported into Alabama, or
 
(2)  Any person who maintains 50,000 gallons of bulk storage, not at the retail level, and sells in part or in whole at wholesale, or
 
(3)  Any person who sells in part or in whole at wholesale to ten retail outlets, or
 
(4)  Any person who sells in part or in whole at wholesale and who maintained average sales of 100,000 gallons of gasoline per month during the previous calendar year.
 
 
810-8-1-.02. Fuel and Mileage Reporting in a Lessee-Lessor Arrangement will be the Responsibility of the Lessor.

The fuel and mileage reporting in a lessee-lessor arrangement will be the responsibility of the lessor. In any audit of interstate carriers subsequent to the effective date of this regulation the records of the carrier who acted as the lessor must reveal by accepted trip logs that he has correctly reported the required mileage and fuel usage on any and all trips into Alabama when he was acting as the lessor. (Sections 40-17-18 and 40-17-152) (Effective October 1, 1978)

 
 
810-8-1-.03. Interstate Motor Carrier Fuel Tax Refund.
 
(1)  Code of Alabama 1975, Title 40, Chapter 17, Section 142, sets forth the conditions and limitations of credit allowed for the tax paid on the over-purchase of motor fuels in Alabama. Any calendar quarter in which an interstate motor carrier purchases more fuel in Alabama than is used by the carrier's vehicles on Alabama highways in that same calendar quarter, it follows that the carrier must purchase less fuel in some surrounding state or states than is used in that state or states in that same calendar quarter. The over-purchase situation in Alabama makes it necessary for the interstate motor carrier to pay taxes to the state or states of under-purchase of fuel on which taxes were paid to Alabama at time of purchase. This creates dual taxation.
 
(2)  The above condition causes the interstate motor carrier to be in a position to obtain a credit and/or refund for the overpayment of such tax payment provided the carrier furnishes proof of the following:
(3)   The overpayment referred to in paragraph 2 above must be paid to the other state or states in the same calendar quarter in which the over-purchase situation existed in Alabama. The credit and/or refund made will be only to the extent of that tax paid to Alabama, but will in no case exceed the rate of tax applicable in Alabama. If the interstate motor carrier furnishes proof of payment as indicated above, such carrier can use that credit against a subsequent fuel tax liability occurring in any of the three succeeding calendar quarters, or, upon proper application, a refund can be made to the interstate motor carrier within three years.

(Sections 40-17-152, 40-17-18, and 40-17-142)(Readopted through APA effective October 1, 1982, amended December 24, 1993.) History: Original author and adoption date unknown; readopted through APA effective October 1, 1982; amendment filed with Legislative Reference Service January 17 1986; amendment filed June 10, 1987; Dwight W. Pridgen, Chief, Natural Resources and License Tax Division; Amendment filed December 14, 1987, Author Verlon R. Frost. Filed with LRS September 10, 1993. Certification filed with LRS November 19, 1993, Effective December 24, 1993.

 
 
810-8-1-.05. Motor Fuel Marker Enforcement.
 
(1)  By virtue of the authority granted to the Commissioner of the State Department of Revenue under the provisions of Title 40, Chapter 17, Section 150, and Title 40, Chapter 17, Section 152, Code of Alabama 1975, and otherwise by law, and whereas, it being the opinion of the Commissioner of Revenue that a regulation is necessary to establish clear and consistent requirements for the display of Motor Fuel Identification Markers issued under the provisions of Title 40-17-150, it is hereby declared that commencing February 1 of the calendar year 1981, Motor Fuel Identification Markers will be displayed as follows:
(2)  Operators of motor vehicles with motor fuel identification markers not permanently affixed or displayed on any area of the vehicle other than that prescribed above, shall be deemed in violation of Title 40-17-150, Code of Alabama 1975, and each such failure or violation shall constitute a misdemeanor; and, upon conviction, any person who violates Title 40-17-150 shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $300.00 as set forth in Title 40-17-155, Code of Alabama 1975. Each such violation shall constitute a separate offense.

(Sections 40-17-150 and 40-17-152)

 
 
810-8-1-.05.01. IFTA Motor Fuel Marker/License Enforcement.
 
