GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2015

S 4

SENATE BILL 605

Finance Committee Substitute Adopted 7/21/15

Corrected Copy 7/22/15

Fourth Edition Engrossed 7/23/15

Short Title: Various Changes to the Revenue Laws.		(Public)
Sponsors:
Referred to:

March 30, 2015

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to make various changes to the revenue laws.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

PART I. BUSINESS TAX CHANGES

SECTION 1.1.(a) G.S. 105‑121.1 is repealed.

SECTION 1.1.(b) This section is effective for taxes due on or after April 1, 2016.

SECTION 1.2. G.S. 105‑129.26(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a) Major Recycling Facility. – A recycling facility qualifies for the tax benefits provided in this Article and in ~~Article 5~~ Articles 5 and 5F of this Chapter for major recycling facilities if it meets all of the following conditions:

…."

SECTION 1.3.(a) G.S. 105‑130.4(s) reads as rewritten:

"(s) All apportionable income of an air transportation corporation or a water transportation corporation shall be apportioned by a fraction, the numerator of which is the corporation's revenue ton miles in this State and the denominator of which is the corporation's revenue ton miles everywhere. A qualified air freight forwarder shall use the revenue ton mile fraction of its affiliated air carrier. The following definitions apply in this subsection:

(1) Air carrier. – A corporation engaged in the business of transporting any combination of passengers or property of any kind by aircraft in interstate commerce, and the majority of the air carrier's revenue ton miles everywhere are attributed to transportation by aircraft.

(2) Air transportation corporation. – One or more of the following:

a. An air carrier that carries any combination of passengers or property of any kind.

b. A qualified air freight forwarder.

(3) Qualified air freight forwarder. – A corporation that is an affiliate of an air carrier and whose air freight forwarding business is primarily carried on with the affiliated air carrier.

(4) ~~The term "revenue~~ Revenue ton ~~mile" means one~~ mile. – One ton of passengers, freight, mail, or other cargo carried one ~~mile.~~ mile by the air transportation corporation or water transportation corporation by aircraft, motor vehicle, or vessel. In making this computation, a passenger is considered to weigh two hundred pounds."

SECTION 1.3.(b) This section is effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2015.

SECTION 1.4.(a) G.S. 105‑130.5(b)(6), (7), (12), (13), (15), (18), (19), and (22) and G.S. 105‑130.5(c)(4) and (5) are repealed.

SECTION 1.4.(b) G.S. 105‑130.5(b)(11) reads as rewritten:

"(b) The following deductions from federal taxable income shall be made in determining State net income:

…

(11) If a deduction for an ordinary and necessary business expense was required to be reduced or was not allowed under the Code because the corporation claimed a federal tax credit against its federal income tax liability for the income year in lieu of a deduction, the amount by which the deduction was reduced and the amount of the deduction that was disallowed. ~~This deduction is allowed only to the extent that a similar credit is not allowed by this Chapter for the amount.~~"

SECTION 1.4.(c) G.S. 105‑122(b)(4), (5), (6), and (8) and G.S. 105‑122(d1) are repealed.

SECTION 1.4.(d) G.S. 105‑122(d) reads as rewritten:

"(d) Tax Base and Tax Rate. – After determining the proportion of its total capital stock, surplus and undivided profits as set out in subsection (c1) of this section, which amount shall not be less than fifty‑five percent (55%) of the appraised value as determined for ad valorem taxation of all the real and tangible personal property in this State of each corporation nor less than its total actual investment in tangible property in this State, every corporation taxed under this section shall annually pay to the Secretary of Revenue, at the time the return is due, a franchise or privilege tax at the rate of one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of the total amount of capital stock, surplus and undivided profits as provided in this section. The tax imposed in this section shall not be less than thirty‑five dollars ($35.00) and is for the privilege of carrying on, doing business, and/or the continuance of articles of incorporation or domestication of each corporation in this State. Appraised value of tangible property including real estate is the ad valorem valuation for the calendar year next preceding the due date of the franchise tax return. The term "total actual investment in tangible property" as used in this section means the total original purchase price or consideration to the reporting taxpayer of its tangible properties, including real estate, in this State plus additions and improvements thereto less reserve for depreciation as permitted for income tax purposes, and also less any indebtedness incurred and existing by virtue of the purchase of any real estate and any permanent improvements made thereon. In computing "total actual investment in tangible personal property" a corporation may deduct reserves for the entire cost of any air‑cleaning device or sewage or waste treatment plant, including waste lagoons, and pollution abatement equipment purchased or constructed and installed which reduces the amount of air or water pollution resulting from the emission of air contaminants or the discharge of sewage and industrial wastes or other polluting materials or substances into the outdoor atmosphere or into streams, lakes, or rivers, upon condition that the corporation claiming this deduction shall furnish to the Secretary a certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or from a local air pollution control program for air‑cleaning devices located in an area where the Environmental Management Commission has certified a local air pollution control program pursuant to G.S. 143‑215.112 certifying that said Department or local air pollution control program has found as a fact that the air‑cleaning device, waste treatment plant or pollution abatement equipment purchased or constructed and installed as above described has actually been constructed and installed and that the device, plant or equipment complies with the requirements of the Environmental Management Commission or local air pollution control program with respect to the devices, plants or equipment, that the device, plant or equipment is being effectively operated in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the permit, certificate of approval, or other document of approval issued by the Environmental Management Commission or local air pollution control program and that the primary purpose is to reduce air or water pollution resulting from the emission of air contaminants or the discharge of sewage and waste and not merely incidental to other purposes and functions. The cost of constructing facilities of any private or public utility built for the purpose of providing sewer service to residential and outlying areas is treated as deductible for the purposes of this section; the deductible liability allowed by this section applies only with respect to pollution abatement plants or equipment constructed or installed on or after January 1, 1955.purposes."

SECTION 1.4.(e) Subsections (a) and (b) of this section are effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. Subsections (c) and (d) of this section are effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2017. The remainder of this section is effective when this act becomes law.

PART II. PERSONAL TAX CHANGES

SECTION 2.1.(a) G.S. 105‑153.5(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a) Deduction Amount. – In calculating North Carolina taxable income, a taxpayer may deduct from adjusted gross income either the standard deduction amount provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection or the itemized deduction amount provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection that the taxpayer claimed under the Code. The deduction amounts are as follows:

…

(2) Itemized deduction amount. – An amount equal to the sum of the items listed in this subdivision. The amounts allowed under this subdivision are not subject to the overall limitation on itemized deductions under section 68 of the Code:

…

c. The amount claimed under section 67(b)(9) of the Code related to when a taxpayer restores a substantial amount held under claim of right, less (i) the limitation provided under section 67(a) of the Code minus (ii) all other items deductible under section 67(b) of the Code, not to exceed the limitation provided under section 67(a) of the Code."

SECTION 2.1.(b) G.S. 105‑153.5(b) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

"(b) Other Deductions. – In calculating North Carolina taxable income, a taxpayer may deduct from the taxpayer's adjusted gross income any of the following items that are included in the taxpayer's adjusted gross income:

…

(10) The amount added to federal taxable income under section 108(i)(1) of the Code. This deduction applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014."

SECTION 2.1.(c) This section is effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.

SECTION 2.2.(a) G.S. 105‑153.5(c) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

"(c) Additions. – In calculating North Carolina taxable income, a taxpayer must add to the taxpayer's adjusted gross income any of the following items that are not included in the taxpayer's adjusted gross income:

…

(6) The amount of net operating loss carried to and deducted on the federal return but not absorbed in that year and carried forward to a subsequent year."

SECTION 2.2.(b) This section is effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2015.

SECTION 2.3. G.S. 105‑163.1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑163.1. Definitions.

The following definitions apply in this Article:

…

(6) Individual. – Defined in ~~G.S. 105‑134.1.~~G.S. 105‑153.3.

