2023 -- H 5839

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LC002072

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE

ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Edwards, Kazarian, Handy, Ackerman, Diaz, and
Kennedy

     Date Introduced: March 01, 2023

     Referred To: House Corporations

     (Dept. of Revenue)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Sections 7-1.2-1310 and 7-1.2-1414 of the General Laws in Chapter 7-1.2

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entitled "Rhode Island Business Corporation Act" are hereby amended to read as follows:

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     7-1.2-1310. Revocation of articles of incorporation.

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     (a) The articles of incorporation of a corporation may be revoked by the secretary of state

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upon the conditions prescribed in this section when it is established that:

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     (1) The corporation procured its articles of incorporation through fraud; or

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     (2) The corporation has continued to exceed or abuse the authority conferred upon it by

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law; or

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     (3) The corporation has failed to file its annual report within the time required by this

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chapter, or with respect to any corporation in good corporate standing on the records of the secretary

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of state on or after July 1, 2019, has failed to pay any required fees to the secretary of state when

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they have become due and payable, or the secretary of state has received notice from the division

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of taxation, in accordance with § 44-11-26.1, that the corporation has failed to pay corporate any

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fees or taxes due to this state; or

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     (4) The corporation has failed for thirty (30) days to appoint and maintain a registered agent

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in this state as required by this chapter; or

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     (5) The corporation has failed, after change of its registered office or registered agent, to

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file in the office of the secretary of state a statement of the change as required by this chapter; or

 

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     (6) The corporation has failed to file in the office of the secretary of state any amendment

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to its articles of incorporation or any articles of merger within the time prescribed by this chapter;

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or

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     (7) A misrepresentation has been made of any material matter in any application, report,

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affidavit, or other document submitted by the corporation pursuant to this chapter.

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     (b) No articles of incorporation of a corporation may be revoked by the secretary of state

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unless:

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     (1) The secretary of state gives the corporation notice thereof not less than sixty (60) days

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prior to such revocation by regular mail addressed to the registered office of the corporation in this

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state on file with the secretary of state’s office, which notice shall specify the basis for the

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revocation; provided, however, that if a prior mailing addressed to the registered office of the

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corporation in this state currently on file with the secretary of state’s office has been returned as

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undeliverable by the United States Postal Service for any reason, or if the revocation notice is

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returned as undeliverable by the United States Postal Service for any reason, the secretary of state

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gives notice as follows:

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     (i) To the corporation at its principal office of record as shown in its most recent annual

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report, and no further notice is required; or

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     (ii) In the case of a domestic corporation that has not yet filed an annual report, then to any

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one of the incorporators listed on the articles of incorporation, and no further notice is required;

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and

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     (2) The corporation fails prior to revocation to file the annual report or pay the fees, or file

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the required statement of change of registered agent or registered office, or file the articles of

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amendment or articles of merger, or correct the misrepresentation.

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     7-1.2-1414. Revocation of certificate of authority.

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     (a) The certificate of authority of a foreign corporation to transact business in this state may

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be revoked by the secretary of state under the conditions prescribed in this section when:

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     (1) The corporation fails to file its annual report within the time required by this chapter,

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or with respect to any corporation in good corporate standing on the records of the secretary of state

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on or after July 1, 2019, has failed to pay any required fees to the secretary of state when they have

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become due and payable, or the secretary of state has received notice from the division of taxation,

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in accordance with § 44-11-26.1, that the corporation has failed to pay corporate any fees or taxes

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due to this state; or

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     (2) The corporation fails to appoint and maintain a registered agent in this state as required

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by this chapter; or

 

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     (3) The corporation fails, after changing its registered office or registered agent, to file in

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the office of the secretary of state a statement of the change as required by this chapter; or

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     (4) The corporation fails to file in the office of the secretary of state any amendment to its

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articles of incorporation or any articles of merger within the time prescribed by this chapter; or

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     (5) A misrepresentation has been made of any material matter in any application, report,

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affidavit, or other document submitted by the corporation pursuant to this chapter.

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     (b) No certificate of authority of a foreign corporation may be revoked by the secretary of

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state unless the secretary of state has given the corporation notice thereof not less than sixty (60)

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days prior to such revocation, by regular mail addressed to the registered agent of the corporation

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in this state on file with the secretary of state’s office, which notice shall specify the basis for the

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revocation; provided, however, that if a prior mailing addressed to the registered office of the

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corporation in this state currently on file with the secretary of state’s office has been returned as

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undeliverable by the United States Postal Service for any reason, or if the revocation notice is

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returned as undeliverable by the United States Postal Service for any reason, the secretary of state

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shall give notice as follows:

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     (1) To the corporation at its principal office of record as shown in its most recent annual

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report, and no further notice is required; or

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     (2) In the case of a foreign corporation that has not yet filed an annual report, then to the

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corporation at its principal office shown in its application for certificate of authority, and no further

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notice is required.

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     SECTION 2. Section 7-16-67.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 7-16 entitled "The Rhode

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Island Limited-Liability Company Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     7-16-67.1. Revocation of articles or authority to transact business for nonpayment of

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fee.

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     (a) The tax administrator may, after July 15 of each year, make up compile a list of all

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limited-liability companies that have failed to pay the fee defined in § 7-16-67 any state fees and/or

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taxes for one year after the fee state fees and/or taxes became due and payable, and the failure is

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not the subject of a pending appeal. The tax administrator shall certify to the correctness of the list.

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Upon receipt of the certified list, the secretary of state may initiate revocation proceedings as

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defined in § 7-16-41.

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     (b) With respect to any information provided by the division of taxation to the secretary of

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state state's office pursuant to this chapter, the secretary of state, together with the employees or

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agents thereof, shall be subject to all state and federal tax confidentiality laws applying to the

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division of taxation and the officers, agents, and employees thereof, and which restrict the

 

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acquisition, use, storage, dissemination, or publication of confidential taxpayer data.

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     (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the notice of revocation may state as the basis for

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revocation that the taxpayer has failed to pay state fees and/or taxes to the division of taxation.

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However, the secretary of state's office shall otherwise protect all state and federal tax information

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in its custody as required by subsection (b) of this section and refrain from disclosing any other

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specific tax information.

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     SECTION 3. Section 42-64.3-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-64.3 entitled

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"Distressed Areas Economic Revitalization Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     42-64.3-6. Business tax credits.

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     A qualified business in an enterprise zone is allowed a credit against the tax imposed

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pursuant to chapters 11, 13 (except the taxation of tangible personal property under § 44-13-13),

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14, and 17, and 30 of title 44:

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     (1) A credit equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total amount of wages paid to those

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enterprise job employees comprising the five percent (5%) new jobs referenced in § 42-64.3-

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3(4)(i)(A). The wages subject to the credit shall be reduced by any direct state or federal wage

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assistance paid to employers for the employee(s) in the taxable year. The maximum credit allowed

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per taxable year under the provisions of this subsection shall be two thousand five hundred dollars

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($2,500), per employee. A taxpayer who takes this business tax credit shall not be eligible for the

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resident business owner modification pursuant to § 42-64.3-7.

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     (2) A credit equal to seventy five percent (75%) of the total amount of wages paid to those

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enterprise job employees who are domiciliaries of an enterprise zone comprising the five percent

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(5%) new jobs referenced in § 42-64.3-3(4)(i)(A). The wages subject to the credit shall be reduced

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by any direct state or federal wage assistance in the taxable year. The maximum credit allowed per

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taxable year under the provisions of this subdivision shall be five thousand dollars ($5,000) per

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employee. A taxpayer who takes this business tax credit is not eligible for the resident business

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owner modification. The council shall promulgate appropriate rules to certify that the enterprise

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job employees are domiciliaries of an enterprise zone and shall advise the qualified business and

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the tax administrator. A taxpayer taking a credit for employees pursuant to this subdivision (2) shall

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not be entitled to a credit pursuant to subdivision (1) of this section for the employees.

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     (3) Any tax credit as provided in subdivision (1) or (2) of this section shall not reduce the

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tax below the minimum tax. Fiscal year taxpayers must claim the tax credit in the year into which

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the December 31st of the certification year falls. The credit shall be used to offset tax liability

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pursuant to the provisions of either chapters 11, 13, 14, or 17, or 30 of title 44, but not more than

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one chapter.

 

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     (4) In the case of a corporation, the credit allowed under this section is only allowed against

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the tax of that corporation included in a consolidated return that qualifies for the credit and not

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against the tax of other corporations that may join in the filing of a consolidated tax return.

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     (5) In the case of multiple business owners, the credit provided in subdivision (1) or (2) of

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this section is apportioned according to the ownership interests of the qualified business.

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     (6) The tax credits established pursuant to this section may be carried forward for a period

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of three (3) years if in each of the three (3) calendar years a business which has qualified for tax

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credits under this section: (a) does not reduce the number of its employees from the last Effective

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Date of Certification; (b) obtains certificates of good standing from the Rhode Island division of

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taxation, the corporations division of the Rhode Island secretary of state and the appropriate

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municipal tax collector; (c) provides the council an affidavit stating under oath that this business

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has not within the preceding twelve (12) months changed its legal status for the purpose of gaining

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favorable treatment under the provisions of chapter 64.3 of this title; and (d) meets any other

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requirements as may be established by the council in its rules and regulations.

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     (7) No new credits shall be issued on or after July 1, 2015 unless the business has received

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certification under this chapter prior to July 1, 2015.

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     SECTION 4. Section 42-64.6-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-64.6 entitled "Jobs

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Training Tax Credit Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     42-64.6-7. Limitation.

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     The credit allowed pursuant to this chapter shall not reduce the liability of the employer

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for the tax imposed by chapters 11, 13, 14, and 17 and 30 of title 44 in any year below the minimum

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tax where a minimum tax is provided under this title.

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     SECTION 5. Sections 44-11-7.1, 44-11-26.1 and 44-11-29 of the General Laws in Chapter

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44-11 entitled "Business Corporation Tax" are hereby amended to read as follows:

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     44-11-7.1. Limitations on assessment.

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     (a) General. Except as provided in this section, the amount of the Rhode Island corporate

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income tax shall be assessed within three (3) years after the return was filed, whether or not the

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return was filed on or after the prescribed date. For this purpose, a tax return filed before the due

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date shall be considered as filed on the due date.

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     (b) Exceptions.

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     (1) The tax may be assessed at any time if:

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     (i) No return is filed.

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     (ii) A false or fraudulent return is filed with intent to avoid tax.

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     (2) Where, before the expiration of the time prescribed in this section for the assessment of

 

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tax, or before the time as extended, both the tax administrator and the taxpayer have consented, in

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writing, to its assessment after that time, the tax may be assessed at any time prior to the expiration

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of the agreed upon period.

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     (3) If a taxpayer’s deficiency is attributable to an excessive net operating loss carryback

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allowance, it may be assessed at any time that a deficiency for the taxable year of the loss may be

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assessed.

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     (4) An erroneous refund shall be considered to create an underpayment of tax on the date

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made. An assessment of a deficiency arising out of an erroneous refund may be made at any time

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within three (3) years thereafter, or at any time if it appears that any part of the refund was induced

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by fraud or misrepresentation of a material fact.

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     (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the tax may be assessed at any time

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within six (6) years after the return was filed if a taxpayer omits from its Rhode Island income an

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amount properly includable therein that is in excess of twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of

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Rhode Island income stated in the return. For this purpose there shall not be taken into account any

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amount that is omitted in the return if the amount is disclosed in the return, or in a statement attached

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to the return, in a manner adequate to apprise the tax administrator of the nature and amount of the

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item.

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     (d) The running of the period of limitations on assessment or collection of the tax or other

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amount, or of a transferee’s liability, shall, after the mailing of a notice of deficiency, be suspended

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for any period during which the tax administrator is prohibited from making the assessment or from

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collecting by levy, and for sixty (60) days thereafter.

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     (e) No period of limitations specified in any other law shall apply to the assessment or

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collection of Rhode Island corporate income tax. Under no circumstances shall the tax

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administrator issue any notice of deficiency determination for Rhode Island business corporation

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tax due and payable more than ten (10) years after the date upon which the return was filed or due

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to be filed, nor shall the tax administrator commence any collection action for any business

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corporation tax due and payable unless the collection action is commenced within ten (10) years

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after a notice of deficiency determination became a final collectible assessment; provided however,

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that the tax administrator may renew a statutory lien that was initially filed within the ten-year (10)

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period for collection actions. Both of the aforementioned ten-year (10) periods are tolled for any

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period of time the taxpayer is in federal bankruptcy or state receivership proceedings. “Collection

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action” refers to any activity undertaken by the division of taxation to collect on any state tax

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liabilities that are final, due, and payable under Rhode Island law. “Collection action” may include,

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but is not limited to, any civil action involving a liability owed under chapter 11 of title 44.

 

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     (f) The ten-year (10) limitation shall not apply to the renewal or continuation of the state’s

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attempt to collect a liability that became final, due, and payable within the ten-year (10) limitation

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periods set forth in this section.

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     44-11-26.1. Revocation of articles or authority to transact business for nonpayment

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of tax.

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     (a) The tax administrator may, after July 15 of each year, make up compile a list of all

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corporations that have failed to pay the corporate tax defined in § 44-11-2 any state fees and/or

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taxes for one year after the tax state fees and/or taxes became due and payable, and the failure is

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not the subject of a pending appeal. The tax administrator shall certify to the correctness of the list.

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Upon receipt of the certified list, the secretary of state may initiate revocation proceedings as

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defined in §§ 7-1.2-1310 and 7-1.2-1414.

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     (b) With respect to any information provided by the division of taxation to the secretary of

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state state's office pursuant to this chapter, the secretary of state, together with the employees or

14

agents thereof, shall be subject to all state and federal tax confidentiality laws applying to the

15

division of taxation and the officers, agents, and employees thereof, and which restrict the

16

acquisition, use, storage, dissemination, or publication of confidential taxpayer data.

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     (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the notice of revocation may state as the basis for

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revocation that the taxpayer has failed to pay state fees and/or taxes to the division of taxation.

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However, the secretary of state's office shall otherwise protect all state and federal tax information

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in its custody as required by subsection (b) of this section and refrain from disclosing any other

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specific tax information.

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     44-11-29. Notice to tax administrator of sale of assets — Tax due.