(1)  By virtue of the authority granted to the Commissioner of the State Department of Revenue under the provisions of Title 40, Chapter 17, Section 150, and Title 40, Chapter 17, Section 271, Code of Alabama 1975, and otherwise by law, and whereas, it being the opinion of the Commissioner of Revenue that a regulation is necessary to establish clear and consistent requirements for the display of the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Motor Fuel Identification Markers/License issued under the provisions of Title 40, Chapter 17, Section 271, it is hereby declared that commencing July 1, 1996, the Alabama Department of Revenue will adhere to the following provisions of the International Fuel Tax Agreement regarding the display of IFTA decals and license:
(2)  Operators of motor vehicles not in compliance with the provisions of IFTA, regarding the display of decals and licenses, shall be deemed in violation of Title 40, Chapter 17, Section 150, and Title 40, Chapter 17, Section 271, Code of Alabama 1975, and each such failure or violation shall constitute a Class B misdemeanor; and, upon conviction, any person who violates the aforementioned code sections shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 and/or imprisonment of not more than six months as set forth in Title 40, Chapter 17, Section 155, Code of Alabama 1975. Each such violation shall constitute a separate offense.

(Sections 40-17-150 and 40-17-271) History: Filed with LRS February 20, 1996. Certification filed with LRS May 9, 1996, effective June 13, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.06. Statement of Gross Sales Exclusion.
 
(1)  According to Code of Alabama 1975, Section 40-17-2, motor fuel shall not be subject to any other excise tax. The Alabama Department of Revenue concedes that the wholesale oil license fee levied under Code Section 40-17-174 is an excise tax. Therefore, based upon an Administrative Law Judge Ruling, if the excise tax levied under Code Section 40-17-2 is ultimately paid to the State of Alabama then the diesel fuel would not be subject to the wholesale oil license fee levied under Code Section 40-17-174.

(Sections 40-2A-7(a)(5), 40-17-2 and 40-17-174, Code of Alabama 1975) (Adopted effective October 11, 2006)

 
 
810-8-1-.07. IMC Fuel Permit Fees.
 
(1)  By virtue of the authority granted to the Commissioner of the State Department of Revenue under the provisions of Title 40, Chapter 17, Section 150, as amended by Act No. 94-586, and whereas, it being the opinion of the Commissioner of Revenue that a regulation is necessary to establish Annual Fees, it is hereby declared that commencing October 1, 1994 the fees charged for fuel identification markers and trip permits for all qualified motor vehicles as defined in Act No. 94-586* are as follows:
(2)  Operators having only occasional or infrequent trips may obtain temporary seven-day fuel permits by either of two methods:
(3)  *Act No. 94-586 defines a qualified motor vehicle as a vehicle designed, or maintained for transportation of persons or property, except recreational vehicles, and which meets any of the following:

Note: If the provisions set forth in the IFTA agreement are amended in the future and conflict with the provisions of Alabama law or any rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner, then the agreement provisions would prevail.

(Sections 40-17-152, Code of Alabama 1975) (Adopted through APA effective December 28, 1994, amended June 3, 1996.) History: Filed with LRS September 21, 1994. Certification filed with LRS November 23, 1994, effective December 28, 1994. Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.08. Miles Per Gallon Standard.
 
(1)  The following procedure will be used where it is necessary to ascertain in the administration and enforcement of the motor fuels and gasoline laws of this state the amount of motor fuel or gasoline which is used to propel any motor vehicle over the public roads and highways of Alabama in order to determine the amount of excise tax due on such motor fuels, and where it is impossible to accurately gauge or measure said amount in gallons, the following allowances and measurements shall be used:
(2)  This regulation shall include all persons who pull fuel directly from cargo tank to carburetor whether such travel is intra or inter state, and shall include all fuels where withdrawals are made directly from cargo tank to the motor of said vehicles for the purpose of propelling said vehicles over the highways of this state.
 
(3)  Where such allowances and measurements have heretofore been used by the State Department of Revenue in the administration and enforcement of said laws, prior to the effective date of this regulation, then such procedure is hereby ratified and approved.

(Sections 40-17-18 and 40-17-152, Code of Alabama 1975) (Amended February 1, 1961, Amended June 3, 1996.) History: Amended February 1, 1961. Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.09. Purchase Invoice Requirements.

Fuel purchase invoices and/or delivery tickets covering Alabama purchases must show the following:

(a)  Date of sale.
 
