text:
(a) The Lithium Extraction Tax Citizens Oversight Committee is hereby established within the department for the purposes of ensuring that revenues from the lithium extraction excise tax are distributed pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) and subdivision (b) of Section 47100 and revenues deposited pursuant to subdivision (b) are allocated pursuant to Section 2951 of the Fish and Game Code, and making recommendations on how to improve community engagement and maximize community benefits from the revenues.

(b) The committee shall be composed of the following members:

(1) Three public members who reside in the local communities where the lithium extraction occurs, to be appointed by the Governor.

(2) Two public members who reside in the local communities where the lithium extraction occurs, to be appointed by the Senate Rules Committee. Of these two public members, one shall have environmental justice expertise and the other shall have economic development expertise.

(3) Two public members who reside in the local communities where the lithium extraction occurs, to be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. Of these two public members, one shall have environmental restoration expertise and the other shall have vocational training expertise.

(c) The members of the committee shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing power and shall be appointed for terms of two years.

(d) The members of the committee shall serve without compensation.

(e) (1) Meetings of the committee shall be subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

(2) The committee shall meet not more than once per calendar quarter.

(3) The committee shall hold its first meeting on the calendar quarter following the calendar quarter when the first revenues of the lithium extraction excise tax have been collected.

(f) The committee shall be responsible for the collection and analysis of any information included in the report required pursuant to Section 47115.

(g) The department’s duties pursuant to this section shall be limited to the following:

(1) Administrative support for meetings held pursuant to subdivision (e).

(2) Compilation of the report required to be submitted by the committee pursuant to Section 47115.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 506, Sec. 3. (SB 797) Effective January 1, 2024.)

chapter: 4. Citizens Oversight Committee

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 25. Lithium Extraction Tax Law > 4. Citizens Oversight Committee


kind: section

code: RTC

text:
(a) Subject to subdivision (b), the committee shall report to the Legislature on how the revenues from the collection of the lithium extraction excise tax were distributed pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 47100 and how revenues deposited pursuant to subdivision (b) were allocated pursuant to Section 2951 of the Fish and Game Code in the prior fiscal year and any recommendations for improving the distribution or allocation, or both, of those revenues to enhance the health and welfare of the local communities where the lithium extraction occurs.

(b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the report required pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be submitted on April 1, 2027 and every April 1 thereafter.

(2) The report shall be submitted in accordance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

division: 2. OTHER TAXES

part: 25. Lithium Extraction Tax Law


text: This part shall be known and may be cited as the Underground Storage Tank Maintenance Fee Law.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1442, Sec. 6. Effective October 2, 1989.)

chapter: 1. General Provisions and Definitions

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 1. General Provisions and Definitions


text: The collection and administration of the fee specified in Section 50108 shall be governed by the definitions contained in Chapter 6.75 (commencing with Section 25299.10) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code, unless expressly superseded by the definitions contained in this part.

part: 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW


text: Except where the context otherwise requires, the definitions contained in this chapter govern the construction of this part.


text: The provisions of this part, insofar as they are substantially the same as existing provisions of law relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations and not as new enactments.


text: Any action or proceeding commenced before this part takes effect, or any right accrued, is not affected by this part, but these actions or proceedings shall conform to this part as far as possible.


text: “Board” or “department” means the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 499, Sec. 104. (SB 1528) Effective January 1, 2025.)


text: “Fee payer” means any person liable for the payment of a fee imposed by Section 25299.41 of the Health and Safety Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1366, Sec. 34. Effective September 27, 1990.)


text:
(a) The fee imposed pursuant to Sections 25299.41 and 25299.43 of the Health and Safety Code shall be administered and collected by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration in accordance with this part.

(b) The inoperability of certain portions of Chapter 6.75 (commencing with Section 25299.10) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code pursuant to Section 25299.81 of the Health and Safety Code does not terminate the rights, obligations, or authorities, or any provision necessary to carry out the rights and obligations for the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to collect unpaid fees pursuant to this part that are imposed, or to issue refunds or allow credits, dispose of moneys collected, or commence any action or proceeding regarding fees, pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 25299.40) of Chapter 6.75 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code, as that article read on December 31, 2035, or that have become due before January 1, 2036, including any interest or penalties that accrue before, on, or after January 1, 2036, associated with those unpaid fees, for deposit into the Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 72, Sec. 64. (SB 156) Effective July 2, 2024.)

chapter: 2. The Underground Storage Tank Fee

article: 1. Imposition of Fee

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 2. The Underground Storage Tank Fee > 1. Imposition of Fee


text: Every person who is an owner of an underground storage tank for which a permit is required pursuant to Section 25284 of the Health and Safety Code containing petroleum shall register with the board on forms provided by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 639, Sec. 72. Effective January 1, 1996.)

article: 2. Registration and Security

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 2. The Underground Storage Tank Fee > 2. Registration and Security


text:
(a) The board, whenever it determines it to be necessary to ensure compliance with this part, may require any person subject to this part to place with it any security that the board determines to be reasonable, taking into account the circumstances of that person. Any security in the form of cash, government bonds, or insured deposits in banks or savings and loan institutions shall be held by the board in trust to be used solely in the manner provided by this section. The board may sell the security at a public auction if it becomes necessary to do so in order to recover any fee or any amount required to be collected, including any interest or penalty due.

(b) Notice of the sale authorized in subdivision (a) shall be served upon the person who placed the security personally or by mail. If service is made by mail, the notice shall be addressed to the person at his or her address as it appears in the records of the board. Service shall be made at least 30 days prior to the sale in the case of personal service, and at least 40 days prior to the sale in the case of service by mail. Upon any sale, any surplus above the amounts due shall be returned to the person who placed the security.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 903, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 2. Registration and Security


text: The fee collected under Section 50108 is due and payable to the board quarterly on or before the 25th day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter. Each feepayer, on or before the 25th day of the month following the quarterly period for which the fee is due, shall prepare a fee return for the preceding quarterly period, in the form as prescribed by the board, which may include, but not be limited to, electronic media showing the total number of gallons of petroleum placed into underground storage tanks which he or she owns during the period, the amount of the fee for the period covered by the return, and any other information that the board determines to be necessary. The feepayer shall deliver the return, together with a remittance of the amount of the fee due, to the office of the board on or before the 25th day of the month following the quarterly period for which the fee is due. Returns shall be authenticated in a form or pursuant to methods as may be prescribed by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 459, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 2003.)

chapter: 3. Determinations

article: 1. Reports and Payments

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 3. Determinations > 1. Reports and Payments


text: The board, if it determines it to be necessary in order to facilitate the administration of this part, may require returns and payments specified under Section 50109 to be made for periods other than quarterly.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1366, Sec. 42. Effective September 27, 1990.)

article: 1. Reports and Payments


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the board for good cause may extend, for up to one month, the time period within which a person is required to submit a report or pay a sum of money under this part. The extension may be granted at any time if a request is filed with the board within, or prior to the commencement of, the period for which the extension may be granted.

(b) (1) In the case of a disaster, the board, for a period not to exceed three months, may extend the time for making any report or return or paying any fee required under this part. The extension may be granted at any time provided a request therefor is filed with the board within or before the period for which the extension may be granted.

(2) For purposes of this section, “disaster” means fire, flood, storm, tidal wave, earthquake, or similar public calamity, whether or not resulting from natural causes.

(c) Any person to whom an extension is granted shall pay, in addition to the fee, interest at the modified adjusted rate per month, or fraction thereof, established pursuant to Section 6591.5, from the date on which the fee would have been due without the extension until the date of payment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 257, Sec. 12. (AB 1559) Effective September 9, 2016.)

article: 1. Reports and Payments


text:
(a) Subject to subdivision (c), if the Governor issues a state of emergency proclamation, the department may extend the time, for a period not to exceed three months, for making any report or return or paying any fee required under this part for any person in an area identified in the state of emergency proclamation.

(b) If the department makes an extension pursuant to subdivision (a), any person in an area identified in a state of emergency proclamation shall not be required to file a request for the extension.

