text:
(a) Subject to the limitations in subdivisions (b) and (c), 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 person liable for any amount under this part to withhold from those credits or other personal property the amount of any tax, interest, or penalties due from that person, or the amount of any liability incurred by the person under this part, and to transmit the amount withheld to the department at those times as 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levy until the amount specified in the notice, including accrued interest, has been paid in full, until the notice is withdrawn, or until one year from the date the notice is received, whichever occurs first.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, “payment” 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. “Payment” does include any of the following:

(1) Any payment due for services of an independent contractor, dividends, rents, royalties, residuals, patent rights, or mineral or other natural rights.

(2) Any payment or credit due or becoming due periodically as the result of an enforceable obligation to the person liable for the tax.

(3) Any other payment or credit due or becoming due the person liable as the result of a written or oral contract 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 taxpayer 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. 113. (SB 1496) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 1. Security for Tax


kind: section

code: RTC

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 receiving information from a supplier or other person liable for any amount under this part that the person’s employer withheld earnings for taxes pursuant Section 60407 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. 98. Effective January 1, 2001.)

division: 2. OTHER TAXES

part: 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW

chapter: 7. Collection of Tax

article: 1. Security for Tax

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 7. Collection of Tax > 1. Security for Tax


text: At any time within three years after any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected becomes due and payable and at any time within three years after the delinquency of any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected, or within the period during which a lien is in force as the result of the filing of a notice of state tax lien under Section 7171 of the Government Code, the board may bring an action in the courts of this state, of any other state, or of the United States in the name of the state to collect the amount delinquent together with penalties and interest.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 912, Sec. 17. Effective September 28, 1994. Operative July 1, 1995, by Sec. 26 of Ch. 912.)

article: 2. Suit for Tax

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 7. Collection of Tax > 2. Suit for Tax


text: In the 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 without the showing required by Section 485.010 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

article: 2. Suit for Tax


text: In the action a certificate by the board showing the delinquency shall be prima facie evidence of the levy of the tax of the delinquency of the amount of tax, interest, and penalty set forth, and of compliance by the board with all provisions of this part in relation to the computation and levy of the tax.

article: 2. Suit for Tax


text: Notwithstanding Section 60445, the tax, interest, and penalties are a lien upon and have the effect of an execution duly levied against any qualified motor vehicle in which diesel fuel taxable under this part is used and against any personal property of the interstate user.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 555, Sec. 88. Effective January 1, 1996.)

article: 3. Lien of Tax

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 7. Collection of Tax > 3. Lien of Tax


text: The lien arising under Section 60441 attaches at the time a qualified motor vehicle is operated in this state through the use of diesel fuel taxable under this part.

article: 3. Lien of Tax


text: The lien arising under Section 60441 shall not be removed until the tax, interest, and penalties are paid or the qualified motor vehicle or other property subject to the lien is sold in payment thereof.

article: 3. Lien of Tax


text: The lien arising under Section 60441 as to the tax and interest, but exclusive of penalties, upon personal property is paramount to all private liens or encumbrances of whatever character, and to the rights of any conditional vendor or any other holder of the legal title, in or to any qualified motor vehicle that is operated in this state through the use of diesel fuel taxable under this part.

article: 3. Lien of Tax


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

(b) For the purpose of this section, amounts are “due and payable” on the following dates:

(1) For amounts disclosed on a return received by the board before the date the return is delinquent, the date the return would have been delinquent.

(2) For amounts disclosed on a return filed on or after the date the return is delinquent, the date the return is received by the board.

(3) For amounts determined under Section 60330 (pertaining to jeopardy assessments), the date the notice of the board’s finding is mailed or issued.

(4) For all other amounts, the date the assessment is final.

article: 3. Lien of Tax


text: At any time within three years after any person is delinquent in the payment of any amount required by this part to be paid or within 10 years after 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 liens 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 shall have 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 a sale pursuant to a writ of execution.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 872, Sec. 173. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 4. Warrant for Collection of Tax

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 7. Collection of Tax > 4. Warrant for Collection of Tax


text: The board may pay or advance to the sheriff or marshal, the same fees, commissions, and expenses for his or her 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. 174. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 4. Warrant for Collection of Tax


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 him or her by virtue of the warrant or in any other manner provided in this part for the collection of the tax.

article: 4. Warrant for Collection of Tax


text: Whenever any person is delinquent in the payment of the obligations imposed under this part, the board or its authorized representative may seize any property, real or personal, subject to the lien of the tax and thereafter sell the property, or a sufficient part of it, at public auction to pay the tax due together with any interest and penalties imposed for the delinquency and any costs incurred on account of the seizure and sale.

article: 5. Seizure and Sale

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 7. Collection of Tax > 5. Seizure and Sale


text:
Notice of the sale and the time and place thereof shall be given in writing at least 20 days before the date set for the sale to the delinquent person and to all persons who have an interest of record in the property seized. The notice shall be personally served or enclosed in an envelope addressed to the person at his or her last known residence or place of business in this state. If not personally served, the notice shall be deposited in the United States 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 situated 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 in 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 due, including tax, penalties, interest, and costs, the name of the person, and the further statement that unless the amount is paid on or before the time fixed in the notice of sale, the property, or so much of it as may be necessary, will be sold in accordance with law and the notice.

article: 5. Seizure and Sale


text: The board may seize any qualified motor vehicle subject to the lien of the tax and thereafter sell the qualified motor vehicle at private sale to pay the tax due, together with any interest and penalties imposed for the delinquency and any costs incurred on account of the seizure and sale.

article: 5. Seizure and Sale


text: Notice of the sale shall be given in writing to the delinquent person and to all persons who have an interest of record in the qualified motor vehicle at least 10 days before the date set for the sale of the qualified motor vehicle. The notice shall be enclosed in an envelope addressed to the person at his or her last known residence or place of business and, in the case of any person who has an interest of record in the qualified motor vehicle, addressed to the person at his or her last known residence or place of business. It shall be deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid. The notice shall contain a description of the qualified motor vehicle to be sold, a statement of the amount due, interest, penalties, and costs, the name of the person, and the further statement that unless the tax due, interest, penalties, and costs are paid within 10 days the qualified motor vehicle will be sold at private sale.