…

(13) Wages. – The term has the same meaning as in section 3401 of the Code except it does not include the ~~either of the following:~~

a. ~~The amount of severance wages paid to an employee during the taxable year that is exempt from State income tax for that taxable year under G.S. 105‑134.6(b)(11).~~

b. ~~The~~ amount an employer pays an employee as reimbursement for ordinary and necessary expenses incurred by the employee on behalf of the employer and in the furtherance of the business of the employer.

…."

SECTION 2.4.(a) G.S. 105‑269.7 is repealed.

SECTION 2.4.(b) This section is effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2015.

PART III. SALES TAX CHANGES

SECTION 3.1. Section 2.4 of S.L. 2014‑66 reads as rewritten:

"SECTION 2.4. ~~Sections 2.1~~Section 2.1 of this act becomes effective July 1, 2013. Sections 2.2 through 2.4 of this act become effective July 1, 2014. The remainder of this act is effective when it becomes law."

SECTION 3.2.(a) G.S. 105‑164.3 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑164.3. Definitions.

The following definitions apply in this Article:

…

~~(3)~~ ~~Clothing. – All human wearing apparel suitable for general use including coats, jackets, hats, hosiery, scarves, and shoes.~~

~~(4)~~ ~~Clothing accessories or equipment. – Incidental items worn on the person or in conjunction with clothing including jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, wallets, and watches.~~

…

~~(8g)~~ Energy Star qualified product. – A product that meets the energy efficient guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy and is authorized to carry the Energy Star label.

…

(25a) Operator. – A person provided with the lease or rental of tangible personal property or a motor vehicle to operate, drive, or maneuver the tangible personal property or motor vehicle and whose presence, skill, knowledge, and expertise are necessary to bring about a desired or appropriate effect. The person must do more than calibrate, test, analyze, research, probe, or monitor the tangible personal property or motor vehicle.

~~(25a)~~(25b) Other direct mail. – Any direct mail that is not advertising and promotional mail regardless of whether advertising and promotional direct mail is included in the same mailing.

~~(25b)~~(25c) Over‑the‑counter drug. – A drug that contains a label that identifies the product as a drug as required by 21 C.F.R. § 201.66. The label includes either of the following:

a. A "Drug Facts" panel.

b. A statement of its active ingredients with a list of those ingredients contained in the compound, substance, or preparation.

…

(28) Prepared food. – Food that meets at least one of the conditions of this subdivision. Prepared food does not include food the retailer sliced, repackaged, or pasteurized but did not heat, mix, or sell with eating utensils.

…

c. It is sold with eating utensils provided by the retailer, such as plates, knives, forks, spoons, glasses, cups, napkins, and straws. A plate does not include a container or packaging used to transport the food.

…

~~(37b)~~ ~~School instructional material. – Written material commonly used by a student in a course of study as a reference and to learn the subject being taught. The following is an all‑inclusive list:~~

a. ~~Reference books.~~

b. ~~Reference maps and globes.~~

c. ~~Textbooks.~~

d. ~~Workbooks.~~

~~(37d)~~ ~~School supply. – An item that is commonly used by a student in the course of study and is considered a "school supply" or "school art supply" under the Streamlined Agreement.~~

…

~~(42)~~ Sport or recreational equipment. – Items designed for human use and worn in conjunction with an athletic or recreational activity that are not suitable for general use including ballet shoes, cleated athletic shoes, shin guards, and ski boots.

…

(45a) Streamlined Agreement. – The Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement as amended as of ~~October 30, 2013.~~May 13, 2015.

…."

SECTION 3.2.(b) G.S. 105‑164.3 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑164.3. Definitions.

The following definitions apply in this Article:

…

(44) Storage. – The keeping or retention in this State for any purpose, except sale in the regular course of business, of tangible personal property or digital property for any period of time purchased from a person in business.~~retailer. The term does not include a purchaser's storage of tangible personal property or digital property in any of the following circumstances:~~

a. When the purchaser is able to document that at the time the purchaser acquires the property the property is designated for the purchaser's use outside the State and the purchaser subsequently takes it outside the State and uses it solely outside the State.

b. When the purchaser acquires the property to process, fabricate, manufacture, or otherwise incorporate it into or attach it to other property for the purchaser's use outside the State and, after incorporating or attaching the purchased property, the purchaser subsequently takes the other property outside the State and uses it solely outside the State.

…."

SECTION 3.2.(c) Subsection (b) of this section becomes effective January 1, 2016. The remainder of this section is effective when this act becomes law.

SECTION 3.3. G.S. 105‑164.4B(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e) Accommodations. – The rental of an accommodation, as defined in ~~G.S. 105‑164.4(a)(3),~~ G.S. 105‑164.4F, is sourced to the location of the accommodation."

SECTION 3.4. G.S. 105‑164.4G(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b) Tax. – The gross receipts derived from an admission charge to an entertainment activity are taxed at the general rate set in G.S. 105‑164.4. The tax is due and payable by the retailer in accordance with G.S. 105‑164.16. For purposes of the tax imposed by this section, the retailer is the applicable person listed below:

(1) The operator of the venue where the entertainment activity occurs, unless the retailer and the facilitator have a contract between them allowing for dual remittance, as provided in subsection (d) of this section.

(2) The person that provides the entertainment and that receives admission charges directly from a purchaser.

(3) A person other than a person listed in subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection that receives gross receipts derived from an admission charge sold at retail."

SECTION 3.5. G.S. 105‑164.4H(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b) Retailer‑Contractor. – This section applies to a retailer‑contractor when the retailer‑contractor acts as a real property contractor. A retailer‑contractor that purchases tangible personal property to be installed or ~~affixed~~ applied to real property may purchase items exempt from tax under a certificate of exemption pursuant to G.S. 105‑164.28 provided the retailer‑contractor also purchases inventory items from the seller for resale. When the tangible personal property is withdrawn from inventory and installed or ~~affixed~~ applied to real property, use tax must be accrued and paid on the retailer‑contractor's purchase price of the tangible personal property. Tangible personal property that the retailer‑contractor withdraws from inventory for use that does not become part of real property is also subject to the tax imposed by this Article.

If a retailer‑contractor subcontracts any part of the real property contract, tax is payable by the subcontractor on the subcontractor's purchase of the tangible personal property that is installed or ~~affixed~~ applied to real property in fulfilling the contract. The retailer‑contractor, the subcontractor, and the owner of the real property are jointly and severally liable for the tax. The liability of a retailer‑contractor, a subcontractor, or an owner who did not purchase the property is satisfied by receipt of an affidavit from the purchaser certifying that the tax has been paid."

SECTION 3.6. G.S. 105‑164.4I(a)(3) reads as rewritten:

"(a) Tax. – The sales price of or the gross receipts derived from a service contract or the renewal of a service contract sold at retail is subject to the general rate of tax set in G.S. 105‑164.4 and is sourced in accordance with the sourcing principles in G.S. 105‑164.4B. The retailer of a service contract is required to collect the tax due at the time of the retail sale of the contract and is liable for payment of the tax. The tax is due and payable in accordance with G.S. 105‑164.16.

The retailer of a service contract is the applicable person listed below:

…

(3) When a service contract is sold at retail to a purchaser by a facilitator on behalf of the obligor under the contract and there is an agreement between the facilitator and the obligor that states the obligor will be liable for the payment of the tax, the obligor is the retailer. The facilitator must send the retailer the tax due on the sales price of or gross receipts derived from the service contract no later than 10 days after the end of each calendar month. The retailer must report for the prior reporting period all tax received from the facilitator on or after the first day of the month but before the tenth day of the month. A facilitator that does not send the retailer the tax due on the sales price or gross receipts is liable for the amount of tax the facilitator fails to send. A facilitator is not liable for tax sent to a retailer but not remitted by the retailer to the Secretary. Tax payments received by a retailer from a facilitator are held in trust by the retailer for remittance to the Secretary. A retailer that receives a tax payment from a facilitator must remit the amount received to the Secretary. A retailer is not liable for tax due but not received from a facilitator. The requirements imposed by this subdivision on a retailer and a facilitator are considered terms of the agreement between the retailer and the facilitator."