(c) The department may make the extension in subdivision (a) only during the first 12 months following the issuance of the state of emergency proclamation or the duration of the state of emergency, whichever is less.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 474, Sec. 90. (SB 1496) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 1. Reports and Payments


text:
(a) Any feepayer who fails to pay any fee to the state or any amount of fee required to be collected and paid to the state, except amounts of determinations made by the board under Article 2 (commencing with Section 50113) within the time required shall pay a penalty of 10 percent of the amount of the fee, together with interest on that fee at the modified adjusted rate per month, or fraction thereof, established pursuant to Section 6591.5, from the date on which the fee became due and payable until the date of payment.

(b) Any feepayer who fails to file a return in accordance with the due date set forth in Section 50109 or the due date established by the board in accordance with Section 50110, shall pay a penalty of 10 percent of the amount of the fee with respect to the period for which the return is required.

(c) The penalties imposed by this section shall be limited to a maximum of 10 percent of the fee for which the return is required for any one return.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 923, Sec. 60. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 1. Reports and Payments


text:
(a) If the department finds, taking into account all facts and circumstances, that it is inequitable to compute interest at the modified adjusted rate per month or fraction thereof, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 6591.5, interest shall be computed at the modified adjusted daily rate from the date on which the fee was due until the date of payment, if all of the following occur:

(1) The payment of the fee was made one business day after the date the fee was due.

(2) The person was granted relief from all penalties that applied to that fee payment.

(3) The person files a request for an adjustment.

(b) For purposes of this section, “modified adjusted daily rate” means the modified adjusted rate per annum, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 6591.5, determined on a daily basis by dividing the modified adjusted rate per annum by 365.

(c) For purposes of this section, “business day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or any day designated as a state holiday.

(d) This section does not apply to any payment made pursuant to a deficiency determination, a determination where a return has not been filed, or a jeopardy determination issued by the department.

(e) This section only applies to electronic payments of fees.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 432, Sec. 166. (SB 824) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. Reports and Payments


text:
(a) If the department finds that a person’s failure to make a timely report or payment is due to reasonable cause and circumstances beyond the person’s control, and occurred notwithstanding the exercise of ordinary care and the absence of willful neglect, the person may be relieved of the penalties provided by Sections 50112, 50112.7, and 50119.

(b) Except as provided in subdivisions (c) and (d), any person seeking to be relieved of the penalty shall file with the department a statement, under penalty of perjury, setting forth the facts upon which the person bases the claim for relief.

(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), the department may grant relief of the penalty for any person in an area identified in a state of emergency proclamation made by the Governor for the period the state of emergency proclamation is effective, regardless of whether the person has filed a statement with the department pursuant to subdivision (b).

(2) The department may grant the relief in paragraph (1) only during the first 12 months following the issuance of the state of emergency proclamation or the duration of the state of emergency, whichever is less.

(d) The department shall establish criteria that provide for efficient resolution of requests for relief pursuant to this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 474, Sec. 91. (SB 1496) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 1. Reports and Payments


text:
(a) If the department finds that a person’s failure to make a timely report or payment was due to a disaster, and occurred notwithstanding the exercise of ordinary care and the absence of willful neglect, the person may be relieved of the interest provided by Sections 50111, 50112, and 50112.7.

(b) Except as provided in subdivision (c), any person seeking to be relieved of the interest provided by Sections 50111, 50112, and 50112.7 shall file with the department a statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts upon which the person bases the claim for relief.

(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), the department may grant relief of the interest for any person in an area identified in a state of emergency proclamation made by the Governor for the period the state of emergency proclamation is effective, regardless of whether the person has filed a statement with the department pursuant to subdivision (b).

(2) The department may grant the relief in paragraph (1) only during the first 12 months following the issuance of the state of emergency proclamation or the duration of the state of emergency, whichever is less.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 474, Sec. 92. (SB 1496) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 1. Reports and Payments


text:
(a) The board, in its discretion, may relieve all or any part of the interest imposed on a person by this part where the failure to pay fees is due in whole or in part to an unreasonable error or delay by an employee of the board acting in his or her official capacity.

(b) For purposes of this section, an error or delay shall be deemed to have occurred only if no significant aspect of the error or delay is attributable to an act of, or a failure to act by, the feepayer.

(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board a statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts on which the claim for relief is based and any other information which the board may require.

(d) The board may grant relief only for interest imposed on fee liabilities that arise during taxable periods commencing on or after January 1, 2000.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 251, Sec. 34. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 1. Reports and Payments


text:
(a) If the board finds that a person’s failure to make a timely report or payment is due to the person’s reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, the person may be relieved of the fees imposed or administered under this part and any penalty or interest added thereto.

(b) For purposes of this section, a person’s failure to make a timely report or payment shall be considered to be due to reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, only if the board finds that all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The person requested in writing that the board advise him or her whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to the fee under this part. The specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction shall be fully described in the request.

(2) The board responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to the fee, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to the fee.

(3) The liability for fees applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before either of the following:

(A) Before the board rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.

(B) Before a change in statutory or constitutional law, a change in the board’s regulations, or a final decision of a court, which renders the board’s earlier written advice no longer valid.

(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board all of the following:

(1) A copy of the person’s written request to the board and a copy of the board’s written advice.

(2) A statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts on which the claim for relief is based.

(3) Any other information which the board may require.

(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the board’s written advice to that person.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 987, Sec. 11.)

article: 1. Reports and Payments


text:
(a) Under regulations prescribed by the board, if: (1) A fee liability under this part was understated by a failure to file a return required to be filed under this part, by the omission of an amount properly includable therein, or by erroneous deductions or credits claimed on a return, and the understatement of the fee liability is attributable to one spouse; or any amount of the fee reported on a return was unpaid and the nonpayment of the reported fee liability is attributable to one spouse. (2) The other spouse establishes that he or she did not know of, and had no reason to know of, that understatement or nonpayment. (3) Taking into account whether or not the other spouse significantly benefited directly or indirectly from the understatement or the nonpayment and taking into account all other facts and circumstances, it is inequitable to hold the other spouse liable for the deficiency in the fee attributable to that understatement or nonpayment,then the other spouse shall be relieved of liability for the fee (including interest, penalties, and other amounts) to the extent that the liability is attributable to that understatement or nonpayment of the fee.

(b) For purposes of this section, the determination of the spouse to whom items of understatement or nonpayment are attributable shall be made without regard to community property laws.

(c) This section shall apply to all calendar quarters subject to the provisions of this part, but shall not apply to any calendar quarter that is more than five years from the final date on the board-issued determination, five years from the return due date for nonpayment on a return, or one year from the first contact with the spouse making a claim under this section; or that has been closed by res judicata, whichever is later.

(d) For purposes of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), “reason to know” means whether or not a reasonably prudent person would have had reason to know of the understatement or nonpayment.

(e) For purposes of this section, with respect to a failure to file a return or an omission of an item from the return, “attributable to one spouse” may be determined by whether a spouse rendered substantial service as an owner of an underground storage tank containing petroleum that is subject to fees imposed by this part to which the understatement is attributable. If neither spouse rendered substantial services as an owner, then the attribution of applicable items of understatement shall be treated as community property. An erroneous deduction or credit shall be attributable to the spouse who caused that deduction or credit to be entered on the return.

(f) Under procedures prescribed by the board, if, taking into account all the facts and circumstances, it is inequitable to hold the other spouse liable for any unpaid tax or any deficiency (or any portion of either) attributable to any item for which relief is not available under subdivision (a), the board may relieve the other spouse of that liability.

(g) For purposes of this section, registered domestic partners, as defined in Section 297 of the Family Code, have the same rights, protections, and benefits as provided by this section, and are subject to the same responsibilities, obligations, and duties as imposed by this section, as are granted to and imposed upon spouses.