article: 5. Seizure and Sale


text: At any sale the board or its authorized agent shall sell the property in accordance with the law and the notice and 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 taxpayer.

article: 5. Seizure and Sale


text: If upon any sale the moneys received exceed the amount due to the state from the taxpayer, the board shall return the excess to the taxpayer and obtain his or her receipt. If any person having an interest in or lien upon the property files with the board prior to the sale notice of his or her interest or lien, the board shall withhold payment of any excess pending a determination of the rights of the respective parties to the excess moneys by a court of competent jurisdiction. If for any reason the receipt of the taxpayer is not available, the board shall deposit the excess moneys with the Controller, as trustee for the taxpayer, his or her heirs, successors, or assigns.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 860, Sec. 24. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 5. Seizure and Sale


text: If any person liable for any amount under this part sells out his or her business or stock of goods or quits the business, his or her successor or assign shall withhold from the purchase price an amount sufficient to cover that amount until the former owner produces a receipt from the board showing that it has been paid or a certificate stating that no amount is due.

article: 6. Successor Withholding and Liability

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 7. Collection of Tax > 6. Successor Withholding and Liability


text:
(a) If the purchaser of a business or stock of goods fails to withhold the purchase price as required, he or she becomes personally liable for the payment of the amount required to be withheld by him or her to the extent of the purchase price valued in money.

(b) (1) Within 60 days after the latest of the dates specified in paragraph (2), the board shall either issue the certificate or mail notice to the purchaser at his or her address as it appears on the records of the board of the amount that is required to be paid as a condition of issuing the certificate.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the latest of the following dates shall apply:

(A) The date the board receives a written request from the purchaser for a certificate.

(B) The date the former owner’s records are made available for audit.

(c) Failure of the board to mail the notice referred to in subdivision (b) shall release the purchaser from any further obligation to withhold from the purchase price under this article. The last day upon which the obligation of the successor may be enforced shall be no later than three years after the date the board is notified of the purchase of the business or stock of goods.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 76, Sec. 13. Effective July 16, 1997.)

article: 6. Successor Withholding and Liability


text: The certificate may be issued after the payment of all amounts due under this part, according to the records of the board as of the date of the certificate, or after the payment of the amounts is secured to the satisfaction of the board.

article: 6. Successor Withholding and Liability


text: The obligation of the successor shall be enforced by serving a notice of successor liability on the person. The notice shall be served in the manner prescribed for service of a notice of a deficiency determination, not later than three years after the date the board is notified of the purchase of the business or stock of goods. The successor may petition for reconsideration in the manner provided in Article 5 (commencing with Section 60350) of Chapter 6. The notice shall become final and the amount due and payable in the manner provided in that article except that no additional penalty shall apply if not paid when due and payable. This chapter, with respect to the collection of any amount required to be paid under this part, shall apply when the notice becomes final.

article: 6. Successor Withholding and Liability


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

article: 7. Miscellaneous Provisions

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 7. Collection of Tax > 7. Miscellaneous Provisions


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. 17. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 7. Miscellaneous Provisions


text:
(a) The board may, in its discretion, enter into a written installment payment agreement with a person for the payment of any taxes due, together with interest thereon and any applicable penalties, in installments over an agreed period. With mutual consent, the board and the taxpayer 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 tax, 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 taxes, 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 tax 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 60355.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1052, Sec. 99. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 7. Miscellaneous Provisions


text: The board, beginning no later than January 1, 2001, shall provide each taxpayer who has an installment payment agreement in effect under Section 60493 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. 100. Effective January 1, 2001.)

article: 7. Miscellaneous Provisions


text:
(a) A collection cost recovery fee shall be imposed on any person that fails to pay an amount of tax, 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 tax 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 tax imposed by this part.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 28, Sec. 149. (SB 1380) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 7. Miscellaneous Provisions


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. 39. (SB 889) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 7. Miscellaneous Provisions


text:
Persons who have paid a tax for diesel fuel lost, sold, or removed as provided in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), or used in a nontaxable use, other than on a farm for farming purposes or in an exempt bus operation, shall, except as otherwise provided in this part, be reimbursed and repaid the amount of the tax.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), a claim for refund with respect to diesel fuel is allowed under this section only if all of the following apply:

(1) Tax was imposed on the diesel fuel to which the claim relates.

(2) The claimant bought or produced the diesel fuel and did not sell or resell it in this state except as provided in paragraph (4).

(3) The claimant has filed a timely claim for refund that contains the information required under subdivision (b) and the claim is supported by the original invoice or original invoice facsimile retained in an alternative storage media showing the purchase. If no original invoice was created, electronic invoicing shall be accepted as reflected by a computerized facsimile when accompanied by an original copy of the bill of lading or fuel manifest that can be directly tied to the electronic invoice.

(4) The diesel fuel was any of the following:

(A) Used for purposes other than operating motor vehicles upon the public highways of the state.

(B) Exported for use outside of this state. Diesel fuel carried from this state in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle is not deemed to be exported from this state unless the diesel fuel becomes subject to tax as an import under the laws of the destination state.

(C) Used in any construction equipment that is exempt from vehicle registration pursuant to the Vehicle Code, while operated within the confines and limits of a construction project.

(D) Used in the operation of a motor vehicle on any highway that is under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture and with respect to the use of the highway the claimant pays, or contributes to, the cost of construction or maintenance thereof pursuant to an agreement with, or permission of, the United States Department of Agriculture.

(E) Used in any motor vehicle owned by any county, city and county, city, district, or other political subdivision or public agency when operated by it over any highway constructed and maintained by the United States or any department or agency thereof within a military reservation in this state. If the motor vehicle is operated both over the highway and over a public highway outside the military reservation in a continuous trip the tax shall not be refunded as to that portion of the diesel fuel used to operate the vehicle over the public highway outside the military reservation.

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as a refund of the tax for the use of diesel fuel in any motor vehicle operated upon a public highway within a military reservation, which highway is constructed or maintained by this state or any political subdivision thereof.

As used in this section, “military reservation” includes any establishment of the United States Government or any agency thereof used by the Armed Forces of the United States for military, air, or naval operations, including research projects.