(b)  Name and address of vendor, machine printed or credit card with card imprint.
 
(c)  Name of licensee.
 
(d)  Number of gallons.
 
(e)  Type of fuel.
 
(f)  Signature of purchaser.
 
(g)  Company unit number or vehicle license number.
 
(h)  Original invoice will be required except in case of credit card purchases.

(Section 40-17-18.)

 
 
810-8-1-.10. Quarterly Fuel Tax Return to be Filed with the Department of Revenue.

Every motor carrier is required to file a quarterly fuel tax return with the Department of Revenue, including therein a true mileage and fuel usage record of all those vehicles for which that carrier has obtained annual fuel markers.

(Sections 40-17-18 and 40-17-152, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.11. Gasoline Tax Regulation - Stated and Uniform Policy Pertaining to the Exemption of Certain Organizations from State Gasoline Taxes.
 
(1)  With respect to gasoline taxes which are required by law to be added to the price of the gasoline and which are paid over to the State by the Distributor and not by the consumer, those organizations exempt from such tax under the provisions of Title 40, Code of Alabama 1975, shall pay the appropriate tax at time of purchase and the amount of such tax shall be refunded to such organizations on a quarterly basis.
 
(2)  Request for such refund shall be made on forms furnished by the Department of Revenue, properly attested to, and containing such information as the Department may deem necessary.

(Section 40-17-18, Code of Alabama 1975) (Effective May 1, 1976, amended June 3, 1996.) History: Effective May 1, 1976. Amendment filed December 14, 1987. Filed with LRS April 22, 1993. Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
MOTOR FUEL TAX
Article 1
General Provisions and Imposition of Tax
 
 
810-8-1-.15. Additional Motor Fuel Tax Rate.

An additional motor fuel excise tax was enacted effective August 1, 1980. This additional tax rate is four cents (0.04¢) per gallon. The imposition and payment of this additional tax parallels the original eight cents a gallon which was increased to thirteen cents (0.13¢) a gallon on June 1, 1992. (Sections 40-17-18, 40-17-221(b) and 40-17-220, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Filed with LRS April 22, 1993. Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.16. Summary of Tax Rates for Motor Fuels used in Motor Vehicles for Highway Operation.
 
(1)  Prior to August 1, 1980, the tax rate was eight cents (0.08¢) per gallon.
 
(2)  Effective August 1, 1980, an additional tax of four cents (0.04¢) a gallon was levied.
 
(3)  Effective August 1, 1980, the total tax on motor fuel amounts to twelve cents (0.12¢) per gallon.
 
(4)  Effective June 1, 1992, the tax rate was increased by .05¢ per gallon. The total tax on motor fuel amounts to seventeen (0.17¢) per gallon.

(Sections 40-17-18 and 40-17-2, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Filed with LRS April 22, 1993. Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
MOTOR FUEL TAX
Article 2
Exemptions
 
 
810-8-1-.17. Dyed Motor Fuel for a Motor Vehicle used Exclusively "Off the Highway".
 
(1)  The excise tax does not apply with respect to dyed motor fuel which the user establishes to the satisfaction of the Department is used in the exclusive operation of a motor vehicle "off the highway".
 
(2)  "Off the highway" includes private property, a way or place permanently or temporarily closed to public use for the purpose of vehicular travel.
 
(3)  "Off the highway" motor vehicle is any vehicle which presently does not have to be registered for highway use.
 
(4)  A motor vehicle displaying a license plate from this state or any other state is presumed to use motor fuel exclusively for use on the highways of this state and the excise tax will apply. When a vehicle licensed by this state is permanently withdrawn from highway use for exclusive "off the highway" use, license plates must be removed from the vehicle or the excise tax will apply.
 
(5)  A public highway or highway consists of every highway, road, street, alley, lane, court, place, trail, drive, bridge, viaduct or trestle located either within a municipality or in unincorporated territory, and laid out or erected as such by the public or dedicated or abandoned to the public or intended for use by or for the public. The term "Public Highway" shall apply to and include driveways upon the grounds of universities, colleges, schools and institutions.
 
(6)  A motor vehicle is operated upon the highway if it moves any distance upon the paved or unpaved portion of the highway. A vehicle is not considered operating on the highway when the vehicle merely crosses the highway from private property on one side to private property directly on the other, and the vehicle is not operated for any distance in the general direction of the highway in making the crossing.
 