(h) The relief provided by this section shall apply retroactively to liabilities arising prior to the effective date of this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 342, Sec. 54. Effective January 1, 2008. Section applicable retroactively as prescribed in subd. (h) and clarified in Sec. 60 of Ch. 342.)

article: 1. Reports and Payments


text:
(a) Any person whose estimated fee liability under this part averages twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) or more per month, as determined by the board pursuant to methods of calculation prescribed by the board, shall remit amounts due by an electronic funds transfer under procedures prescribed by the board.

(b) Any person whose estimated fee liability under this part averages less than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) per month may elect to remit amounts due by electronic funds transfer with the approval of the board.

(c) Any person remitting amounts due pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) shall perform electronic funds transfer in compliance with the due dates set forth in Article 1 (commencing with Section 50109). Payment is deemed complete on the date the electronic funds transfer is initiated, if settlement to the state’s demand account occurs on or before the banking day following the date the transfer is initiated. If settlement to the state’s demand account does not occur on or before the banking day following the date the transfer is initiated, payment is deemed to occur on the date settlement occurs.

(d) Any person remitting fees by electronic funds transfer shall, on or before the due date of the remittance, file a return for the preceding reporting period in the form and manner prescribed by the board. Any person who fails to timely file the required return shall pay a penalty of 10 percent of the amount of fees, with respect to the period for which the return is required.

(e) Any person required to remit fees pursuant to this article who remits those fees by means other than appropriate electronic funds transfer shall pay a penalty of 10 percent of the fees incorrectly remitted.

(f) Any person who fails to pay any fee to the state or any amount of fee required to be paid to the state, except amounts of determinations made by the board under Article 2 (commencing with Section 50113) within the time required shall pay a penalty of 10 percent of the fee or amount of fee, in addition to the fee or amount of fee, plus interest at the modified adjusted rate per month, or fraction thereof, established pursuant to Section 6591.5, from the date on which the fee or the amount of fee required to be paid became due and payable to the state until the date of payment.

(g) In determining whether a person’s estimated fee liability averages twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) or more per month, the board may consider returns filed pursuant to this part and any other information in the board’s possession.

(h) The penalties imposed by subdivisions (d), (e), and (f) shall be limited to a maximum of 10 percent of the fees due for any one return. Any person remitting fees by electronic funds transfer shall be subject to the penalties under this section and not Section 50112.

(i) The board shall promulgate regulations pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code for purposes of implementing this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 519, Sec. 20. Effective October 4, 2005. Operative January 1, 2006, by Sec. 25 of Ch. 519.)

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 3. Determinations > 1.1. Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer


text: If the board finds that a person’s failure to make payment by an appropriate electronic funds transfer in accordance with board procedures is due to reasonable cause and circumstances beyond the person’s control, and occurred notwithstanding the exercise of ordinary care and in the absence of willful neglect, that person shall be relieved of the penalty provided in subdivision (e) of Section 50112.7. Any person seeking to be relieved of the penalty shall file with the board a statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts upon which he or she bases his or her claim for relief.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 923, Sec. 65. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 1.1. Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer


text:
(a) “Electronic funds transfer” means any transfer of funds, other than a transaction originated by check, draft, or similar paper instrument, that is initiated through an electronic terminal, telephonic instrument, or computer or magnetic tape, so as to order, instruct, or authorize a financial institution to debit or credit an account. Electronic funds transfers shall be accomplished by an automated clearinghouse debit, an automated clearinghouse credit, or by Federal Reserve Wire Transfer (Fedwire).

(b) “Automated clearinghouse” means any federal reserve bank, or an organization established in agreement with the National Automated Clearing House Association, that operates as a clearinghouse for transmitting or receiving entries between banks or bank accounts and which authorizes an electronic transfer of funds between these banks or bank accounts.

(c) “Automated clearinghouse debit” means a transaction in which the state, through its designated depository bank, originates an automated clearinghouse transaction debiting the person’s bank account and crediting the state’s bank account for the amount of the fee. Banking costs incurred for the automated clearinghouse debit transaction shall be paid by the state.

(d) “Automated clearinghouse credit” means an automated clearinghouse transaction in which the person through his or her own bank, originates an entry crediting the state’s bank account and debiting his or her own bank account. Banking costs incurred for the automated clearinghouse credit transaction charged to the state shall be paid by the person originating the credit.

(e) “Fedwire transfer” means any transaction originated by a person and utilizing the national electronic payment system to transfer funds through the federal reserve banks, when that person debits his or her own bank account and credits the state’s bank account. Electronic funds transfers pursuant to Section 50112.7 may be made by Fedwire only if payment cannot, for good cause, be made according to subdivision (a), and the use of Fedwire is preapproved by the board. Banking costs incurred for the Fedwire transaction charged to the person and to the state shall be paid by the person originating the transaction.


text:
(a) Any return, declaration, statement, or other document required to be made under this part that is filed using electronic media shall be filed and authenticated pursuant to any method or form the board may prescribe.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, any return, declaration, statement, or other document otherwise required to be signed that is filed by the taxpayer using electronic media in a form as required by the board shall be deemed to be a signed, valid original document, including upon reproduction to paper form by the board.

(c) Electronic media includes, but is not limited to, computer modem, magnetic media, optical disk, facsimile machine, or telephone.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 459, Sec. 33. Effective January 1, 2003.)


text:
(a) If the department is dissatisfied with the report filed or the amount of fee paid to the department under this part by any fee payer, or if no report has been filed or no payment or payments of the fees have been made to the state by a fee payer, the department may compute and determine the amount to be paid, based upon any information available to it. One or more additional determinations may be made of the amount of fee due for one, or for more than one, period. The amount of fee so determined shall bear interest at the modified rate per month, or fraction thereof, established pursuant to Section 6591.5, from the date the amount of the fee, or any portion thereof, became due and payable until the date of payment. In making a determination, the department may offset overpayments for a period or periods against underpayments for another period or periods and against the interest and penalties on the underpayments.

(b) If any part of the deficiency for which a determination of an additional amount due is made is found to have been occasioned by negligence or intentional disregard of this part or regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this part, a penalty of 10 percent of the amount of that determination shall be added, plus interest as provided in subdivision (a).

(c) If any part of the deficiency for which a determination of an additional amount due is made is found to be occasioned by fraud or an intent to evade this part or regulations adopted pursuant to this part, a penalty of 25 percent of the amount of the determination shall be added, plus interest as provided in subdivision (a).

(d) The department shall give to the fee payer written notice of its determination. The notice shall be served in one of the following manners:

(1) By placing the notice in a sealed envelope, with postage paid, addressed to the fee payer at the fee payer’s address as it appears in the records of the department. Service made pursuant to this paragraph shall be deemed complete at the time of the deposit in a United States Post Office, or a mailbox, sub-post office, substation, mail chute, or other facility regularly maintained or provided by the United States Postal Service, without extension of time for any reason.

(2) By personally delivering the notice to the person to be served. Service made pursuant to this paragraph shall be deemed complete at the time of delivery. The department may make personal service to a corporation by delivering a notice to any person designated in the Code of Civil Procedure to be served for the corporation with a summons and complaint in a civil action.

(3) (A) By delivering the notice electronically via secure transmission when either of the following applies:

(i) The feepayer requests the notice of determination to be sent electronically via secure transmission.

(ii) The department has evidence that the feepayer no longer receives mail at the address of record and has previously provided an address for electronic mail.