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     (a) The sale or transfer of the major part in value of the assets of a domestic corporation,

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domestic limited liability company, domestic limited partnership, or any other domestic business

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entity, or of the major part in value of the assets situated in this state of a foreign corporation,

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foreign limited liability company, foreign limited partnership, or any other foreign business entity,

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other than in the ordinary course of trade and in the regular and usual prosecution of business by

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said corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, or any other business entity

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whether domestic or foreign, and the sale or transfer of the major part in value of the assets of a

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domestic corporation, domestic limited liability company, domestic limited partnership, or any

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other domestic corporation business entity, or of the major part in value of the assets situated in

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this state of a foreign corporation, foreign limited liability company, foreign limited partnership, or

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any other foreign business entity that is engaged in the business of buying, selling, leasing, renting,

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managing, or dealing in real estate, shall be fraudulent and void as against the state unless the

 

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corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, or any other business entity, whether

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domestic or foreign, at least five (5) business days before the sale or transfer, notifies the tax

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administrator of the proposed sale or transfer and of the price, terms, and conditions of the sale or

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transfer and of the character and location of the assets by requesting a letter of good standing from

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the tax division that shall be received by the tax division at least five (5) business days before the

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sale or transfer. Whenever a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, or any

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other business entity, whether domestic or foreign, makes such a sale or transfer, any and all tax

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returns required to be filed under this title must be filed and any and all taxes imposed under this

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title shall become due and payable at the time when the tax administrator is so notified of the sale

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or transfer, or, if he or she is not so notified, at the time when he or she should have been notified

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of the sale or transfer.

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     (b) This section shall not apply to sales by receivers, assignees under a voluntary

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assignment for the benefit of creditors, trustees in bankruptcy, debtors in possession in bankruptcy,

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or public officers acting under judicial process.

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     SECTION 6. Section 44-18-30 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-18 entitled "Sales and

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Use Taxes — Liability and Computation" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     44-18-30. Gross receipts exempt from sales and use taxes.

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     There are exempted from the taxes imposed by this chapter the following gross receipts:

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     (1) Sales and uses beyond constitutional power of state. From the sale and from the storage,

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use, or other consumption in this state of tangible personal property the gross receipts from the sale

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of which, or the storage, use, or other consumption of which, this state is prohibited from taxing

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under the Constitution of the United States or under the constitution of this state.

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     (2) Newspapers.

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     (i) From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of any

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newspaper.

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     (ii) “Newspaper” means an unbound publication printed on newsprint that contains news,

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editorial comment, opinions, features, advertising matter, and other matters of public interest.

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     (iii) “Newspaper” does not include a magazine, handbill, circular, flyer, sales catalog, or

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similar item unless the item is printed for, and distributed as, a part of a newspaper.

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     (3) School meals. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this

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state of meals served by public, private, or parochial schools, school districts, colleges, universities,

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student organizations, and parent-teacher associations to the students or teachers of a school,

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college, or university whether the meals are served by the educational institutions or by a food

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service or management entity under contract to the educational institutions.

 

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     (4) Containers.

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     (i) From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of:

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     (A) Non-returnable containers, including boxes, paper bags, and wrapping materials that

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are biodegradable and all bags and wrapping materials utilized in the medical and healing arts,

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when sold without the contents to persons who place the contents in the container and sell the

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contents with the container.

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     (B) Containers when sold with the contents if the sale price of the contents is not required

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to be included in the measure of the taxes imposed by this chapter.

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     (C) Returnable containers when sold with the contents in connection with a retail sale of

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the contents or when resold for refilling.

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     (D) Keg and barrel containers, whether returnable or not, when sold to alcoholic beverage

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producers who place the alcoholic beverages in the containers.

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     (ii) As used in this subdivision, the term “returnable containers” means containers of a kind

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customarily returned by the buyer of the contents for reuse. All other containers are “non-returnable

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containers.”

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     (5)(i) Charitable, educational, and religious organizations. From the sale to, as in defined

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in this section, and from the storage, use, and other consumption in this state, or any other state of

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the United States of America, of tangible personal property by hospitals not operated for a profit;

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“educational institutions” as defined in subdivision (18) not operated for a profit; churches,

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orphanages, and other institutions or organizations operated exclusively for religious or charitable

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purposes; interest-free loan associations not operated for profit; nonprofit, organized sporting

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leagues and associations and bands for boys and girls under the age of nineteen (19) years; the

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following vocational student organizations that are state chapters of national vocational student

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organizations: Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA); Future Business Leaders of

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America, Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA/PBL); Future Farmers of America (FFA); Future Homemakers

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of America/Home Economics Related Occupations (FHA/HERD); Vocational Industrial Clubs of

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America (VICA); organized nonprofit golden age and senior citizens clubs for men and women;

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and parent-teacher associations; and from the sale, storage, use, and other consumption in this state,

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of and by the Industrial Foundation of Burrillville, a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation.

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     (ii) In the case of contracts entered into with the federal government, its agencies, or

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instrumentalities, this state, or any other state of the United States of America, its agencies, any

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city, town, district, or other political subdivision of the states; hospitals not operated for profit;

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educational institutions not operated for profit; churches, orphanages, and other institutions or

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organizations operated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes, the contractor may purchase

 

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such materials and supplies (materials and/or supplies are defined as those that are essential to the

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project) that are to be utilized in the construction of the projects being performed under the contracts

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without payment of the tax.

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     (iii) The contractor shall not charge any sales or use tax to any exempt agency, institution,

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or organization but shall in that instance provide his or her suppliers with certificates in the form

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as determined by the division of taxation showing the reason for exemption and the contractor’s

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records must substantiate the claim for exemption by showing the disposition of all property so

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purchased. If any property is then used for a nonexempt purpose, the contractor must pay the tax

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on the property used.

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     (6) Gasoline. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this state

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of: (i) Gasoline and other products taxed under chapter 36 of title 31 and (ii) Fuels used for the

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propulsion of airplanes.

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     (7) Purchase for manufacturing purposes.

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     (i) From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of computer

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software, tangible personal property, electricity, natural gas, artificial gas, steam, refrigeration, and

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water, when the property or service is purchased for the purpose of being manufactured into a

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finished product for resale and becomes an ingredient, component, or integral part of the

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manufactured, compounded, processed, assembled, or prepared product, or if the property or

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service is consumed in the process of manufacturing for resale computer software, tangible personal

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property, electricity, natural gas, artificial gas, steam, refrigeration, or water.

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     (ii) “Consumed” means destroyed, used up, or worn out to the degree or extent that the

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property cannot be repaired, reconditioned, or rendered fit for further manufacturing use.

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     (iii) “Consumed” includes mere obsolescence.

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     (iv) “Manufacturing” means and includes: manufacturing, compounding, processing,

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assembling, preparing, or producing.

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     (v) “Process of manufacturing” means and includes all production operations performed in

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the producing or processing room, shop, or plant, insofar as the operations are a part of and

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connected with the manufacturing for resale of tangible personal property, electricity, natural gas,

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artificial gas, steam, refrigeration, or water and all production operations performed insofar as the

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operations are a part of and connected with the manufacturing for resale of computer software.

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     (vi) “Process of manufacturing” does not mean or include administration operations such

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as general office operations, accounting, collection, or sales promotion, nor does it mean or include

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distribution operations that occur subsequent to production operations, such as handling, storing,

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selling, and transporting the manufactured products, even though the administration and

 

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distribution operations are performed by, or in connection with, a manufacturing business.

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     (8) State and political subdivisions. From the sale to, and from the storage, use, or other

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consumption by, this state, any city, town, district, or other political subdivision of this state. Every

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redevelopment agency created pursuant to chapter 31 of title 45 is deemed to be a subdivision of

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the municipality where it is located.

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     (9) Food and food ingredients. From the sale and storage, use, or other consumption in this

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state of food and food ingredients as defined in § 44-18-7.1(l).

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     For the purposes of this exemption “food and food ingredients” shall not include candy,

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soft drinks, dietary supplements, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, food sold through vending

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machines, or prepared food, as those terms are defined in § 44-18-7.1, unless the prepared food is:

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     (i) Sold by a seller whose primary NAICS classification is manufacturing in sector 311,

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except sub-sector 3118 (bakeries);

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     (ii) Sold in an unheated state by weight or volume as a single item;

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     (iii) Bakery items, including: bread, rolls, buns, biscuits, bagels, croissants, pastries,

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donuts, danish, cakes, tortes, pies, tarts, muffins, bars, cookies, tortillas; and

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     is not sold with utensils provided by the seller, including: plates, knives, forks, spoons,

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glasses, cups, napkins, or straws.

18

     (10) Medicines, drugs, and durable medical equipment. From the sale and from the storage,

19

use, or other consumption in this state, of:

20

     (i) “Drugs” as defined in § 44-18-7.1(h)(i), sold on prescriptions, medical oxygen, and

21

insulin whether or not sold on prescription. For purposes of this exemption drugs shall not include

22

over-the-counter drugs and grooming and hygiene products as defined in § 44-18-7.1(h)(iii).

23

     (ii) Durable medical equipment as defined in § 44-18-7.1(k) for home use only, including,

24

but not limited to: syringe infusers, ambulatory drug delivery pumps, hospital beds, convalescent

25

chairs, and chair lifts. Supplies used in connection with syringe infusers and ambulatory drug

26

delivery pumps that are sold on prescription to individuals to be used by them to dispense or

27

administer prescription drugs, and related ancillary dressings and supplies used to dispense or

28

administer prescription drugs, shall also be exempt from tax.

29

     (11) Prosthetic devices and mobility enhancing equipment. From the sale and from the

30

storage, use, or other consumption in this state, of prosthetic devices as defined in § 44-18-7.1(t),

31

sold on prescription, including, but not limited to: artificial limbs, dentures, spectacles, eyeglasses,

32

and artificial eyes; artificial hearing devices and hearing aids, whether or not sold on prescription;

33

and mobility enhancing equipment as defined in § 44-18-7.1(p), including wheelchairs, crutches,

34

and canes.

 

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1

     (12) Coffins, caskets, urns, shrouds and burial garments. From the sale and from the

2

storage, use, or other consumption in this state of coffins, caskets, burial containers, urns, urn liners,

3

urn vaults, grave liners, grave vaults, burial tent setups, prayer cards, shrouds, and other burial

4

garments that are ordinarily sold by a funeral director as part of the business of funeral directing.

5

     (13) Motor vehicles sold to nonresidents.

6

     (i) From the sale, subsequent to June 30, 1958, of a motor vehicle to a bona fide nonresident

7

of this state who does not register the motor vehicle in this state, whether the sale or delivery of the

8

motor vehicle is made in this state or at the place of residence of the nonresident. A motor vehicle

9

sold to a bona fide nonresident whose state of residence does not allow a like exemption to its

10

nonresidents is not exempt from the tax imposed under § 44-18-20. In that event, the bona fide

11

nonresident pays a tax to Rhode Island on the sale at a rate equal to the rate that would be imposed

12

in his or her state of residence not to exceed the rate that would have been imposed under § 44-18-

13

20. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, a licensed motor vehicle dealer shall add and

14

collect the tax required under this subdivision and remit the tax to the tax administrator under the

15

provisions of chapters 18 and 19 of this title. When a Rhode Island licensed, motor vehicle dealer

16

is required to add and collect the sales and use tax on the sale of a motor vehicle to a bona fide

17

nonresident as provided in this section, the dealer in computing the tax takes into consideration the

18

law of the state of the nonresident as it relates to the trade-in of motor vehicles.

19

     (ii) The tax administrator, in addition to the provisions of §§ 44-19-27 and 44-19-28, may

20

require any licensed motor vehicle dealer to keep records of sales to bona fide nonresidents as the

21

tax administrator deems reasonably necessary to substantiate the exemption provided in this

22

subdivision, including the affidavit of a licensed motor vehicle dealer that the purchaser of the

23

motor vehicle was the holder of, and had in his or her possession a valid out-of-state motor vehicle

24

registration or a valid out-of-state driver’s license.

25

     (iii) Any nonresident who registers a motor vehicle in this state within ninety (90) days of

26

the date of its sale to him or her is deemed to have purchased the motor vehicle for use, storage, or

27

other consumption in this state, and is subject to, and liable for, the use tax imposed under the

28

provisions of § 44-18-20.

29

     (14) Sales in public buildings by blind people. From the sale and from the storage, use, or

30

other consumption in all public buildings in this state of all products or wares by any person

31

licensed under § 40-9-11.1.

32

     (15) Air and water pollution control facilities. From the sale, storage, use, or other

33

consumption in this state of tangible personal property or supplies acquired for incorporation into

34

or used and consumed in the operation of a facility, the primary purpose of which is to aid in the

 

LC002072 - Page 12 of 60

1

control of the pollution or contamination of the waters or air of the state, as defined in chapter 12

2

of title 46 and chapter 23 of title 23, respectively, and that has been certified as approved for that

3

purpose by the director of environmental management. The director of environmental management

4

may certify to a portion of the tangible personal property or supplies acquired for incorporation

5

into those facilities or used and consumed in the operation of those facilities to the extent that that

6

portion has as its primary purpose the control of the pollution or contamination of the waters or air

7

of this state. As used in this subdivision, “facility” means any land, facility, device, building,

8

machinery, or equipment.

9

     (16) Camps. From the rental charged for living quarters, or sleeping, or housekeeping

10

accommodations at camps or retreat houses operated by religious, charitable, educational, or other

11

organizations and associations mentioned in subsection (5), or by privately owned and operated

12

summer camps for children.

13

     (17) Certain institutions. From the rental charged for living or sleeping quarters in an

14

institution licensed by the state for the hospitalization, custodial, or nursing care of human beings.

15

     (18) Educational institutions. From the rental charged by any educational institution for

16

living quarters, or sleeping, or housekeeping accommodations or other rooms or accommodations

17

to any student or teacher necessitated by attendance at an educational institution. “Educational

18

institution” as used in this section means an institution of learning not operated for profit that is

19

empowered to confer diplomas, educational, literary, or academic degrees; that has a regular

20

faculty, curriculum, and organized body of pupils or students in attendance throughout the usual

21

school year; that keeps and furnishes to students and others records required and accepted for

22

entrance to schools of secondary, collegiate, or graduate rank; and no part of the net earnings of

23

which inures to the benefit of any individual.