(7)  Examples of "off the highway" use are:
(8)  A motor vehicle cannot be designated for both "highway" and "off the highway" use. The exemption from tax applies to motor vehicles used exclusively "off the highway."
 
(9)  Any user claiming exemption from excise tax for "off the highway" use shall accurately maintain adequate records to show the operations claimed to be exempt.
 
(10)  Adequate records substantiating exclusive "off the highway" use shall contain the following documentation:

(Sections 40-17-18 and 40-17-221(b), Code of Alabama 1975) History: Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
810-8-1-.18. Procedure for Issuing Refund of Gasoline and Motor Fuel Excise Taxes for Agricultural Purposes and for the Delivery of Biomass Products.
 
(1)  With respect to gasoline and motor fuel taxes which are required to be added to the price of gasoline and undyed (clear) diesel fuel and which are paid over to the State by the distributor and not the consumer, those taxpayers exempt from the tax under the provisions of Section 40-17-300, Code of Alabama 1975, shall pay the appropriate tax at the time of purchase and shall be refunded a portion of the tax at a rate of $.11 per gallon for gasoline and undyed (clear) diesel fuel.  The refund will be applied for on an annual basis and must be filed on or before March 31 of the year following the twelve (12) month period ending December 31.
(2)  Claims for refund shall be made on forms furnished by the Department of Revenue, properly attested to, along with a copy of the original purchase invoices and the other information listed in item (4) below. The purchase invoice must show the following:
(3)  The claimant shall maintain a daily withdrawal log of all gasoline and undyed (clear) diesel fuel. The log must include:
(4)  When filing a claim for refund, the claimant must submit the following:

(Sections 40-2A-7(a)(5) and 40-17-152, Code of Alabama 1975) History: New rule filed April 15, 2009, effective date May 20, 2009.

 
810-8-1-.19. Tax-Free Sales of Motor Fuel.
 
(1)  The excise tax does not apply to a sale of motor fuel when:

Sections 40-17-18 and 40-17-14, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.20. Motor Fuel Sales to the United States.

Sales of motor fuel to the United States, its agencies and instrumentalities including units of the National Guard are exempt from the excise tax. (Sections 40-17-18 and 40-17-31(b))

 
 
810-8-1-.21. Undyed Motor Fuel Used Exclusively for "Off-Road Vehicles" and "Off-Road Equipment".
 
(1)  The use of undyed motor fuel on which the tax has been imposed and paid shall be exempt from the tax imposed and the user shall be entitled to a refund for the following use:
"Off-road equipment" includes the following:

(Sections 40-17-18, 40-17-2, 40-17-14 and 40-17-220, Code of Alabama 1975.) History: Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.22. Exemptions Pertaining to the Additional Excise Tax on Gasoline, Motor Fuel and Lubricating Oil.
 
(1)  The additional excise tax of four cents (0.04¢) effective August 1, 1980, does not apply with respect to that gasoline and lubricating oil which the licensed distributor establishes to the satisfaction of the Department as being:
(2)  Effective October 1, 1995, the additional excise tax of four cents ($0.04) does not apply to the following sales of motor fuel by licensed distributors:

(Sections 40-17-220, 40-2-11, 40-17-18, 40-17-221(a), 40-17-221(b), and 40-17-221(c), Code of Alabama 1975) History: Adopted August 21, 1986. Amended December 14, 1987. Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 26, 1996, effective May 31, 1996.

810-8-1-.24.  Credit Card Sales at Retail Outlets to Exempt Entities.

 
(1)  For the purpose of this regulation, governing bodies of counties, incorporated municipalities, boards of education, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, the Department of Youth Services school district, and private and church school systems, which offer essentially the same curriculum as offered in grades K-12 in the public schools of this state, shall be known as the "exempt entity."  In addition, a licensed distributor is that person, copartnership, firm, corporation, or association that has a valid Alabama Gasoline or Motor Fuel License.
 
(2)  A licensed distributor may claim a credit, on the monthly excise tax return, for the number of gasoline or motor fuel gallons sold by a retail outlet to the exempt entity provided the following conditions are met:
(3) A licensed distributor meeting the above conditions is deemed to have sold tax-free gasoline or motor fuel directly to the exempt entity and may claim a credit for the number of gallons sold on its monthly excise tax return.
 
