March 10, 2015, Introduced by Reps. Courser and Gamrat and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
A bill to amend 2000 PA 403, entitled
"Motor fuel tax act,"
by amending sections 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 14, 22, 40, 53, 63, 122, 151,
152, 153, 154, and 155 (MCL 207.1002, 207.1003, 207.1005, 207.1006,
207.1008, 207.1014, 207.1022, 207.1040, 207.1053, 207.1063,
207.1122, 207.1151, 207.1152, 207.1153, 207.1154, and 207.1155),
sections 2, 5, and 122 as amended by 2002 PA 668, section 3 as
amended by 2006 PA 277, and section 8 as amended by 2006 PA 268.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 2. As used in this act:
(a) "Alcohol" means fuel grade ethanol or a mixture of fuel
grade ethanol and another product.
(b) "Applicable percentage" means 1 of the following:
(i) Beginning January 1, 2016, 8.5%.
(ii) For the year beginning January 1, 2017, 9.5%.
(iii) For the year beginning January 1, 2018, 10.5%.
(iv) For the year beginning January 1, 2019, 11.5%.
(v) For the year beginning January 1, 2020, 12.5%.
(vi) For the year beginning January 1, 2021, and each calendar
year thereafter, 13.5%.
(c) "Average wholesale diesel fuel price" means the statewide
average wholesale price of diesel fuel as determined by the
department based upon a 12-month rolling average of the wholesale
diesel fuel price. For each rate in effect for a particular year
under section 8(1)(b), the 12-month rolling average period ends on
the last day of the month that is 3 months prior to the date on
which the rate determined under section 8(1)(b) becomes effective.
(d) "Average wholesale gasoline price" means the statewide
average wholesale price of gasoline as determined by the department
based upon a 12-month rolling average of the wholesale gasoline
price. For each rate in effect for a particular year under section
8(1)(a), the 12-month rolling average period ends on the last day
of the month that is 3 months prior to the date on which the rate
determined under section 8(1)(a) becomes effective.
(e) "Base year revenue" means the total revenue collected by
the department during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014
derived from motor fuel sold, delivered, or used in this state upon
which the tax under section 8(1) was imposed.
(f) (b)
"Blendstock" means and
includes any petroleum product
component of motor fuel, such as naphtha, reformate, or toluene; or
any oxygenate that can be blended for use in a motor fuel.
(g) (c)
"Blended motor fuel"
means a mixture of motor fuel and
another liquid, other than a de minimis amount of a product
including, but not limited to, carburetor detergent or oxidation
inhibitor, that can be used as motor fuel in a motor vehicle.
(h) (d)
"Blender" means and
includes any person who produces
blended motor fuel outside of the bulk transfer/terminal system.
(i) (e)
"Blends" or
"blending" means the mixing of 1 or more
petroleum products, with or without another product, regardless of
the original character of the product blended, if the product
obtained by the blending is capable of use in the generation of
power for the propulsion of a motor vehicle, an airplane, or a
marine vessel. Blending does not include mixing that occurs in the
process of refining by the original refiner of crude petroleum or
the blending of products known as lubricating oil in the production
of lubricating oils and greases.
(j) (f)
"Bulk end user" means a
person who receives into the
person's own storage facilities by transport truck or tank wagon
motor fuel for the person's own consumption.
(k) (g)
"Bulk plant" means a
motor fuel storage and
distribution facility that is not a terminal and from which motor
fuel may be withdrawn by a tank wagon, a transport truck, or a
marine vessel.
(l) (h)
"Bulk transfer" means a
transfer of motor fuel from 1
location to another by pipeline tender or marine delivery within
the bulk transfer/terminal system, including, but not limited to,
all of the following transfers:
(i) A marine vessel movement of motor fuel from a refinery or
terminal to a terminal.
(ii) Pipeline movements of motor fuel from a refinery or
terminal to a terminal.
(iii) Book transfers of motor fuel within a terminal between
licensed suppliers before completion of removal across the terminal
rack.
(iv) Two-party exchanges between licensed suppliers.
(m) (i)
"Bulk transfer/terminal
system" means the motor fuel
distribution system consisting of refineries, pipelines, marine
vessels, and terminals. Motor fuel in a refinery, pipeline,
terminal, or a marine vessel transporting motor fuel to a refinery
or terminal is in the bulk transfer/terminal system. Motor fuel in
a fuel storage facility including, but not limited to, a bulk plant
that is not part of a refinery or terminal, in the fuel supply tank
of any engine or motor vehicle, in a marine vessel transporting
motor fuel to a fuel storage facility that is not in the bulk
transfer/terminal system, or in any tank car, rail car, trailer,
truck, or other equipment suitable for ground transportation is not
in the bulk transfer/terminal system.
(n) (j)
"Carrier" means an
operator of a pipeline or marine
vessel engaged in the business of transporting motor fuel above the
terminal rack.
(o)
(k) "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor
vehicle
licensed as a qualified commercial motor vehicle under the motor
carrier fuel tax act, 1980 PA 119, MCL 207.211 to 207.234, or a
motor vehicle licensed under an international fuel tax agreement
under section 2a of the motor carrier fuel tax act, 1980 PA 119,
MCL 207.212a.
(p) (l) "Dead
storage" is the amount of motor fuel that cannot
be pumped out of a motor fuel storage tank because the motor fuel
is below the mouth of the tank's draw pipe. The amount of motor
fuel in dead storage is 200 gallons for a tank with a capacity of
less than 10,000 gallons and 400 gallons for a tank with a capacity
of 10,000 gallons or more.
(q) (m)
"Denaturants" means and
includes gasoline, natural
gasoline, gasoline components, or toxic or noxious materials added
to fuel grade ethanol to make it unsuitable for beverage use but
not unsuitable for automotive use.
(r) (n)
"Department" means the bureau
of revenue within the
department of treasury or its designee.
(s) (o)
"Destination state" means
the a state, Canadian
province or territory, or foreign country to which motor fuel is
directed for export.