24

     (19) Motor vehicle and adaptive equipment for persons with disabilities.

25

     (i) From the sale of: (A) Special adaptations; (B) The component parts of the special

26

adaptations; or (C) A specially adapted motor vehicle; provided that the owner furnishes to the tax

27

administrator an affidavit of a licensed physician to the effect that the specially adapted motor

28

vehicle is necessary to transport a family member with a disability or where the vehicle has been

29

specially adapted to meet the specific needs of the person with a disability. This exemption applies

30

to not more than one motor vehicle owned and registered for personal, noncommercial use.

31

     (ii) For the purpose of this subsection the term “special adaptations” includes, but is not

32

limited to: wheelchair lifts, wheelchair carriers, wheelchair ramps, wheelchair securements, hand

33

controls, steering devices, extensions, relocations, and crossovers of operator controls, power-

34

assisted controls, raised tops or dropped floors, raised entry doors, or alternative signaling devices

 

LC002072 - Page 13 of 60

1

to auditory signals.

2

     (iii) From the sale of: (a) Special adaptations, (b) The component parts of the special

3

adaptations, for a “wheelchair accessible taxicab” as defined in § 39-14-1, and/or a “wheelchair

4

accessible public motor vehicle” as defined in § 39-14.1-1.

5

     (iv) For the purpose of this subdivision the exemption for a “specially adapted motor

6

vehicle” means a use tax credit not to exceed the amount of use tax that would otherwise be due on

7

the motor vehicle, exclusive of any adaptations. The use tax credit is equal to the cost of the special

8

adaptations, including installation.

9

     (20) Heating fuels. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this

10

state of every type of heating fuel.

11

     (21) Electricity and gas. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in

12

this state of electricity and gas.

13

     (22) Manufacturing machinery and equipment.

14

     (i) From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of tools, dies,

15

molds, machinery, equipment (including replacement parts), and related items to the extent used in

16

an industrial plant in connection with the actual manufacture, conversion, or processing of tangible

17

personal property, or to the extent used in connection with the actual manufacture, conversion, or

18

processing of computer software as that term is utilized in industry numbers 7371, 7372, and 7373

19

in the standard industrial classification manual prepared by the Technical Committee on Industrial

20

Classification, Office of Statistical Standards, Executive Office of the President, United States

21

Bureau of the Budget, as revised from time to time, to be sold, or that machinery and equipment

22

used in the furnishing of power to an industrial manufacturing plant. For the purposes of this

23

subdivision, “industrial plant” means a factory at a fixed location primarily engaged in the

24

manufacture, conversion, or processing of tangible personal property to be sold in the regular

25

course of business;

26

     (ii) Machinery and equipment and related items are not deemed to be used in connection

27

with the actual manufacture, conversion, or processing of tangible personal property, or in

28

connection with the actual manufacture, conversion, or processing of computer software as that

29

term is utilized in industry numbers 7371, 7372, and 7373 in the standard industrial classification

30

manual prepared by the Technical Committee on Industrial Classification, Office of Statistical

31

Standards, Executive Office of the President, United States Bureau of the Budget, as revised from

32

time to time, to be sold to the extent the property is used in administration or distribution operations;

33

     (iii) Machinery and equipment and related items used in connection with the actual

34

manufacture, conversion, or processing of any computer software or any tangible personal property

 

LC002072 - Page 14 of 60

1

that is not to be sold and that would be exempt under subdivision (7) or this subdivision if purchased

2

from a vendor or machinery and equipment and related items used during any manufacturing,

3

converting, or processing function is exempt under this subdivision even if that operation, function,

4

or purpose is not an integral or essential part of a continuous production flow or manufacturing

5

process;

6

     (iv) Where a portion of a group of portable or mobile machinery is used in connection with

7

the actual manufacture, conversion, or processing of computer software or tangible personal

8

property to be sold, as previously defined, that portion, if otherwise qualifying, is exempt under

9

this subdivision even though the machinery in that group is used interchangeably and not otherwise

10

identifiable as to use.

11

     (23) Trade-in value of motor vehicles. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other

12

consumption in this state of so much of the purchase price paid for a new or used automobile as is

13

allocated for a trade-in allowance on the automobile of the buyer given in trade to the seller, or of

14

the proceeds applicable only to the automobile as are received from the manufacturer of

15

automobiles for the repurchase of the automobile whether the repurchase was voluntary or not

16

towards the purchase of a new or used automobile by the buyer. For the purpose of this subdivision,

17

the word “automobile” means a private passenger automobile not used for hire and does not refer

18

to any other type of motor vehicle.

19

     (24) Precious metal bullion.

20

     (i) From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of precious

21

metal bullion, substantially equivalent to a transaction in securities or commodities.

22

     (ii) For purposes of this subdivision, “precious metal bullion” means any elementary

23

precious metal that has been put through a process of smelting or refining, including, but not limited

24

to: gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, and chromium, and that is in a state or condition that its value

25

depends upon its content and not upon its form.

26

     (iii) The term does not include fabricated precious metal that has been processed or

27

manufactured for some one or more specific and customary industrial, professional, or artistic uses.

28

     (25) Commercial vessels. From sales made to a commercial ship, barge, or other vessel of

29

fifty (50) tons burden or over, primarily engaged in interstate or foreign commerce, and from the

30

repair, alteration, or conversion of the vessels, and from the sale of property purchased for the use

31

of the vessels including provisions, supplies, and material for the maintenance and/or repair of the

32

vessels.

33

     (26) Commercial fishing vessels. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other

34

consumption in this state of vessels and other watercraft that are in excess of five (5) net tons and

 

LC002072 - Page 15 of 60

1

that are used exclusively for “commercial fishing,” as defined in this subdivision, and from the

2

repair, alteration, or conversion of those vessels and other watercraft, and from the sale of property

3

purchased for the use of those vessels and other watercraft including provisions, supplies, and

4

material for the maintenance and/or repair of the vessels and other watercraft and the boats nets,

5

cables, tackle, and other fishing equipment appurtenant to or used in connection with the

6

commercial fishing of the vessels and other watercraft. “Commercial fishing” means taking or

7

attempting to take any fish, shellfish, crustacea, or bait species with the intent of disposing of it for

8

profit or by sale, barter, trade, or in commercial channels. The term does not include subsistence

9

fishing, i.e., the taking for personal use and not for sale or barter; or sport fishing; but shall include

10

vessels and other watercraft with a Rhode Island party and charter boat license issued by the

11

department of environmental management pursuant to § 20-2-27.1 that meet the following criteria:

12

(i) The operator must have a current United States Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.) license to carry

13

passengers for hire; (ii) U.S.C.G. vessel documentation in the coast wide fishery trade; (iii)

14

U.S.C.G. vessel documentation as to proof of Rhode Island home port status or a Rhode Island boat

15

registration to prove Rhode Island home port status; and (iv) The vessel must be used as a

16

commercial passenger carrying fishing vessel to carry passengers for fishing. The vessel must be

17

able to demonstrate that at least fifty percent (50%) of its annual gross income derives from charters

18

or provides documentation of a minimum of one hundred (100) charter trips annually; and (v) The

19

vessel must have a valid Rhode Island party and charter boat license. The tax administrator shall

20

implement the provisions of this subdivision by promulgating rules and regulations relating thereto.

21

     (27) Clothing and footwear. From the sales of articles of clothing, including footwear,

22

intended to be worn or carried on or about the human body for sales prior to October 1, 2012.

23

Effective October 1, 2012, the exemption will apply to the sales of articles of clothing, including

24

footwear, intended to be worn or carried on or about the human body up to two hundred and fifty

25

dollars ($250) of the sales price per item. For the purposes of this section, “clothing or footwear”

26

does not include clothing accessories or equipment or special clothing or footwear primarily

27

designed for athletic activity or protective use as these terms are defined in § 44-18-7.1(f). In

28

recognition of the work being performed by the streamlined sales and use tax governing board,

29

upon passage of any federal law that authorizes states to require remote sellers to collect and remit

30

sales and use taxes, this unlimited exemption will apply as it did prior to October 1, 2012. The

31

unlimited exemption on sales of clothing and footwear shall take effect on the date that the state

32

requires remote sellers to collect and remit sales and use taxes.

33

     (28) Water for residential use. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other

34

consumption in this state of water furnished for domestic use by occupants of residential premises.

 

LC002072 - Page 16 of 60

1

     (29) Bibles. [Unconstitutional; see Ahlburn v. Clark, 728 A.2d 449 (R.I. 1999); see Notes

2

to Decisions.] From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in the state of any

3

canonized scriptures of any tax-exempt nonprofit religious organization including, but not limited

4

to, the Old Testament and the New Testament versions.

5

     (30) Boats.

6

     (i) From the sale of a boat or vessel to a bona fide nonresident of this state who does not

7

register the boat or vessel in this state or document the boat or vessel with the United States

8

government at a home port within the state, whether the sale or delivery of the boat or vessel is

9

made in this state or elsewhere; provided, that the nonresident transports the boat within thirty (30)

10

days after delivery by the seller outside the state for use thereafter solely outside the state.

11

     (ii) The tax administrator, in addition to the provisions of §§ 44-19-27 and 44-19-28, may

12

require the seller of the boat or vessel to keep records of the sales to bona fide nonresidents as the

13

tax administrator deems reasonably necessary to substantiate the exemption provided in this

14

subdivision, including the affidavit of the seller that the buyer represented himself or herself to be

15

a bona fide nonresident of this state and of the buyer that he or she is a nonresident of this state.

16

     (31) Youth activities equipment. From the sale, storage, use, or other consumption in this

17

state of items for not more than twenty dollars ($20.00) each by nonprofit Rhode Island

18

eleemosynary organizations, for the purposes of youth activities that the organization is formed to

19

sponsor and support; and by accredited elementary and secondary schools for the purposes of the

20

schools or of organized activities of the enrolled students.

21

     (32) Farm equipment. From the sale and from the storage or use of machinery and

22

equipment used directly for commercial farming and agricultural production; including, but not

23

limited to: tractors, ploughs, harrows, spreaders, seeders, milking machines, silage conveyors,

24

balers, bulk milk storage tanks, trucks with farm plates, mowers, combines, irrigation equipment,

25

greenhouses and greenhouse coverings, graders and packaging machines, tools and supplies and

26

other farming equipment, including replacement parts appurtenant to or used in connection with

27

commercial farming and tools and supplies used in the repair and maintenance of farming

28

equipment. “Commercial farming” means the keeping or boarding of five (5) or more horses or the

29

production within this state of agricultural products, including, but not limited to, field or orchard

30

crops, livestock, dairy, and poultry, or their products, where the keeping, boarding, or production

31

provides at least two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) in annual gross sales to the operator,

32

whether an individual, a group, a partnership, or a corporation for exemptions issued prior to July

33

1, 2002. For exemptions issued or renewed after July 1, 2002, there shall be two (2) levels. Level I

34

shall be based on proof of annual, gross sales from commercial farming of at least twenty-five

 

LC002072 - Page 17 of 60

1

hundred dollars ($2,500) and shall be valid for purchases subject to the exemption provided in this

2

subdivision except for motor vehicles with an excise tax value of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or

3

greater. Level II shall be based on proof of annual gross sales from commercial farming of at least

4

ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or greater and shall be valid for purchases subject to the exemption

5

provided in this subdivision including motor vehicles with an excise tax value of five thousand

6

dollars ($5,000) or greater. For the initial issuance of the exemptions, proof of the requisite amount

7

of annual gross sales from commercial farming shall be required for the prior year; for any renewal

8

of an exemption granted in accordance with this subdivision at either level I or level II, proof of

9

gross annual sales from commercial farming at the requisite amount shall be required for each of

10

the prior two (2) years. Certificates of exemption issued or renewed after July 1, 2002, shall clearly

11

indicate the level of the exemption and be valid for four (4) years after the date of issue. This

12

exemption applies even if the same equipment is used for ancillary uses, or is temporarily used for

13

a non-farming or a non-agricultural purpose, but shall not apply to motor vehicles acquired after

14

July 1, 2002, unless the vehicle is a farm vehicle as defined pursuant to § 31-1-8 and is eligible for

15

registration displaying farm plates as provided for in § 31-3-31.

16

     (33) Compressed air. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in the

17

state of compressed air.

18

     (34) Flags. From the sale and from the storage, consumption, or other use in this state of

19

United States, Rhode Island or POW-MIA flags.

20

     (35) Motor vehicle and adaptive equipment to certain veterans. From the sale of a motor

21

vehicle and adaptive equipment to and for the use of a veteran with a service-connected loss of or

22

the loss of use of a leg, foot, hand, or arm, or any veteran who is a double amputee, whether service

23

connected or not. The motor vehicle must be purchased by and especially equipped for use by the

24

qualifying veteran. Certificate of exemption or refunds of taxes paid is granted under rules or

25

regulations that the tax administrator may prescribe.

26

     (36) Textbooks. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this state

27

of textbooks by an “educational institution,” as defined in subsection (18) of this section, and any

28

educational institution within the purview of § 16-63-9(4), and used textbooks by any purveyor.

29

     (37) Tangible personal property and supplies used in on-site hazardous waste recycling,

30

reuse, or treatment. From the sale, storage, use, or other consumption in this state of tangible

31

personal property or supplies used or consumed in the operation of equipment, the exclusive

32

function of which is the recycling, reuse, or recovery of materials (other than precious metals, as

33

defined in subdivision (24)(ii) of this section) from the treatment of “hazardous wastes,” as defined

34

in § 23-19.1-4, where the “hazardous wastes” are generated in Rhode Island solely by the same

 

LC002072 - Page 18 of 60

1

taxpayer and where the personal property is located at, in, or adjacent to a generating facility of the

2

taxpayer in Rhode Island. The taxpayer shall procure an order from the director of the department

3

of environmental management certifying that the equipment and/or supplies as used or consumed,

4

qualify for the exemption under this subdivision. If any information relating to secret processes or

5

methods of manufacture, production, or treatment is disclosed to the department of environmental

6

management only to procure an order, and is a “trade secret” as defined in § 28-21-10(b), it is not

7

open to public inspection or publicly disclosed unless disclosure is required under chapter 21 of

8

title 28 or chapter 24.4 of title 23.