(F) Sold by a supplier and which was sold to any consulate officer or consulate employee under circumstances which would have entitled the supplier to an exemption under paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 60100 if the supplier had sold the diesel fuel directly to the consulate officer or consulate employee.

(G) Lost in the ordinary course of handling, transportation, or storage.

(H) (i) Sold by a person to the United States and its agencies and instrumentalities under circumstances that would have entitled that person to an exemption from the payment of diesel fuel tax under Section 60100 had that person been the supplier of this diesel fuel.

(ii) Sold by a supplier and which was sold by credit card to the United States and its agencies and instrumentalities under circumstances which would have entitled the supplier to an exemption under Section 60100 if the supplier had sold the diesel fuel directly to the United States and its agencies and instrumentalities.

(I) Sold by a person to a train operator for use in a diesel-powered train or for other off-highway use under circumstances that would have entitled that person to an exemption from the payment of diesel fuel tax under Section 60100 had that person been the supplier of this diesel fuel.

(J) Removed from an approved terminal at the terminal rack, but only to the extent that the supplier can show that the tax on the same amount of diesel fuel has been paid more than one time by the same supplier.

(b) Where tax is not imposed on dyed blended biodiesel fuel upon removal from an approved terminal at the terminal rack, if tax was previously imposed on the biodiesel fuel portion of the dyed blended biodiesel fuel, then, pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), a claim for refund is allowed for the tax that was paid on that biodiesel fuel, but only to the extent a supplier can show that the tax on that biodiesel fuel has been paid by the same supplier.

(c) Each claim for refund under this section shall contain the following information with respect to all of the diesel fuel covered by the claim:

(1) The name, address, telephone number, and permit number of the person that sold the diesel fuel to the claimant and the date of the purchase.

(2) A statement by the claimant that the diesel fuel covered by the claim did not contain visible evidence of dye.

(3) A statement, which may appear on the invoice, original invoice facsimile, or similar document, by the person that sold the diesel fuel to the claimant that the diesel fuel sold did not contain visible evidence of dye.

(4) The total amount of diesel fuel covered by the claim.

(5) The use made of the diesel fuel covered by the claim described by reference to specific categories listed in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a).

(6) If the diesel fuel covered by the claim was exported, a statement that the claimant has the proof of exportation.

(d) Each claim for refund under this section shall be made on a form prescribed by the board and shall be filed for a calendar year. If, at the close of any of the first three quarters of the calendar year, more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) is refundable under this section with respect to diesel fuel used or exported during that quarter or any prior quarter during the calendar year, and for which no other claim has been filed, a claim may be filed for the quarterly period. To facilitate the administration of this section, the board may require the filing of claims for refund for other than yearly periods.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 481, Sec. 1. (AB 1032) Effective January 1, 2016.)

chapter: 8. Overpayment and Refunds

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 8. Overpayment and Refunds > 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text:
(a) Any ultimate vendor who has paid a tax on diesel fuel sold to an ultimate purchaser for use on a farm for farming purposes or use in an exempt bus operation shall, except as otherwise provided in this part, be reimbursed and repaid the amount of the tax.

(b) A claim for refund with respect to diesel fuel is allowed under this section only if all of the following apply:

(1) Tax was imposed on the diesel fuel to which the claim relates.

(2) The claimant sold the diesel fuel to the ultimate purchaser for use on a farm for farming purposes or for use in an exempt bus operation.

(3) The claimant is a registered ultimate vendor.

(4) The claimant has filed a timely claim for refund that contains the information required under subdivision (c) and the claim is supported by the original invoice showing the purchase. If no original invoice was created, electronic invoicing shall be accepted as reflected by a computerized facsimile when accompanied by an original copy of the bill of lading or fuel manifest that can be directly tied to the electronic invoice.

(c) Each claim for refund under this section shall contain the following information with respect to all the diesel fuel covered by the claim:

(1) The claimant’s permit number.

(2) The name, address, telephone number, and permit number of each person that sold the diesel fuel to the claimant and the date of the purchase.

(3) The name, address, telephone number, and federal taxpayer identification number of each farmer or the permit number of each exempt bus operator that bought the diesel fuel from the claimant and the number of gallons that the claimant sold to each.

(4) A statement that the diesel fuel covered by the claim did not contain visible evidence of dye.

(5) The total amount of diesel fuel covered by the claim.

(6) A statement that the claimant has not included the amount of the tax in its sales price of the diesel fuel and has not collected the amount of tax from its buyer.

(7) A statement that the claimant has in its possession an unexpired exemption certificate described in Section 60503 and the claimant has no reason to believe any information in the certificate is false.

(8) A statement that the amounts claimed have not been previously refunded to the claimant and that there are no other claims outstanding for the amounts included in the current claim.

(d) Each claim for refund under this section shall be made on a form prescribed by the board and shall be for an amount of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) and for a period of not less than one week.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 76, Sec. 15. Effective July 16, 1997.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text: No tax shall be included in the sales price or on the sales invoice by the ultimate vendor on diesel fuel sold to an ultimate purchaser.

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text: Notwithstanding the refund provided for by Section 60502 and the exemption provided for by subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 60100, any exempt bus operation using diesel fuel on which the tax has been refunded under Section 60502 or exempt from tax under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 60100 shall, for the privilege of operating buses on state highways and freeways, make a payment equal to one cent ($0.01) for each gallon of the refunded or exempt diesel fuel used. The payments required by this subdivision shall be paid to the State Board of Equalization in the manner prescribed by the board, and the payments shall be treated as a tax for all purposes of this part.

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text:
(a) The certificate to be provided to the ultimate vendor consists of a statement that is signed under penalty of perjury by a person with authority to bind the buyer. A new certificate shall be given if any information in the current certificate changes. The certificate may be included as part of any business records normally used to document a sale. The certificate expires on the earliest of the following dates:

(1) The date one year after the effective date of the certificate.

(2) The date a new certificate is provided to the seller.