(B) Service provided pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall be deemed complete at the time the department electronically transmits the notice via the feepayer’s secure web portal, without extension of time for any reason.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 499, Sec. 105. (SB 1528) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 2. Deficiency Determinations

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 3. Determinations > 2. Deficiency Determinations


text: Except in the case of fraud, intent to evade this part, or rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this part, or failure to make a report or return, every notice of a determination of an additional amount due shall be served within three years after the date when the amount was required to have been paid or the report or return was due, or within three years after the report or return was filed, whichever period expires later. In the case of failure to make a report or return, the notice of determination shall be served within eight years after the date the report or return was due.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 499, Sec. 106. (SB 1528) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 2. Deficiency Determinations


text: If, before the expiration of the time prescribed in Section 50113.1 for serving a notice of deficiency determination, the fee payer has consented in writing to service of the notice after that time, the notice may be served at any time prior to the expiration of the period agreed upon. The period agreed upon may be extended by subsequent agreements in writing made before the expiration of the period previously agreed upon.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 499, Sec. 107. (SB 1528) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 2. Deficiency Determinations


text: Any person from whom an amount is determined to be due under Article 2 (commencing with Section 50113), or any person directly interested, may petition for a redetermination thereof within 30 days after service of a notice of determination on that person. If a petition for redetermination is not filed within the 30-day period, the amount determined to be due becomes final at the expiration of that time period.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1366, Sec. 54. Effective September 27, 1990.)

article: 3. Redeterminations

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 3. Determinations > 3. Redeterminations


text: Every petition for redetermination shall be in writing and shall state the specific grounds upon which the petition is founded. The petition may be amended to state additional grounds at any time prior to the date on which the board issues its order or decision on the petition for redetermination.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1442, Sec. 6. Effective October 2, 1989.)

article: 3. Redeterminations


text: If a petition for redetermination is filed within the period specified in Section 50114, the board shall reconsider the amount determined to be due, and, if the person has so requested in the person’s petition, the board shall grant the person an oral hearing and shall give the person 10 days’ notice of the time and place of the hearing. The board may continue the hearing from time to time as may be necessary.

article: 3. Redeterminations


text: The board may decrease or increase the amount of the determination before it becomes final, but the amount may be increased only if a claim for the increase is asserted by the board at or before the hearing.

article: 3. Redeterminations


text: The order or decision of the board upon a petition for redetermination shall become final 30 days after service upon the petitioner of the notice of the order or decision.

article: 3. Redeterminations


text: All amounts determined to be due by the board under Article 2 (commencing with Section 50113) are due and payable at the time they become final, and, if not paid when due and payable, a penalty of 10 percent of the amount determined to be due shall be added to the amount due and payable.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1366, Sec. 55. Effective September 27, 1990.)

article: 3. Redeterminations


text: Any notice required by this article shall be served in the same manner as prescribed for service of notice by Section 50113.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 499, Sec. 108. (SB 1528) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 3. Redeterminations


text: If the board determines that the collection of any amount of fee will be jeopardized by delay, it shall thereupon make a determination of the amount of fee due, noting that fact upon the determination, and the amount of the fee shall be immediately due and payable. If the amount of the fee, interest, and penalty specified in the jeopardy determination is not paid, or a petition for redetermination is not filed, within 10 days after the service upon the feepayer of a notice of the determination, the determination becomes final, and the delinquency penalty and interest provided in Section 50112 shall attach to the amount of fee specified in the jeopardy determination.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 527, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 4. Jeopardy Determinations

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 3. Determinations > 4. Jeopardy Determinations


text: The fee payer against whom a jeopardy determination is made may file a petition for the redetermination thereof, pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 50114), with the department within 10 days after the service upon the fee payer of notice of the determination, and they shall, within the 10-day period, deposit with the department that security which the department determines to be necessary to ensure compliance with this part. The security may be sold by the department at a public sale if it becomes necessary in order to recover any amount due under this part. Notice of the sale may be served upon the person who deposited the security in the same manner as prescribed for service of notice by subdivision (d) of Section 50113. After that sale, the surplus, if any, above the amount due under this part shall be returned to the person who deposited the security.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 499, Sec. 109. (SB 1528) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Jeopardy Determinations


text:
(a) In accordance with rules and regulations which the board may adopt, the person against whom a jeopardy determination is made may apply for an administrative hearing for one or more of the following purposes:

(1) To establish that the determination is excessive.

(2) To establish that the sale of property that may be seized after issuance of the jeopardy determination, or any part thereof, shall be delayed pending the administrative hearing because the sale would result in irreparable injury to the person.

(3) To request the release of all or part of the property to the person.

(4) To request a stay of collection activities.

(b) The application shall be filed within 30 days after service of the notice of jeopardy determination and shall be in writing and state the specific factual and legal grounds upon which it is founded. The person shall not be required to post any security in order to file the application and to obtain the hearing. However, if the person does not deposit, within the 10-day period prescribed in Section 50120.2, that security which the board determines to be necessary to ensure compliance with this part, the filing of the application shall not operate as a stay of collection activities, except for sale of property seized after issuance of the jeopardy determination. Upon a showing of good cause for failure to file a timely application for an administrative hearing, the board may allow a filing of the application and grant the person an administrative hearing. The filing of an application pursuant to this section does not affect Section 50120.1, relating to the finality date of the determination, and the attachment of the delinquency penalty and interest.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1366, Sec. 59. Effective September 27, 1990.)

article: 4. Jeopardy Determinations


text: The board may bring any legal action necessary to collect any deficiency in the fee required to be paid, and, upon the board’s request, the Attorney General shall bring the action.

chapter: 4. Collection of Fee

article: 1. Suit for Fee

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 4. Collection of Fee > 1. Suit for Fee


text: In any action brought to enforce the rights of the state with respect to any fee, a certificate by the board showing the delinquency shall be prima facie evidence of the levy of the fee, of the delinquency of the amount of fee and penalty set forth in the certificate, and of compliance by the board with this part in relation to the computation and levy of the fee. In that action, a writ of attachment may be issued in the manner provided by Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 485.010) of Title 6.5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

article: 1. Suit for Fee


text: If any person fails to pay any amount imposed pursuant to this part at the time that it becomes due and payable, the amount, including interest and penalties, together with any costs in addition to the amount, are a perfected and enforceable state tax lien which is subject to Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 7150) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1366, Sec. 60. Effective September 27, 1990.)

article: 2. Judgment for Fee

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 4. Collection of Fee > 2. Judgment for Fee


text:
(a) If the board determines that the amount of any fees, interest, and penalties are sufficiently secured by a lien on other property or that the release or subordination of the lien imposed under this article will not jeopardize the collection of the amount of the fees and penalties, the board may at any time release all, or any portion of, the property subject to the lien from the lien or may subordinate the lien to other liens and encumbrances.

(b) If the board finds the liability represented by the lien imposed under this article is legally unenforceable, the board may release the lien.

(c) A certificate by the board that any property has been released from a lien or that the lien has been subordinated to other liens and encumbrances is conclusive evidence that the property has been released or that the lien has been subordinated, as provided in the certificate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 636. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 2. Judgment for Fee


text: At any time within three years after any person is delinquent in the payment of any amount required to be paid under this part, or the last recording or filing of a notice of state tax lien under Section 7171 of the Government Code, the board, or its authorized representative, may issue a warrant for the enforcement of any lien and for the collection of any amount required to be paid to the state under this part. The warrant shall be directed to any sheriff or marshal and has the same effect as a writ of execution. The warrant shall be levied and sale made pursuant to it in the same manner and with the same effect as a levy of, and sale pursuant to, a writ of execution.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 872, Sec. 169. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 3. Warrant for Collection

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 4. Collection of Fee > 3. Warrant for Collection


text: The board may pay or advance to the sheriff or marshal, the same fees, commissions, or expenses for services as are provided by law for similar services pursuant to a writ of execution. The board, and not the court, shall approve the fees for publication in a newspaper.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 872, Sec. 170. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 3. Warrant for Collection


text: The fees, commissions, and expenses are the obligation of the person required to pay any amount under this part and may be collected from the person by the warrant or in any other manner provided in this part for the collection of the fee.

article: 3. Warrant for Collection


text: Whenever any fee payer is delinquent in the payment of the fee, the board, or its authorized representative, may seize any property, real or personal, of the fee payer, and sell at public auction the property seized, or a sufficient portion of the property, to pay the fee due, together with any penalties imposed for the delinquency and all costs that have been incurred on account of the seizure and sale.

article: 4. Seizure and Sale

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 4. Collection of Fee > 4. Seizure and Sale


text:
Notice of the sale and the time and place thereof, shall be given to the delinquent fee payer and to all persons who have an interest of record in the property at least 20 days before the date set for the sale in the following manner: The notice shall be personally served or enclosed in an envelope addressed to the fee payer or other person at his or her last known residence or place of business in this state as it appears upon the records of the board, if any, and depositing it in the United States registered mail, postage prepaid. The notice shall be published pursuant to Section 6063 of the Government Code in a newspaper of general circulation published in the city in which the property or a part thereof is located if any part thereof is situated in a city or if not, in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county in which the property or a part thereof is located. Notice shall also be posted in both of the following manners:

(a) One public place in the city in which the interest in property is to be sold if it is to be sold in a city or, if not to be sold in a city, one public place in the county in which the interest to the property is to be sold.