SECTION 3.7.(a) G.S. 105‑164.13 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

"§ 105‑164.13. Retail sales and use tax.

The sale at retail and the use, storage, or consumption in this State of the following tangible personal property, digital property, and services are specifically exempted from the tax imposed by this Article:

…

(65) The sale of an engine provided with an operator to a professional motorsports racing team or a related member of a team for use in competition in a sanctioned race series. This subdivision expires January 1, 2020."

SECTION 3.7.(b) G.S. 105‑164.4I(b)(3) reads as rewritten:

"(b) Exemptions. – The tax imposed by this section does not apply to the sales price of or the gross receipts derived from a service contract applicable to any of the following items:

…

(3) A transmission, an engine, rear‑end gears, and any other An item purchased by a professional motorsports racing team or a related member of a team for which the team may receive a sales tax refund under ~~G.S. 105‑164.14A(5).~~G.S. 105‑164.14(a)(5). This subdivision expires January 1, 2020."

SECTION 3.7.(c) G.S. 105‑164.14A(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a) Refund. – The following taxpayers are allowed an annual refund of sales and use taxes paid under this Article:

…

(5) Professional motorsports team. – A professional motorsports racing team or a related member of a team is allowed a refund ~~of fifty percent (50%)~~ equal to the applicable percentage of the sales and use tax paid by it in this State on tangible personal property, other than tires or accessories, that comprises any part of a professional motorsports vehicle. For purposes of this subdivision, "motorsports accessories" includes instrumentation, telemetry, consumables, and paint. This subdivision is repealed for purchases made on or after ~~January 1, 2016.~~January 1, 2020. The applicable percentage varies based upon the calendar year in which the item is purchased. The applicable percentage is as follows:

Year of Purchase Applicable Percentage

2016 50%

2017 37.5%

2018 25%

2019 12.5%.

…."

SECTION 3.7.(d) Subsection (b) of this section becomes effective January 1, 2014, and applies to service contracts purchased on or after that date. The remainder of this section is effective when this act becomes law.

SECTION 3.8.(a) G.S. 105‑164.4D(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b) Determining Threshold. – A retailer of a bundled transaction subject to this section may use either the retailer's ~~cost~~ purchase price or the retailer's sales price to determine if the transaction meets the fifty percent (50%) test or the ten percent (10%) test set out in subdivisions (a)(1) and (a)(3) of this section. A retailer may not use a combination of ~~cost~~ purchase price and sales price to make this determination. If a bundled transaction subject to subdivision (a)(3) of this section includes a service contract, the retailer must use the full term of the contract in determining whether the transaction meets the threshold set in the subdivision."

SECTION 3.8.(b) G.S. 105‑468 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑468. Scope of use tax.

The use tax authorized by this Article is a tax at the rate of one percent (1%) of the ~~cost~~ purchase price of each item or article of tangible personal property that is not sold in the taxing county but is used, consumed, or stored for use or consumption in the taxing county. The tax applies to the same items that are subject to tax under G.S. 105‑467. The collection and administration of this tax shall be in accordance with Article 5 of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes.

Where a local sales or use tax was due and has been paid with respect to tangible personal property by the purchaser in another taxing county within the State, or where a local sales or use tax was due and has been paid in a taxing jurisdiction outside the State where the purpose of the tax is similar in purpose and intent to the tax which may be imposed pursuant to this Article, the tax paid may be credited against the tax imposed under this section by a taxing county upon the same property. If the amount of sales or use tax so paid is less than the amount of the use tax due the taxing county under this section, the purchaser shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the difference between the amount so paid in the other taxing county or jurisdiction and the amount due in the taxing county. The Secretary may require such proof of payment in another taxing county or jurisdiction as is deemed to be necessary. The use tax levied under this Article is not subject to credit for payment of any State sales or use tax not imposed for the benefit and use of counties and municipalities. No credit shall be given under this section for sales or use taxes paid in a taxing jurisdiction outside this State if that taxing jurisdiction does not grant similar credit for sales taxes paid under this Article."

SECTION 3.8.(c) G.S. 105‑471 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑471. Retailer to collect sales tax.

Every retailer whose place of business is in a taxing county shall on and after the levy of the tax herein authorized collect the one percent (1%) local sales tax provided by this Article.

The tax to be collected under this Article shall be collected as a part of the sales price of the item of tangible personal property sold, the ~~cost~~ purchase price of the item of tangible personal property used, or as a part of the charge for the rendering of any services, renting or leasing of tangible personal property, or the furnishing of any accommodation taxable hereunder. The tax shall be stated and charged separately from the sales price or ~~cost~~ purchase price and shall be shown separately on the retailer's sales record and shall be paid by the purchaser to the retailer as trustee for and on account of the State or county wherein the tax is imposed. It is the intent and purpose of this Article that the local sales and use tax herein authorized to be imposed and levied by a taxing county shall be added to the sales price and that the tax shall be passed on to the purchaser instead of being borne by the retailer. The Secretary of Revenue shall design, print and furnish to all retailers in a taxing county in which he shall collect and administer the tax the necessary forms for filing returns and instructions to insure the full collection from retailers, and the Secretary may adapt the present form used for the reporting and collecting of the State sales and use tax to this purpose."

SECTION 3.9.(a) G.S. 105‑164.12B reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑164.12B. Tangible personal property sold below cost with conditional ~~service~~ contract.

(a) Conditional ~~Service~~ Contract Defined. – A conditional ~~service~~ contract is a contract in which all of the following conditions are met:

(1) A seller transfers an item of tangible personal property to a consumer on the condition that the consumer enter into an agreement to purchase services on an ongoing basis for a minimum period of at least six months.

(2) The agreement requires the consumer to pay a cancellation fee to the seller if the consumer cancels the contract for services within the minimum period.

(3) For the item transferred, the seller charges the consumer a price that, after any price reduction the seller gives the consumer, is below the purchase price the seller paid for the item. The seller's purchase price is presumed to be no greater than the price the seller paid, as shown on the seller's purchase invoice, for the same item within 12 months before the seller entered into the conditional ~~service~~ contract.

(b) Tax. – If a seller transfers an item of tangible personal property as part of a conditional ~~service~~ contract, a sale has occurred. The sales price of the item is presumed to be the retail price at which the item would sell in the absence of the conditional ~~service~~ contract. Sales tax at the general rate under G.S. 105‑164.4(a) is due at the time of the transfer on the following:

(1) Any part of the presumed sales price the consumer pays at that time, if the service in the contract is taxable at the combined general rate.

(2) The presumed sales price, if the service in the contract is not taxable at the combined general rate.

(3) The percentage of the presumed sales price that is equal to the percentage of the service in the contract that is not taxable at the combined general rate, if any part of the service in the contract is not taxable at the combined general rate.

(c)‑(f) Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑244, s. 3, effective October 1, 2007."

SECTION 3.9.(b) G.S. 105‑467(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

"(a) Sales Tax. – The sales tax that may be imposed under this Article is limited to a tax at the rate of one percent (1%) of the following:

…

(8) The presumed sales price of an item of tangible personal property under G.S. 105‑164.12B."

SECTION 3.10.(a) G.S. 105‑164.13(34) is repealed.

SECTION 3.10.(b) G.S. 105‑164.13 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

"§ 105‑164.13. Retail sales and use tax.

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(26b) Food, prepared food, soft drinks, candy, and other items of tangible personal property sold not for profit for or at an event that is sponsored by an elementary or secondary school when the net proceeds of the sales will be given or contributed to the school or to a nonprofit charitable organization, one of whose purposes is to serve as a conduit through which the net proceeds will flow to the school. For purposes of this exemption, the term "school" is an entity regulated under Chapter 115C of the General Statutes.

…."

SECTION 3.10.(c) This section becomes effective January 1, 2016, and applies to sales made on or after that date.

SECTION 3.11. G.S. 105‑164.13(49), (49a), and (59) read as rewritten:

"§ 105‑164.13. Retail sales and use tax.