(b) An exemption certificate for diesel fuel used on a farm for farming purposes or for diesel fuel used in an exempt bus operation shall contain that information and be in the form as the board may prescribe.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 350, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text: If a purchaser gives a Section 60503 exemption certificate to an ultimate vendor to the effect that the diesel fuel purchased will be used on a farm for farming purposes or in an exempt bus operation, and sells the diesel fuel or uses the diesel fuel in some other manner or for some other purpose, the purchaser will be liable for payment of the tax under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 60050) of this part. The tax, applicable penalties, and interest shall become due and payable and shall be ascertained and determined in the same manner as the backup tax under Section 60361.5.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 429, Sec. 73. Effective October 2, 2001. Operative January 1, 2002, by Sec. 78 of Ch. 429.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text:
(a) Any person, including any officer or employee of a corporation, who gives a Section 60503 exemption certificate for diesel fuel that he or she knows at the time of purchase is not to be used by him or her or the corporation on a farm for farming purposes or in an exempt bus operation, for the purpose of evading payment to the ultimate vendor of the amount of the tax applicable to the transaction, is guilty of either a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Section 60706 or a felony punishable as provided in Section 60707.

(b) Any person, including any officer or employee of a corporation, who gives an exemption certificate for diesel fuel pursuant to Section 60503 that he or she knows at the time of purchase is not to be used by him or her or the corporation on a farm for farming purposes or in an exempt bus operation, is liable to the state for the amount of tax that would be due if he or she had not given that certificate. In addition to the tax, the person shall be liable to the state for a penalty of 25 percent of the tax or one thousand dollars ($1,000), whichever is greater, for each certificate issued for personal gain or to evade the payment of taxes.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 429, Sec. 74. Effective October 2, 2001. Operative January 1, 2002, by Sec. 78 of Ch. 429.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text: For the purpose of refund claims filed pursuant to this article, diesel fuel containing a de minimis quantity of dye shall not be considered diesel fuel containing visible evidence of dye.

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text: The board, upon the presentation of the claim and the invoice, shall cause to be paid to the claimant from the taxes collected under this part an amount equal to the taxes collected on the diesel fuel with respect to which the refund is claimed under this article. If no original invoice was created, electronic invoicing shall be accepted as reflected by a computerized facsimile when accompanied by an original copy of the bill of lading or fuel manifest that can be directly tied to the electronic invoice.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 76, Sec. 16. Effective July 16, 1997.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text: The claim for refund forms prescribed in subdivision (d) of Section 60501 and subdivision (d) of Section 60502 may include, but not be limited to, electronic media. The claim for refund forms shall be authenticated in a form or pursuant to methods as may be prescribed by the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 481, Sec. 2. (AB 1032) Effective January 1, 2016.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text: In order to establish the validity of any claim, the board may, upon demand, examine the books and records of the claimant for that purpose. The failure of the claimant to accede to that demand constitutes a waiver of any right to the refund claimed on account of the transactions questioned.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 912, Sec. 17. Effective September 28, 1994. Operative July 1, 1995, by Sec. 26 of Ch. 912.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text: All applications for refund provided under this article shall be filed within three years from the date of the purchase of the diesel fuel or, if the tax was not invoiced at the time of the purchase of the diesel fuel, the application for refund shall be filed within six months after the receipt of an invoice for the tax, whichever period expires later. Any application filed after the time prescribed shall not be considered for any purpose by the board, the Treasurer, or the state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 605, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text: In lieu of the collection and refund of the tax on tax-paid diesel fuel exported, removed, sold, or used by a supplier in a manner that would entitle the supplier to claim a refund under this article, credit may be given the supplier upon the supplier’s tax return and the determination of the amount of the supplier’s tax shall be in accordance with any rules and regulations the board may prescribe.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 545, Sec. 9. (AB 1547) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text: In lieu of the refund of tax on diesel fuel used by a government entity in the manner as would entitle a government entity to claim a refund under this article, credit may be given to the government entity upon the government entity’s tax return and the demonstration of the amount of the government entity’s tax.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 34, Sec. 15. Effective June 30, 1995. Operative July 1, 1995, by Sec. 22 of Ch. 34.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text:
Interest shall be paid upon any refund of tax at the modified adjusted rate per month established pursuant to Section 6591.5 from the first day of the calendar month following the day a properly completed claim for refund was received by the board on any claim that has not been paid within 20 calendar days of the receipt of a properly completed claim form by the board.

The interest shall be paid to the last day of the month following the date upon which the claim is approved by the board.

No interest shall be granted on credits taken on tax returns.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 76, Sec. 18. Effective July 16, 1997.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text:
(a) A refund filed pursuant to Section 60502 shall be paid to the claimant within 20 calendar days of the receipt of a claim for refund by the board.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the claim for refund must be submitted on a properly completed form or in a substantially similar format, as prescribed by the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 34, Sec. 16. Effective June 30, 1995. Operative July 1, 1995, by Sec. 22 of Ch. 34.)

article: 1. Refunds on Certain Sales and Uses


text:
If the department determines that any amount not required to be paid under this part has been paid by any person to the state, the department shall set forth that fact in its records and certify the amount paid in excess of the amount legally due and the person by whom the excess was paid to the department or from whom it was collected. The excess amount paid or collected shall be credited on any amounts then due and payable from the person from whom the excess amount was collected or by whom it was paid under this part, and the balance shall either be refunded to the person, or the person’s successors, administrators, executors, or assigns, or, if authorized by the department, deducted by the person from any amounts to become due from the person under this part.

For any amount exceeding fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), the department’s determination under this section shall be available as a public record for at least 10 days after the effective date of the determination.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 474, Sec. 114. (SB 1496) Effective January 1, 2023.)

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 8. Overpayment and Refunds > 2. Claim for Refunds of Licensed Suppliers, Interstate Users, Exempt Bus Operators, Highway Vehicle Operators, and End Sellers


text: When an amount represented by a person who is a taxpayer under this part to a customer as constituting reimbursement for taxes due under this part is computed upon an amount that is not taxable or is in excess of the taxable amount 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 taxable or is in excess of the taxable amount, 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 transaction 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. 71. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 2. Claim for Refunds of Licensed Suppliers, Interstate Users, Exempt Bus Operators, Highway Vehicle Operators, and End Sellers


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), no refund under Section 60521 shall be approved by the board after three years from the last day of the month following the reporting period for which the overpayment was made, or, with respect to determinations made under Article 2 (commencing with Section 60301), Article 3 (commencing with Section 60310), or Article 4 (commencing with Section 60330) of Chapter 6, after six months from the date the determinations became final, or after six months from the date of overpayment, whichever period expires the later, unless a claim therefor is filed with the board within that period. No credit shall be approved by the board after the expiration of the period unless a claim for credit is filed with the board within that period or unless the claim relates to a period for which a waiver has been given pursuant to Section 60317.