(b) One conspicuous place on the property.

The notice shall contain a description of the property to be sold, a statement of the amount of the fees, penalties, and costs, the name of the fee payer, and the further statement that unless the fees, penalties, and costs are paid on or before the time fixed in the notice of the sale, the property, or so much of the property as may be necessary, will be sold in accordance with law and the notice.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1528, Sec. 16.)

article: 4. Seizure and Sale


text: At a sale conducted pursuant to this article the board, or its authorized agent, shall sell the property, in accordance with all applicable provisions of law and the notice specified in Section 50129, and the board shall deliver to the purchaser a bill of sale for the personal property and a deed for any real property sold. The bill of sale or deed vests title in the purchaser. The unsold portion of any property seized may be left at the place of sale at the risk of the fee payer.

article: 4. Seizure and Sale


text: If, after a sale conducted pursuant to this article, the money received exceeds the amount of all fees, interest, penalties, and costs due the state from the fee payer, the board shall return the excess to the fee payer and obtain the fee payer’s receipt. If any persons having an interest in or lien upon the property files with the board prior to the sale notice of the person’s interest, the board shall withhold any excess pending a determination of the rights of the respective parties to the excess moneys by a court of competent jurisdiction. If the receipt of the fee payer is not available, the board shall deposit the excess moneys with the Controller, as trustee for the owner, subject to the order of the fee payer, and the fee payer’s heirs, successors, or assigns.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 860, Sec. 22. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 4. Seizure and Sale


text: If any fee payer is delinquent in the payment of any obligation imposed by this part, or if any determination has been made against a fee payer which remains unpaid, the board may, not later than three years after the payment becomes delinquent, or the last recording or filing of a notice of state tax lien under Section 7171 of the Government Code, give notice thereof, personally or by first-class mail, to all persons, including any officer or department of the state or any political subdivision or agency of the state, having in their possession or under their control any credits or other personal property belonging to the fee payer, or owing any debts to the fee payer. In the case of any state officer, department, or agency, the notice shall be given to the officer, department, or agency prior to the time it presents the claim of the delinquent fee payer to the Controller.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1366, Sec. 64. Effective September 27, 1990.)

article: 5. Miscellaneous

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 4. Collection of Fee > 5. Miscellaneous


text: After receiving the notice specified in Section 50132, the persons so notified shall not transfer or make any other disposition of the credits, other personal property, or debts in their possession or under their control at the time they receive the notice until the board consents to a transfer or disposition or until 60 days after the receipt of the notice, whichever occurs first.

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text: All persons notified pursuant to Section 50132 shall immediately, after receipt of the notice, advise the board of all credits, other personal property, or debts in their possession, under their control, or owing by them. If the notice seeks to prevent the transfer or other disposition of a deposit in a bank or other credits or personal property in the possession or under the control of a bank, the notice, to be effective, shall state the amount, interest, and penalty due from the person and shall be delivered or mailed to the branch or office of the bank at which the deposit is carried or at which the credits or personal property are held. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to a deposit in a bank or other credits or personal property in the possession or under the control of a bank, the notice shall only be effective with respect to an amount not in excess of the amount, interest, and penalty due from the person.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1366, Sec. 65. Effective September 27, 1990.)

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text: If, during the effective period of the notice to withhold, given pursuant to Section 50132, any person so notified makes any transfer or disposition of the property or debts required to be withheld, to the extent of the value of the property or the amount of the debts thus transferred or paid, the person is liable to the state for any indebtedness due under this part from the fee payer with respect to whose obligation the notice was given, if solely because of that transfer or disposition, the state is unable to recover the indebtedness of the person with respect to whose obligation the notice was given.

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text:
(a) The department may, by notice of levy, served personally, by first-class mail, or by electronic transmission or other electronic technology, require all persons having in their possession, or under their control, any payments, credits other than payments, or other personal property belonging to a feepayer or other person liable for any amount under this part to withhold from these credits or other personal property the amount of any fee, interest, or penalties due from the feepayer or other person, or the amount of any liability incurred under this part, and to transmit the amount withheld to the department at the time it may designate. The notice of levy shall have the same effect as a levy pursuant to a writ of execution except for the continuing effect of the levy, as provided in subdivision (b).

(b) The person served shall continue to withhold pursuant to the notice of levy until the amount specified in the notice, including accrued interest, has been paid in full, until the notice is withdrawn, or until one year from the date the notice is received, whichever occurs first.

(c) The amount required to be withheld is the lesser of the following:

(1) The amount due stated on the notice.

(2) The sum of both of the following:

(A) The amount of the payments, credits other than payments, or personal property described above and under the person’s possession or control when the notice of levy is served on the person.

(B) The amount of each payment that becomes due following service of the notice of levy on the person and prior to the expiration of the levy.

(d) For the purposes of this section, the term “payments” does not include earnings as that term is defined in subdivision (a) of Section 706.011 of the Code of Civil Procedure or funds in a deposit account as defined in paragraph (29) of subdivision (a) of Section 9102 of the Commercial Code. The term “payments” does include any of the following:

(1) Payments due for services of independent contractors, dividends, rents, royalties, residuals, patent rights, or mineral or other natural rights.

(2) Payments or credits due or becoming due periodically as a result of an enforceable obligation to the feepayer or other person liable for the fee.

(3) Any other payments or credits due or becoming due the feepayer or other person liable as the result of written or oral contracts for services or sales whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonus, or otherwise.

(e) In the case of a financial institution, to be effective, the notice shall state the amount due from the feepayer and shall be delivered, mailed, or served by electronic transmission or other electronic technology to the branch or office of the financial institution where the credits or other property is held, unless another branch or office is designated by the financial institution to receive the notice.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 474, Sec. 93. (SB 1496) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Article 7 (commencing with Section 706.151) of Chapter 5 of Title 9 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, if the board determines upon receiving information from a feepayer or other person liable for any amount under this part that the person’s employer withheld earnings for taxes pursuant to Section 50136 and failed to remit the withheld earnings to the board, the employer shall be liable for the amount not remitted. The board’s determination shall be based on payroll documents or other substantiating evidence furnished by the person liable for the tax.

(b) Upon its determination, the board shall mail notice to the employer at its last known address that upon failure to remit the withheld earnings to the board within 15 days of the date of its notice to the employer, the employer shall be liable for that amount which was withheld and not remitted.

(c) If the employer fails to remit the amount withheld to the board upon notice, that amount for which the employer is liable shall be determined, collected, and paid as though it were a tax deficiency. The amount may be assessed at any time prior to seven years from the first day that the unremitted amount, in the aggregate, was first withheld. Interest shall accrue on that amount from the first day that the unremitted amount, in the aggregate, was first withheld.

(d) When the determination against the employer is final and due and payable, the person’s account shall be immediately credited with an amount equal to that determined amount as though it were a payment received by the board on the first date that the unremitted amount, in the aggregate, was first withheld by the employer.

(e) Collection against the person liable for the tax is stayed for both the following amount and period:

(1) An amount equal to the amount determined by the board under subdivision (a).

(2) The earlier of the time the credit is applied to the person’s account pursuant to subdivision (d) or the determination against the employer is withdrawn or revised and the person is notified by the board thereof.

(f) If under this section an amount that was withheld and not remitted to the board is final and due and payable by the employer and credited to the person’s account, this remedy shall be the exclusive remedy for the person to recover that amount from the employer.

(g) This section shall apply to determinations made by the board on or after the effective date of the act adding this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1052, Sec. 82. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text: The remedies of the state provided for in this chapter are cumulative, and no action taken by the board or by the Attorney General constitutes an election by the state or any of its officers to pursue any remedy to the exclusion of any other remedy for which provision is made in this part.