(t) (p)
"Diesel fuel" means any
liquid other than gasoline
that is capable of use as a fuel or a component of a fuel in a
motor vehicle that is propelled by a diesel-powered engine or in a
diesel-powered train. Diesel fuel includes number 1 and number 2
fuel oils, kerosene, dyed diesel fuel, and mineral spirits. Diesel
fuel also includes any blendstock or additive that is sold for
blending with diesel fuel, any liquid prepared, advertised, offered
for sale, sold for use as, or used in the generation of power for
the propulsion of a diesel-powered engine, airplane, or marine
vessel. An additive or blendstock is presumed to be sold for
blending unless a certification is obtained for federal purposes
that the substance is for a use other than blending for diesel
fuel. Diesel fuel does not include an excluded liquid.
(u) (q)
"Dyed diesel fuel" means
diesel fuel that is dyed in
accordance with internal revenue service rules or pursuant to any
other internal revenue service requirements, including any
invisible marker requirements.
(v) (r)
"Eligible purchaser"
means a person who has been
authorized
by the department under section 75 to make the an
election under section 74.
(w) (s)
"Excluded liquid" means
that term as defined in 26
C.F.R.
CFR 48.4081-1.
(x) (t)
"Export" means to obtain
motor fuel in this state for
sale or other distribution outside of this state. Motor fuel
delivered outside of this state by or for the seller constitutes an
export by the seller and motor fuel delivered outside of this state
by or for the purchaser constitutes an export by the purchaser.
(y) (u)
"Exporter" means a person
who exports motor fuel.
Sec. 3. As used in this act:
(a) "Fuel feedstock user" means a person who receives motor
fuel for the person's own use in the manufacture or production of
any substance other than motor fuel.
(b) "Fuel grade ethanol" means the American society for
testing
and materials standard in effect on the effective date of
this
act April 1, 2001 as the D-4806 specification for denatured
fuel grade ethanol for blending with gasoline.
(c) "Fuel transportation vehicle" means a vehicle designed or
used to transport motor fuel on the public roads or highways. Fuel
transportation vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a transport
truck and a tank wagon. Fuel transportation vehicle does not
include a vehicle transporting a nurse tank or limited volume
auxiliary-mounted supply tank used for fueling an implement of
husbandry.
(d) "Gallon" means a unit of liquid measure as customarily
used in the United States containing 231 cubic inches, or 4 quarts,
or its metric equivalent expressed in liters. Where the term gallon
appears in this act, the term liters is interchangeable so long as
the equivalence of a gallon and 3.785 liters is preserved. A
quantity required to be furnished under this act may be specified
in liters when authorized by the department.
(e) "Gasohol" means a blended motor fuel composed of gasoline
and fuel grade ethanol.
(f)
"Gasoline" means and includes gasoline, alcohol, gasohol,
casing head or natural gasoline, benzol, benzine, naphtha, and any
blendstock additive, or other product including methanol that is
sold for blending with gasoline or for use on the road other than
products typically sold in containers of less than 5 gallons.
Gasoline also includes a liquid prepared, advertised, offered for
sale, sold for use as, or used in the generation of power for the
propulsion of a motor vehicle, airplane, or marine vessel,
including a product obtained by blending together any 1 or more
products of petroleum, with or without another product, and
regardless of the original character of the petroleum products
blended, if the product obtained by the blending is capable of use
in the generation of power for the propulsion of a motor vehicle,
airplane, or marine vessel. The blending of all of the above named
products, regardless of their name or characteristics, shall
conclusively be presumed to have been done to produce motor fuel,
unless the product obtained by the blending is entirely incapable
of use as motor fuel. Gasoline also includes transmix. Gasoline
does not include diesel fuel or leaded racing fuel. An additive or
blendstock is presumed to be sold for blending unless a
certification is obtained for federal purposes that the substance
is for a use other than blending for gasoline.
(g) "Gross gallons" means the total measured product,
exclusive of any temperature or pressure adjustments,
considerations, or deductions, in gallons.
(h)
"Heating oil" means a motor fuel including dyed diesel
fuel
that is burned in a boiler, furnace, or stove for heating,
agricultural,
or industrial processing purposes.
(h) (i)
"Implement of husbandry"
means and includes a farm
tractor, a vehicle designed to be drawn or pulled by a farm tractor
or
animal, a vehicle that directly harvests farm products, and or a
vehicle that directly applies fertilizer, spray, or seeds to a farm
field. Implement of husbandry does not include a motor vehicle
licensed for use on the public roads or highways of this state.
(i) (j)
"Import" means to bring
motor fuel into this state by
motor vehicle, marine vessel, pipeline, or any other means.
However,
import Import does not include bringing motor fuel into
this state in the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle if the motor
fuel is used to power that motor vehicle. Motor fuel delivered into
this state from outside of this state by or for the seller
constitutes an import by the seller, and motor fuel delivered into
this
state from out outside of this state by or for the purchaser
constitutes an import by the purchaser.
(j) (k)
"Importer" means a person
who imports motor fuel into
this state.
(k) (l) "Import
verification number" means the number assigned
by the department to an individual delivery of motor fuel by a
transport truck, tank wagon, marine vessel, or rail car in response
to a request for a number from an importer or transporter carrying
motor fuel into this state for the account of an importer.
(l) (m)
"In this state" means the
area within the borders of
this state, including all territories within the borders owned by,
held in trust by, or added to the United States of America.
(m) (n)
"Invoiced gallons" means
the number of gallons
actually billed on an invoice.
Sec. 5. (1) As used in this act:
(a) "Rack" means a mechanism for delivering motor fuel from a
refinery, a terminal, or a marine vessel into a railroad tank car,
a transport truck, a tank wagon, the fuel supply tank of a marine
vessel, or other means of transfer outside of the bulk
transfer/terminal system.
(b) "Rate floor" means a cents per gallon lower limit on the
tax rate determined by the department and imposed on gasoline under
section 8(1)(a) and on diesel fuel under section 8(1)(b). Beginning
on the effective date of the 2014 amendatory act that added this
subdivision, rate floor means 19 cents.