(b) A refund may be approved by the board for any period for which a waiver is given under Section 60317 if a claim therefor is filed with the board before the expiration of the period agreed upon.


text:
(a) The limitation period specified in Section 60522 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 periods 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. 101. Effective January 1, 2001.)


text: Notwithstanding Section 60522, a refund of an overpayment of any tax, 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. 41. Effective January 1, 2007.)


text:
(a) A claim for refund that is otherwise valid under Sections 60522 and 60523 that is made in the case in which the amount of tax 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 tax determined” means an amount of tax, interest, or penalty, with respect to a single determination made under Article 2 (commencing with Section 60301), Article 3 (commencing with Section 60310), or Article 4 (commencing with Section 60330) of Chapter 6.

(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. 12. (AB 1856) Effective January 1, 2017.)


text: The claim shall be in writing and shall state the specific grounds upon which it is founded.


text:
Interest shall be paid upon any overpayment of any amount of tax at the modified adjusted rate per month established pursuant to Section 6591.5 from the first day of the calendar month following the period during which the overpayment is 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 last day of the calendar month following the date upon which the person making the overpayment, 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 the earlier.

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

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 620, Sec. 26. Effective January 1, 1998.)


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: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 420, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 1999.)


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 officer of the state to prevent or enjoin the collection under this part of any tax or other amounts required to be collected or to prevent or enjoin the revocation of any permit issued under this part or any other action whereby it is sought to enforce the payment of any tax or other amounts required to be paid.

article: 3. Suit for Refund

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 8. Overpayment and Refunds > 3. 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 duly filed.

article: 3. 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.

article: 3. Suit for Refund


text: If the board fails to mail 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 bring an action against the board on the grounds set forth in the claim for recovery of the whole or any part of the amount claimed as an overpayment.

article: 3. Suit for Refund


text: 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 overpayment.

article: 3. Suit for Refund


text: If judgment is rendered for the plaintiff, the amount of the judgment shall first be credited on any amounts due from the plaintiff under this part, Part 2 (commencing with Section 7301), and Part 3 (commencing with Section 8601), and the balance of the judgment shall be refunded to the plaintiff.

article: 3. 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 thereof 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.

article: 3. Suit for Refund


text: A judgment shall not be rendered in favor of the plaintiff in any action brought against the board to recover any amount paid when the action is brought by or in the name of an assignee of the person paying the tax or by any person other than the person who paid the tax.

article: 3. Suit for Refund


text:
(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 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 3 (commencing with Section 60310) or Article 4 (commencing with Section 60330) of Chapter 6. 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. 57. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 4. Recovery of Erroneous Refunds

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 8. Overpayment and Refunds > 4. Recovery of Erroneous Refunds


text: In any action brought pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 60561, 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. 58. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 4. Recovery of Erroneous Refunds


text: The Attorney General shall prosecute any action brought pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 60561, 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. 59. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 4. 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 tax 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 60561, 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 60561 on or after January 1, 2000.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 499, Sec. 124. (SB 1528) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Recovery of Erroneous Refunds


text:
If any amount has been illegally determined either by the person filing the return or by the department, the department shall set forth that fact in its records and certify the amount determined to be in excess of the amount legally due and the person against whom the determination was made.

For any amount exceeding fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), the department’s determination under this section shall be available as a public record for at least 10 days after the effective date of the determination.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 474, Sec. 115. (SB 1496) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 5. Cancellations

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 8. Overpayment and Refunds > 5. Cancellations


text: The board shall enforce this part and may prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules and regulations relating to the administration and enforcement of this part. The board may prescribe the extent to which any ruling or regulation shall be applied without retroactive effect.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 912, Sec. 17. Effective September 28, 1994. Operative July 1, 1995, by Sec. 26 of Ch. 912.)

chapter: 9. Administration

article: 1. Administration

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 9. Administration > 1. Administration


text: The board may employ attorneys, accountants, auditors, investigators, and other expert and clerical assistance necessary for the efficient administration of this part.

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) Officers or employees of the state, upon presenting appropriate credentials and a written notice to the owner, operator, or agent in charge, are authorized to enter any place and to conduct inspections in accordance with paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive.

(1) Inspections shall be performed in a reasonable manner and at times that are reasonable under the circumstances, taking into consideration the normal business hours of the place to be entered.

(2) Inspections may be at any place at which taxable diesel fuel is or may be produced or stored or at any inspection site where evidence of activities involving evasion may be discovered. These places may include, but are not limited to, any terminal, any diesel fuel storage facility that is not a terminal, any retail diesel fuel facility, or any designated inspection site.

(3) A designated inspection site is any state highway inspection station, weigh station, agricultural inspection station, mobile station, or other location designated by the state or the Internal Revenue Service to be used as a diesel fuel inspection site. A designated inspection site shall be identified as a diesel fuel inspection site.

(4) Officers or employees may physically inspect, examine, or otherwise search any tank, reservoir, or other container that can or may be used for the production, storage, or transportation of diesel fuel, diesel fuel dyes, or diesel fuel markers. Inspection may also be made of any equipment used for, or in connection with, production, storage, or transportation of diesel fuel, diesel fuel dyes, or diesel fuel markers. This includes any equipment used for the dyeing or marking of diesel fuel. This includes the books and records kept to determine tax liability.

(5) Officers or employees may detain any vehicle, train, or vessel for the purpose of inspecting its fuel tanks and storage tanks. Detainment will be either on the premises under inspection or at a designated inspection site. Detainment may continue for a reasonable period of time as is necessary to determine the amount and composition of the diesel fuel.

(6) Officers or employees may take and remove samples of diesel fuel in reasonable quantities as necessary to determine its composition.