(4)  At no time shall the deemed tax-free gallons sold exceed the actual other tax-paid gallons sold for the reported month.  The credit claimed for deemed tax-free gallons may not be carried back and/or forward to any month.  It must be reported for the month of the actual sale to the exempt entity.

(Sections 40-2A-7(a)(5) and 40-17-18, Code of Alabama 1975.)  Effective August 14, 2003.

 
 
 
810-8-1-.25. Summary of the Rates applying to State and Local Government.
 
(1)  The excise tax applies at the following rate to state and local governments:
 
(a)  State of Alabama and its political subdivisions
Prior to August 1, 1980
Beginning August 1, 1980
Beginning June 1, 1992
Eight cents a gallon
Twelve cents a gallon
Seventeen cents a gallon
(b)  Governing bodies of counties and incorporated municipalities
Prior to August 1, 1980
Beginning August 1, 1980
Beginning June 1, 1992
Eight cents a gallon
Eight cents a gallon
Exempt
(c)  City and county boards of educations
Prior to August 1, 1980
August 1, 1980 to June 30, 1981
Beginning July 1, 1981
Beginning August 8, 1991
Eight cents a gallon
Twelve cents a gallon
Eight cents a gallon
Exempt
(d)  Local governmental entities not included in item (b), for example, Water and Sewer Boards or Utility Boards
Prior to August 1, 1980
Beginning August 1, 1980
Beginning June 1, 1992
Eight cents a gallon
Twelve cents a gallon
Seventeen cents a gallon
 

(Sections 40-17-18, 40-17-2, 40-17-220 and 40-17-221(b), Code of Alabama 1975) History: Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.25.02. Permit Issued to Pay Lubricating Oil Tax Directly to the Department of Revenue.
 
(1)  Whereas, Section 40-17-220, Code of Alabama 1975, levies an additional $.04 per gallon tax on lubricating oil and expressly exempts from this additional levy certain designated users of lubricating oil, and

Whereas, it is impossible in many instances to determine at the time of sale/purchase of such lubricating oil the applicable rate of tax, and

Whereas, it being the opinion of the Commissioner of Revenue that certain clarifying, reasonable rules and regulations need to be adopted, and

Whereas, The Commissioner of Revenue is empowered by Section 40-2-11, Code of Alabama 1975, to supervise and control the administration of the various tax laws of the State of Alabama.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the following be adopted.

 
(2)  Any person, distributor, storer, retail dealer, user, or user who sells to others, unable to ascertain at the time of purchase, transport, delivery, storage, or sale of lubricating oil the applicability of the additional $.04 per gallon tax may apply for a permit. This permit will allow the holder to purchase lubricating oil free of all lubricating tax and pay such taxes directly to the Department of Revenue.
 
(3)  Application for lubricating oil permit will be made upon forms prepared by the Department. Upon receipt and approval of the application by the Department, a lubricating oil numbered permit will be issued to the applicant with a supply of monthly lubricating tax returns.
 
(4)  The lubricating permit holder shall purchase all lubricating products tax free and is not required to remit to the seller the $.02 per gallon tax levied in Section 40-17-171 or the additional $.04 per gallon tax levied in Section 40-17-220. Permit holder must furnish to each vendor from whom lubricating oil is purchased the assigned permit number.
 
(5)  The lubricating permit holder is required to file a lubricating tax return for each month on a form prescribed by the Department. A return must be filed with the Department even though no lubricating oil is purchased, distributed, sold, used, or tax is due. The return is due on or before the twentieth (20th) day of each calendar month being a true and correct statement of the information required on the return for the next preceding calendar month.
 
(6)  The monthly lubricating tax return shall be prepared in duplicate. The original accompanied by a remittance payable to "State of Alabama" for the amount of tax shown to be due shall be filed with the Department and the duplicate shall be retained by the permit holder. Failure to receive a return form does not relieve the permit holder from the obligation of making a return on or before the due date.
 
(7)  As respects the lubricating permit holder's tax reporting, the tax is deemed to have been collected at the time of the sale irrespective of when payment for the amount of the invoice including the tax is received by the permit holder. Failure to collect the tax from the purchaser does not relieve the permit holder from this liability to pay the Department the amount of the tax to be collected.
 