9

     (38) Promotional and product literature of boat manufacturers. From the sale and from the

10

storage, use, or other consumption of promotional and product literature of boat manufacturers

11

shipped to points outside of Rhode Island that either: (i) Accompany the product that is sold; (ii)

12

Are shipped in bulk to out-of-state dealers for use in the sale of the product; or (iii) Are mailed to

13

customers at no charge.

14

     (39) Food items paid for by food stamps. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other

15

consumption in this state of eligible food items payment for which is properly made to the retailer

16

in the form of U.S. government food stamps issued in accordance with the Food Stamp Act of 1977,

17

7 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq.

18

     (40) Transportation charges. From the sale or hiring of motor carriers as defined in § 39-

19

12-2(12) to haul goods, when the contract or hiring cost is charged by a motor freight tariff filed

20

with the Rhode Island public utilities commission on the number of miles driven or by the number

21

of hours spent on the job.

22

     (41) Trade-in value of boats. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption

23

in this state of so much of the purchase price paid for a new or used boat as is allocated for a trade-

24

in allowance on the boat of the buyer given in trade to the seller or of the proceeds applicable only

25

to the boat as are received from an insurance claim as a result of a stolen or damaged boat, towards

26

the purchase of a new or used boat by the buyer.

27

     (42) Equipment used for research and development. From the sale and from the storage,

28

use, or other consumption of equipment to the extent used for research and development purposes

29

by a qualifying firm. For the purposes of this subsection, “qualifying firm” means a business for

30

which the use of research and development equipment is an integral part of its operation and

31

“equipment” means scientific equipment, computers, software, and related items.

32

     (43) Coins. From the sale and from the other consumption in this state of coins having

33

numismatic or investment value.

34

     (44) Farm structure construction materials. Lumber, hardware, and other materials used in

 

LC002072 - Page 19 of 60

1

the new construction of farm structures, including production facilities such as, but not limited to:

2

farrowing sheds, free stall and stanchion barns, milking parlors, silos, poultry barns, laying houses,

3

fruit and vegetable storages, rooting cellars, propagation rooms, greenhouses, packing rooms,

4

machinery storage, seasonal farm worker housing, certified farm markets, bunker and trench silos,

5

feed storage sheds, and any other structures used in connection with commercial farming.

6

     (45) Telecommunications carrier access service. Carrier access service or

7

telecommunications service when purchased by a telecommunications company from another

8

telecommunications company to facilitate the provision of telecommunications service.

9

     (46) Boats or vessels brought into the state exclusively for winter storage, maintenance,

10

repair, or sale. Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 44-18-10, 44-18-11 and 44-18-20, the tax

11

imposed by § 44-18-20 is not applicable for the period commencing on the first day of October in

12

any year up to and including the 30th day of April next succeeding with respect to the use of any

13

boat or vessel within this state exclusively for purposes of: (i) Delivery of the vessel to a facility in

14

this state for storage, including dry storage and storage in water by means of apparatus preventing

15

ice damage to the hull, maintenance, or repair; (ii) The actual process of storage, maintenance, or

16

repair of the boat or vessel; or (iii) Storage for the purpose of selling the boat or vessel.

17

     (47) Jewelry display product. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other

18

consumption in this state of tangible personal property used to display any jewelry product;

19

provided that title to the jewelry display product is transferred by the jewelry manufacturer or seller

20

and that the jewelry display product is shipped out of state for use solely outside the state and is not

21

returned to the jewelry manufacturer or seller.

22

     (48) Boats or vessels generally. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the tax

23

imposed by §§ 44-18-20 and 44-18-18 shall not apply with respect to the sale and to the storage,

24

use, or other consumption in this state of any new or used boat. The exemption provided for in this

25

subdivision does not apply after October 1, 1993, unless prior to October 1, 1993, the federal ten

26

percent (10%) surcharge on luxury boats is repealed.

27

     (49) Banks and regulated investment companies interstate toll-free calls. Notwithstanding

28

the provisions of this chapter, the tax imposed by this chapter does not apply to the furnishing of

29

interstate and international, toll-free terminating telecommunication service that is used directly

30

and exclusively by or for the benefit of an eligible company as defined in this subdivision; provided

31

that an eligible company employs on average during the calendar year no less than five hundred

32

(500) “full-time equivalent employees” as that term is defined in § 42-64.5-2. For purposes of this

33

section, an “eligible company” means a “regulated investment company” as that term is defined in

34

the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 851, or a corporation to the extent the service is

 

LC002072 - Page 20 of 60

1

provided, directly or indirectly, to or on behalf of a regulated investment company, an employee

2

benefit plan, a retirement plan or a pension plan, or a state-chartered bank.

3

     (50) Mobile and manufactured homes generally. From the sale and from the storage, use,

4

or other consumption in this state of mobile and/or manufactured homes as defined and subject to

5

taxation pursuant to the provisions of chapter 44 of title 31.

6

     (51) Manufacturing business reconstruction materials.

7

     (i) From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of lumber,

8

hardware, and other building materials used in the reconstruction of a manufacturing business

9

facility that suffers a disaster, as defined in this subdivision, in this state. “Disaster” means any

10

occurrence, natural or otherwise, that results in the destruction of sixty percent (60%) or more of

11

an operating manufacturing business facility within this state. “Disaster” does not include any

12

damage resulting from the willful act of the owner of the manufacturing business facility.

13

     (ii) Manufacturing business facility includes, but is not limited to, the structures housing

14

the production and administrative facilities.

15

     (iii) In the event a manufacturer has more than one manufacturing site in this state, the sixty

16

percent (60%) provision applies to the damages suffered at that one site.

17

     (iv) To the extent that the costs of the reconstruction materials are reimbursed by insurance,

18

this exemption does not apply.

19

     (52) Tangible personal property and supplies used in the processing or preparation of floral

20

products and floral arrangements. From the sale, storage, use, or other consumption in this state of

21

tangible personal property or supplies purchased by florists, garden centers, or other like producers

22

or vendors of flowers, plants, floral products, and natural and artificial floral arrangements that are

23

ultimately sold with flowers, plants, floral products, and natural and artificial floral arrangements

24

or are otherwise used in the decoration, fabrication, creation, processing, or preparation of flowers,

25

plants, floral products, or natural and artificial floral arrangements, including descriptive labels,

26

stickers, and cards affixed to the flower, plant, floral product, or arrangement, artificial flowers,

27

spray materials, floral paint and tint, plant shine, flower food, insecticide, and fertilizers.

28

     (53) Horse food products. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption

29

in this state of horse food products purchased by a person engaged in the business of the boarding

30

of horses.

31

     (54) Non-motorized recreational vehicles sold to nonresidents.

32

     (i) From the sale, subsequent to June 30, 2003, of a non-motorized recreational vehicle to

33

a bona fide nonresident of this state who does not register the non-motorized recreational vehicle

34

in this state, whether the sale or delivery of the non-motorized recreational vehicle is made in this

 

LC002072 - Page 21 of 60

1

state or at the place of residence of the nonresident; provided that a non-motorized recreational

2

vehicle sold to a bona fide nonresident whose state of residence does not allow a like exemption to

3

its nonresidents is not exempt from the tax imposed under § 44-18-20; provided, further, that in

4

that event the bona fide nonresident pays a tax to Rhode Island on the sale at a rate equal to the rate

5

that would be imposed in his or her state of residence not to exceed the rate that would have been

6

imposed under § 44-18-20. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, a licensed, non-motorized

7

recreational vehicle dealer shall add and collect the tax required under this subdivision and remit

8

the tax to the tax administrator under the provisions of chapters 18 and 19 of this title. Provided,

9

that when a Rhode Island licensed, non-motorized recreational vehicle dealer is required to add and

10

collect the sales and use tax on the sale of a non-motorized recreational vehicle to a bona fide

11

nonresident as provided in this section, the dealer in computing the tax takes into consideration the

12

law of the state of the nonresident as it relates to the trade-in of motor vehicles.

13

     (ii) The tax administrator, in addition to the provisions of §§ 44-19-27 and 44-19-28, may

14

require any licensed, non-motorized recreational vehicle dealer to keep records of sales to bona fide

15

nonresidents as the tax administrator deems reasonably necessary to substantiate the exemption

16

provided in this subdivision, including the affidavit of a licensed, non-motorized recreational

17

vehicle dealer that the purchaser of the non-motorized recreational vehicle was the holder of, and

18

had in his or her possession a valid out-of-state non-motorized recreational vehicle registration or

19

a valid out-of-state driver’s license.

20

     (iii) Any nonresident who registers a non-motorized recreational vehicle in this state within

21

ninety (90) days of the date of its sale to him or her is deemed to have purchased the non-motorized

22

recreational vehicle for use, storage, or other consumption in this state, and is subject to, and liable

23

for, the use tax imposed under the provisions of § 44-18-20.

24

     (iv) “Non-motorized recreational vehicle” means any portable dwelling designed and

25

constructed to be used as a temporary dwelling for travel, camping, recreational, and vacation use

26

that is eligible to be registered for highway use, including, but not limited to, “pick-up coaches” or

27

“pick-up campers,” “travel trailers,” and “tent trailers” as those terms are defined in chapter 1 of

28

title 31.

29

     (55) Sprinkler and fire alarm systems in existing buildings. From the sale in this state of

30

sprinkler and fire alarm systems; emergency lighting and alarm systems; and the materials

31

necessary and attendant to the installation of those systems that are required in buildings and

32

occupancies existing therein in July 2003 in order to comply with any additional requirements for

33

such buildings arising directly from the enactment of the Comprehensive Fire Safety Act of 2003

34

and that are not required by any other provision of law or ordinance or regulation adopted pursuant

 

LC002072 - Page 22 of 60

1

to that act. The exemption provided in this subdivision shall expire on December 31, 2008.

2

     (56) Aircraft. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the tax imposed by §§ 44-

3

18-18 and 44-18-20 shall not apply with respect to the sale and to the storage, use, or other

4

consumption in this state of any new or used aircraft or aircraft parts.

5

     (57) Renewable energy products. Notwithstanding any other provisions of Rhode Island

6

general laws, the following products shall also be exempt from sales tax: solar photovoltaic

7

modules or panels, or any module or panel that generates electricity from light; solar thermal

8

collectors, including, but not limited to, those manufactured with flat glass plates, extruded plastic,

9

sheet metal, and/or evacuated tubes; geothermal heat pumps, including both water-to-water and

10

water-to-air type pumps; wind turbines; towers used to mount wind turbines if specified by or sold

11

by a wind turbine manufacturer; DC to AC inverters that interconnect with utility power lines; and

12

manufactured mounting racks and ballast pans for solar collector, module, or panel installation. Not

13

to include materials that could be fabricated into such racks; monitoring and control equipment, if

14

specified or supplied by a manufacturer of solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, geothermal, or wind

15

energy systems or if required by law or regulation for such systems but not to include pumps, fans

16

or plumbing or electrical fixtures unless shipped from the manufacturer affixed to, or an integral

17

part of, another item specified on this list; and solar storage tanks that are part of a solar domestic

18

hot water system or a solar space heating system. If the tank comes with an external heat exchanger

19

it shall also be tax exempt, but a standard hot water tank is not exempt from state sales tax.

20

     (58) Returned property. The amount charged for property returned by customers upon

21

rescission of the contract of sale when the entire amount exclusive of handling charges paid for the

22

property is refunded in either cash or credit, and where the property is returned within one hundred

23

twenty (120) days from the date of delivery.

24

     (59) Dietary supplements. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption

25

of dietary supplements as defined in § 44-18-7.1(l)(v), sold on prescriptions.

26

     (60) Blood. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption of human blood.

27

     (61) Agricultural products for human consumption. From the sale and from the storage,

28

use, or other consumption of livestock and poultry of the kinds of products that ordinarily constitute

29

food for human consumption and of livestock of the kind the products of which ordinarily constitute

30

fibers for human use.

31

     (62) Diesel emission control technology. From the sale and use of diesel retrofit

32

technology that is required by § 31-47.3-4.

33

     (63) Feed for certain animals used in commercial farming. From the sale of feed for

34

animals as described in subsection (61) of this section.

 

LC002072 - Page 23 of 60

1

     (64) Alcoholic beverages. From the sale and storage, use, or other consumption in this

2

state by a Class A licensee of alcoholic beverages, as defined in § 44-18-7.1, excluding beer and

3

malt beverages; provided, further, notwithstanding § 6-13-1 or any other general or public law to

4

the contrary, alcoholic beverages, as defined in § 44-18-7.1, shall not be subject to minimum

5

markup.

6

     (65) Seeds and plants used to grow food and food ingredients. From the sale, storage, use,

7

or other consumption in this state of seeds and plants used to grow food and food ingredients as

8

defined in § 44-18-7.1(l)(i). “Seeds and plants used to grow food and food ingredients” shall not

9

include marijuana seeds or plants.

10

     (66) Feminine hygiene products. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other

11

consumption of tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, sanitary napkins, and other similar products

12

the principal use of which is feminine hygiene in connection with the menstrual cycle.

13

     (67) Breast pump products. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption

14

of breast pumps and breast pump collection and storage supplies when sold to individuals for home

15

use, and any repair or replacement parts for such products. “Breast pump collection and storage

16

supplies” means items of tangible personal property used in conjunction with a breast pump to

17

collect milk expressed from a human breast and to store collected milk until it is ready for

18

consumption. “Breast pump collection and storage supplies” include, but are not limited to, breast

19

shields and breast shield connectors; breast pump tubes and tubing adaptors; breast pump valves

20

and membranes; backflow protectors and backflow protector adaptors; bottles and bottle caps

21

specific to the operation of the breast pump; breast milk storage bags; and related items sold as part

22

of a breast pump kit pre-packaged by the breast pump manufacturer. “Breast pump collection and

23

storage supplies” does not include: bottles and bottle caps not specific to the operation of the breast

24

pump; breast pump travel bags and other similar carrying accessories, including ice packs, labels,

25

and other similar products, unless sold as part of a breast pump kit pre-packed by the breast pump

26

manufacturer; breast pump cleaning supplies, unless sold as part of a breast pump kit pre-packaged

27

by the breast pump manufacturer; nursing bras, bra pads, breast shells, and other similar products;

28

and creams, ointments, and other similar products that relieve breastfeeding-related symptoms or

29

conditions of the breasts or nipples.