(b) Any person that refuses to allow an inspection may be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each refusal. This penalty is in addition to any other penalty or tax that may be imposed upon that person or any other person liable for tax or penalty.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 519, Sec. 24. Effective October 4, 2005. Operative January 1, 2006, by Sec. 25 of Ch. 519.)

article: 1. Administration


text: Every interstate user, supplier, exempt bus operator, government entity, ultimate vendor, qualified highway vehicle operator, highway vehicle operator/fueler, train operator, pipeline operator, vessel operator, and every person dealing in, removing, transporting, or storing diesel fuel in this state shall keep those records, receipts, invoices, and other pertinent papers with respect thereto in that form as the board may require. Failure to maintain records will constitute a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Section 60706.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 364, Sec. 42. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) Each terminal operator shall keep the following information with respect to each rack removal of diesel fuel at each terminal it operates:

(1) The bill of lading or other shipping document.

(2) The record of whether the diesel fuel was dyed in accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency or Internal Revenue Service requirements.

(3) The volume and date of the removal.

(4) The identity of the position holder or position holder’s customer.

(5) The identity of the person, such as a common carrier, that physically received the fuel.

(6) Any other information required by the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to Section 48.4101-1 of Title 26 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) The terminal operator shall maintain the information described in this section at the terminal from which the removal occurred for at least three months after the removal to which it relates. Thereafter, the terminal operator shall retain the information at a location controlled by the terminal operator for at least four more years.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 429, Sec. 77. Effective October 2, 2001. Operative January 1, 2002, by Sec. 78 of Ch. 429.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The board or its authorized representative may examine the books, records, and equipment of any interstate user, supplier, exempt bus operator, government entity, ultimate vendor, qualified highway vehicle operator, highway vehicle operator/fueler, train operator, pipeline operator, vessel operator, or person dealing in, removing, transporting, or storing diesel fuel and may investigate the character of the disposition that the interstate user, supplier, exempt bus operator, government entity, ultimate vendor, qualified highway vehicle operator, highway vehicle operator/fueler, train operator, pipeline operator, vessel operator, or person makes of the diesel fuel in order to ascertain whether all taxes due under this part are being properly reported and paid.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 364, Sec. 43. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 1. Administration


text: As this state is the source of petroleum products for other states, if the examination or investigation necessitates collaboration or conference with motor vehicle fuel tax officials of other states, at places inside or outside this state, the collaboration or conference is declared to be a necessary function in the administration of this part.

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) Upon request from the officials to whom is entrusted the enforcement of the motor fuel tax laws of another government, the board may furnish to those officials the information in the possession of the board that is deemed essential to the enforcement of the motor fuel tax laws.

Any information so furnished shall not be used for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished.

(b) The board may furnish to any state or federal agency investigating violations of or enforcing any state or federal law related to motor fuels any motor fuel information in the possession of the board that is deemed necessary for the enforcement of those laws.

(c) The board may furnish any interstate user information obtained by the board under this part to any state or federal agency for use by that agency in the enforcement of interstate user registration or licensing laws, or interstate vehicle registration or licensing laws.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 609, Sec. 60. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 1. Administration


text: It is unlawful for the board or any person having an administrative duty under this part to make known in any manner whatever the business affairs, operations, or information obtained by an investigation of records and equipment of any person visited or examined in the discharge of official duty, or the amount or source of income, profits, losses, expenditures, or any particular thereof set forth or disclosed in any return, or to permit any return or copy thereof or any book containing any abstract or particulars thereof to be seen or examined by any person except to another government, state agency, or federal agency as specified in Section 60608. Information respecting the tax due from a person may be furnished, however, to any person owning or having an interest in a qualified motor vehicle or property subject to the lien of the tax. The Governor may, by general or special order, authorize examination by other state officers, by tax officers of another state, by the federal government, if a reciprocal arrangement exists, or by any other person of the records maintained by the board under this part. The information so obtained pursuant to the order of the Governor shall not be made public except to the extent and in the manner that the order may authorize that it be made public. Successors, receivers, trustees, executors, administrators, assignees, and guarantors, if directly interested, may be given information as to the items included in the measure and amounts of any unpaid tax or amounts of tax required to be collected, interest, and penalties.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 620, Sec. 28. Effective January 1, 1998.)

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 6 (commencing with Section 60201), 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. 102. Effective January 1, 2001.)

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 shall be 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) The board shall determine which taxpayer’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 taxpayer is not required to participate in the managed audit program.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 105, Sec. 56. (AB 2009) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 1. Administration


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

(a) The taxpayer’s business involves few or no statutory exemptions.

(b) The taxpayer’s business involves a single or a small number of clearly defined taxability issues.

(c) The taxpayer is taxed pursuant to this part and agrees to participate in the managed audit program.

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

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 105, Sec. 57. (AB 2009) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) If the board selects a taxpayer’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 covered by the managed audit.

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

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

(E) The manner in which the types of transactions 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 taxpayer shall:

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

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

(b) The information provided by the taxpayer 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. 58. (AB 2009) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 1. Administration


text: Nothing in this article limits the board’s authority to examine the books, records, and equipment of a taxpayer under Section 60606.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 105, Sec. 59. (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 taxpayer in a manner to be determined by the board under law.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 105, Sec. 60. (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.

path: 2. OTHER TAXES > 31. DIESEL FUEL TAX LAW > 9. 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 taxpayer complaints and problems, including any taxpayer complaints regarding unsatisfactory treatment of taxpayers by board employees, and staying actions where taxpayers 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) Taxpayers 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 taxpayers 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 taxpayer educational materials currently produced by the board that explain the most common areas of taxpayer nonconformance in simplified terms.

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

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

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 929, Sec. 84. Effective January 1, 2000.)


text: The board shall conduct an annual hearing before the full board where industry representatives and individual taxpayers are allowed to present their proposals on changes to the Diesel Fuel Tax Law which may further improve voluntary compliance and the relationship between taxpayers 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 taxpayers. As appropriate, statements shall be provided to taxpayers with the initial notice of audit, the notice of proposed additional taxes, any subsequent notice of tax due, or other substantive notices. Additionally, the board shall include this language for statements in the annual tax 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 taxpayers. The development and implementation of the program shall be coordinated with the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate.


text: The board shall, in cooperation with 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 taxpayer.