(8)  The lubricating permit holder must keep records to substantiate any item appearing on the monthly lubricating tax return. Records must be maintained in a form satisfactory to the Department and shall be made available for inspection or audit by the Department. Records must be retained by the permit holder for a period not less than three years.
 
(9)  The lubricating permit holder conducting business at different locations requires only one permit, if monthly lubricating tax returns are prepared at one central location.
 
(10)  A lubricating permit holder claiming sales or use of lubricating oil exempt from the additional $.04 per gallon as enumerated in Section 40-17-220(d), (3)  through (6)  must exercise reasonable care to assure that lubricating oil will be so used. Each exempt sale of lubricating oil must be supported by a copy of the original invoice showing invoice number, date, number of gallons, and the correct name and address of the purchaser. A user of lubricating oil must keep records substantiating the exempt use.
 
(11)  The lubricating permit is a personal privilege and is not transferable. The permit may be cancelled by the Department upon notice by registered mail to the holder thereof.
 
(12)  Vendors of lubricating oil must maintain a file of permit holders names and numbers to substantiate tax free sales of lubricating oil to permit holders. Vendors selling tax free lubricating oil to non-permit holders could incur liability for the tax due.
 
(13)  Violations of these regulations carry the same penalties as are prescribed for violations of the law itself.

(Adopted through APA effective October 17, 1985, amended December 14, 1987)

 
 
MOTOR FUEL TAX
Article 3
License
 
 
810-8-1-.28. Distributor's License.
 
(1)  A distributor is defined as any person who acquires ownership of motor fuel directly from a supplier at or from a barge, barge line, pipeline terminal, terminal, refinery, or imports motor fuel into this state. The procedure for obtaining a motor fuels license includes making application and obtaining a surety bond as described below:
(2)  Minimum surety bonds as in paragraph (c)  above are one thousand dollars ($1,000.00); however, the commissioner has discretion to require any additional amount of bond to assure the collection from the distributor of all excise taxes due the state.
 
(3)  A guide for determining the amount of a surety bond is the number of gallons of undyed motor fuel received each month and therefore subject to excise tax shown as an estimate on a distributor's application for a motor fuels license. Computation of a bond's value uses a formula doubling estimated receipts:

Estimates of monthly taxable gallons x excise tax rate x 2 = amount of bond (not less than $1,000.00).

 
(4)  A licensed distributor conducting business at different locations requires one license, if corporate offices where monthly motor fuels reports are prepared are at the same location.
 
(5)  The following licenses allow a distributor to purchase tax-free motor fuel and to sell or distribute motor fuels to others:
(6)  The license is a personal privilege and is not transferable.

(Sections 40-17-18, 40-17-2, 40-17-14, 40-17-221(b)  and 40-17-152, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.29. Deposits in Lieu of Surety Bonds.
 
(1)  A distributor may, in lieu of posting a surety bond, deposit with the division any of the following in amounts equivalent to the amount of bond fixed by the department:
(2)  The deposit must be sent directly to the Natural Resources and License Tax Division with advice that such deposit has been made.

(Sections 40-17-18, 40-17-221(b) and 40-17-14.)

 
 
810-8-1-.31. Sale.

Sale shall mean and include in addition to its ordinary meaning and usage, any barter, exchange, gift or other disposition. In every case where motor fuel is sold, bartered, exchanged, given away or otherwise disposed of, such motor fuel shall be determined to have been sold. (Sections 40-17-18, 40-17-221(b) and 40-17-2.)

 
 
810-8-1-.47.01. Dyed Motor Fuels Sold for Exclusive Off-Road Use.
 
(1)  The Department of Revenue will permit the tax free sale of dyed motor fuels exclusively for off-road use under the following conditions:

(Section 40-17-18, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Emergency regulation filed with LRS June 12, 1992, effective June 12, 1992. Notice filed with LRS July 22, 1992. Certification filed with LRS October 23,1992, effective November 27, 1992. Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.48. Termination of License.
 
(1)  Whenever any license holder terminates business within this state by reason of the discontinuance, sale, or transfer of the business, such license holder is required to submit the following to the department:
(2)  The license holder should notify the bonding company to request cancellation of his or her bond.

(Sections 40-17-18 and 40-12-197, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.49. Revocation of License.
 