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(49) Installation charges when the charges are separately stated and identified as such on an invoice or similar billing document given to the purchaser at the time of sale.

(49a) Delivery charges for delivery of direct mail if the charges are separately stated and identified as such on an invoice or similar billing document given to the purchaser at the time of sale.

…

(59) Interior design services provided in conjunction with the sale of tangible personal ~~property.~~property when the charges are separately stated and identified as such on an invoice or similar billing document given to the purchaser at the time of sale."

SECTION 3.12.(a) G.S. 105‑164.13 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑164.13. Retail sales and use tax.

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(52) Items subject to sales and use tax under G.S. 105‑164.4, other than electricity, telecommunications service, and ancillary service as defined in ~~G.S. 105‑164.4,~~ G.S. 105‑164.3, if all of the following conditions are met:

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(57) ~~Fuel and electricity~~ Fuel, electricity, and piped natural gas sold to a manufacturer for use in connection with the operation of a manufacturing facility. The exemption does not apply to the following:

a. ~~electricity~~ Electricity used at a facility at which the primary activity is not manufacturing.

b. Fuel or piped natural gas that is used solely for comfort heating at a manufacturing facility where there is no use of fuel or piped natural gas in a manufacturing process.

…."

SECTION 3.12.(b) This section becomes effective January 1, 2016.

SECTION 3.13.(a) G.S. 105‑164.13E(c), as enacted by S.L. 2015‑6, reads as rewritten:

"(c) Contract with a Farmer. – A qualifying item listed in subdivisions (5), (8), and (9) of subsection (a) of this section purchased to fulfill a contract with a person who holds a qualifying farmer exemption certificate or a conditional farmer exemption certificate issued under G.S. 105‑164.28A is exempt from sales and use tax to the same extent as if purchased directly by the person who holds the exemption certificate. A contractor that purchases one of the items allowed an exemption under this section must provide an exemption certificate to the retailer that includes the name of the ~~agricultural~~ qualifying farmer or conditional farmer exemption certificate holder and the ~~agricultural~~ qualifying farmer or conditional farmer exemption certificate number issued to that holder."

SECTION 3.13.(b) Section 2.13(b) of S.L. 2015‑6 reads as rewritten:

"SECTION 2.13.(b) This section becomes effective July 1, 2014. A contractor who paid sales and use tax on an item exempt from sales and use tax pursuant to ~~G.S. 105‑164.13(c),~~ G.S. 105‑164.13E(c), as enacted by this section, may request a refund from the retailer, and the retailer may, upon issuance of the refund or credit, request a refund for the overpayment of tax under G.S. 105‑164.11(a)(1)."

SECTION 3.14. Notwithstanding G.S. 105‑164.14A(a)(1), an interstate passenger air carrier is allowed a refund of the sales and use tax paid by it on fuel in excess of one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,250,000) for the period beginning July 1, 2015, and ending December 31, 2015.

SECTION 3.15.(a) G.S. 105‑164.14(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b) Nonprofit Entities and Hospital Drugs. – A nonprofit entity is allowed a semiannual refund of sales and use taxes paid by it under this Article on direct purchases of tangible personal property and services for use in carrying on the work of the nonprofit entity. ~~Sales~~ Except as provided below, sales and use tax liability indirectly incurred by a nonprofit entity through reimbursement to an authorized person of the entity for the purchase of tangible personal property and services for use in carrying on the work of the nonprofit entity is considered a direct purchase by the entity. Sales and use tax liability indirectly incurred by a nonprofit entity on building materials, supplies, fixtures, and equipment that become a part of or annexed to any building or structure that is owned or leased by the nonprofit entity and is being erected, altered, or repaired for use by the nonprofit entity for carrying on its nonprofit activities is considered a sales or use tax liability incurred on direct purchases by the nonprofit entity. The refund allowed under this subsection does not apply to purchases of electricity, telecommunications service, ancillary service, piped natural gas, video programming, or a prepaid meal plan. The refund allowed under this subsection does not apply to purchases of prepared food or accommodation rentals for an employee or other authorized person unless the purchase is made directly by the nonprofit entity. A request for a refund must be in writing and must include any information and documentation required by the Secretary. A request for a refund for the first six months of a calendar year is due the following October 15; a request for a refund for the second six months of a calendar year is due the following April 15. The aggregate annual refund amount allowed an entity under this subsection for a fiscal year may not exceed thirty‑one million seven hundred thousand dollars ($31,700,000).

The refunds allowed under this subsection do not apply to an entity that is owned and controlled by the United States or to an entity that is owned or controlled by the State and is not listed in this subsection. A hospital that is not listed in this subsection is allowed a semiannual refund of sales and use taxes paid by it on over‑the‑counter drugs purchased for use in carrying out its work. The following nonprofit entities are allowed a refund under this subsection:

…."

SECTION 3.15.(b) G.S. 105‑164.14(b), as amended by subsection (a) of this section, reads as rewritten:

"(b) Nonprofit Entities and Hospital Drugs. – A nonprofit entity is allowed a semiannual refund of sales and use taxes paid by it under this Article on direct purchases of tangible personal property and services for use in carrying on the work of the nonprofit entity. Except as provided below, sales and use tax liability indirectly incurred by a nonprofit entity through reimbursement to an authorized person of the entity for the purchase of tangible personal property and services for use in carrying on the work of the nonprofit entity is considered a direct purchase by the entity. Sales and use tax liability indirectly incurred by a nonprofit entity on building materials, supplies, fixtures, and equipment that become a part of or annexed to any building or structure that is owned or leased by the nonprofit entity and is being erected, altered, or repaired for use by the nonprofit entity for carrying on its nonprofit activities is considered a sales or use tax liability incurred on direct purchases by the nonprofit entity. The refund allowed under this subsection does not apply to purchases of electricity, telecommunications service, ancillary service, piped natural gas, video programming, or a prepaid meal plan. The refund allowed under this subsection does not apply to purchases of prepared food or accommodation rentals for an employee or other authorized person unless the purchase is made directly by the nonprofit entity. A request for a refund must be in writing and must include any information and documentation required by the Secretary. A request for a refund for the first six months of a calendar year is due the following October 15; a request for a refund for the second six months of a calendar year is due the following April 15. The aggregate annual refund amount allowed an entity under this subsection for a fiscal year may not exceed thirty‑one million seven hundred thousand dollars ($31,700,000).

…."

SECTION 3.15.(c) Subsection (b) of this section becomes effective July 1, 2016, and applies to purchases made on or after that date. The remainder of this section is effective when this act becomes law.

SECTION 3.16. G.S. 105‑164.14A(a)(3) is repealed.

SECTION 3.17. G.S. 105‑164.22 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑164.22. Record‑keeping requirements, inspection authority, and effect of failure to keep records.

Retailers, wholesale merchants, and consumers must keep ~~for a period of three years~~ records that establish their tax liability under this Article. The Secretary or a person designated by the Secretary may inspect these records at any reasonable time during the day.

A retailer's records must include records of the retailer's gross income, gross sales, net taxable sales, and all items purchased for resale. Failure of a retailer to keep records that establish that a sale is exempt under this Article subjects the retailer to liability for tax on the sale.

A wholesale merchant's records must include a bill of sale for each customer that contains the name and address of the purchaser, the date of the purchase, the item purchased, and the price at which the wholesale merchant sold the item. Failure of a wholesale merchant to keep these records for the sale of an item subjects the wholesale merchant to liability for tax at the rate that applies to the retail sale of the item.

A consumer's records must include an invoice or other statement of the purchase price of an item the consumer purchased from outside the State. Failure of the consumer to keep these records subjects the consumer to liability for tax on the purchase price of the item, as determined by the Secretary."

SECTION 3.18. G.S. 105‑164.30 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑164.30. Secretary or agent may examine books, etc.