(c) (b)
"Refiner" means a person
who owns, operates, or
otherwise controls a refinery within the United States.
(d) (c)
"Refinery" means a
facility used to produce motor fuel
from crude oil, unfinished oils, natural gas liquids, or other
hydrocarbons and from which motor fuel may be removed by pipeline,
by marine vessel, or at a rack.
(e) (d)
"Removal" or
"removed" means a physical transfer other
than by evaporation, loss, or destruction of motor fuel from a
terminal, manufacturing plant, customs custody, pipeline, marine
vessel, or refinery that stores motor fuel.
(f) (e)
"Retail diesel dealer"
means a person who sells or
distributes diesel fuel to an end user in this state.
(g) (f)
"Retail marine diesel
dealer" means a person who sells
or distributes diesel fuel to an end user in this state for use in
boats or other marine vessels.
(h) (g)
"Source state" means the
state, Canadian province or
territory, or foreign country from which motor fuel is imported.
(i) (h)
"Stationary engine" means
a temporary or permanently
affixed engine designed and used to supply power primarily for
agricultural or construction work. Stationary engine includes, but
is not limited to, an engine powering irrigation equipment,
generators, or earth-moving equipment.
(j) (i)
"Supplier", in addition
to subsection (2), means a
person who meets all of the following requirements:
(i) Is subject to the general taxing jurisdiction of this
state.
(ii) Is registered under section 4101 of the internal revenue
code for transactions in motor fuel in the bulk transfer/terminal
distribution system.
(iii) Is any 1 of the following:
(A) The position holder in a terminal or refinery in this
state.
(B) A person who imports fuel grade ethanol into this state.
(C) A person who acquires motor fuel from a terminal or
refinery in this state from a position holder pursuant to a 2-party
exchange.
(D) The position holder in a terminal or refinery outside this
state with respect to motor fuel which that person imports into
this state on its account.
(2) Supplier also means a person who either produces alcohol
or alcohol derivative substances in this state or produces alcohol
or alcohol derivative substances for import into a terminal in this
state, or who acquires immediately upon import by transport truck,
tank wagon, rail car, or marine vessel into a terminal or refinery
or other storage facility that is not part of a terminal or
refinery, alcohol or alcohol derivative substances. A terminal
operator is not considered a supplier merely because the terminal
operator handles motor fuel consigned to it within a terminal.
Supplier includes a permissive supplier unless otherwise
specifically provided in this act.
Sec. 6. As used in this act:
(a) "Tank wagon" means a straight truck having 1 or more
compartments other than the fuel supply tank designed or used to
carry motor fuel.
(b) "Tank wagon operator-importer" means a person who operates
a tank wagon and imports motor fuel into this state from another
state.
(c) "Tax" means a tax, interest, or penalty levied under this
act.
(d) "Terminal" means a motor fuel storage and distribution
facility that meets all of the following requirements:
(i) Is registered as a qualified terminal by the internal
revenue service.
(ii) Is supplied by pipeline or marine vessel.
(iii) Has a rack from which motor fuel may be removed.
(e) "Terminal operator" means a person who owns, operates, or
otherwise controls a terminal.
(f) "Transmix" means the mixed product that results from the
buffer or interface of 2 different products in a pipeline shipment,
or a mixture of 2 different products within a refinery or terminal
that results in an off-grade mixture.
(g) "Transport truck" means a semitrailer combination rig
designed or used for the purpose of transporting motor fuel over
the public roads or highways.
(h) "Transporter" means an operator of a railroad or rail car,
tank wagon, transport truck, or other fuel transportation vehicle
engaged in the business of transporting motor fuel below the
terminal rack.
(i) "Two-party exchange" means a transaction in which motor
fuel is transferred from 1 licensed supplier or licensed permissive
supplier to another licensed supplier or licensed permissive
supplier where all of the following occur:
(i) The transaction includes a transfer from the person who
holds the original inventory position for motor fuel in the
terminal as reflected in the records of the terminal operator.
(ii) The exchange transaction is completed before removal
across the rack from the terminal by the receiving licensed
supplier or licensed permissive supplier.
(iii) The terminal operator in its books and records treats the
receiving exchange party as the supplier that removes the product
across a terminal rack for purposes of reporting the transaction to
the department.
(j) "Ultimate vendor" means the person who sells motor fuel to
the end user of the fuel.
(k) "Wholesale diesel fuel price" means the price per gallon
of self-serve undyed no. 2 ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel charged by
a licensed supplier to a purchaser at the time of removal from a
terminal across the rack, as determined by the department, based on
available pricing data that best reflect or approximate Michigan
rack prices as reported by the United States energy administration,
the oil price information service, or a similar nationally
recognized source for such pricing data, whether publicly available
or available only by subscription. Wholesale diesel fuel price does
not include the tax imposed by this act, prepaid sales tax under
section 6a of the general sales tax act, 1933 PA 167, MCL 205.56a,
federal excise tax under section 4081 of the internal revenue code,
26 USC 4081, any other federal tax upon motor fuel, or an
environmental protection regulatory fee imposed under section 21508
of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA
451, MCL 324.21508.
(l) "Wholesale gasoline price" means the price per gallon of
self-serve unleaded regular gasoline charged by a licensed supplier
to a purchaser at the time of removal from a terminal across the
rack, as determined by the department, based on available pricing
data that best reflect or approximate Michigan rack prices as
reported by the United States energy administration, the oil price
information service, or a similar nationally recognized source for
such pricing data, whether publicly available or available only by
subscription. Wholesale gasoline price does not include the tax
imposed by this act, prepaid sales tax under section 6a of the
general sales tax act, 1933 PA 167, MCL 205.56a, federal excise tax
under section 4081 of the internal revenue code, 26 USC 4081, any
other federal tax upon motor fuel, or an environmental protection
regulatory fee imposed under section 21508 of the natural resources
and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.21508.