(1)  Revocation of a motor fuels license could occur due to the following:
(2)  The department's procedure for revocation of a license must include:

(Sections 40-17-18, 40-12-192 and 40-17-15, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Amendment filed wtih LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
MOTOR FUEL TAX
Article 4
Returns and Payments
 
 
810-8-1-.51. Denial of License.
 
(1)  An applicant can be denied a motor fuels license under the following circumstances:

(Sections 40-17-18, 40-12-192, 40-12-196, 40-17-221(b), Code of Alabama 1975) History: Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.52. Returns and Payments, Monthly Report of Distributors.
 
(1)  Each licensed distributor of motor fuel is required to file a report for each month on a form prescribed by the Commissioner. A return must be filed with the department even if no excise tax is due. The report is due on or before the twentieth (20th) day of each calendar month being a true and correct statement of the information required on the report for the next preceding calendar month. The monthly report will be sworn to (notarized) before some officer authorized to administer oaths, and any fraudulent statement sworn to will constitute perjury.
 
(2)  The monthly report will be prepared in duplicate. The original accompanied by a remittance payable to "State of Alabama" for the amount of tax shown to be due shall be filed with the Department, and the duplicate shall be retained by the distributor. Failure to receive a report form does not relieve the distributor from the obligation of making a report on or before the due date.

(Sections 40-17-18, 40-17-221(b), 40-17-5, and 40-17-6, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.  

 

810-8-1-.53. Internet-Based Electronic Filing of Tax Returns and Schedules.
 
(1)  Under the authority of Chapter 30, Title 40, Code of Alabama 1975, the Department will offer a paperless filing system for the purpose of providing taxpayers with the capability to electronically file returns and corresponding schedules for gasoline excise tax, motor fuel excise tax, aviations fuels excise tax, and lubricating oils excise tax. Returns and schedules filed via the Internet will consist of data transmitted electronically and shall contain the same information as the corresponding returns and schedules filed on paper.
 
(2)  The returns and schedules to be provided to the Department through Internet-based filing will consist of the following:
(3)  For the taxes shown above, the return will be considered timely filed when due for these taxes if filed electronically by the last day before the return is considered delinquent. The amount due with the return will be considered timely paid if paid in accordance with the rules of the electronic funds transfer provider.

(Section 40-2A-7(a)(5), Code of Alabama 1975. Effective March 30, 2011.)

 
810-8-1-.55. Purchase Records of a Licensed Distributor.
 
(1)  A licensed distributor shall maintain complete records of inventories, purchases, receipts and tank gaugings or meter readings.
 
(2)  Every distributor must keep records of purchases showing each purchase of motor fuel products, the seller from whom each purchase was made, the commodity purchased, the date, invoice number, gallonage and value of each purchase, the method of transportation and shipping document for each delivery to the distributor.
 
(3)  Distributor must keep records to substantiate any item appearing on the monthly report. Records must be maintained in a form satisfactory to the department and shall be made available for inspection or audit by the department.

(Sections 40-17-9, 40-17-18 and 40-17-221(b), Code of Alabama 1975) History: Amendment filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.56. Sales Records of a Licensed Distributor.
 
(1)  Every licensed distributor must keep a sales record showing each sale of motor fuel, the person to whom each sale was made and the address, the commodity sold, date and invoice number, gallonage, and value of each sale. The sales record must show the gallonage subject to excise tax and sold tax-free.
 
(2)  The distributor shall prepare a serially numbered invoice for each sale of fuel whether the fuel is sold for highway use motor vehicles or for off-road use. A single invoice covering multiple deliveries of fuel made during a period of time not to exceed a calendar month shall constitute an invoice for each sale. If the multiple invoice includes taxed and tax-free sales, the taxed sales must be so designated. The invoice shall be delivered to the purchaser and a copy retained by the distributor.
 
(3)  A sales invoice shall contain the following information:
(4)  A sales invoice from a licensed distributor showing a purchase of excise tax-paid fuel constitutes a receipt for the purchaser of excise tax included on the invoice.
(5)  A sales invoice for dyed motor fuel must contain the following statement - "Dyed Diesel Fuel, Nontaxable Use Only-Penalty for Taxable Use".
 
(6)  Records must be maintained in a form satisfactory to the department and shall be made available for inspection and audit by the department.
 