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

(c) The taxpayer 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 taxpayer 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 taxpayer 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 taxpayer shall 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 refund.

(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) The board’s proposed award under this section 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. 103. 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 non-tax-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 which include diesel fuel tax 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.


text:
(a) The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration shall release any levy or notice to withhold issued pursuant to this part on any property in the event the expense of the sale process exceeds the liability for which the levy is made.

(b) (1) (A) The Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate may order the release of any levy or notice to withhold issued pursuant to this part, or within 90 days from the receipt of the funds pursuant to a levy or notice to withhold may order the return of any amount up to two thousand three hundred dollars ($2,300) of moneys received, upon his or her finding that the levy or notice to withhold threatens the health or welfare of the taxpayer or his or her spouse or dependents.

(B) The amount the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate may return to each taxpayer subject to a levy or notice to withhold, is limited to two thousand three hundred dollars ($2,300), or the adjusted amount as specified in paragraph (2), in any monthly period.

(C) The Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate may order amounts returned in the case of a seizure of property as a result of a jeopardy determination, subject to the amounts set or adjusted pursuant to this section and if the ultimate collection of the amount due is no longer in jeopardy.

(2) (A) The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration shall adjust the two-thousand-three-hundred-dollar ($2,300) amount specified in paragraph (1) as follows:

(i) On or before March 1, 2016, and on or before March 1 each year thereafter, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration shall multiply the amount applicable for the current fiscal year by the inflation factor adjustment calculated based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, as recorded by the California Department of Industrial Relations for the most recent year available, and the formula set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (h) of Section 17041. The resulting amount will be the applicable amount for the succeeding fiscal year only when the applicable amount computed is equal to or exceeds a new operative threshold, as defined in subparagraph (B).

(ii) When the applicable amount equals or exceeds an operative threshold specified in subparagraph (B), the resulting applicable amount, rounded to the nearest multiple of one hundred dollars ($100), shall be operative for purposes of paragraph (1) beginning July 1 of the succeeding fiscal year.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, “operative threshold” means an amount that exceeds by at least one hundred dollars ($100) the greater of either the amount specified in paragraph (1) or the amount computed pursuant to subparagraph (A) as the operative adjustment to the amount specified in paragraph (1).

(c) The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration shall not sell any seized property until it has first notified the taxpayer in writing of the exemptions from levy under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 703.010) of Division 2 of Title 9 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(d) Except as provided in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), this section does not apply to the seizure of any property as a result of a jeopardy determination.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 181, Sec. 12. (SB 1507) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text:
(a) Except in any case where the board finds collection of the tax to be in jeopardy, if any property has been levied upon, the property or the proceeds from the sale of the property shall be returned to the taxpayer if the board determines any one of the following:

(1) The levy on the property was not in accordance with the law.

(2) The taxpayer has entered into and is in compliance with an installment payment agreement pursuant to Section 60493 to satisfy the tax liability for which the levy was imposed, unless that or another agreement allows for the levy.

(3) The return of the property will facilitate the collection of the tax liability or will be in the best interest of the state and the taxpayer.

(b) Property returned under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) is subject to the provisions of Section 60633.1.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 929, Sec. 86. Effective January 1, 2000.)


text: Exemptions from levy under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 703.010) of Title 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall be adjusted for purposes of enforcing the collection of debts under this part to reflect changes in the California Consumer Price Index whenever the change is more than 5 percent higher than any previous adjustment.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 912, Sec. 17. Effective September 28, 1994. Operative July 1, 1995, by Sec. 26 of Ch. 912.)


text:
(a) A taxpayer may file a claim with the board for reimbursement of bank charges and any other reasonable third-party check charge fees incurred by the taxpayer as the direct result of an erroneous levy or notice to withhold, erroneous processing action, or erroneous collection action by the board. Bank and third-party charges include a financial institution’s or third party’s customary charge for complying with the levy or notice to withhold instructions and reasonable charges for overdrafts that are a direct consequence of the erroneous levy or notice to withhold, erroneous processing action, or erroneous collection action. The charges are those paid by the taxpayer and not waived or reimbursed by the financial institution or third party. Each claimant applying for reimbursement shall file a claim with the board that shall be in a form as may be prescribed by the board. In order for the board to grant a claim, the board shall determine that both of the following conditions have been satisfied:

(1) The erroneous levy or notice to withhold, erroneous processing action, or erroneous collection action was caused by board error.

(2) Prior to the erroneous levy or notice to withhold, erroneous processing action, or erroneous collection action, the taxpayer responded to all contacts by the board and provided the board with any requested information or documentation sufficient to establish the taxpayer’s position. This provision may be waived by the board for reasonable cause.

(b) Claims pursuant to this section shall be filed within 90 days from the date the bank and third-party charges were incurred by the taxpayer. Within 30 days from the date the claim is received, the board shall respond to the claim. If the board denies the claim, the taxpayer shall be notified in writing of the reason or reasons for the denial of the claim.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 253, Sec. 12. (SB 442) Effective January 1, 2014.)


text:
(a) At least 30 days prior to the filing or recording of liens under Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 7150) or Chapter 14.5 (commencing with Section 7220) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, the department shall mail to the taxpayer a preliminary notice. The notice shall specify the statutory authority of the department for filing or recording the lien, indicate the earliest date on which the lien may be filed or recorded, and state the remedies available to the taxpayer to prevent the filing or recording of the lien. In the event the tax liens are filed for the same liability in multiple counties, only one preliminary notice shall be sent.

(b) The preliminary notice required by this action shall not apply to jeopardy determinations issued under Article 4 (commencing with Section 60330) of Chapter 6.

(c) If the department determines that filing a lien was in error, it shall mail a release to the taxpayer and the entity recording the lien as soon as possible, but no later than seven days, after this determination and receipt of lien recording information. The release shall contain a statement that the lien was filed in error. In the event the erroneous lien is obstructing a lawful transaction, the department shall immediately issue a release of lien to the taxpayer and the entity recording the lien.