(m) (k)
"Wholesaler" means a
person who acquires motor fuel
from a supplier or from another wholesaler for subsequent sale and
distribution at wholesale by a fuel transportation vehicle, rail
car, or other motor vehicle.
Sec.
8. (1) Subject Except as
otherwise provided in this act
and
subject to the exemptions provided for
in this act, tax is
imposed on motor fuel imported into or sold, delivered, or used in
this state at the following rates:
(a)
Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (c), Through
March 31, 2015, 19 cents per gallon on gasoline. Beginning April 1,
2015, the rate per gallon on gasoline shall be a cents-per-gallon
rate that shall be determined by the department by multiplying the
average wholesale gasoline price by 7.5%, rounded up to the nearest
1/10 of 1 cent. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection,
beginning January 1, 2016, and January 1 of each year thereafter,
the rate per gallon on gasoline shall be a cents-per-gallon rate
that shall be determined by the department by multiplying the
average wholesale gasoline price by the applicable percentage,
rounded up to the nearest 1/10 of 1 cent. If the rate of sales tax
on gasoline is the rate prescribed under section 2 of the general
sales tax act, 1933 PA 167, MCL 205.52, as provided in section
2c(2) of the general sales tax act, 1933 PA 167, MCL 205.52c, the
rate per gallon on gasoline shall be determined by the department
by multiplying the average wholesale gasoline price by 7.5%,
rounded up to the nearest 1/10 of 1 cent.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (d), Through
March 31, 2015, 15 cents per gallon on diesel fuel. Beginning April
1, 2015, the rate per gallon on diesel fuel shall be a cents-per-
gallon rate that shall be determined by the department by
multiplying the average wholesale diesel fuel price by 7.5%,
rounded up to the nearest 1/10 of 1 cent. Except as otherwise
provided in this subsection, beginning January 1, 2016, and January
1 of each year thereafter, the rate per gallon on diesel fuel shall
be a cents-per-gallon rate that shall be determined by the
department by multiplying the average wholesale diesel fuel price
by the applicable percentage, rounded up to the nearest 1/10 of 1
cent. If the rate of sales tax on diesel fuel is the rate
prescribed under section 2 of the general sales tax act, 1933 PA
167, MCL 205.52, as provided in section 2c(2) of the general sales
tax act, 1933 PA 167, MCL 205.52c, the rate per gallon on diesel
fuel shall be determined by the department by multiplying the
average wholesale diesel fuel price by 7.5%, rounded up to the
nearest 1/10 of 1 cent.
(c)
Subject to subsections (10) and (11), 12 cents per gallon
on
gasoline that is at least 70% ethanol. Under this subdivision,
blenders
of ethanol and gasoline outside of the bulk transfer
terminal
system shall obtain a blender's license and are subject to
the
blender reporting requirements under this act. A licensed
supplier
who blends ethanol and gasoline shall also obtain a
blender's
license.
(d)
Subject to subsections (10) and (11), 12 cents per gallon
on
diesel fuel that contains at least 5% biodiesel. Under this
subdivision,
blenders of biodiesel and diesel fuel outside of the
bulk
transfer terminal system are required to obtain a blender's
license
and are subject to the blender reporting requirements under
this
act. A licensed supplier who blends biodiesel and diesel fuel
shall
also obtain a blender's license.
(2) The rates determined under subsection (1)(a) and (b) shall
not be below the rate floor for any year for which the rates are in
effect.
(3) Beginning on January 1, 2016, if the amount of revenue
from the tax imposed under subsection (1) is greater than the base
year revenue, the amount by which the amount of revenue from the
tax imposed under subsection (1) exceeds the base year revenue
shall be deposited in the Michigan transportation fund created in
section 10 of 1951 PA 51, MCL 247.660, and distributed as provided
in section 10(1)(j) of 1951 PA 51, MCL 247.660.
(4) (2)
Tax shall not be imposed under this
section on motor
fuel that is in the bulk transfer/terminal system.
(5) (3)
The collection, payment, and
remittance of the tax
imposed by this section shall be accomplished in the manner and at
the time provided for in this act.
(6) (4)
Tax is also imposed at the rate
described in
subsection (1) on net gallons of motor fuel, including transmix,
lost or unaccounted for, at each terminal in this state. The tax
shall be measured annually and shall apply to the net gallons of
motor fuel lost or unaccounted for that are in excess of 1/2 of 1%
of all net gallons of fuel removed from the terminal across the
rack or in bulk.
(7) (5)
It is the intent of this act:
(a) To require persons who operate a motor vehicle on the
public roads or highways of this state to pay for the privilege of
using those roads or highways.
(b) To impose on suppliers a requirement to collect and remit
the tax imposed by this act at the time of removal of motor fuel
unless otherwise specifically provided in this act.
(c) To allow persons who pay the tax imposed by this act and
who use the fuel for a nontaxable purpose to seek a refund or claim
a deduction as provided in this act.
(d) That the tax imposed by this act be collected and paid at
those times, in the manner, and by those persons specified in this
act.
(8) (6)
Bills of lading and invoices shall
identify the
blended product and the correct fuel product code. The motor fuel
tax rate for each product shall be listed separately on each
invoice. Licensees shall report the correct fuel product code for
the blended product as required by the department. When fuel is
blended below the terminal rack, new bills of lading and invoices
shall be generated and submitted to the department upon request.
All bills of lading and invoices shall meet the requirements
provided
under this act.
(9) (7)
Notwithstanding any other provision
of this act, all
facilities
a facility in this state that produce produces motor
fuel
and distribute distributes
the fuel from a rack for purposes
of
this act are is a terminal, and shall obtain a terminal operator
license, and shall comply with all terminal operator reporting
requirements
under this act. All A position holders holder in
these
facilities
a facility shall be licensed as a supplier and shall
comply with all supplier requirements under this act.