(7)  All excise tax exempt sales which result in a credit on the excise tax return must have adequate documentation attached to the excise tax return and must be submitted to the Department of Revenue or the exemption will be disallowed. This information must also be maintained in the distributor's or supplier's office. Examples of adequate documentation are as follows:
 
EXEMPTIONS DOCUMENTATION
Educational and Governmental Entities Form MFD or listing of sales
$.04 exempt sales Form MFD or listing of sales
U.S. Government Listing of sales or invoices
 

If adequate documentation is not attached, the exemption will be disallowed and the distributor or supplier will be billed tax, penalty, and interest as provided for under Title 40 of the Code of Alabama 1975.

(Sections 40-17-9, 40-17-18 and 40-17-221(b), Code of Alabama 1975)  (Effective June 3, 1996, amended December 13, 1999, Emergency Amendment effective January 5, 2000, expires May 3, 2000, amended May 15, 2000.)

 
 
810-8-1-.61. Penalty for Sale or Use of Motor Fuel Without Payment of Motor Fuel Tax - Dyed Motor Fuel.
 
(1)  Any person who willfully sells for use or who willfully uses motor fuel in the operation of a motor vehicle in Alabama upon which the motor fuel tax levied by Chapter 17 of Title 40 of the Code of Alabama, has not been paid or the payment thereof assumed by a distributor licensed by the Alabama Department of Revenue, and which is not tax-exempt, shall for each failure be subject to a penalty imposed by the Department of Revenue of not less than $100 nor more than $10,000.
 
(2)  The term "willfully" is defined as an intentional violation of a known legal duty.
 
(3)  This penalty does not apply to the tax-exempt use of motor fuel for off-road. Motor fuel that is indelibly dyed and chemically marked in accordance with regulations issued by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under 26 U.S.C. 4082 is exempt from both federal motor fuels tax and Alabama motor fuels tax because it is for tax-exempt off-road use. With the exception of on-road use specifically provided by 26 U.S.C. 4082, such motor fuel may not be sold or used for non-exempt purposes such as in the operation of a motor vehicle on the highways of Alabama. This legal duty not to use dyed or marked motor fuel is well known because of the readily visible color of the fuel. Dyed or marked fuel found in the supply tank of a motor vehicle being operated on the highways of Alabama is prima facie evidence of willfulness in failure to pay the proper Alabama motor fuel tax.
 
(4)  Any person, firm or corporation who knowingly dispenses dyed or marked motor fuel into the supply tank of any motor vehicle to be used on the highways of Alabama for non-exempt purposes shall also be subject to this penalty.
 
(5)  This penalty shall be applied so that it increases in severity with multiple offenses. For the first offense, the amount of the penalty shall be the greater of $10 for each gallon of untaxed motor fuel involved or a minimum $100, but not to exceed $10,000. For each subsequent offense, the penalty shall increase an additional $10 per gallon of untaxed motor fuel involved. For example, upon the second offense the penalty shall be the greater of $20 per gallon or a minimum $100, but not to exceed $10,000. For the third offense, the penalty shall be the greater of $30 per gallon or a minimum $100, but not to exceed $10,000.

(Section 40-17-22, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Filed with LRS August 11, 1995. Certification filed with LRS December 11, 1995, effective January 15, 1996.

 
 
810-8-1-.62. Motor Fuel Tax Regulation - Stated and Uniform Policy Pertaining to the Exemption of Certain Taxpayers from State Motor Fuel Taxes.
 
(1)  With respect to motor fuel taxes which are required to be added to the price of undyed motor fuel and which are paid over to the State by the distributor and not by the consumer, those taxpayers exempt from the tax under the provisions of Title 40, Code of Alabama 1975, shall pay the appropriate tax at the time of purchase and the amount of the tax shall be refunded to the taxpayers on a quarterly basis.
 
(2)  Request for refunds shall be made on forms furnished by the Department of Revenue, properly attested to, along with a copy of the original purchase invoices and any other information that the Department may deem necessary. The purchase invoice must show the following:
(3)  When filing a refund petition, the claimant must submit the following information:
(4)  The claimant shall maintain a daily withdrawal log of all undyed motor fuel. This log should include:

(Section 40-17-18, Code of Alabama 1975) History: Filed with LRS January 19, 1996. Certification filed with LRS April 29, 1996, effective date June 3, 1996.

 
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