(d) When the department releases a lien erroneously filed, notice of that fact shall be mailed to the taxpayer and, upon the request of the taxpayer, a copy of the release shall be mailed to the major credit reporting companies in the county where the lien was filed.

(e) (1) The department may release or subordinate a lien if the department determines any of the following:

(A) Release or subordination will facilitate the collection of the tax liability.

(B) Release or subordination will be in the best interest of the state and the taxpayer.

(C) Release or subordination will be in the best interest of the state and another person that is not the taxpayer but that holds an interest with the taxpayer in the property that is subject to the lien.

(2) The amendments added to this subdivision do not constitute a change in, and are declaratory of, existing law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 474, Sec. 116. (SB 1496) Effective January 1, 2023.)


text: For the purposes of this part only, the board shall not revoke or suspend a person’s license pursuant to Section 60180 or 60181 unless the board has mailed a notice preliminary to revocation or suspension that indicates that the taxpayer will be suspended by a date certain pursuant to that section. The notice preliminary to suspension shall be mailed to the taxpayer at least 60 days before the date certain.


text:
(a) If any officer or employee of the board recklessly disregards board-published procedures, a taxpayer aggrieved by that action or omission may bring an action for damages against the State of California in superior court.

(b) In any action brought under subdivision (a), upon finding of liability on the part of the State of California, the state shall be liable to the plaintiff in an amount equal to the sum of all of the following:

(1) Actual and direct monetary damages sustained by the plaintiff as a result of the actions or omissions.

(2) Reasonable litigation costs, including any of the following:

(A) Reasonable court costs.

(B) Prevailing market rates for the kind or quality of services furnished in connection with any of the following:

(i) The reasonable expenses of expert witnesses in connection with the civil proceeding, except that no expert witness shall be compensated at a rate in excess of the highest rate of compensation for expert witnesses paid by the State of California.

(ii) The reasonable cost of any study, analysis, engineering report, test, or project that is found by the court to be necessary for the preparation of the party’s case.

(iii) Reasonable fees paid or incurred for the services of attorneys in connection with the civil proceeding, except that those fees shall not be in excess of seventy-five dollars ($75) per hour unless the court determines that an increase in the cost of living or a special factor, such as the limited availability of qualified attorneys for the proceeding, justifies a higher rate.

(c) In the awarding of damages under subdivision (b), the court shall take into consideration the negligence or omissions, if any, on the part of the plaintiff which contributed to the damages.

(d) Whenever it appears to the court that the taxpayer’s position in the proceeding brought under subdivision (a) is frivolous, the court may impose a penalty against the plaintiff in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000). A penalty so imposed shall be paid upon notice and demand from the board and shall be collected as a tax imposed under this part.


text:
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the department, its staff, and the Attorney General pursue settlements as authorized under this section with respect to civil tax matters in dispute that are the subject of protests, appeals, or refund claims, consistent with a reasonable evaluation of the costs and risks associated with litigation of these matters.

(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), no recommendation of settlement shall be submitted to the director unless and until that recommendation has been submitted by the chief counsel to the Attorney General. Within 30 days of receiving that recommendation, the Attorney General shall review the recommendation and advise the chief counsel, in writing, of their conclusions as to whether the recommendation is reasonable from an overall perspective. The chief counsel shall, with each recommendation of settlement submitted to the director, also submit the Attorney General’s written conclusions obtained pursuant to this paragraph.

(2) (A) A settlement of any civil tax matter in dispute involving a reduction of tax or penalties in settlement, the total of which reduction of tax and penalties in settlement does not exceed eleven thousand five hundred dollars ($11,500), may be approved by the director.

(B) Beginning on July 1, 2029, and each fifth fiscal year thereafter, the department shall adjust the amount specified in subparagraph (A) by increasing that amount by a percentage amount equal to the increase in the California Consumer Price Index, as calculated by the Department of Finance with the resulting amount rounded to the nearest one hundred dollars ($100). The first adjustment pursuant to this subparagraph shall be a percentage amount equal to the increase in the California Consumer Price Index from January 1, 2024, to January 1, 2029. Subsequent fifth fiscal year adjustments shall cover subsequent five-year periods. The incremental change shall be added to the previously adjusted amount.

(c) Whenever a reduction of tax, or penalties, or total tax and penalties in settlement in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) is approved pursuant to this section, there shall be placed on file, for at least one year, in the office of the director of the department a public record with respect to that settlement. The public record shall include all of the following information:

(1) The name or names of the taxpayers who are parties to the settlement.

(2) The total amount in dispute.

(3) The amount agreed to pursuant to the settlement.

(4) A summary of the reasons why the settlement is in the best interests of the State of California.

(5) (A) For any settlement approved by the director, except those settlements approved pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), the Attorney General’s conclusion as to whether the recommendation of settlement was reasonable from an overall perspective.

(B) The public record shall not include any information that relates to any trade secret, patent, process, style of work, apparatus, business secret, or organizational structure that, if disclosed, would adversely affect the taxpayer or the national defense.

(d) The director shall not participate in the settlement of tax matters pursuant to this section, except as provided in subdivision (e).

(e) (1) Any recommendation for settlement shall be approved or disapproved by the director within 45 days of the submission of that recommendation to the director. Any recommendation for settlement that is not either approved or disapproved by the director within 45 days of the submission of that recommendation shall be deemed approved.

(2) Where the director disapproves a recommendation for settlement, at the discretion of the director and chief counsel, the matter shall be remanded to staff for further negotiation, and may be resubmitted to the director, in the same manner and subject to the same requirements as the initial submission.

(f) All settlements entered into pursuant to this section shall be final and nonappealable, except upon a showing of fraud or misrepresentation with respect to a material fact.

(g) Except as provided in subdivision (c), any settlement considered or entered into pursuant to this section shall constitute confidential tax information for purposes of Section 60609.

(h) The Legislature finds that it is essential for fiscal purposes that the settlement program authorized by this section be expeditiously implemented. Accordingly, Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code shall not apply to any determination, rule, notice, or guideline established or issued by the department in implementing and administering the settlement program authorized by this section.

(i) The amendments made to this section by the act adding this subdivision shall apply to any settlements approved on or after January 1, 2024.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 511, Sec. 40. (SB 889) Effective January 1, 2024.)