(8)
If the tax on gasoline that contains at least 70% ethanol
or
diesel fuel that contains at least 5% biodiesel held in storage
outside
of the bulk transfer/terminal system on the effective date
of
the amendatory act that added this subsection has previously
been
paid at the rates imposed by subsection (1)(a) and (b), the
person
who paid the tax may claim a refund for the difference
between
the rates imposed by subsection (1)(a) and (b) and the
rates
imposed by subsection (1)(c) and (d). All of the following
shall
apply to a refund claimed under this subsection:
(a)
The refund shall be claimed on a form prescribed by the
department.
(b)
The refund shall apply only to:
(i) Previously taxed gasoline containing at least 70%
ethanol
or
diesel fuel containing at least 5% biodiesel in excess of 3,000
gallons
held in storage by an end user.
(ii) Previously taxed gasoline containing at least 70%
ethanol
or
diesel fuel containing at least 5% biodiesel held for sale that
is
in excess of dead storage.
(9)
A refund request shall be filed within 60 days after the
last
day of the month in which the amendatory act that added this
subsection
took effect. A taxpayer shall provide documentation that
the
department requires in order to verify the request for refund.
A
person who may claim a refund under subsection (8) shall do all
of
the following to claim the refund:
(a)
Not later than 12 a.m. on the effective date of the
amendatory
act that added this subsection, take an inventory of
gasoline
containing at least 70% ethanol or undyed diesel fuel
containing
at least 5% biodiesel.
(b)
Deduct 3,000 gallons if the person claiming the refund is
an
end user.
(c)
Deduct the number of gallons in dead storage if the
gasoline
containing at least 70% ethanol or the undyed diesel fuel
containing
at least 5% biodiesel is held for subsequent sale.
(10)
Beginning on the effective date of the amendatory act
that
added this subsection, the state treasurer shall annually
determine,
for the 12-month period ending May 1 and for any
additional
times that the treasurer may determine, the difference
between
the amount of motor fuel tax collected and the amount of
motor
fuel tax that would have been collected but for the
differential
rates on gasoline pursuant to subsection (1)(c) and
biodiesel
pursuant to subsection (1)(d). Subsection (1)(c) and (d)
is
no longer effective the earlier of 10 years after the effective
date
of the amendatory act that added this subsection or the first
day
of the first month that is not less than 90 days after the
state
treasurer certifies that the total cumulative rate
differential
from the effective date of this amendatory act is
greater
than $2,500,000.00.
(11)
The legislature shall annually appropriate to the
Michigan
transportation fund created in 1951 PA 51, MCL 247.651 to
247.675,
the amount determined as the rate differential certified
by
the state treasurer for the 12-month period ending on May 1 of
the
calendar year in which the fiscal year begins. Subsection
(1)(c)
and (d) shall not be effective beginning January of any
fiscal
year for which the appropriation required under this
subsection
has not been made by the first day of the fiscal year.
(12)
As used in this section:
(a)
"Biodiesel" means a fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters of
long
chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats
and,
in accordance with standards specified by the American society
for
testing and materials, designated B100 and meeting the
requirements
of D-6751, as approved by the department of
agriculture.
(b)
"Ethanol" means denatured fuel ethanol that is suitable
for
use in a spark-ignition engine when mixed with gasoline so long
as
the mixture meets the American society for testing and materials
D-5798
specifications.
(10) Beginning with the rate in effect on January 1, 2016, and
January 1 of each year thereafter, the department shall publish
notice of the tax rate under this section not later than 30 days
before the effective date of the rate.
(11) A determination by the department of the average
wholesale diesel fuel price, the average wholesale gasoline price,
the wholesale diesel fuel price, the wholesale gasoline price, or
the tax rate under this section is presumed to be correct and shall
not be set aside unless an administrative tribunal or a court of
competent jurisdiction finds the department's determination to be
clearly erroneous.
Sec. 14. (1) The department may require a supplier required to
remit tax under this act to remit the tax by an electronic funds
transfer acceptable to the department. The remittance shall be made
on or before the date the tax is due.
(2)
In computing the tax, a supplier may deduct 1.5% 1.0% of
the quantity of gasoline removed by the supplier to allow for the
cost of remitting the tax. This deduction is not allowed for the
quantity of gasoline removed by the supplier and sold tax-free. At
the time of filing the report and paying the tax, the supplier
shall submit satisfactory evidence to the department that the
amount of tax represented by the deduction was paid or credited to
the supplier or wholesaler who purchased the gasoline from the
supplier or wholesaler. The amount of the deduction shall be paid
or credited by each supplier or wholesaler to the purchaser at each
subsequent sale to a wholesaler. When a wholesaler or supplier
sells gasoline to a retailer, the wholesaler or supplier shall pay
or credit to the retailer 1/3 of the deduction on quantities sold
to that retailer.
Sec. 22. (1) The tax imposed on gasoline shall be in lieu of
all other taxes imposed or to be imposed upon the sale or use of
gasoline
by the this state or any political subdivision of this
state except for the taxes imposed by the general sales tax act,
1933 PA 167, MCL 205.51 to 205.78, and the use tax act, 1937 PA 94,
MCL 205.91 to 205.111.
(2) The tax imposed on diesel fuel and alternative fuel shall
be imposed in lieu of all other taxes imposed or to be imposed upon
the
sale or use of diesel fuel by the this state or a political
subdivision
of the this state, except the taxes imposed by the
general sales tax act, 1933 PA 167, MCL 205.51 to 205.78, the use
tax act, 1937 PA 94, MCL 205.91 to 205.111, and the motor carrier
fuel tax act, 1980 PA 119, MCL 207.211 to 207.234. The exception
for taxes imposed by the general sales tax act, 1933 PA 167, MCL
205.51
to 205.78, and the use tax act, 1937 PA 94, shall MCL 205.91
to 205.111, does not apply to diesel fuel used in passenger
vehicles of a capacity of 10 or more operated for hire under a
certificate issued by the state transportation department. As used
in this subsection, "alternative fuel" means that term as defined
in section 151.