For the purpose of enforcing the collection of the tax levied by this Article, the Secretary or his duly authorized agent is authorized to examine at all reasonable hours during the day the books, papers, records, documents or other data of all retailers or wholesale merchants bearing upon the correctness of any return or for the purpose of filing a return where none has been made as required by this Article, and may require the attendance of any person and take his testimony with respect to any such matter, with power to administer oaths to such person or persons. If any person summoned as a witness fails to obey any summons to appear before the Secretary or his authorized agent, or refuses to testify or answer any material question or to produce any book, record, paper, or other data when required to do so, the Secretary or his authorized agent shall report the failure or refusal to the Attorney General or the district solicitor, who shall thereupon institute proceedings in the superior court of the county where the witness resides to compel obedience to any summons of the Secretary or his authorized agent. Officers who serve summonses or subpoenas, and witnesses attending, shall receive like compensation as officers and witnesses in the superior courts, to be paid from the proper appropriation for the administration of this Article.

In the event any retailer or wholesale merchant fails or refuses to permit the Secretary or his authorized agent to examine his books, papers, accounts, records, documents or other data, the Secretary may require the retailer or wholesale merchant to show cause before the superior court of the county in which said taxpayer resides or has its principal place of business as to why the books, records, papers, ~~or documents~~ documents, or data should not be examined and the superior court shall have jurisdiction to enter an order requiring the production of all necessary books, records, papers, ~~or documents~~ documents, or data and to punish for contempt any person who violates the order."

SECTION 3.19.(a) G.S. 105‑164.42L reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑164.42L. Liability relief for erroneous information or insufficient notice by Department.

(a) The Secretary may develop databases that provide information on the boundaries of taxing jurisdictions and the tax rates applicable to those taxing jurisdictions. A person who relies on the information provided in these databases is not liable for underpayments of tax attributable to erroneous information provided by the Secretary in those ~~databases.~~databases until 10 business days after the date of notification by the Secretary.

(b) The Secretary may develop a taxability matrix that provides information on the taxability of certain ~~items.~~items or certain tax administration practices. A person who relies on the information provided in the taxability matrix is not liable for underpayments of tax attributable to erroneous information provided by the Secretary in the taxability ~~matrix.~~until 10 business days after the date of notification by the Secretary.

…."

SECTION 3.19.(b) G.S. 105‑466(c) reads as rewritten:

"(c) Collection of the tax, and liability therefor, must begin and continue only on and after the first day of a calendar quarter, as set by the board of county commissioners in the resolution levying the tax. ~~In no event may the tax be imposed, or the tax rate changed, earlier than the first day of the second succeeding calendar month after the date of the adoption of the resolution.~~ The county must give the Secretary at least 90 days advance notice of a new tax levy or tax rate change. The applicability of a new tax or a tax rate change to purchases from printed catalogs becomes effective on the first day of a calendar quarter after a minimum of 120 days from the date the Secretary notifies the seller that receives orders by means of a catalog or similar publication of the new tax or tax rate change. A local rate increase may only be effective on the first day of a calendar quarter after a minimum of 60 days' notice to sellers by the Secretary."

SECTION 3.20. G.S. 105‑164.42I(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b) Contract. – The Secretary may contract or authorize in writing the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board to contract on behalf of the Secretary with a certified service provider for the collection and remittance of sales and use taxes. A certified service provider must file with the Secretary or the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board ~~a bond or an irrevocable letter of credit~~ one of the following in the amount set by the ~~Secretary.~~ Secretary: (i) a bond; (ii) an irrevocable letter of credit; or (iii) evidence of a certificate of deposit. A ~~bond or~~ bond, irrevocable letter of ~~credit~~ credit, or certificate of deposit must be conditioned upon compliance with the contract, be payable to the State or the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board, and be in the form required by the ~~Secretary.~~ Secretary or the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board. The amount a certified service provider charges under the contract is a cost of collecting the tax and is payable from the amount collected."

SECTION 3.21.(a) G.S. 105‑187.1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑187.1. Definitions.

The following definitions and the definitions in G.S. 105‑164.3 apply to this Article:

(1) Commissioner. – The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

(2) Division. – The Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation.

(3) Long‑term lease or rental. – A lease or rental made under a written agreement to lease or rent property to the same person for a period of at least 365 continuous days.

(4) Park model RV. – A vehicle that meets all of the following conditions:

a. Is designed and marketed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

b. Is certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5.

c. Is built on a single chassis mounted on wheels with a gross trailer area not exceeding 400 square feet in the setup mode.

~~(4)~~(5) Recreational vehicle. – Defined in G.S. 20‑4.01. The term also includes a park model RV.

~~(5)~~(6) Rescue squad. – An organization that provides rescue services, emergency medical services, or both.

~~(6)~~(7) Retailer. – A retailer as defined in G.S. 105‑164.3 who is engaged in the business of selling, leasing, or renting motor vehicles.

~~(7)~~(8) Short‑term lease or rental. – A lease or rental that is not a long‑term lease or rental."

SECTION 3.21.(b) G.S. 105‑164.13(32) reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑164.13. Retail sales and use tax.

…

(32) Sales of motor vehicles, the sale of a motor vehicle body to be mounted on a motor vehicle chassis when a certificate of title has not been issued for the chassis, and the sale of a motor vehicle body mounted on a motor vehicle chassis that temporarily enters the State so the manufacturer of the body can mount the body on the chassis. For purposes of this subdivision, a park model RV, as defined in G.S. 105‑187.1, is a motor vehicle."

SECTION 3.22. G.S. 105‑187.6(c) reads as rewritten:

"(c) Out‑of‑state Vehicles. – A maximum tax of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) applies when a certificate of title is issued for a motor vehicle that, at the time of applying for a certificate of title, is and has been titled in the name of the owner of the motor vehicle in another state for at least 90 ~~days.~~days prior to the date of application for a certificate of title in this State."

SECTION 3.23. G.S. 105‑187.21 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑187.21. Tax imposed.

A privilege tax is imposed on a white goods retailer at a flat rate for each new white good that is sold by the retailer. An excise tax is imposed on a new white good purchased ~~outside the State~~ for storage, use, or consumption in this State. The rate of the privilege tax and the excise tax is three dollars ($3.00). These taxes are in addition to all other taxes."

SECTION 3.24. G.S. 105‑538 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑538. Administration of taxes.

The Secretary shall, on a monthly basis, allocate to each taxing county the net proceeds of the tax levied under this Article. If the Secretary collects taxes under this Article in a month and the taxes cannot be identified as being attributable to a particular taxing county, the Secretary must allocate the net proceeds of these taxes among the taxing counties in proportion to the amount of taxes collected in each county under this Article in that month. For purposes of this Article, the term "net proceeds" has the same meaning as defined in G.S. 105‑472.

Except as provided in this Article, the adoption, levy, collection, administration, and repeal of these additional taxes must be in accordance with Article 39 of this Chapter. G.S. 105‑468.1 is an administrative provision that applies to this Article. A tax levied under this Article does not apply to the sales price of food that is exempt from tax pursuant to G.S. 105‑164.13B or to the sales price of a bundled transaction taxable pursuant to G.S. 105‑467(a)(5a). The Secretary shall not divide the amount allocated to a county between the county and the municipalities within the county."

SECTION 3.25.(a) G.S. 105‑164.29A(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a) Application. – To be eligible for the exemption provided in G.S. 105‑164.13(52), a State agency must obtain from the Department a sales tax exemption number. The application for exemption must be in the form required by the Secretary, be signed by the State agency's head, and contain any information required by the Secretary. The Secretary must assign a sales tax exemption number to a State agency that submits a proper application. This section does not apply to any of the following State agencies:

(1) An occupational licensing board, as defined in G.S. 93B‑1.

(2) An entity listed in G.S. 105‑164.14(c).

(3) An entity listed in G.S. 105‑521.2."

SECTION 3.25.(b) G.S. 105‑164.14(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e) State Agencies. – The State is allowed quarterly refunds of local sales and use taxes paid indirectly by the State agency on building materials, supplies, fixtures, and equipment that become a part of or annexed to a building or structure that is owned or leased by the State agency and is being erected, altered, or repaired for use by the State agency. This subsection does not apply to a State agency that is ineligible for a sales and use tax exemption under G.S. 105‑164.29A(a).