30

     (68) Trade-in value of motorcycles. From the sale and from the storage, use, or other

31

consumption in this state of so much of the purchase price paid for a new or used motorcycle as is

32

allocated for a trade-in allowance on the motorcycle of the buyer given in trade to the seller, or of

33

the proceeds applicable only to the motorcycle as are received from the manufacturer of

34

motorcycles for the repurchase of the motorcycle whether the repurchase was voluntary or not

 

LC002072 - Page 24 of 60

1

towards the purchase of a new or used motorcycle by the buyer. For the purpose of this subsection,

2

the word “motorcycle” means a motorcycle not used for hire and does not refer to any other type

3

of motor vehicle.

4

     SECTION 7. Section 44-19-13 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-19 entitled "Sales and

5

Use Taxes — Enforcement and Collection" is hereby amended to read as follows:

6

     44-19-13. Notice of determination.

7

     (a) The tax administrator shall give to the retailer or to the person storing, using, or

8

consuming the tangible personal property a written notice of his or her determination. Except in the

9

case of fraud, intent to evade the provisions of this article, failure to make a return, or claim for

10

additional amount pursuant to §§ 44-19-16 — 44-19-19, every notice of a deficiency determination

11

shall be mailed within three (3) years after the fifteenth (15th) day of the calendar month following

12

the month for which the amount is proposed to be determined or within three (3) years after the

13

return is filed, whichever period expires later, unless a longer period is agreed upon by the tax

14

administrator and the taxpayer.

15

     (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, under no circumstances

16

shall the tax administrator issue a notice of a deficiency determination for any sales or use tax

17

determined to be due and payable more than ten (10) years after the return is filed or was due to be

18

filed, nor shall the tax administrator commence any collection action for any tax that is due and

19

payable unless the collection action is commenced within ten (10) years after a notice of a

20

deficiency determination becomes a final collectible assessment; provided, however, that the tax

21

administrator may renew a statutory lien that was initially filed within the ten-year (10) period for

22

collection actions. Both of the aforementioned ten-year (10) periods are tolled for any period of

23

time the taxpayer is in federal bankruptcy or state receivership proceedings. “Collection action”

24

refers to any activity undertaken by the division of taxation to collect on any state tax liabilities that

25

are final, due, and payable under Rhode Island law. “Collection action” may include, but is not

26

limited to, any civil action involving a liability owed under chapters 18, 18.1, 18.2, and 19 of title

27

44. This section excludes any sales and use tax liabilities that are deemed trust funds as defined in

28

§ 44-19-35, as well as any meals and beverage tax liabilities that are collected pursuant to § 44-18-

29

18.1, and any hotel tax liabilities that are collected pursuant to § 44-18-36.1.

30

     (c) The ten-year (10) limitation shall not apply to the renewal or continuation of the state’s

31

attempt to collect a liability that became final, due, and payable within the ten-year (10) limitation

32

periods set forth in this section.

33

     SECTION 8. Section 44-23-9 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-23 entitled "Estate and

34

Transfer Taxes — Enforcement and Collection" is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

LC002072 - Page 25 of 60

1

     44-23-9. Assessment and notice of estate tax — Collection powers — Lien.

2

     (a) The tax imposed by § 44-22-1.1 shall be assessed upon the full and fair cash value of

3

the net estate determined by the tax administrator as provided in this chapter. Notice of the amount

4

of the tax shall be mailed to the executor, administrator, or trustee, but failure to receive the notice

5

does not excuse the nonpayment of or invalidate the tax. The tax administrator shall receive and

6

collect the assessed taxes in the same manner and with the same powers as are prescribed for and

7

given to the collectors of taxes by chapters 7 — 9 of this title. The tax shall be due and payable as

8

provided in § 44-23-16, shall be paid to the tax administrator, and shall be and remain a lien upon

9

the estate until it is paid. All executors, administrators, and trustees are personally liable for the tax

10

until it is paid.

11

     (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, under no circumstances

12

shall the tax administrator issue any notice of deficiency determination for the amount of the estate

13

tax due more than ten (10) years after the return was filed or should have been filed, nor shall the

14

tax administrator commence any collection action for any estate tax due and payable unless the

15

collection action is commenced within ten (10) years after the date a notice of deficiency

16

determination became a final collectible assessment. “Collection action” refers to any activity

17

undertaken by the division of taxation to collect on any state tax liabilities that are final, due, and

18

payable under Rhode Island law. “Collection action” may include, but is not limited to, any civil

19

action involving a liability owed under chapters 22 and 23 of title 44.

20

     (c) The ten-year (10) limitation shall not apply to the renewal or continuation of the state’s

21

attempt to collect a liability that became final, due, and payable within the ten-year (10) limitation

22

periods set forth in this section.

23

     SECTION 9. Sections 44-30-2.6, 44-30-83 and 44-30-102 of the General Laws in Chapter

24

44-30 entitled "Personal Income Tax" are hereby amended to read as follows:

25

     44-30-2.6. Rhode Island taxable income — Rate of tax.

26

     (a) “Rhode Island taxable income” means federal taxable income as determined under the

27

Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., not including the increase in the basic, standard-

28

deduction amount for married couples filing joint returns as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax

29

Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 and the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of

30

2001 (EGTRRA), and as modified by the modifications in § 44-30-12.

31

     (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 44-30-1 and 44-30-2, for tax years beginning on

32

or after January 1, 2001, a Rhode Island personal income tax is imposed upon the Rhode Island

33

taxable income of residents and nonresidents, including estates and trusts, at the rate of twenty-five

34

and one-half percent (25.5%) for tax year 2001, and twenty-five percent (25%) for tax year 2002

 

LC002072 - Page 26 of 60

1

and thereafter of the federal income tax rates, including capital gains rates and any other special

2

rates for other types of income, except as provided in § 44-30-2.7, which were in effect immediately

3

prior to enactment of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA);

4

provided, rate schedules shall be adjusted for inflation by the tax administrator beginning in taxable

5

year 2002 and thereafter in the manner prescribed for adjustment by the commissioner of Internal

6

Revenue in 26 U.S.C. § 1(f). However, for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2006, a

7

taxpayer may elect to use the alternative flat tax rate provided in § 44-30-2.10 to calculate his or

8

her personal income tax liability.

9

     (c) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2001, if a taxpayer has an alternative

10

minimum tax for federal tax purposes, the taxpayer shall determine if he or she has a Rhode Island

11

alternative minimum tax. The Rhode Island alternative minimum tax shall be computed by

12

multiplying the federal tentative minimum tax without allowing for the increased exemptions under

13

the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (as redetermined on federal form 6251

14

Alternative Minimum Tax-Individuals) by twenty-five and one-half percent (25.5%) for tax year

15

2001, and twenty-five percent (25%) for tax year 2002 and thereafter, and comparing the product

16

to the Rhode Island tax as computed otherwise under this section. The excess shall be the taxpayer’s

17

Rhode Island alternative minimum tax.

18

     (1) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2005, and thereafter, the exemption

19

amount for alternative minimum tax, for Rhode Island purposes, shall be adjusted for inflation by

20

the tax administrator in the manner prescribed for adjustment by the commissioner of Internal

21

Revenue in 26 U.S.C. § 1(f).

22

     (2) For the period January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007, and thereafter, Rhode

23

Island taxable income shall be determined by deducting from federal adjusted gross income as

24

defined in 26 U.S.C. § 62 as modified by the modifications in § 44-30-12 the Rhode Island

25

itemized-deduction amount and the Rhode Island exemption amount as determined in this section.

26

     (A) Tax imposed.

27

     (1) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of married individuals filing joint

28

returns and surviving spouses a tax determined in accordance with the following table:

29

     If taxable income is: The tax is:

30

Not over $53,150 3.75% of taxable income

31

Over $53,150 but not over $128,500 $1,993.13 plus 7.00% of the excess over $53,150

32

Over $128,500 but not over $195,850 $7,267.63 plus 7.75% of the excess over $128,500

33

Over $195,850 but not over $349,700 $12,487.25 plus 9.00% of the excess over $195,850

34

Over $349,700 $26,333.75 plus 9.90% of the excess over $349,700

 

LC002072 - Page 27 of 60

1

     (2) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of every head of household a tax

2

determined in accordance with the following table:

3

     If taxable income is: The tax is:

4

Not over $42,650 3.75% of taxable income

5

Over $42,650 but not over $110,100 $1,599.38 plus 7.00% of the excess over $42,650

6

Over $110,100 but not over $178,350 $6,320.88 plus 7.75% of the excess over $110,100

7

Over $178,350 but not over $349,700 $11,610.25 plus 9.00% of the excess over $178,350

8

Over $349,700 $27,031.75 plus 9.90% of the excess over $349,700

9

     (3) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of unmarried individuals (other than

10

surviving spouses and heads of households) a tax determined in accordance with the following

11

table:

12

     If taxable income is: The tax is:

13

Not over $31,850 3.75% of taxable income

14

Over $31,850 but not over $77,100 $1,194.38 plus 7.00% of the excess over $31,850

15

Over $77,100 but not over $160,850 $4,361.88 plus 7.75% of the excess over $77,100

16

Over $160,850 but not over $349,700 $10,852.50 plus 9.00% of the excess over $160,850

17

Over $349,700 $27,849.00 plus 9.90% of the excess over $349,700

18

     (4) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of married individuals filing separate

19

returns and bankruptcy estates a tax deter- mined determined in accordance with the following

20

table:

21

     If taxable income is: The tax is:

22

Not over $26,575 3.75% of taxable income

23

Over $26,575 but not over $64,250 $996.56 plus 7.00% of the excess over $26,575

24

Over $64,250 but not over $97,925 $3,633.81 plus 7.75% of the excess over $64,250

25

Over $97,925 but not over $174,850 $6,243.63 plus 9.00% of the excess over $97,925

26

Over $174,850 $13,166.88 plus 9.90% of the excess over $174,850

27

     (5) There is hereby imposed a taxable income of an estate or trust a tax determined in

28

accordance with the following table:

29

     If taxable income is: The tax is:

30

Not over $2,150 3.75% of taxable income

31

Over $2,150 but not over $5,000 $80.63 plus 7.00% of the excess over $2,150

32

Over $5,000 but not over $7,650 $280.13 plus 7.75% of the excess over $5,000

33

Over $7,650 but not over $10,450 $485.50 plus 9.00% of the excess over $7,650

34

Over $10,450 $737.50 plus 9.90% of the excess over $10,450

 

LC002072 - Page 28 of 60

1

     (6) Adjustments for inflation.

2

     The dollars amount contained in paragraph (A) shall be increased by an amount equal to:

3

     (a) Such dollar amount contained in paragraph (A) in the year 1993, multiplied by;

4

     (b) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 1993;

5

     (c) The cost-of-living adjustment referred to in subparagraphs (a) and (b) used in making

6

adjustments to the nine percent (9%) and nine and nine tenths percent (9.9%) dollar amounts shall

7

be determined under section (J) by substituting “1994” for “1993.”

8

     (B) Maximum capital gains rates.

9

     (1) In general.

10

     If a taxpayer has a net capital gain for tax years ending prior to January 1, 2010, the tax

11

imposed by this section for such taxable year shall not exceed the sum of:

12

     (a) 2.5% of the net capital gain as reported for federal income tax purposes under section

13

26 U.S.C. § 1(h)(1)(a) and 26 U.S.C. § 1(h)(1)(b).

14

     (b) 5% of the net capital gain as reported for federal income tax purposes under 26 U.S.C.

15

§ 1(h)(1)(c).

16

     (c) 6.25% of the net capital gain as reported for federal income tax purposes under 26

17

U.S.C. § 1(h)(1)(d).

18

     (d) 7% of the net capital gain as reported for federal income tax purposes under 26 U.S.C.

19

§ 1(h)(1)(e).

20

     (2) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010, the tax imposed on net capital gain

21

shall be determined under subdivision 44-30-2.6(c)(2)(A).

22

     (C) Itemized deductions.

23

     (1) In general.

24

     For the purposes of section (2), “itemized deductions” means the amount of federal

25

itemized deductions as modified by the modifications in § 44-30-12.

26

     (2) Individuals who do not itemize their deductions.

27

     In the case of an individual who does not elect to itemize his deductions for the taxable

28

year, they may elect to take a standard deduction.

29

     (3) Basic standard deduction.

30

     The Rhode Island standard deduction shall be allowed in accordance with the following

31

table:

32

Filing status Amount

33

Single $5,350

34

Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) $8,900

 

LC002072 - Page 29 of 60

1

Married filing separately $4,450

2

Head of Household $7,850

3

     (4) Additional standard deduction for the aged and blind.

4

     An additional standard deduction shall be allowed for individuals age sixty-five (65) or

5

older or blind in the amount of $1,300 for individuals who are not married and $1,050 for

6

individuals who are married.

7

     (5) Limitation on basic standard deduction in the case of certain dependents.

8

     In the case of an individual to whom a deduction under section (E) is allowable to another

9

taxpayer, the basic standard deduction applicable to such individual shall not exceed the greater of:

10

     (a) $850;

11

     (b) The sum of $300 and such individual’s earned income;

12

     (6) Certain individuals not eligible for standard deduction.

13

     In the case of:

14

     (a) A married individual filing a separate return where either spouse itemizes deductions;

15

     (b) Nonresident alien individual;

16

     (c) An estate or trust;

17

     The standard deduction shall be zero.

18

     (7) Adjustments for inflation.

19

     Each dollar amount contained in paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) shall be increased by an amount

20

equal to:

21

     (a) Such dollar amount contained in paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) in the year 1988, multiplied

22

by

23

     (b) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 1988.

24

     (D) Overall limitation on itemized deductions.

25

     (1) General rule.

26

     In the case of an individual whose adjusted gross income as modified by § 44-30-12

27

exceeds the applicable amount, the amount of the itemized deductions otherwise allowable for the

28

taxable year shall be reduced by the lesser of:

29

     (a) Three percent (3%) of the excess of adjusted gross income as modified by § 44-30-12

30

over the applicable amount; or

31

     (b) Eighty percent (80%) of the amount of the itemized deductions otherwise allowable for

32

such taxable year.