Sec. 40. (1) A person may seek a refund for tax paid under
this act on motor fuel or alternative fuel that is 1 or more of the
following:
(a) Accidentally contaminated by dye or another contaminant,
including but not limited to gasoline that is mixed with diesel
fuel, if the resulting product cannot be used to operate a motor
vehicle on the public roads or highways without violating this act
or other state or federal law.
(b) Accidentally lost or destroyed as a direct result of a
sudden and unexpected casualty loss.
(2)
This The refund described
in subsection (1) does not apply
if the person seeking the refund has been reimbursed for the cost
of the tax by any person, including, but not limited to, an
insurance company, for the loss or contamination. If a person
seeking a refund under this section is reimbursed for any amount,
that person shall demonstrate to the department that the amount
reimbursed does not include tax paid under this act on the motor
fuel or alternative fuel in order to be eligible for the refund.
Sec. 53. (1) A person shall not engage in a business activity
in this state where a license is required by this act unless the
person is licensed under this act.
(2) A person required to be licensed under this act shall
apply for a license on a form or in a format prescribed by the
department.
(3) An application for a license under this act may contain
any information the department may reasonably require to administer
this act including the applicant's federal identification number.
(4)
The following persons currently licensed on the effective
date
of this act April 1, 2001 are not required to obtain a new
license under this act and shall be considered licensed under this
act:
(a)
A person licensed in this state as a supplier on the
effective
date of this act April 1,
2001 shall be considered
licensed as a supplier under this act but only if the person is a
terminal
operator or a position holder in a terminal on the
effective
date of this act.April 1,
2001.
(b)
A wholesale distributor who on the effective date of this
act
April 1, 2001 possesses a valid exemption certificate issued
under former section 12 of 1927 PA 150 shall be considered licensed
as a fuel vendor under this act.
(c)
A person licensed in this state as an exporter on the
effective
date of this act April 1,
2001 shall be considered
licensed as an exporter under this act.
(d) A person licensed in this state as a liquid fuel hauler on
the
effective date of this act April
1, 2001 shall be considered
licensed as a transporter under this act.
(e) A person licensed in this state as a retail dealer of
diesel
motor fuel on the effective date of this act April 1, 2001
shall be considered licensed as a retail diesel dealer under this
act.
(5) A person considered licensed under subsection (4) is
subject to all of the provisions of this act except those requiring
an application for a new license.
(6) Except as otherwise provided in this act, a person who is
engaged in more than 1 business activity for which a license is
required under this act shall be licensed for each business
activity.
(7) A person who is licensed as a supplier is not required to
obtain a separate license for any other business activity for which
a license is required under this act except as a retail diesel
dealer
or as an LPG alternative fuel dealer or alternative fuel
commercial user under sections 151 to 155.
(8)
A person licensed in this state as an LPG dealer on the
effective
date of this act shall be considered licensed as an LPG
dealer
under this act.
(8) (9)
A person who negligently violates
this section is
subject to a civil penalty of $1,000.00.
(9) (10)
A person who knowingly violates or
knowingly aids and
abets another to violate this section is guilty of a felony.
Sec. 63. (1) If an application and the accompanying bond or
cash deposit, if any, are approved, the department shall issue a
license to the applicant.
(2) A licensee shall retain a copy of its license at each of
its business locations unless the department waives this
requirement.
(3) A licensee is not required to renew a license and a
license is valid unless and until it is suspended, canceled, or
revoked for cause by the department, or discontinued by the
licensee. However, the department may require a licensee to update
the information required under section 53 or 153.
(4) The department shall maintain a list containing the name
and address of each person licensed under this act. The department
may post the list on the department's website. The department shall
regularly update the list in order to reflect the current status of
a licensee.
Sec. 122. (1) A person shall not operate or maintain a motor
vehicle on the public roads or highways of this state with dyed
diesel fuel in the vehicle's fuel supply tank.
(2) This section does not apply to dyed diesel fuel used in
any of the following:
(a) A motor vehicle owned and operated or leased and operated
by the federal or state government or a political subdivision of
this state.
(b) A motor vehicle used exclusively by the American red
cross.
(c) An implement of husbandry.
(d) A passenger vehicle that has a capacity of 10 or more and
that operates over regularly traveled routes expressly provided for
in 1 or more of the following that applies to the passenger
vehicle:
(i) A certificate of authority issued by the state
transportation department.
(ii) A municipal franchise.
(iii) A municipal license.
(iv) A municipal permit.
(v) A municipal agreement.
(vi) A municipal grant.
(3) An owner, operator, or driver of a vehicle who uses dyed
diesel fuel on the public roads or highways of this state is
subject
to a civil penalty of $200.00 $1,000.00
for each of the
first
2 violations within a 12-month period. For a third violation
within
a 12-month period, and violation,
and a civil penalty of
$5,000.00
for each subsequent violation. thereafter,
the person is
subject
to a civil penalty of $5,000.00. An
owner, operator, or
driver of a motor vehicle who knowingly violates the prohibition
against the sale or use of dyed diesel fuel upon the public roads
or highways of this state is subject to a civil penalty equal to
that imposed by section 6714 of the internal revenue code.
Sec. 151. As used in this section and sections 152 to 155:
(a) "Alternative fuel" means a gas, liquid, or other fuel
that, with or without adjustment or manipulation such as adjustment
or manipulation of pressure or temperature, is capable of being
used for the generation of power to propel a motor vehicle,
including, but not limited to, natural gas, compressed natural gas,
liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, hydrogen
compressed natural gas, or hythane. Alternative fuel does not
include motor fuel, electricity, leaded racing fuel, or an excluded
liquid.
(b) "Alternative fuel commercial user" means a commercial or
other business enterprise or entity that is a consumer or end user
of alternative fuel to propel a motor vehicle on the public roads
and highways of this state. Alternative fuel commercial user does
not include a person licensed as an alternative fuel dealer under
section 153.
(c) "Alternative fuel dealer" means a person that is licensed
under section 153 to use alternative fuel and is in the business of
selling at retail alternative fuel that is to be used to propel a
motor vehicle.