.…"

SECTION 3.25.(c) This section becomes effective July 1, 2016.

PART IV. EXCISE TAX CHANGES

SECTION 4.1.(a) G.S. 105‑113.13 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑113.13. Secretary may require a bond or irrevocable letter of credit.

(a) Repealed by Session Laws 2013‑414, s. 22(c), effective September 1, 2013.

(b) The Secretary may require a distributor to furnish a bond in an amount that adequately protects the State from loss if the distributor fails to pay taxes due under this Part. A bond must be conditioned on compliance with this Part, payable to the State, and in the form required by the Secretary. ~~The Secretary must set the bond amount based on the anticipated tax liability of the distributor.~~The amount of the bond is two times the distributor's average expected monthly tax liability under this Article, as determined by the Secretary, provided the amount of the bond may not be less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) and may not be more than two million dollars ($2,000,000). The Secretary should periodically review the sufficiency of bonds required of the distributor and increase the required bond amount if the amount no longer covers the anticipated tax liability of the distributor and decrease the amount if the Secretary finds that a lower bond amount will protect the State adequately from loss.

For purposes of this section, a distributor may substitute an irrevocable letter of credit for the secured bond required by this section. The letter of credit must be issued by a commercial bank acceptable to the Secretary and available to the State as a beneficiary. The letter of credit must be in a form acceptable to the Secretary, conditioned upon compliance with this Article, and in the amounts stipulated in this section."

SECTION 4.1.(b) G.S. 105‑113.38 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑113.38. Bond or irrevocable letter of credit.

The Secretary may require a wholesale dealer or a retail dealer to furnish a bond in an amount that adequately protects the State from loss if the dealer fails to pay taxes due under this Part. A bond must be conditioned on compliance with this Part, payable to the State, and in the form required by the Secretary. ~~The bond amount must be proportionate to the anticipated tax liability of the wholesale dealer or retail dealer.~~ The amount of the bond is two times the wholesale or retail dealer's average expected monthly tax liability under this Article, as determined by the Secretary, provided the amount of the bond may not be less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) and may not be more than two million dollars ($2,000,000). The Secretary should periodically review the sufficiency of bonds required of dealers, and increase the amount of a required bond when the amount of the bond furnished no longer covers the anticipated tax liability of the wholesale dealer or retail dealer and decrease the amount when the Secretary determines that a smaller bond amount will adequately protect the State from loss.

For purposes of this section, a wholesale dealer or a retail dealer may substitute an irrevocable letter of credit for the secured bond required by this section. The letter of credit must be issued by a commercial bank acceptable to the Secretary and available to the State as a beneficiary. The letter of credit must be in a form acceptable to the Secretary, conditioned upon compliance with this Article, and in the amounts stipulated in this section."

SECTION 4.1.(c) G.S. 105‑113.86 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑113.86. Bond or irrevocable letter of credit.

(a) Wholesalers and Importers. – A wholesaler or importer must file with the Secretary a bond ~~in an amount of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000). The amount of the bond must be proportionate to the anticipated tax liability of the wholesaler or importer.~~ that adequately protects the State from loss if the wholesaler or importer fails to pay taxes due under this Article. A bond must be conditioned on compliance with this Article, payable to the Secretary, and in a form required by the Secretary. The amount of the bond is two times the wholesaler's or importer's average expected monthly tax liability under this Article, as determined by the Secretary, provided the amount of the bond may not be less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) and may not be more than two million dollars ($2,000,000). The Secretary should periodically review the sufficiency of the bonds required under this section. The Secretary may increase the proportionate amount required, not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), if the bond furnished no longer covers the taxpayer's anticipated tax liability. The Secretary may decrease the proportionate amount required when the Secretary determines that a smaller bond amount will adequately protect the State from loss. The bond must be conditioned on compliance with this Article, payable to the State, in a form acceptable to the Secretary, and secured by a corporate surety.of wholesalers and importers and increase the amount of a required bond when the amount of the bond furnished no longer covers the anticipated tax liability of the wholesaler or importer and decrease the amount when the Secretary determines that a smaller bond amount will adequately protect the State from loss.

(b) Nonresident Vendors. – The Secretary may require the holder of a nonresident vendor ABC permit to furnish a bond in an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). The bond shall be conditioned on compliance with this Article, shall be payable to the State, shall be in a form acceptable to the Secretary, and shall be secured by a corporate surety or by a pledge of obligations of the federal government, the State, or a political subdivision of the State.

(c) Letter of Credit. – For purposes of this section, a wholesaler or importer or a nonresident vendor may substitute an irrevocable letter of credit for the secured bond required by this section. The letter of credit must be issued by a commercial bank acceptable to the Secretary and available to the State as a beneficiary. The letter of credit must be in a form acceptable to the Secretary, conditioned upon compliance with this Article, and in the amounts stipulated in this section."

SECTION 4.2. G.S. 105‑113.35(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a) Tax on Tobacco Products. – An excise tax is levied on tobacco products ~~other than cigarettes and vapor products~~ at the rate of twelve and eight‑tenths percent (12.8%) of the cost price of the products. The tax rate does not apply to the following:

(1) Cigarettes subject to the tax in G.S. 105‑113.5.

(2) Vapor products subject to the tax in subsection (a1) of this section."

SECTION 4.3. G.S. 105‑113.83(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b) Beer and Wine. – The excise taxes on malt beverages and wine levied under G.S. 105‑113.80(a) and (b), respectively, are payable to the Secretary by the resident wholesaler or importer who first handles the beverages in this State. The excise taxes levied under G.S. 105‑113.80(b) on wine shipped directly to consumers in this State pursuant to G.S. 18B‑1001.1 must be paid by the wine shipper permittee. The taxes on malt beverages and wine are payable only once on the same beverages. ~~The~~ Unless otherwise provided, the tax is due on or before the 15th day of the month following the month in which the beverage is first sold or otherwise disposed of in this State by the wholesaler, importer, or wine shipper permittee. When excise taxes are paid on wine or malt beverages, the ~~wholesaler, importer, or wine shipper permittee~~wholesaler or importer must submit to the Secretary verified reports on forms provided by the Secretary detailing sales records for the month for which the taxes are paid. The report must indicate the amount of excise tax due, contain the information required by the Secretary, and indicate separately any transactions to which the excise tax does not apply. A wine shipper permittee shall submit verified reports once a year on forms provided by the Secretary detailing sales records for the year the taxes are paid. The verified report is due on or before the fifteenth day of the first month of the following calendar year."

SECTION 4.4.(a) G.S. 105‑187.82 is repealed.

SECTION 4.4.(b) G.S. 105‑187.77(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a) Purpose. – An excise tax is levied on the privilege of engaging in the severance of energy minerals from the soil or water of this State. The tax is imposed on the producer of the energy mineral. The purpose of the tax is to provide revenue to administer and enforce the provisions of this Article, to administer the State's natural gas and oil reclamation regulatory program, to meet the environmental and resource management needs of this State, and to reclaim land affected by exploration for, drilling for, and production of natural gas and oil. The severance tax is imposed upon all energy minerals severed when sold."

SECTION 4.4.(c) G.S. 105‑187.81 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑187.81. Bond or letter of credit required.

A producer must file with the Secretary a bond or an irrevocable letter of credit ~~if the producer fails to file a return required under this Article.~~prior to obtaining a permit under G.S. 113‑395. A bond or an irrevocable letter of credit must be conditioned upon compliance with the requirements of this Article, be payable to the State, and be in the form required by the Secretary. The amount of the bond or irrevocable letter of credit is two times the applicant's average expected monthly tax liability under this Article, as determined by the ~~Secretary.~~ Secretary, provided the amount of the bond may not be less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) and may not be more than two million dollars ($2,000,000). The Secretary should periodically review the sufficiency of bonds required of producers and increase the amount of a required bond when the amount of the bond furnished no longer covers the anticipated tax liability of the producer and decrease the amount when the Secretary determines that a smaller bond amount will adequately protect the State from loss. When notified to do so by the Secretary, a person who is required to file a bond or an irrevocable letter of credit must file the bond or irrevocable letter of credit in the amount required by the Secretary within 30 days after receiving the notice from the Secretary."