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text:
(a) The amounts required to be paid by any person under this part, together with any penalties, shall be satisfied first in any of the following cases:

(1) Whenever the person is insolvent.

(2) Whenever the person makes a voluntary assignment of the person’s assets.

(3) Whenever the estate of the person in the hands of executors, administrators, or heirs is insufficient to pay all the debts due from the deceased.

(4) Whenever the estate and effects of an absconding, concealed, or absent person required to pay any amount under this part are levied upon by process of law.

(b) This section does not give the state a preference over a lien or security interest which was recorded or perfected prior to the time when the state records or files its lien, as provided in Section 7171 of the Government Code.

(c) The preference given to the state by this section is subordinate to the preferences given to claims for personal services made pursuant to Sections 1204 and 1206 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text: The board shall not be subject to subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 16307 of the Corporations Code unless, at the time of application for or issuance of a permit, license, or registration number under this part, the applicant furnishes to the board a written partnership agreement that provides that all business assets shall be held in the name of the partnership.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1003, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text:
(a) The board may, in its discretion, enter into a written installment payment agreement with a person for the payment of any fees due, together with interest thereon and any applicable penalties, in installments over an agreed period. With mutual consent, the board and the fee payer may alter or modify the agreement.

(b) Upon failure of a person to fully comply with the terms of an installment payment agreement with the board, the board may terminate the agreement by mailing a notice of termination to the person. The notice shall include an explanation of the basis for the termination and inform the person of his or her right to request an administrative review of the termination. Fifteen days after the mailing of the notice, the installment payment agreement shall be void, and the total amount of the fees, interest, and penalties due shall be immediately payable.

(c) The board shall establish procedures for an administrative review for persons requesting that review whose installment payment agreements are terminated under subdivision (b). The collection of fees, interest, and penalties that are the subject of the terminated installment payment agreement may not be stayed during this administrative review process.

(d) Subdivision (b) shall not apply to any case where the board finds collection of the fee to be in jeopardy.

(e) Except in the case of fraud, if an installment payment agreement is entered into within 45 days from the date on which the board’s notice of determination or redetermination becomes final, and the person complies with the terms of the installment payment agreement, the board shall relieve the penalty imposed pursuant to Section 50119.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1052, Sec. 83. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text: The board, beginning no later than January 1, 2001, shall provide each taxpayer who has an installment payment agreement in effect under Section 50138.6 an annual statement setting forth the initial balance at the beginning of the year, the payments made during the year, and the remaining balance as of the end of the year.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1052, Sec. 84. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text:
(a) A collection cost recovery fee shall be imposed on any person that fails to pay an amount of fee, interest, penalty, or other amount due and payable under this part. The collection cost recovery fee shall be in an amount less than or equal to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s costs for collection, as reasonably determined by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The collection cost recovery fee shall be imposed only if the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration has mailed its demand notice, to that person for payment, that advises that continued failure to pay the amount due may result in collection action, including the imposition of a collection cost recovery fee.

(b) Interest shall not accrue with respect to the collection cost recovery fee provided by this section.

(c) The collection cost recovery fee imposed pursuant to this section shall be collected in the same manner as the collection of any other fee imposed by this part.

(d) (1) If the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration finds that a person’s failure to pay any amount under this part is due to reasonable cause and circumstances beyond the person’s control, and occurred notwithstanding the exercise of ordinary care and the absence of willful neglect, the person shall be relieved of the collection cost recovery fee provided by this section.

(2) Any person seeking to be relieved of the collection cost recovery fee shall file with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration a statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts upon which the person bases the claim for relief.

(e) Subdivision (a) shall be operative with respect to a demand notice for payment which is mailed on or after January 1, 2011.

(f) Collection cost recovery fee revenues shall be deposited in the same manner as revenues derived from any other fee imposed by this part.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 432, Sec. 167. (SB 824) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Sections 706.071, 706.073, 706.080, 706.101, and 706.105 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration may serve earnings withholding orders for taxes and any other notice or document required to be served or provided in connection with an earnings withholding order for taxes according to Article 4 (commencing with Section 706.070) of Chapter 5 of Division 2 of Title 9 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure to government and private employers by electronic transmission or other electronic technology.

(b) Upon consent of the employer, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration may provide service by electronic transmission or other electronic technology under this section.

(c) Notwithstanding Sections 706.071, 706.073, 706.080, 706.101, 706.125, and 706.126 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration may receive the employer’s return, as described in Section 706.126 of the Code of Civil Procedure, by electronic transmission or other electronic technology.

(d) This section shall apply in the same manner and with the same force and effect and to the full extent as if this section had been incorporated in full into Article 4 (commencing with Section 706.070) of Chapter 5 of Division 2 of Title 9 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(e) This section shall apply to notices served or provided on or after the effective date of the act adding this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 511, Sec. 33. (SB 889) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 5. Miscellaneous


text:
(a) If the department determines that any amount of fee, interest, or penalty has been paid more than once or has been erroneously or illegally collected or computed, the department shall set forth that fact in its records and certify the amount collected in excess of what was legally due and the person from whom it was collected or by whom it was paid. The excess amount collected or paid shall be credited on any amounts then due from the person from whom the excess amount was collected or by whom it was paid under this part, and the balance shall be refunded to the person, or the person’s successors, administrators, or executors.

(b) Any determination by the department that is in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) shall be available as a public record for at least 10 days after the effective date of that determination.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 474, Sec. 94. (SB 1496) Effective January 1, 2023.)

chapter: 5. Overpayments and Refunds

article: 1. Claim for Refund

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 5. Overpayments and Refunds > 1. Claim for Refund


text: When an amount represented by a person who is a feepayer under this part to a customer as constituting reimbursement for fees due under this part is computed upon an amount that is not subject to that fee or is in excess of that fee amount due and is actually paid by the customer to the person, the amount so paid shall be returned by the person to the customer upon notification by the State Board of Equalization or by the customer that the excess has been ascertained. If the person fails or refuses to do so, the amount so paid, if knowingly or mistakenly computed by the person upon an amount that is not subject to the fee or is in excess of the fee due, shall be remitted by that person to this state. Those amounts remitted to the state shall be credited by the board on any amounts due and payable under this part on the same activity from the person by whom it was paid to this state and the balance, if any, shall constitute an obligation due from the person to this state.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1087, Sec. 62. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 1. Claim for Refund


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the board shall not approve a refund three years after the due date of the payment for the period for which the overpayment was made, or, with respect to determinations made under Article 2 (commencing with Section 50113) of Chapter 3, after six months from the date the determinations have become final, or after six months from the date of overpayment, whichever period expires later, unless a claim therefor is filed with the board within that period. The board shall not approve a credit after the expiration of that period, unless a claim for credit is filed with the board within that period.

(b) A refund may be approved by the board for any period for which a waiver is given under Section 50113.2 if a claim is filed with the board before the expiration of the period agreed upon.

(c) Every claim for refund or credit shall be in writing and shall state the specific grounds upon which the claim is founded.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 543, Sec. 50. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 1. Claim for Refund


text:
(a) The limitation period specified in Section 50140 shall be suspended during any period of a person’s life that the person is financially disabled.

(b) (1) For purposes of subdivision (a), a person is financially disabled if the person is unable to manage his or her financial affairs by reason of medically determinable physical or mental impairment of the person which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. A person shall not be considered to have an impairment unless proof of the existence thereof is furnished in the form and manner as the board may require.

(2) A person shall not be treated as financially disabled during any period that the person’s spouse or any other person is authorized to act on behalf of the person in financial matters.