33

     (2) Applicable amount.

34

     (a) In general.

 

LC002072 - Page 30 of 60

1

     For purposes of this section, the term “applicable amount” means $156,400 ($78,200 in the

2

case of a separate return by a married individual)

3

     (b) Adjustments for inflation.

4

     Each dollar amount contained in paragraph (a) shall be increased by an amount equal to:

5

     (i) Such dollar amount contained in paragraph (a) in the year 1991, multiplied by

6

     (ii) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 1991.

7

     (3) Phase-out of Limitation.

8

     (a) In general.

9

     In the case of taxable year beginning after December 31, 2005, and before January 1, 2010,

10

the reduction under section (1) shall be equal to the applicable fraction of the amount which would

11

be the amount of such reduction.

12

     (b) Applicable fraction.

13

     For purposes of paragraph (a), the applicable fraction shall be determined in accordance

14

with the following table:

15

For taxable years beginning in calendar year The applicable fraction is

16

2006 and 2007 ⅔

17

2008 and 2009 ⅓

18

     (E) Exemption amount.

19

     (1) In general.

20

     Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the term “exemption amount” means

21

$3,400.

22

     (2) Exemption amount disallowed in case of certain dependents.

23

     In the case of an individual with respect to whom a deduction under this section is allowable

24

to another taxpayer for the same taxable year, the exemption amount applicable to such individual

25

for such individual's taxable year shall be zero.

26

     (3) Adjustments for inflation.

27

     The dollar amount contained in paragraph (1) shall be increased by an amount equal to:

28

     (a) Such dollar amount contained in paragraph (1) in the year 1989, multiplied by

29

     (b) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 1989.

30

     (4) Limitation.

31

     (a) In general.

32

     In the case of any taxpayer whose adjusted gross income as modified for the taxable year

33

exceeds the threshold amount shall be reduced by the applicable percentage.

34

     (b) Applicable percentage.

 

LC002072 - Page 31 of 60

1

     In the case of any taxpayer whose adjusted gross income for the taxable year exceeds the

2

threshold amount, the exemption amount shall be reduced by two (2) percentage points for each

3

$2,500 (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income for the taxable year

4

exceeds the threshold amount. In the case of a married individual filing a separate return, the

5

preceding sentence shall be applied by substituting ‘‘$1,250’’ for ‘‘$2,500.’’ In no event shall the

6

applicable percentage exceed one hundred percent (100%).

7

     (c) Threshold Amount.

8

     For the purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘‘threshold amount’’ shall be determined with

9

the following table:

10

Filing status Amount

11

Single $156,400

12

Married filing jointly of qualifying widow(er) $234,600

13

Married filing separately $117,300

14

Head of Household $195,500

15

     (d) Adjustments for inflation.

16

     Each dollar amount contained in paragraph (b) shall be increased by an amount equal to:

17

     (i) Such dollar amount contained in paragraph (b) in the year 1991, multiplied by

18

     (ii) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 1991.

19

     (5) Phase-out of limitation.

20

     (a) In general.

21

     In the case of taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005, and before January 1,

22

2010, the reduction under section 4 shall be equal to the applicable fraction of the amount which

23

would be the amount of such reduction.

24

     (b) Applicable fraction.

25

     For the purposes of paragraph (a), the applicable fraction shall be determined in accordance

26

with the following table:

27

For taxable years beginning in calendar year The applicable fraction is

28

2006 and 2007 ⅔

29

2008 and 2009 ⅓

30

     (F) Alternative minimum tax.

31

     (1) General rule. There is hereby imposed (in addition to any other tax imposed by this

32

subtitle) a tax equal to the excess (if any) of:

33

     (a) The tentative minimum tax for the taxable year, over

34

     (b) The regular tax for the taxable year.

 

LC002072 - Page 32 of 60

1

     (2) The tentative minimum tax for the taxable year is the sum of:

2

     (a) 6.5 percent of so much of the taxable excess as does not exceed $175,000, plus

3

     (b) 7.0 percent of so much of the taxable excess above $175,000.

4

     (3) The amount determined under the preceding sentence shall be reduced by the alternative

5

minimum tax foreign tax credit for the taxable year.

6

     (4) Taxable excess. For the purposes of this subsection the term “taxable excess” means so

7

much of the federal alternative minimum taxable income as modified by the modifications in § 44-

8

30-12 as exceeds the exemption amount.

9

     (5) In the case of a married individual filing a separate return, subparagraph (2) shall be

10

applied by substituting “$87,500” for $175,000 each place it appears.

11

     (6) Exemption amount.

12

     For purposes of this section "exemption amount" means:

13

Filing status Amount

14

Single $39,150

15

Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) $53,700

16

Married filing separately $26,850

17

Head of Household $39,150

18

Estate or trust $24,650

19

     (7) Treatment of unearned income of minor children

20

     (a) In general.

21

     In the case of a minor child, the exemption amount for purposes of section (6) shall not

22

exceed the sum of:

23

     (i) Such child's earned income, plus

24

     (ii) $6,000.

25

     (8) Adjustments for inflation.

26

     The dollar amount contained in paragraphs (6) and (7) shall be increased by an amount

27

equal to:

28

     (a) Such dollar amount contained in paragraphs (6) and (7) in the year 2004, multiplied by

29

     (b) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 2004.

30

     (9) Phase-out.

31

     (a) In general.

32

     The exemption amount of any taxpayer shall be reduced (but not below zero) by an amount

33

equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount by which alternative minimum taxable income

34

of the taxpayer exceeds the threshold amount.

 

LC002072 - Page 33 of 60

1

     (b) Threshold amount.

2

     For purposes of this paragraph, the term “threshold amount” shall be determined with the

3

following table:

4

Filing status Amount

5

Single $123,250

6

Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) $164,350

7

Married filing separately $82,175

8

Head of Household $123,250

9

Estate or Trust $82,150

10

     (c) Adjustments for inflation

11

     Each dollar amount contained in paragraph (9) shall be increased by an amount equal to:

12

     (i) Such dollar amount contained in paragraph (9) in the year 2004, multiplied by

13

     (ii) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 2004.

14

     (G) Other Rhode Island taxes.

15

     (1) General rule. There is hereby imposed (in addition to any other tax imposed by this

16

subtitle) a tax equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of:

17

     (a) The Federal income tax on lump-sum distributions.

18

     (b) The Federal income tax on parents' election to report child's interest and dividends.

19

     (c) The recapture of Federal tax credits that were previously claimed on Rhode Island

20

return.

21

     (H) Tax for children under 18 with investment income.

22

     (1) General rule. There is hereby imposed a tax equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of:

23

     (a) The Federal tax for children under the age of 18 with investment income.

24

     (I) Averaging of farm income.

25

     (1) General rule. At the election of an individual engaged in a farming business or fishing

26

business, the tax imposed in section 2 shall be equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of:

27

     (a) The Federal averaging of farm income as determined in IRC section 1301 [26 U.S.C. § 

28

1301].

29

     (J) Cost-of-living adjustment.

30

     (1) In general.

31

     The cost-of-living adjustment for any calendar year is the percentage (if any) by which:

32

     (a) The CPI for the preceding calendar year exceeds

33

     (b) The CPI for the base year.

34

     (2) CPI for any calendar year.

 

LC002072 - Page 34 of 60

1

     For purposes of paragraph (1), the CPI for any calendar year is the average of the consumer

2

price index as of the close of the twelve (12) month period ending on August 31 of such calendar

3

year.

4

     (3) Consumer price index.

5

     For purposes of paragraph (2), the term “consumer price index” means the last consumer

6

price index for all urban consumers published by the department of labor. For purposes of the

7

preceding sentence, the revision of the consumer price index that is most consistent with the

8

consumer price index for calendar year 1986 shall be used.

9

     (4) Rounding.

10

     (a) In general.

11

     If any increase determined under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $50, such increase shall

12

be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.

13

     (b) In the case of a married individual filing a separate return, subparagraph (a) shall be

14

applied by substituting “$25” for $50 each place it appears.

15

     (K) Credits against tax. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2001, a taxpayer

16

entitled to any of the following federal credits enacted prior to January 1, 1996, shall be entitled to

17

a credit against the Rhode Island tax imposed under this section:

18

     (1) [Deleted by P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 7, § 5.]

19

     (2) Child and dependent care credit;

20

     (3) General business credits;

21

     (4) Credit for elderly or the disabled;

22

     (5) Credit for prior year minimum tax;

23

     (6) Mortgage interest credit;

24

     (7) Empowerment zone employment credit;

25

     (8) Qualified electric vehicle credit.

26

     (L) Credit against tax for adoption. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2006,

27

a taxpayer entitled to the federal adoption credit shall be entitled to a credit against the Rhode Island

28

tax imposed under this section if the adopted child was under the care, custody, or supervision of

29

the Rhode Island department of children, youth and families prior to the adoption.

30

     (M) The credit shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the aforementioned federal credits

31

provided there shall be no deduction based on any federal credits enacted after January 1, 1996,

32

including the rate reduction credit provided by the federal Economic Growth and Tax

33

Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA). In no event shall the tax imposed under this section be

34

reduced to less than zero. A taxpayer required to recapture any of the above credits for federal tax

 

LC002072 - Page 35 of 60

1

purposes shall determine the Rhode Island amount to be recaptured in the same manner as

2

prescribed in this subsection.

3

     (N) Rhode Island earned-income credit.

4

     (1) In general.

5

     For tax years beginning before January 1, 2015, a taxpayer entitled to a federal earned-

6

income credit shall be allowed a Rhode Island earned-income credit equal to twenty-five percent

7

(25%) of the federal earned-income credit. Such credit shall not exceed the amount of the Rhode

8

Island income tax.

9

     For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015, and before January 1, 2016, a taxpayer

10

entitled to a federal earned-income credit shall be allowed a Rhode Island earned-income credit

11

equal to ten percent (10%) of the federal earned-income credit. Such credit shall not exceed the

12

amount of the Rhode Island income tax.

13

     For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, a taxpayer entitled to a federal earned-

14

income credit shall be allowed a Rhode Island earned-income credit equal to twelve and one-half

15

percent (12.5%) of the federal earned-income credit. Such credit shall not exceed the amount of the

16

Rhode Island income tax.

17

     For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2017, a taxpayer entitled to a federal earned-

18

income credit shall be allowed a Rhode Island earned-income credit equal to fifteen percent (15%)

19

of the federal earned-income credit. Such credit shall not exceed the amount of the Rhode Island

20

income tax.

21

     (2) Refundable portion.

22

     In the event the Rhode Island earned-income credit allowed under paragraph (N)(1) of this

23

section exceeds the amount of Rhode Island income tax, a refundable earned-income credit shall

24

be allowed as follows.

25

     (i) For tax years beginning before January 1, 2015, for purposes of paragraph (2) refundable

26

earned-income credit means fifteen percent (15%) of the amount by which the Rhode Island earned-

27

income credit exceeds the Rhode Island income tax.

28

     (ii) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015, for purposes of paragraph (2)

29

refundable earned-income credit means one hundred percent (100%) of the amount by which the

30

Rhode Island earned-income credit exceeds the Rhode Island income tax.

31

     (O) The tax administrator shall recalculate and submit necessary revisions to paragraphs

32

(A) through (J) to the general assembly no later than February 1, 2010, and every three (3) years

33

thereafter for inclusion in the statute.

34

     (3) For the period January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011, and thereafter, “Rhode

 

LC002072 - Page 36 of 60

1

Island taxable income” means federal adjusted gross income as determined under the Internal

2

Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., and as modified for Rhode Island purposes pursuant to § 44-

3

30-12 less the amount of Rhode Island Basic Standard Deduction allowed pursuant to subparagraph

4

44-30-2.6(c)(3)(B), and less the amount of personal exemption allowed pursuant to subparagraph

5

44-30-2.6(c)(3)(C).

6

     (A) Tax imposed.

7

     (I) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of married individuals filing joint

8

returns, qualifying widow(er), every head of household, unmarried individuals, married individuals

9

filing separate returns and bankruptcy estates, a tax determined in accordance with the following

10

table:

11

RI Taxable Income RI Income Tax

12

Over But not over Pay + % on Excess on the amount over

13

$ 0 - $ 55,000 $ 0 + 3.75% $ 0

14

55,000 - 125,000 2,063 + 4.75% 55,000

15

125,000 - 5,388 + 5.99% 125,000

16

     (II) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of an estate or trust a tax determined in

17

accordance with the following table:

18

RI Taxable Income RI Income Tax

19

Over But not over Pay + % on Excess on the amount over

20

$ 0 - $ 2,230 $ 0 + 3.75% $ 0

21

2,230 - 7,022 84 + 4.75% 2,230

22

7,022 - 312 + 5.99% 7,022

23

     (B) Deductions:

24

     (I) Rhode Island Basic Standard Deduction.

25

     Only the Rhode Island standard deduction shall be allowed in accordance with the

26

following table:

27

Filing status: Amount

28

Single $7,500

29

Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) $15,000

30

Married filing separately $7,500

31

Head of Household $11,250

32

     (II) Nonresident alien individuals, estates and trusts are not eligible for standard

33

deductions.

34

     (III) In the case of any taxpayer whose adjusted gross income, as modified for Rhode Island

 

LC002072 - Page 37 of 60

1

purposes pursuant to § 44-30-12, for the taxable year exceeds one hundred seventy-five thousand

2

dollars ($175,000), the standard deduction amount shall be reduced by the applicable percentage.

3

The term “applicable percentage” means twenty (20) percentage points for each five thousand

4

dollars ($5,000) (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income for the taxable

5

year exceeds one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000).

6

     (C) Exemption Amount:

7

     (I) The term “exemption amount” means three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500)

8

multiplied by the number of exemptions allowed for the taxable year for federal income tax

9

purposes. For tax years beginning on or after 2018, the term “exemption amount” means the same

10

as it does in 26 U.S.C. § 151 and 26 U.S.C. § 152 just prior to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and

11

Jobs Act (Pub. L. No. 115-97) on December 22, 2017.

12

     (II) Exemption amount disallowed in case of certain dependents. In the case of an

13

individual with respect to whom a deduction under this section is allowable to another taxpayer for

14

the same taxable year, the exemption amount applicable to such individual for such individual’s

15

taxable year shall be zero.