(d) "Alternative fuel filling station" means a machine or
other device located within this state that is supplied with
alternative fuel and that is designed or used for placing or
delivering alternative fuel into the fuel supply tank of a motor
vehicle. As used in this subdivision, "located within this state"
includes, but is not limited to, all of the following locations:
(i) An alternative fuel dealer's place of business.
(ii) A commercial or industrial establishment or facility.
(iii) A residence or residential property.
(iv) A landfill licensed or required to be licensed under part
115 of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994
PA 451, MCL 324.11501 to 324.11554.
(e) "British thermal unit" or "BTU" means the amount of heat
required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 degree
Fahrenheit.
(f) "Compressed natural gas" means a mixture of hydrocarbon
gases and vapors that consists primarily of methane in gaseous form
that has been compressed for use as a fuel to propel a motor
vehicle.
(g) "Diesel base rate" means the rate per gallon on diesel
fuel in effect for the applicable period under section 8(1).
(h) "Diesel gallon equivalent" means 6.060 pounds of liquefied
natural gas or its metric equivalent.
(i) "Gasoline base rate" means the rate per gallon on gasoline
in effect for the applicable period under section 8(1).
(j) "Gasoline gallon equivalent" means 1 of the following or
its metric equivalent:
(i) For compressed natural gas, 5.660 pounds or 126.67 cubic
feet measured at a base temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and a
pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute.
(ii) For hydrogen, the volume or weight that is equal to
114,100 BTUs. For purposes of this subdivision, there are 27,000
BTUs per 100 standard cubic feet, and 425.93 standard cubic feet
per gasoline gallon equivalent.
(iii) For hydrogen compressed natural gas, the volume or weight
that is equal to 114,100 BTUs. For purposes of this subdivision,
there are 79,800 BTUs per 100 standard cubic feet, and 144.11
standard cubic feet per gasoline gallon equivalent.
(k) "Liquefied natural gas" means methane or natural gas in
the form of a cryogenic or refrigerated liquid that is suitable for
use or used as fuel to propel a motor vehicle.
(l) (a)
"Liquefied petroleum gas"
means gases derived from
petroleum
or natural gases which that
are in the gaseous state at
normal
atmospheric temperature and pressure, but which that may
be
maintained in the liquid state at normal atmospheric temperature by
suitable
pressure. Liquefied petroleum gas includes those products
predominately composed of propane, propylene, butylene, butane, and
similar products. Liquefied petroleum gas does not include
compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, or
hythane.
(b)
"LPG dealer" means a person who is licensed under this
chapter
to use liquefied petroleum gas.
(m) (c)
"Use", "used",
or "uses" means any of the following:
(i) Selling or delivering liquefied petroleum gas alternative
fuel not otherwise subject to tax under this act, either by placing
it into a permanently attached fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle,
or exchanging or replacing of the fuel supply tank of a motor
vehicle.
(ii) Delivery of liquefied petroleum gas alternative fuel into
storage,
devoted exclusively to the storage of liquefied petroleum
gas
alternative fuel to be consumed in motor vehicles on the public
roads or highways of this state.
(iii) Withdrawing liquefied petroleum gas alternative fuel from
the cargo tank of a truck, trailer or semi-trailer for the
operation of a motor vehicle upon the public roads and highways of
this state, whether used in vapor or liquid form.
(iv) Placing or delivering alternative fuel into the fuel
supply tank of a motor vehicle by or through the operation of an
alternative fuel filling station or by any other means not
involving the delivery, receipt, or purchase of alternative fuel
from an alternative fuel dealer or any other means not otherwise
described in subparagraphs (i) to (iii).
Sec.
152. (1) A Except
as otherwise provided in subsection (2)
and
section 154, a tax at a the rate
of 15 cents per gallon equal
to
the diesel base rate is imposed upon
all liquefied petroleum gas
alternative fuel used in this state. The tax shall be paid at the
times and in the manner specified in this section or section 154 or
155,
as applicable. The tax on liquefied
petroleum gas alternative
fuel sold or delivered either by placing it into a permanently
attached fuel supply tank on a motor vehicle, or by exchanging or
replacing the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle, shall be
collected
by the LPG alternative
fuel dealer from the purchaser,
consumer,
or end user and paid over quarterly monthly to
the
department
as provided in this act. Liquefied petroleum gas
Alternative fuel delivered in this state into the storage facility
of any person when the exclusive purpose of the storage facility is
for resale or use in a motor vehicle on the public roads or
highways of this state, shall, upon delivery to storage facility,
be
subject to tax. An LPG alternative
fuel dealer shall, upon
delivery
of the liquefied petroleum gas, alternative
fuel, collect
and remit the tax to the department as provided in this act. A
person shall not operate a motor vehicle on the public roads or
highways of this state from the cargo containers of a truck,
trailer,
or semitrailer with liquefied petroleum gas alternative
fuel in vapor or liquid form, as applicable, except when the
alternative fuel in the liquid or vapor phase is withdrawn from the
cargo container for use in motor vehicles through a permanently
installed
and approved metering device. The tax on liquefied
petroleum
gas alternative fuel withdrawn from a cargo container
through a permanently installed and approved metering device shall
apply in accordance with measured gallons or gallon equivalents, if
applicable, as reflected by meter reading, and shall be paid
quarterly
monthly by the LPG alternative fuel dealer to
the
department as provided in this act.
(2) The rate of tax on the following alternative fuels shall
be as follows:
(a) For liquefied natural gas, the diesel base rate per diesel
gallon equivalent or fractional part thereof rounded to the nearest
1/10 of 1 gallon.
(b) For compressed natural gas, hydrogen, or hydrogen
compressed natural gas, the gasoline base rate per gasoline gallon
equivalent or fractional part thereof rounded to the nearest 1/10
of 1 gallon.
Sec.
153. (1) A person shall not act as an LPG alternative
fuel dealer or an alternative fuel commercial user unless the
person is licensed under this act.