SECTION 4.5.(a) G.S. 105‑259(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b) Disclosure Prohibited. – An officer, an employee, or an agent of the State who has access to tax information in the course of service to or employment by the State may not disclose the information to any other person except as provided in this subsection. Standards used or to be used for the selection of returns for examination and data used or to be used for determining the standards may not be disclosed for any purpose. All other tax information may be disclosed only if the disclosure is made for one of the following purposes:

…

(40) To furnish a nonparticipating manufacturer, as defined in G.S. 66‑292, the amount of the manufacturer's tobacco products that a taxpayer ~~sells~~ sold in this State by distributor, and that the Secretary reports to the Attorney General under G.S. 105‑113.4C.

…

(49) To provide public access to a list containing the name and account number of entities licensed under Article 2A of this Chapter to aid in the administration of the tobacco products tax.

(50) To exchange information regarding the tax imposed on motor carriers under Article 36B of this Chapter with other jurisdictions that administer the International Fuel Tax Agreement to aid in the administration of the Agreement."

SECTION 4.5.(b) G.S. 105‑449.57(c) reads as rewritten:

"(c) Disclosure. – In accordance with G.S. 105‑259, the Secretary may, as required by the terms of an agreement, forward to officials of another jurisdiction any information in the Department's possession relative to the administration and collection of a tax imposed on the use of motor fuel or alternative fuel by any motor carrier. The Secretary may disclose to officials of another jurisdiction the location of offices, motor vehicles, and other real and personal property of motor carriers."

SECTION 4.6. G.S. 105‑449.49 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑449.49. Temporary permits.

(a) Issuance. – Upon application to the Secretary and payment of a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00), a ~~motor carrier~~permitting service may obtain a temporary permit authorizing ~~the~~ a motor carrier to operate a vehicle in the State for three days without registering the vehicle in accordance with G.S. 105‑449.47. The permitting service may sell the temporary permit to a motor carrier. A motor carrier to whom a temporary permit has been issued may elect not to report its operation of the vehicle during the three‑day period. Fees collected under this subsection are credited to the Highway Fund.

~~(b)~~ ~~Refusal. – The Secretary may refuse to issue a temporary permit to any of the following:~~

~~(1)~~ ~~A motor carrier whose registration has been withheld or revoked.~~

~~(2)~~ ~~A motor carrier who the Secretary determines is evading payment of tax through the successive purchase of temporary permits.~~"

SECTION 4.7.(a) G.S. 105‑449.57(a) reads as rewritten:

"(a) Authority. – The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with other jurisdictions for exchange of information in administering the tax imposed by this Article. No agreement, arrangement, declaration, or amendment to an agreement is effective until stated in writing and approved by the ~~Secretary.~~Secretary or the Secretary's designee."

SECTION 4.7.(b) G.S. 150‑449.57(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e) Restriction. – The Secretary or the Secretary's designee may not enter into any agreement that would increase or decrease taxes and fees imposed under Subchapter V of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes. Any provision to the contrary is void."

SECTION 4.8. G.S. 105‑449.45 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"(e) Interest. – Interest on overpayments and underpayments of tax imposed on motor carriers under this Article is subject to the interest rate adopted in the International Fuel Tax Agreement."

PART V. TAX COMPLIANCE AND TAX FRAUD PREVENTION

SECTION 5.1.(a) G.S. 105‑163.7 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑163.7. Statement to employees; information to Secretary.

(a) Report to Employee. – Every employer required to deduct and withhold from an employee's wages under G.S. 105‑163.2 shall furnish to the employee in respect to the remuneration paid by the employer to such employee during the calendar year, on or before January 31 of the succeeding year, or, if the employment is terminated before the close of the calendar year, within 30 days after the date on which the last payment of remuneration is made, duplicate copies of a written statement showing the following:

(1) The employer's name, address, and taxpayer identification number.

(2) The employee's ~~name~~ name, address, and social security number.

(3) The total amount of ~~wages.~~wages or remuneration made.

(4) The total amount deducted and withheld under G.S. 105‑163.2.

(b) The Secretary may require an employer to include information not listed in subsection (a) on the employer's written statement to an employee and to file the statement at a time not required by subsection (a). Report to Secretary. – Every employer shall file an annual report with the Secretary that contains the information given on each of the employer's written statements to an employee and any other information required by the Secretary. The annual report is due on ~~the same date the employer's federal information return of federal income taxes withheld from wages is due under the Code.~~ or before January 31 of the succeeding year and must be filed in an electronic format as prescribed by the Secretary. The Secretary may, upon a showing of good cause, waive the electronic submission requirement. The report required by this subsection is in lieu of the report required by G.S. 105‑154.

SECTION 5.1.(b) G.S. 105‑236(a)(10) reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑236. Penalties; situs of violations; penalty disposition.

(a) Penalties. – The following civil penalties and criminal offenses apply:

…

(10) Failure to File Informational Returns. –

a. Repealed by Session Laws 1998‑212, s. 29A.14(m), effective January 1, 1999.

b. The Secretary may request a person who fails to file timely statements of payment to another person with respect to wages, dividends, rents, or interest paid to that person to file the statements by a certain date. If the payer fails to file the statements by that date, the amounts claimed on the payer's income tax return as deductions for salaries and wages, or rents or interest shall be disallowed to the extent that the payer failed to comply with the Secretary's request with respect to the statements.

c. For failure to file with the Secretary an informational return required by ~~Article 36C or 36D~~ Article 4A, 36C, or 36D of this Chapter by the date the return is due, there shall be assessed a penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00)."

SECTION 5.1.(c) G.S. 105‑163.2A(b) reads as rewritten:

"(b) Withholding Required. – A pension payer required to withhold federal taxes under section 3405 of the Code on a pension payment to a resident of this State must deduct and withhold from the payment the State income taxes payable on the payment. Liability for withholding and paying taxes under this section on a pension payment falls on the person who would be liable under section 3405 of the Code for withholding federal taxes on the payment.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of this Article apply to a pension payer's pension payment to a resident of this State as if it were an employer's payment of wages to an employee. The pension payer must file a return, pay the withheld taxes, and report the amount withheld in the time and manner required under G.S. 105‑163.6 and G.S. 105‑163.7 as if the pension payment were wages. If a pension payer has more than one arrangement under which it may make pension payments to a resident of this State, each arrangement must be treated separately under this section."

SECTION 5.1.(d) G.S. 105‑163.2B reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑163.2B. North Carolina State Lottery Commission must withhold taxes.

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission, established by Chapter 18C of the General Statutes, must deduct and withhold State income taxes from the payment of winnings in an amount of six hundred dollars ($600.00) or more. The amount of taxes to be withheld is a percentage of the winnings. The percentage is the individual income tax rate in G.S. 105‑153.7. The Commission must file a return, pay the withheld taxes, and report the amount withheld in the time and manner required under G.S. 105‑163.6 and G.S. 105‑163.7 as if the winnings were wages. The taxes the Commission withholds are held in trust for the Secretary."

SECTION 5.1.(e) G.S. 105‑163.3 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑163.3. Certain payers must withhold taxes.

…

~~(c)~~ ~~Returns. – A payer must file a return with the Secretary and pay the withheld taxes to the Secretary in accordance with the requirements in G.S. 105‑163.6.~~

(d) Returns, Annual ~~Statement~~ Statement, and Report. – A payer required to deduct and withhold from a contractor's compensation under this section must file a return, pay the withheld taxes, and report the amount withheld in the time and manner required under G.S. 105‑163.6 and G.S. 105‑163.7 as if the compensation were wages.~~give the contractor a written statement that sets out the following information and any other information required by the Secretary:~~

~~(1)~~ ~~The payer's name, address, and taxpayer identification number.~~

~~(2)~~ ~~The contractor's name, address, and taxpayer identification number.~~

~~(3)~~ ~~The total amount of compensation paid during the calendar year.~~

~~(4)~~ ~~The total amount deducted and withheld under this section during the calendar year.~~

This statement is due by January 31 following the end of the calendar year, unless the personal services for which the payer is paying are completed before the end of the calendar year and the contractor requests the statement when the services are completed. In this circumstance, the statement is due within 45 days after the payer's last payment of compensation to the contractor.