16

     (III) Identifying information required.

17

     (1) Except as provided in § 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(C)(II) of this section, no exemption shall be

18

allowed under this section with respect to any individual unless the Taxpayer Identification Number

19

of such individual is included on the federal return claiming the exemption for the same tax filing

20

period.

21

     (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(C)(I) of this section, in the event

22

that the Taxpayer Identification Number for each individual is not required to be included on the

23

federal tax return for the purposes of claiming a personal exemption(s), then the Taxpayer

24

Identification Number must be provided on the Rhode Island tax return for the purpose of claiming

25

said exemption(s).

26

     (D) In the case of any taxpayer whose adjusted gross income, as modified for Rhode Island

27

purposes pursuant to § 44-30-12, for the taxable year exceeds one hundred seventy-five thousand

28

dollars ($175,000), the exemption amount shall be reduced by the applicable percentage. The term

29

“applicable percentage” means twenty (20) percentage points for each five thousand dollars

30

($5,000) (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income for the taxable year

31

exceeds one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000).

32

     (E) Adjustment for inflation. The dollar amount contained in subparagraphs 44-30-

33

2.6(c)(3)(A), 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(B) and 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(C) shall be increased annually by an amount

34

equal to:

 

LC002072 - Page 38 of 60

1

     (I) Such dollar amount contained in subparagraphs 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(A), 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(B)

2

and 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(C) adjusted for inflation using a base tax year of 2000, multiplied by;

3

     (II) The cost-of-living adjustment with a base year of 2000.

4

     (III) For the purposes of this section, the cost-of-living adjustment for any calendar year is

5

the percentage (if any) by which the consumer price index for the preceding calendar year exceeds

6

the consumer price index for the base year. The consumer price index for any calendar year is the

7

average of the consumer price index as of the close of the twelve-month (12) period ending on

8

August 31, of such calendar year.

9

     (IV) For the purpose of this section the term “consumer price index” means the last

10

consumer price index for all urban consumers published by the department of labor. For the purpose

11

of this section the revision of the consumer price index that is most consistent with the consumer

12

price index for calendar year 1986 shall be used.

13

     (V) If any increase determined under this section is not a multiple of fifty dollars ($50.00),

14

such increase shall be rounded to the next lower multiple of fifty dollars ($50.00). In the case of a

15

married individual filing separate return, if any increase determined under this section is not a

16

multiple of twenty-five dollars ($25.00), such increase shall be rounded to the next lower multiple

17

of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

18

     (F) Credits against tax.

19

     (I) Notwithstanding any other provisions of Rhode Island Law, for tax years beginning on

20

or after January 1, 2011, the only credits allowed against a tax imposed under this chapter shall be

21

as follows:

22

     (a) Rhode Island earned-income credit: Credit shall be allowed for earned-income credit

23

pursuant to subparagraph 44-30-2.6(c)(2)(N).

24

     (b) Property Tax Relief Credit: Credit shall be allowed for property tax relief as provided

25

in § 44-33-1 et seq.

26

     (c) Lead Paint Credit: Credit shall be allowed for residential lead abatement income tax

27

credit as provided in § 44-30.3-1 et seq.

28

     (d) Credit for income taxes of other states. Credit shall be allowed for income tax paid to

29

other states pursuant to § 44-30-74.

30

     (e) Historic Structures Tax Credit: Credit shall be allowed for historic structures tax credit

31

as provided in § 44-33.2-1 et seq.

32

     (f) Motion Picture Productions Tax Credit: Credit shall be allowed for motion picture

33

production tax credit as provided in § 44-31.2-1 et seq.

34

     (g) Child and Dependent Care: Credit shall be allowed for twenty-five percent (25%) of

 

LC002072 - Page 39 of 60

1

the federal child and dependent care credit allowable for the taxable year for federal purposes;

2

provided, however, such credit shall not exceed the Rhode Island tax liability.

3

     (h) Tax credits for contributions to Scholarship Organizations: Credit shall be allowed for

4

contributions to scholarship organizations as provided in chapter 62 of title 44.

5

     (i) Credit for tax withheld. Wages upon which tax is required to be withheld shall be taxable

6

as if no withholding were required, but any amount of Rhode Island personal income tax actually

7

deducted and withheld in any calendar year shall be deemed to have been paid to the tax

8

administrator on behalf of the person from whom withheld, and the person shall be credited with

9

having paid that amount of tax for the taxable year beginning in that calendar year. For a taxable

10

year of less than twelve (12) months, the credit shall be made under regulations of the tax

11

administrator.

12

     (j) Stay Invested in RI Wavemaker Fellowship: Credit shall be allowed for stay invested in

13

RI wavemaker fellowship program as provided in § 42-64.26-1 et seq.

14

     (k) Rebuild Rhode Island: Credit shall be allowed for rebuild RI tax credit as provided in

15

§ 42-64.20-1 et seq.

16

     (l) Rhode Island Qualified Jobs Incentive Program: Credit shall be allowed for Rhode

17

Island new qualified jobs incentive program credit as provided in § 44-48.3-1 et seq.

18

     (m) Historic homeownership assistance act: Effective for tax year 2017 and thereafter,

19

unused carryforward for such credit previously issued shall be allowed for the historic

20

homeownership assistance act as provided in § 44-33.1-4. This allowance is for credits already

21

issued pursuant to § 44-33.1-4 and shall not be construed to authorize the issuance of new credits

22

under the historic homeownership assistance act.

23

     (n) Musical and theatrical production tax credits: Credit shall be allowed for musical and

24

theatrical production tax credits as provided in chapter 31.3 of this title.

25

     (o) Historic preservation tax credits 2013: Credit shall be allowed for historic preservation

26

tax credits 2013 as provided in chapter 33.6 of this title.

27

     (2)(II) Except as provided in section 1 (I) above, no other state and or federal tax credit

28

shall be available to the taxpayers in computing tax liability under this chapter.

29

     44-30-83. Limitations on assessment.

30

     (a) General. Except as otherwise provided in this section the amount of the Rhode Island

31

personal income tax shall be assessed within three (3) years after the return was filed, whether or

32

not the return was filed on or after the prescribed date. For this purpose a tax return filed before the

33

due date shall be considered as filed on the due date; and a return of withholding tax for any period

34

ending with or within a calendar year filed before April 15 of the succeeding calendar year shall be

 

LC002072 - Page 40 of 60

1

considered filed on April 15 of the succeeding calendar year.

2

     (b) Exceptions.

3

     (1) Assessment at any time. The tax may be assessed at any time if:

4

     (i) No return is filed;

5

     (ii) A false or fraudulent return is filed with intent to evade tax; or

6

     (iii) The taxpayer fails to file a report, pursuant to § 44-30-59, of a change, correction, or

7

amended return, increasing his or her federal taxable income as reported on his or her federal

8

income tax return or to report a change or correction that is treated in the same manner as if it were

9

a deficiency for federal income tax purposes.

10

     (2) Extension by agreement. Where, before the expiration of the time prescribed in this

11

section for the assessment of tax, or before the time as extended pursuant to this section, both the

12

tax administrator and the taxpayer have consented in writing to its assessment after that time, the

13

tax may be assessed at any time prior to the expiration of the period agreed upon.

14

     (3) Report of changed or corrected federal income. If the taxpayer shall, pursuant to § 44-

15

30-59, file an amended return, or report a change or correction increasing his or her federal taxable

16

income or report a change or correction that is treated in the same manner as if it were a deficiency

17

for federal income tax purposes, an assessment may be made at any time prior to two (2) years after

18

the report or amended return was filed. This assessment of Rhode Island personal income tax shall

19

not exceed the amount of the increase attributable to the federal change, correction, or items

20

amended on the taxpayer’s amended federal income tax return. The provisions of this paragraph

21

shall not affect the time within which or the amount for which an assessment may otherwise be

22

made.

23

     (4) Deficiency attributable to net operating loss carryback. If a taxpayer’s deficiency is

24

attributable to an excessive net operating loss carryback allowance, it may be assessed at any time

25

that a deficiency for the taxable year of the loss may be assessed.

26

     (5) Recovery of erroneous refund. An erroneous refund shall be considered to create an

27

underpayment of tax on the date made. An assessment of a deficiency arising out of an erroneous

28

refund may be made at any time within three (3) years thereafter, or at any time if it appears that

29

any part of the refund was induced by fraud or misrepresentation of a material fact.

30

     (6) Armed forces relief. For purposes of this tax, the date appearing in 26 U.S.C. § 692(a)

31

shall be January 1, 1971.

32

     (c) Omission of income on return. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section,

33

the tax may be assessed at any time within six (6) years after the return was filed if an individual

34

omits from his or her Rhode Island income an amount properly includible therein which is in excess

 

LC002072 - Page 41 of 60

1

of twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of Rhode Island income stated in the return. For this

2

purpose there shall not be taken into account any amount that is omitted in the return if the amount

3

is disclosed in the return, or in a statement attached to the return, in a manner adequate to apprise

4

the tax administrator of the nature and amount of the item.

5

     (d) Suspension of limitation. The running of the period of limitations on assessment or

6

collection of tax or other amount (or of a transferee’s liability) shall, after the mailing of a notice

7

of deficiency, be suspended for the period during which the tax administrator is prohibited under §

8

44-30-81(c) from making the assessment or from collecting by levy, and for sixty (60) days

9

thereafter.

10

     (e) Limitations exclusive. No period of limitations specified in any other law shall apply to

11

the assessment or collection of Rhode Island personal income tax. Under no circumstances shall

12

the tax administrator issue any notice of a deficiency determination for Rhode Island personal

13

income tax due or payable more than ten (10) years after the date upon which the return was filed

14

or due to be filed, nor shall the tax administrator commence any collection action for any personal

15

income tax due and payable unless the collection action is commenced within ten (10) years after

16

a notice of deficiency determination became a final collectible assessment; provided however, that

17

the tax administrator can renew a statutory lien that was initially filed within the ten-year (10)

18

period for collection actions. Both of the aforementioned ten-year (10) periods are tolled for any

19

period of time the taxpayer is in federal bankruptcy or state receivership proceedings. “Collection

20

action” refers to any activity undertaken by the division of taxation to collect on any state tax

21

liabilities that are final, due, and payable under Rhode Island law. “Collection action” may include,

22

but is not limited to, any civil action involving a liability owed under chapter 30 of title 44. This

23

section excludes any liabilities that are deemed trust funds as defined in § 44-30-76, as amended.

24

     (f) The ten-year (10) limitation shall not apply to the renewal or continuation of the state’s

25

attempt to collect a liability that became final, due, and payable within the ten-year (10) limitation

26

periods set forth in this section.

27

     44-30-102. Reporting requirement for applicable entities providing minimum

28

essential coverage.

29

     (a) Findings.

30

     (1) Ensuring the health of insurance markets is a responsibility reserved for states under

31

the McCarran-Ferguson Act and other federal law.

32

     (2) There is substantial evidence that being uninsured causes health problems and

33

unnecessary deaths.

34

     (3) The shared responsibility payment penalty imposed by § 44-30-101(c) is necessary to

 

LC002072 - Page 42 of 60

1

protect the health and welfare of the state’s residents.

2

     (4) The reporting requirement provided for in this section is necessary for the successful

3

implementation of the shared responsibility payment penalty imposed by § 44-30-101(c). This

4

requirement provides the only widespread source of third-party reporting to help taxpayers and the

5

tax administrator verify whether an applicable individual maintains minimum essential coverage.

6

There is compelling evidence that third-party reporting is crucial for ensuring compliance with tax

7

provisions.

8

     (5) The shared responsibility payment penalty imposed by § 44-30-101(c), and therefore

9

the reporting requirement in this section, is necessary to ensure a stable and well-functioning health

10

insurance market. There is compelling evidence that, without an effective shared responsibility

11

payment penalty in place for those who go without coverage, there would be substantial instability

12

in health insurance markets, including higher prices and the possibility of areas without any

13

insurance available.

14

     (6) The shared responsibility payment penalty imposed by § 44-30-101(c), and therefore

15

the reporting requirement in this section, is also necessary to foster economic stability and growth

16

in the state.

17

     (7) The reporting requirement in this section has been narrowly tailored to support

18

compliance with the shared responsibility payment penalty imposed by § 44-30-101(c), while

19

imposing only an incidental burden on reporting entities. In particular, the information that must

20

be reported is limited to the information that must already be reported under a similar federal

21

reporting requirement under section 6055 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. In addition, this

22

section provides that its reporting requirement may be satisfied by providing the same information

23

that is currently reported under such federal requirement.

24

     (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section:

25

     (1) “Applicable entity” means:

26

     (i) An employer or other sponsor of an employment-based health plan that offers

27

employment-based minimum essential coverage to any resident of Rhode Island.

28

     (ii) The Rhode Island Medicaid single state agency providing Medicaid or Children’s

29

Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage.

30

     (iii) Carriers licensed or otherwise authorized by the Rhode Island office of the health

31

insurance commissioner to offer health coverage providing coverage that is not described in

32

subsection (b)(1)(i) or (b)(1)(ii) of this section.

33

     (2) “Minimum essential coverage” has the meaning given the term by § 44-30-101(a)(2).

34

     (c) For purposes of administering the shared responsibility payment penalty to individuals

 

LC002072 - Page 43 of 60

1

who do not maintain minimum essential coverage under § 44-30-101(b), every applicable entity

2

that provides minimum essential coverage to an individual during a calendar year shall, at such

3

time as the tax administrator may prescribe, file a form in a manner prescribed by the tax

4

administrator.

5

     (d) Form and manner of return.

6

     (1) A return, in the form as the tax administrator may prescribe, contains the following

7

information:

8

     (i) The name, address, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) of the primary insured

9

and the name and TIN of each other individual obtaining coverage under the policy;

10

     (ii) The dates during which the individual was covered under minimum essential coverage

11

during the calendar year; and

12

     (iii) Such other information as the tax administrator may require.

13

     (2) Sufficiency of information submitted for federal reporting. Notwithstanding the

14

requirements of subsection (d)(1) of this section, a return shall not fail to be a return described in

15

this section if it includes the information contained in a return described in section 6055 of the

16

Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as that section is in effect and interpreted on the 15th day of

17

December 2017.