(2) To obtain a license as an alternative fuel dealer or an
alternative fuel commercial user, an applicant shall file with the
department an application upon a form or in a format prescribed by
the department. The application shall include the name and address
of the applicant and of each place of business to be operated by
the
applicant at which liquefied petroleum gas alternative fuel
will be used and other information the department may reasonably
require.
(3) At the time of applying for the license, an applicant for
an alternative fuel dealer license shall pay to the department a
license
fee of $50.00.$500.00.
(4) At the time of applying for the license, an applicant for
an alternative fuel commercial user license shall pay to the
department a license fee of $50.00.
(5) (4)
An applicant for an LPG dealer a license
or a licensee
under this section is subject to the general licensing and bonding
requirements of this act.
(5)
A person licensed in this state as an LPG dealer on the
effective
date of this act shall be considered licensed as an LPG
dealer
under this act.
Sec. 154. (1) For the purpose of determining the amount of tax
payable
to the department, an LPG alternative
fuel dealer shall, on
or
before the twentieth day of each calendar month, following
the
close
of the reporting calendar quarter, file
with the department
on a form or in a format prescribed by the department a report
which
shall include that includes the number of gallons or gallon
equivalents,
if applicable, of liquefied
petroleum gas alternative
fuel
used by the LPG alternative fuel dealer during the preceding
calendar
quarter, month, together with any other information the
department
may require. An LPG alternative
fuel dealer at the time
of
filing the report shall pay to the
department at the time of
filing the report the full amount of the tax owed.
(2) Beginning on July 1, 2015, for the purpose of determining
the amount of tax owed to the department, an alternative fuel
commercial user that uses alternative fuel as described in section
151(m) upon which the tax imposed under section 152 has not been
collected by or paid to an alternative fuel dealer or public
utility shall, on or before the twentieth day of each month, file
with the department a report that includes the number of gallons or
gallon equivalents, if applicable, of the alternative fuel
described in this subsection that was used or consumed by the
alternative fuel commercial user during the preceding month,
together with any other information the department requires. An
alternative fuel commercial user shall pay the full amount of the
tax due to the department at the time of filing the required
report.
(3) Beginning on January 1, 2016, for the purpose of
determining the amount of tax owed to the department, a person that
is not an alternative fuel dealer or an alternative fuel commercial
user shall pay the tax imposed under section 152 on alternative
fuel for which the tax has not been collected by or paid to an
alternative fuel dealer or a public utility, and shall file with
the department a form that indicates the number of gallons or
gallon equivalents, if applicable, used or consumed by that person
during the preceding quarter. A person described in this subsection
shall pay to the department the full amount of the tax due at the
time of filing the required form.
(4) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person
that uses alternative fuel for a taxable purpose and does not pay
the tax imposed under this section shall pay to the department the
tax imposed under section 152, along with any applicable penalties
or interest.
Sec.
155. (1) Each of the following persons is entitled to a
refund
of the tax on liquefied petroleum gas imposed by this act:
(1) (a)
A person consuming liquefied
petroleum gas alternative
fuel
for any purpose other than the
operation of to propel a motor
vehicle on the public roads or highways of this state may seek a
refund of the tax on alternative fuel imposed by this act, if that
person has already paid the tax imposed under section 152 on that
alternative fuel.
(b)
The federal government, state government, or a political
subdivision
of this state consuming liquefied petroleum gas in a
motor
vehicle owned and operated or leased and operated by the
federal
government, state government, or political subdivision of
this
state.
(c)
A person consuming liquefied petroleum gas in the
operation
of a passenger vehicle of a capacity of 5 or more under a
municipal
franchise, license, permit, agreement, or grant, upon
which
gas the tax imposed by this section has been paid.
(2) To obtain a refund under this section, a person shall file
a claim with the department within 18 months after the date of
purchase, as shown on the invoice and shall comply with the
requirements set forth in section 48.
(3) A claim for refund under this section shall be on a form
or in a format prescribed by the department and shall have attached
the original invoice that was provided to the purchaser.
(4) An alternative fuel is exempt from the tax imposed by this
act and the tax imposed by this act shall not be collected by an
alternative fuel dealer if 1 of the following applies:
(a) The alternative fuel is sold directly by an alternative
fuel dealer to the federal government, the state government, or a
political subdivision of this state for use in a motor vehicle
owned and operated or leased and operated by the federal
government, state government, or political subdivision of this
state.
(b) The alternative fuel is sold directly by an alternative
fuel dealer to a nonprofit, private, parochial, or denominational
school, college, or university and is used in a school bus owned
and operated or leased and operated by the educational institution
that is used in the transportation of students to and from the
institution or to and from school functions authorized by the
administration of the institution.
(c) The alternative fuel is imported into this state in the
fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle used solely for noncommercial
purposes, if the aggregate capacity of the motor vehicle's fuel
supply tank does not exceed 30 gallons or the equivalent of 30
gallons.
(5) (4)
A person who that sells
liquefied petroleum gas
alternative fuel shall provide the purchaser with an invoice or
receipt showing the amount expressed in gallons or gallon
equivalents,
as applicable, of gas alternative fuel purchased, the
date of purchase, and the amount of tax paid.
(6) An alternative fuel dealer that sells alternative fuel at
retail shall clearly list in plain view of the customer the price
of the alternative fuel in diesel gallon equivalents or gasoline
gallon equivalents, as applicable, on the alternative fuel filling
station and any other markings or information required by law.
(7) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person
that uses or consumes alternative fuel for a taxable purpose and
does not pay the tax imposed under section 154 is liable for the
payment of that tax and shall pay to the department the tax imposed
under section 152 and any applicable penalties or interest.
Enacting section 1. This amendatory act takes effect 90 days
after the date it is enacted into law.
Enacting section 2. This amendatory act does not take effect
unless Senate Bill No.____ or House Bill No. 4318 (request no.
02056'15) of the 98th Legislature is enacted into law.