(c) This section applies to a period of disability commencing before, on, or after the effective date of the act adding this section, but does not apply to any claim for refund that (without regard to this section) is barred by the operation or rule of law, including res judicata, as of the effective date of the act adding this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1052, Sec. 85. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 1. Claim for Refund


text: Notwithstanding Section 50140, a refund of an overpayment of any fee, penalty, or interest collected by the board by means of levy, through the use of liens, or by other enforcement procedures, shall be approved if a claim for a refund is filed within three years of the date of an overpayment.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 364, Sec. 31. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 1. Claim for Refund


text:
(a) A claim for refund that is otherwise valid under Section 50140 that is made in the case in which the amount of fee determined has not been paid in full shall be deemed to be a timely filed claim for refund with respect to all subsequent payments applied to that determination.

(b) For purposes of this section, “amount of fee determined” means an amount of fee, interest, or penalty, with respect to a single determination made under Article 2 (commencing with Section 50113) or Article 4 (commencing with Section 50120.1) of Chapter 3.

(c) This section shall apply to all claims for refund on or after the effective date of the act adding this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 98, Sec. 10. (AB 1856) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 1. Claim for Refund


text: The failure of a person to file a claim within the time prescribed in this article constitutes a waiver of all demands against the state on account of the overpayment.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1442, Sec. 6. Effective October 2, 1989.)

article: 1. Claim for Refund


text: Within 30 days after disallowing any claim, in whole or in part, the board shall serve written notice of its action on the claimant pursuant to Section 50113.

article: 1. Claim for Refund


text:
Interest shall be computed, allowed, and paid upon any overpayment of any amount of fee at the modified adjusted rate per month established pursuant to Section 6591.5, from the 26th day of the calendar month following the period during which the overpayment was made. In addition, a refund or credit shall be made of any interest imposed upon the claimant with respect to the amount being refunded or credited.

The interest shall be paid as follows:

(a) In the case of a refund, to the 25th day of the calendar month following the date upon which the claimant, if he or she has not already filed a claim, is notified by the board that a claim may be filed or the date upon which the claim is approved by the board, whichever date is earlier.

(b) In the case of a credit, to the same date as that to which interest is computed on the fee or amount against which the credit is applied.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 620, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 1998.)

article: 1. Claim for Refund


text:
(a) If the board determines that any overpayment has been made intentionally or by reason of carelessness, it shall not allow any interest thereon.

(b) If any person who has filed a claim for refund requests the board to defer action on the claim, the board, as a condition to deferring action, may require the claimant to waive interest for the period during which the person requests the board to defer action on the claim.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 420, Sec. 13. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 1. Claim for Refund


text: No injunction or writ of mandate or other legal or equitable process shall issue in any suit, action, or proceeding in any court against this state or against any office of the state to prevent or enjoin the collection of any fee sought to be collected.

article: 2. Suit for Refund

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 5. Overpayments and Refunds > 2. Suit for Refund


text: No suit or proceeding shall be maintained in any court for the recovery of any amount alleged to have been erroneously or illegally assessed or collected unless a claim for refund or credit has been filed in accordance with this chapter.

article: 2. Suit for Refund


text: Within 90 days after the mailing of the notice of the board’s action upon a claim for refund or credit, the claimant may bring an action against the board, on the grounds set forth in the claim, in a court of competent jurisdiction in the County of Sacramento for the recovery of the whole, or any part of, the amount with respect to which the claim has been disallowed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 637. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 2. Suit for Refund


text: If the board fails to mail a notice of action on a claim within six months after the claim is filed, the claimant may, prior to the mailing of notice by the board, consider the claim disallowed and may bring an action against the board on the grounds set forth in the claim for the recovery of the whole, or any part of, the amount claimed as an overpayment.

article: 2. Suit for Refund


text: A person’s failure to bring suit or action within the time specified in this article constitutes a waiver of all demands against the state on account of any alleged overpayments.

article: 2. Suit for Refund


text: If a judgment made pursuant to Section 50145 is rendered for the plaintiff, the amount of the judgment shall first be credited on any fees due from the plaintiff, and the balance shall be refunded to the plaintiff.

article: 2. Suit for Refund


text: In any judgment, interest shall be allowed at the modified adjusted rate per annum established pursuant to Section 6591.5, upon the amount found to have been illegally collected from the date of payment of the amount to the date of allowance of credit on account of the judgment, or to a date preceding the date of the refund warrant by not more than 30 days, the date to be determined by the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1366, Sec. 70. Effective September 27, 1990.)

article: 2. Suit for Refund


text:
(a) A judgment made pursuant to Section 50145 shall not be rendered in favor of the plaintiff in any action brought against the board to recover any fee paid when the action is brought by or in the name of an assignee of the fee payer paying the tax or by any person other than the person who has paid the fee.

(b) For purposes of this section, “assignee” does not include a person who has acquired the business of the fee payer which gave rise to the fees and who is thereby a successor in interest to the fee payer.

article: 2. Suit for Refund


text:
(a) The Controller may recover any refund or part thereof that is erroneously made, and any credit or part thereof that is erroneously allowed, in an action brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the County of Sacramento in the name of the people of the State of California.

(b) As an alternative to subdivision (a), the board may recover any refund or part thereof that is erroneously made, and any credit or part thereof that is erroneously allowed. In recovering any erroneous refund or credit, the board may, in its discretion, issue a deficiency determination in accordance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 50113) or Article 4 (commencing with Section 50120.1) of Chapter 3. Except in the case of fraud, the deficiency determination shall be made by the board within three years from the date of the Controller’s warrant or date of credit.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 609, Sec. 48. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3. Recovery of Erroneous Refunds

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 5. Overpayments and Refunds > 3. Recovery of Erroneous Refunds


text: In any action brought pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 50150, the court may, with the consent of the Attorney General, order a change in the place of trial.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 609, Sec. 49. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3. Recovery of Erroneous Refunds


text: The Attorney General shall prosecute any action brought pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 50150, and the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure relating to service of summons, pleadings, proof, trials, and appeals shall apply to the proceedings.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 609, Sec. 50. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 3. Recovery of Erroneous Refunds


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, if the department finds that neither the person liable for payment of fees nor any party related to that person has in any way caused an erroneous refund for which an action for recovery is provided under Section 50150, no interest shall be imposed on the amount of that erroneous refund until 30 days after the date on which the department serves a notice of determination for repayment of the erroneous refund to the person. The act of filing a claim for refund shall not be considered as causing the erroneous refund.

(b) This section shall be operative for any action for recovery under Section 50150 on or after January 1, 2000.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 499, Sec. 110. (SB 1528) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 3. Recovery of Erroneous Refunds


text:
(a) If any amount has been illegally determined, the department shall certify the amount determined to be in excess of the amount legally due and the person against whom the determination was made and authorize the cancellation of the amount upon the records of the department.

(b) Any determination by the department that is in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) shall be available as a public record for at least 10 days after the effective date of that determination.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 474, Sec. 95. (SB 1496) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 4. Cancellations

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 5. Overpayments and Refunds > 4. Cancellations


text: The board shall enforce this part and may adopt, and enforce rules and regulations relating to the administration and enforcement of this part.

chapter: 6. Administration

article: 1. Administration

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 6. Administration > 1. Administration


text: The board may examine the books and records of any feepayer, or the books and records of any person who is not a feepayer but operates an underground storage tank in a manner that may result in a fee liability being assessed against a feepayer, as it may determine to be necessary in carrying out this part.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1223, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The board may employ accountants, auditors, investigators, and other expert and clerical assistance necessary to enforce its powers and perform its duties under this part.

article: 1. Administration


text: A certificate by the board or an employee of the board stating that a notice required by this part was given by mailing or personal service is prima facie evidence in any administrative or judicial proceeding of the fact and regularity of the mailing or personal service in accordance with any requirement of this part for the giving of a notice. Unless otherwise specifically required, any notice provided by this part to be mailed or served may be given either by mailing or by personal service in the manner provided for giving notice of a deficiency determination.

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, any person who is engaged in the business of preparing, or providing services in connection with the preparation of, returns under Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 50109), or any person who for compensation prepares any such return for any other person, and who knowingly or recklessly does either of the following, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned no more than one year, or both, together with the costs of prosecution:

(1) Discloses any information furnished to him or her for, or in connection with, the preparation of the return.