Each payer shall file with the Secretary an annual report that compiles the information contained in each of the payer's statements to contractors and any other information required by the Secretary in the manner required by the Secretary. This report is due on the date prescribed by the Secretary and is in lieu of the information report required by G.S. 105‑154.

…."

SECTION 5.1.(f) Subsection (b) of this section is effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, and applies to information returns required to be filed with the Secretary in 2017 for the 2016 taxable year. The remainder of this section is effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2015, and applies to information returns required to be filed with the Secretary in 2016 for the 2015 taxable year.

SECTION 5.2. G.S. 105‑237 reads as rewritten:

"§ 105‑237. ~~Waiver of penalties;~~Waiver; installment payments.

(a) Waiver. – The Secretary may, upon making a record of the reasons therefor, ~~reduce~~ do the following:

(1) Reduce or waive any penalties provided for in this Subchapter.

(2) Reduce or waive any interest provided for in this Subchapter on taxes imposed prior to or during a period for which a taxpayer has declared bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of Title 11 of the United States Code.

(b) Installment Payments. – After a proposed assessment of a tax becomes final, the Secretary may enter into an agreement with the taxpayer for payment of the tax in installments if the Secretary determines that the agreement will facilitate collection of the tax. The agreement may include a waiver of penalties but may not include a waiver of liability for tax or interest due. The Secretary may modify or terminate the agreement if one or more of the following findings is made:

(1) Information provided by the taxpayer in support of the agreement was inaccurate or incomplete.

(2) Collection of tax to which the agreement applies is in jeopardy.

(3) The taxpayer's financial condition has changed.

(4) The taxpayer has failed to pay an installment when due or to pay another tax when due.

(5) The taxpayer has failed to provide information requested by the Secretary.

The Secretary must give a taxpayer who has entered into an installment agreement at least 30 days' written notice before modifying or terminating the agreement on the grounds that the taxpayer's financial condition has changed unless the taxpayer failed to disclose or concealed assets or income when the agreement was made or the taxpayer has acquired assets since the agreement was made that can satisfy all or part of the tax liability. A notice must specify the basis for the Secretary's finding of a change in the taxpayer's financial condition."

SECTION 5.3.(a) Article 9 of Subchapter I of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 105‑251.2. Compliance information requests.

(a) Licensing Boards. – A North Carolina licensing board listed in this subsection must give information to the Secretary when the Secretary requests the information. The Secretary may not request the information more than one time per calendar year. The Secretary may request the board to provide on a return, a report, or otherwise, a licensee's name, license number, tax identification number, business address, and any other information pertaining to the licensee in possession of the board that the Secretary deems necessary to determine the licensee's compliance with this Chapter. This subsection applies to the following boards:

(1) Licensing Board for General Contractors.

(2) North Carolina Medical Board.

(3) North Carolina State Bar.

(4) North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.

(5) North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

(6) American Board of Ophthalmology.

(7) North Carolina State Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners.

(8) North Carolina Board of Nursing.

(9) North Carolina State Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators.

(10) North Carolina Professional Photographer.

(11) Veterinary Medical Board.

(12) North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

(13) North Carolina State Board of Examiners in Optometry.

(14) North Carolina Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.

(15) North Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

(16) Landscape Contractors' Registration Board.

(17) North Carolina Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.

(18) Locksmith Licensing Board.

(19) North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

(20) North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

(21) North Carolina Board of Law Examiners.

(22) North Carolina State Board of Opticians.

(23) North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

(24) North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board.

(25) North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board.

(b) Franchises. – A franchisor must give information to the Secretary when the Secretary requests the information. The Secretary may not request the information more than one time per calendar year. The Secretary may request the franchisor to provide on a return, a report, or otherwise, any information pertaining to a franchisee in possession of the franchisor that the Secretary deems necessary to determine the franchisee's compliance with this Chapter. The following definitions apply in this subsection:

(1) Franchise. – A right, privilege, or license that a franchisee acquires to allow the franchisee to have access to a franchisor's proprietary knowledge, processes, and trademarks in order to allow the franchisee to sell a product or provide a service in this State under the franchisor's name.

(2) Franchisee. – A person who acquires a franchise.

(3) Franchisor. – A person who grants to another a franchise.

(c) Alcohol Vendor. – An alcohol vendor must give information to the Secretary when the Secretary requests the information. The Secretary may not request the information more than one time per calendar year. The Secretary may request the alcohol vendor to provide on a return, a report, or otherwise, for a permittee to which the alcohol vendor provides alcohol, a permittee's name, license number, and business address, and any other information pertaining to the permittee in possession of the alcohol vendor that the Secretary deems necessary to determine the pemittee's compliance with this Chapter. This subsection applies to the following alcohol vendors:

(1) An ABC store in the ABC system, as defined in G.S. 18B‑101.

(2) A wine wholesaler, as defined in G.S. 18B‑1201.

(3) A wholesaler, as defined in G.S. 18B‑1301."

SECTION 5.3.(b) This section becomes effective July 1, 2016.

PART VI. OTHER TAX CHANGES

SECTION 6.1.(a) G.S. 105‑242.2(e) reads as rewritten:

"(e) Statute of Limitations. – The period of limitations for assessing a responsible person for unpaid taxes under this section expires the later of (i) one year after the expiration of the period of limitations for assessing the business ~~entity.~~entity or (ii) one year after a tax becomes collectible from the business entity under G.S. 105‑241.22(3), (4), (5), or (6)."

SECTION 6.1.(b) This section is effective when this act becomes law and applies to a tax that becomes collectible from the business entity under G.S. 105‑241.22(3), (4), (5), or (6) on or after that date.

SECTION 6.2. G.S. 105‑521 is repealed.

SECTION 6.3.(a) G.S. 131E‑28 is repealed.

SECTION 6.3.(b) G.S. 105‑130.5(b)(1a) reads as rewritten:

"(b) The following deductions from federal taxable income shall be made in determining State net income:

…

(1a) Interest upon the obligations of any of the following, net of related expenses, to the extent included in federal taxable income:

a. This State, a political subdivision of this State, or a commission, an authority, or another agency of this State or of a political subdivision of this State.

b. A nonprofit educational institution organized or chartered under the laws of this State.

c. A hospital authority created under G.S. 131E‑17."

SECTION 6.3.(c) G.S. 105‑153.5(b)(1) reads as rewritten:

(1) Interest upon the obligations of any of the following:

a. The United States or its possessions.

b. This State, a political subdivision of this State, or a commission, an authority, or another agency of this State or of a political subdivision of this State.

c. A nonprofit educational institution organized or chartered under the laws of this State.

d. A hospital authority created under G.S. 131E‑17."

SECTION 6.3.(d) G.S. 105‑449.88 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

"§ 105‑449.88. Exemptions from the excise tax.

The excise tax on motor fuel does not apply to the following:

…

(10) Motor fuel sold to a hospital authority created under G.S. 131E‑17."

SECTION 6.4. G.S. 153A‑134(b) is repealed.

SECTION 6.5. G.S. 45‑91 reads as rewritten:

"§ 45‑91. Assessment of fees; processing of payments; publication of statements.

A servicer must comply as to every home loan, regardless of whether the loan is considered in default or the borrower is in bankruptcy or the borrower has been in bankruptcy, with the following requirements:

…

(5) The obligations of mortgage servicers set forth in G.S. 53‑243.11.

(6) The statement mailing requirement and borrower notification requirements of this section are deemed satisfied by compliance with the disclosure requirements contained in Regulation Z, 12 C.F.R. Part 1026.41."

PART VII. EFFECTIVE DATE

SECTION 7.1. Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.