(2) Uses that information for any purpose other than to prepare, or assist in preparing, the return.

(b) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to disclosure of information if that disclosure is made pursuant to the person’s consent or pursuant to a subpoena, court order, or other compulsory legal process.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1052, Sec. 86. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) The board shall determine which feepayer’s accounts are eligible for the managed audit program in a manner that is consistent with the efficient use of its auditing resources and the maximum effectiveness of the program.

(b) A feepayer is not required to participate in the managed audit program.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 105, Sec. 46. (AB 2009) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
A feepayer’s account is eligible for the managed audit program only if the feepayer meets all of the following criteria:

(a) The feepayer’s business or activities involve few or no statutory exemptions.

(b) The feepayer’s business or activities involve a single or small number of clearly defined taxability or liability issues.

(c) The feepayer is subject to the fee imposed pursuant to Section 25299.41 of the Health and Safety Code and agrees to participate in the managed audit program.

(d) The feepayer has the resources to comply with the managed audit instructions provided by the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 105, Sec. 47. (AB 2009) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) If the board selects a feepayer’s account for a managed audit, all of the following apply:

(1) The board shall identify all of the following:

(A) The audit period covered by the managed audit.

(B) The types of transactions or activities covered by the managed audit.

(C) The specific procedures that the feepayer is to follow in determining any liability.

(D) The records to be reviewed by the feepayer.

(E) The manner in which the types of transactions or activities are to be scheduled for review.

(F) The time period for completion of the managed audit.

(G) The time period for the payment of the liability and interest.

(H) Any other criteria that the board may require for completion of the managed audit.

(2) The feepayer shall:

(A) Examine its books and records to determine if it has any unreported liability for the audit period.

(B) Make available to the board for verification all computations and books and records examined pursuant to subparagraph (A).

(b) The information provided by the feepayer pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) is the same information that is required for the completion of any other audit that the board may conduct.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 105, Sec. 48. (AB 2009) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 1. Administration


text: Nothing in this article limits the board’s authority to examine the books and records of a feepayer under Section 50153.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 105, Sec. 49. (AB 2009) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 1. Administration


text: Upon completion of the managed audit and verification by the board, interest on any unpaid liability shall be computed at one-half the rate that would otherwise be imposed for liabilities covered by the audit period. Payment of the liabilities and interest shall be made within the time period specified by the board. If the requirements for the managed audit are not satisfied, the board may proceed to examine the records of the feepayer in a manner to be determined by the board under law.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 105, Sec. 50. (AB 2009) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The board shall administer this article. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the provisions of this article shall apply to this part.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 438, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 1993.)

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 26. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK MAINTENANCE FEE LAW > 6. Administration > 2. The California Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights


text:
(a) The board shall establish the position of the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate. The advocate or his or her designee shall be responsible for facilitating resolution of fee payer complaints and problems, including any fee payer complaints regarding unsatisfactory treatment of fee payers by board employees, and staying actions where fee payers have suffered or will suffer irreparable loss as the result of those actions. Applicable statutes of limitation shall be tolled during the pendency of a stay. Any penalties and interest that would otherwise accrue shall not be affected by the granting of a stay.

(b) The advocate shall report directly to the executive officer of the board.

article: 2. The California Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights


text:
(a) The board shall develop and implement an education and information program directed at, but not limited to, all of the following groups:

(1) Fee payers newly registered with the board.

(2) Board audit and compliance staff.

(b) The education and information program shall include all of the following:

(1) A program of written communication with newly registered fee payers explaining in simplified terms their duties and responsibilities.

(2) Participation in seminars and similar programs organized by federal, state, and local agencies.

(3) Revision of fee payer educational materials currently produced by the board that explain the most common areas of fee payer nonconformance in simplified terms.

(4) Implementation of a continuing education program for audit and compliance personnel to include the application of new legislation to fee payer activities, and areas of recurrent fee payer noncompliance or inconsistency of administration.

(c) Electronic media used to comply with this section shall not represent the voice, picture, or name of members of the board or the Controller.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 929, Sec. 70. Effective January 1, 2000.)


text: The board shall conduct an annual hearing before the full board where industry representatives and individual fee payers are allowed to present their proposals on changes to the Underground Storage Tank Maintenance Fee Law which may further improve voluntary compliance and the relationship between fee payers and government.


text: The board shall prepare and publish brief but comprehensive statements in simple and nontechnical language that explain procedures, remedies, and the rights and obligations of the board and fee payers. As appropriate, statements shall be provided to fee payers with the initial notice of audit, the notice of proposed additional fees, any subsequent notice of fees due, or other substantive notices. Additionally, the board shall include this language for statements in the annual fee information bulletins that are mailed to taxpayers.


text:
(a) The total amount of revenue collected or assessed pursuant to this part shall not be used for any of the following:

(1) To evaluate individual officers or employees.

(2) To impose or suggest production quotas or goals, other than quotas or goals with respect to accounts receivable.

(b) The board shall certify in its annual report submitted pursuant to Section 15616 of the Government Code that revenue collected or assessed is not used in a manner prohibited by subdivision (a).

(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the setting of goals and the evaluation of performance with respect to productivity and the efficient use of time.


text: The board shall develop and implement a program that will evaluate an individual employee’s or officer’s performance with respect to his or her contact with fee payers. The development and implementation of the program shall be coordinated with the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate.


text: The board shall, in cooperation with the State Water Resources Control Board, the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate, and other interested taxpayer-oriented groups, develop a plan to reduce the time required to resolve petitions for redetermination and claims for refunds. The plan shall include determination of standard timeframes and special review of cases that take more time than the appropriate standard timeframe.


text:
Procedures of the board, relating to appeals staff review conferences before a staff attorney or supervising tax auditor independent of the assessing department, shall include all of the following:

(a) Any conference shall be held at a reasonable time at a board office that is convenient to the fee payer.

(b) The conference may be recorded only if prior notice is given to the fee payer and the fee payer is entitled to receive a copy of the recording.

(c) The fee payer shall be informed prior to any conference that he or she has a right to have present at the conference his or her attorney, accountant, or other designated agent.


text:
(a) Every fee payer is entitled to be reimbursed for any reasonable fees and expenses related to a hearing before the board if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The fee payer files a claim for the fee and expenses with the board within one year of the date the decision of the board becomes final.

(2) The board, in its sole discretion, finds that the action taken by the board staff was unreasonable.

(3) The board decides that the fee payer be awarded a specific amount of fees and expenses related to the hearing, in an amount determined by the board in its sole discretion.

(b) To determine whether the board staff has been unreasonable, the board shall consider whether the board staff has established that its position was substantially justified.

(c) The amount of reimbursed fees and expenses shall be limited to the following:

(1) Fees and expenses incurred after the date of the notice of determination, jeopardy determination, or a claim for refunds.

(2) If the board finds that the staff was unreasonable with respect to certain issues but reasonable with respect to other issues, the amount of reimbursed fees and expenses shall be limited to those that relate to the issues where the staff was unreasonable.

(d) Any proposed award by the board pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be available as a public record for at least 10 days prior to the effective date of the award.

(e) The amendments to this section by the act adding this subdivision shall be operative for claims filed on or after January 1, 2000.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1052, Sec. 87. Effective January 1, 2001.)


text:
(a) An officer or employee of the board acting in connection with any law administered by the board shall not knowingly authorize, require, or conduct any investigation of, or surveillance over, any person for nontax administration related purposes.

(b) Any person violating subdivision (a) shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the State Civil Service Act, including dismissal from office or discharge from employment.

(c) This section shall not apply with respect to any otherwise lawful investigation concerning organized crime activities.

(d) The provisions of this section are not intended to prohibit, restrict, or prevent the exchange of information where the person is being investigated for multiple violations that include underground storage tank fee violations.

(e) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Investigation” means any oral or written inquiry directed to any person, organization, or governmental agency.

(2) “Surveillance” means the monitoring of persons, places, or events by means of electronic interception, overt or covert observations, or photography, and the use of informants.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 589, Sec. 177. Effective January 1, 1994.)