18

     (3) Failure to file proper return. If an applicable entity fails to file a return or report in the

19

method and manner prescribed by the tax administrator, or files an incomplete or inaccurate return

20

or report, by the due date determined by the tax administrator for the filing of the return or report,

21

a penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per individual not reported to the division of taxation in

22

accordance with this section shall be imposed.

23

     (e) Statements to be furnished to individuals with respect to whom information is reported.

24

     (1) Any applicable entity providing a return under the requirements of this section shall

25

also provide to each individual whose name is included in the return a written statement containing

26

the name, address, and contact information of the person required to provide the return to the tax

27

administrator and the information included in the return with respect to the individuals listed

28

thereupon. The written statement must be provided on or before January 31 of the year following

29

the calendar year for which the return was required to be made or by a date as may be determined

30

by the tax administrator.

31

     (2) Sufficiency of federal statement. Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection

32

(e)(1), the requirements of this subsection (e) may be satisfied by a written statement provided to

33

an individual under section 6055 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as that section is in effect

34

and interpreted on the 15th day of December 2017.

 

LC002072 - Page 44 of 60

1

     (f) Reporting responsibility.

2

     (1) Coverage provided by governmental units. In the case of coverage provided by an

3

applicable entity that is any governmental unit or any agency or instrumentality thereof, the officer

4

or employee who enters into the agreement to provide the coverage (or the person appropriately

5

designated for purposes of this section) shall be responsible for the returns and statements required

6

by this section.

7

     (2) Delegation. An applicable entity may contract with third-party service providers,

8

including insurance carriers, to provide the returns and statements required by this section.

9

     SECTION 10. Section 44-31-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-31 entitled "Investment

10

Tax Credit" is hereby amended to read as follows:

11

     44-31-1. Investment tax credit.

12

     (a) A taxpayer shall be allowed a credit, to be computed as provided in this chapter, against

13

the tax imposed by chapters 11, 14, and 17, and 30 of this title. The amount of the credit shall be

14

two percent (2%) of the cost or other basis for federal income tax purposes of tangible personal

15

property and other tangible property, including buildings and structural components of buildings,

16

described in subsection (b) of this section, acquired, constructed, reconstructed, or erected after

17

December 31, 1973. Provided, that the amount of the credit shall be four percent (4%) of the: (i)

18

cost or other basis for federal income tax purposes of tangible personal property and other tangible

19

property, including buildings and structural components of buildings, described in subdivision

20

(b)(1) of this section, acquired, constructed, reconstructed or erected after December 31, 1993; and

21

(ii) qualified amounts for leased assets of tangible personal property and other tangible property

22

described in subdivision (b)(1) of this section, acquired, constructed, reconstructed, or erected after

23

January 1, 1998, and the amount of the credit shall be ten percent (10%) of the cost or other basis

24

for federal income tax purposes, and the qualified amounts for leased assets, of tangible personal

25

property and other tangible property described in subdivision (b)(3) of this section, acquired,

26

constructed, reconstructed, or erected after January 1, 1998, and with respect to buildings and

27

structural components which are acquired, constructed, reconstructed or erected after July 1, 2001,

28

as described in subdivision (b)(3) of this section.

29

     (b)(1) A credit shall be allowed under this section with respect to tangible personal property

30

and other tangible property, including buildings and structural components of buildings, which are

31

depreciable pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 167, have a useful life of four (4) years or more, are acquired

32

by purchase as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 179(d) or are acquired by lease as prescribed in paragraph

33

(3)(iv) of this subsection, have a situs in this state and are principally used by the taxpayer in the

34

production of goods by manufacturing, process, or assembling. The credit shall be allowable in the

 

LC002072 - Page 45 of 60

1

year the property is first placed in service by the taxpayer, which is the year in which, under the

2

taxpayer’s depreciation practice, the period for depreciation with respect to the property begins, or

3

the year in which the property is placed in a condition or state of readiness and availability for a

4

specifically assigned function, whichever is earlier. For purposes of this paragraph,

5

“manufacturing” means the process of working raw materials into wares suitable for use or which

6

gives new shapes, new quality or new combinations to matter that already has gone through some

7

artificial process by the use of machinery, tools, appliances, and other similar equipment. Property

8

used in the production of goods includes machinery, equipment, or other tangible property which

9

is principally used in the repair and service of other machinery, equipment, or other tangible

10

property used principally in the production of goods and includes all facilities used in the

11

production operation, including storage of material to be used in production and of the products

12

that are produced.

13

     (2) Within the meaning of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the term “manufacturing”

14

means the activities of a “manufacturer” as defined in § 44-3-3(20)(iii) and (iv).

15

     (3)(i) A credit shall be allowed under this section with respect to tangible personal property

16

and other tangible property, (excluding motor vehicles, furniture, buildings and structural

17

components of buildings, except as provided in this section), which are depreciable pursuant to 26

18

U.S.C. § 167, have a useful life of four (4) years or more, are acquired by purchase as defined in

19

26 U.S.C. § 179(d) or acquired by lease as prescribed in paragraph (iv) of this subdivision, have a

20

situs in this state and to the extent the property is used by a qualified taxpayer, as that term is

21

defined in paragraph (v) of this subdivision, in any of the businesses described in major groups 20

22

through 39, 50 and 51, 60 through 67, 73, 76, 80 through 82, 87 and 89 in the standard industrial

23

classification manual prepared by the technical committee on industrial classification, office of the

24

statistical standards, executive office of the president, United States Bureau of the Budget, as

25

revised from time to time (“SIC Code”) and/or any of the businesses described in the three (3) digit

26

SIC Code 781.

27

     (ii) A credit shall be allowed under this section with respect to buildings and structural

28

components that are acquired, constructed, reconstructed, or erected after July 1, 2001, which are

29

depreciable pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 167, have a useful life of four (4) years or more, are acquired

30

by purchase as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 179(d) or acquired by lease for a term of twenty (20) years

31

or more, excluding renewal periods, have a situs in this state and to the extent the property is used

32

by a high performance manufacturer. The term “high performance manufacturer” means a taxpayer:

33

(A) engaged in any of the businesses described in the major groups 28, 30, 34, to 36, and 38 of the

34

SIC Codes, (B) that pays its full-time equivalent employees a median annual wage above the

 

LC002072 - Page 46 of 60

1

average annual wage paid by all taxpayers in the state which share the same two-digit SIC Code,

2

unless the high performance manufacturer is the only high performance manufacturer in the state

3

conducting business in that two-digit SIC Code, in which case this requirement shall not apply, and

4

(C)(I) whose expenses for training or retraining its employees exceeds two percent (2%) of its total

5

payroll costs, or (II) that pays its full-time equivalent employees a median annual wage equal to or

6

greater than one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the average annual wage paid in this state

7

by employers to employees, or (III) that pays its full-time equivalent employees classified as

8

production workers by the Rhode Island department of labor and training an average annual wage

9

above the average annual wage paid to the production workers of all taxpayers in the state which

10

share the same two-digit SIC Code.

11

     (iii) To the extent allowable, the credit allowed under this section is allowed for computers,

12

software and telecommunications hardware used by a taxpayer even if the property has a useful life

13

of less than four (4) years;

14

     (iv) The credit for property acquired by lease is based on the fair market value of the

15

property at the inception of the lease times the portion of the depreciable life of the property

16

represented by the term of the lease, excluding renewal options. The credit described in this

17

subdivision for high performance manufacturers that lease buildings and their structural

18

components for a term of twenty (20) years or more, excluding renewal periods, shall be calculated

19

in the same manner as for property acquired by purchase; and

20

     (v) For purposes of this subsection, a “qualified taxpayer” means a taxpayer in any of the

21

businesses described in major groups 20 through 39, 50 and 51, 60 through 67, 73, 76, 80 through

22

82, 87 and 89 of the SIC Code, and/or any of the businesses described in the three (3) digit SIC

23

Code 781, and which meet the following criteria:

24

     (A) The median annual wage paid to a qualified taxpayer’s full-time equivalent employees

25

must be above the average annual wage paid by all taxpayers in the state which share the same two-

26

digit SIC Code, unless that qualified taxpayer is the only qualified taxpayer in the state conducting

27

business in that two-digit SIC Code, in which case this requirement does not apply; and

28

     (B) With respect to major groups 50 and 51, 60 through 67, 73, 76, 80 through 82, 87 and

29

89 and/or the three (3) digit SIC Code 781(except for those qualified taxpayers whose businesses

30

are described in any of the four (4) digit SIC Codes 7371, 7372 and 7373) only:

31

     (I) More than one-half (½) of its gross revenues are a result of sales to customers outside

32

of the state; or

33

     (II) More than one-half (½) of its gross revenues are a result of sales to the federal

34

government; or

 

LC002072 - Page 47 of 60

1

     (III) More than one-half (½) of its gross revenues are a result of a combination of sales

2

described in items (I) and (II) of this subparagraph.

3

     (4) For purposes of this section, “sales to customers outside the state” means sales to

4

individuals, businesses and other entities, as well as divisions and/or branches of businesses and

5

other entities, residing or located outside of the state. The requirement of subparagraph (v)(A) of

6

this subdivision does not apply to any qualified taxpayer: (i) whose expenses for training or

7

retraining its employees exceeds two percent (2%) of these qualified taxpayer’s total payroll costs;

8

or (ii) whose median annual wage paid to its full-time equivalent employees is equal to or greater

9

than one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the average annual wage paid in this state by

10

employers to employees; or (iii), with respect to major groups 20 through 39 only, the average

11

annual wage paid to these qualified taxpayer’s full-time equivalent employees, classified as

12

production workers by the Rhode Island department of labor and training, is above the average

13

annual wage paid to the production workers of all these taxpayers in the state which share the same

14

two-digit SIC Code. At the election of a taxpayer, which is made at any time and in any manner

15

that may be determined by the tax administrator, the taxpayer’s ability in a particular fiscal year to

16

qualify as a qualified taxpayer may be based on the expenses and gross receipts of the taxpayer for

17

either the prior fiscal year or the immediately proceeding fiscal year rather than on the expenses

18

and gross receipts for that fiscal year. For purposes of this chapter, the director of the Rhode Island

19

human resource investment council shall certify as to legitimate training and retraining expenses in

20

accordance with the guidelines established in chapter 64.6 of title 42, and any rules and regulations

21

promulgated under this chapter. For purposes of this subsection, a “full-time equivalent employee”

22

means an employee who works a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week within the state or two

23

(2) part-time employees who together work a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week within the

24

state. For purposes of this subsection, the director of the Rhode Island department of labor and

25

training, upon receipt of an application from a qualified taxpayer, shall certify whether this

26

qualified taxpayer meets the requirement in subparagraph (v)(A) of this subdivision or is exempt

27

from this requirement because the median annual wage it pays its full-time equivalent employees

28

is equal to or greater than one hundred twenty-five (125%) percent of the average annual wage paid

29

in this state by employers to employees or, with respect to major groups 20 through 39 only, the

30

average annual wage paid to this qualified taxpayer’s full-time equivalent employees, classified as

31

production workers by the Rhode Island department of labor and training, is above the average

32

annual wage paid to the production workers of all these taxpayers in the state which share the same

33

two-digit SIC Code. The director of the Rhode Island department of labor and training shall

34

promulgate rules and regulations as required for the implementation of this requirement.

 

LC002072 - Page 48 of 60

1

     (5) To the extent otherwise allowable, the credit provided by paragraphs (3)(i) and (ii) of

2

this subsection are also allowed for the property having a situs in Rhode Island and used, however

3

acquired, by a property and casualty insurance company.

4

     (c) Subject to the provisions of subdivision (b)(3) of this section, a taxpayer is not allowed

5

a credit under subsection (a) of this section with respect to tangible personal property and other

6

tangible property, including buildings and structural components of buildings, which it leases to

7

any other person or corporation and is not allowed a credit under subsection (a) of this section with

8

respect to buildings and structural components of buildings it leases from any other person or

9

corporation. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, any contract or agreement to lease or rent

10

or for a license to use the property is considered a lease, unless a contract or agreement is treated

11

for federal income tax purposes as an installment purchase rather than a lease.

12

     (d) The credit allowed under this section for any taxable year does not reduce the tax due

13

for the year by more than fifty percent (50%) of the tax liability that would be payable, and further

14

in the case of corporations, to less than the minimum tax as prescribed in § 44-11-2(e); provided,

15

that in the case of the credit allowed to high performance manufacturers under subdivision (b)(3)

16

of this section, the fifty percent (50%) limitation shall not apply. If the amount of credit allowable

17

under this section for any taxable year is less than the amount of credit available to the taxpayer,

18

any amount of credit not deductible in the taxable year may be carried over to the following year

19

or years (not to exceed seven (7) years) and may be deducted from the taxpayer’s tax for the year

20

or years.

21

     (e) At the option of the taxpayer, air or water pollution control facilities which qualify for

22

elective amortization deduction may be treated as property principally used by the taxpayer in the

23

production of goods by manufacturing, processing, or assembling; provided, that if the property

24

qualifies under subsection (b) of this section, in which event, an amortization deduction is not

25

allowed.

26

     (f) With respect to property which is disposed of or ceases to be in qualified use prior to

27

the end of the taxable year in which the credit is to be taken, the amount of the credit shall be that

28

portion of the credit provided for in subsection (a) of this section, which represents the ratio which

29

the months of qualified use bear to the months of useful life. If property on which credit has been

30

taken is disposed of or ceases to be in qualified use prior to the end of its useful life, the difference

31

between the credit taken and the credit allowed for actual use must be added back in the year of

32

disposition. If this property is disposed of or ceases to be in qualified use after it has been in

33

qualified use for more than twelve (12) consecutive years, it is not necessary to add back the credit

34

as provided in this subsection. A credit allowed to a qualified taxpayer is not recaptured merely

 

LC002072 - Page 49 of 60

1

because the taxpayer subsequently fails to retain the classification as a qualified taxpayer. The

2

amount of credit allowed for actual use shall be determined by multiplying the original credit by

3

the ratio, which the months of qualified use bear to the months of useful life. For purposes of this

4

subsection, “useful life of property” is the same as the taxpayer (or in the case of property acquired

5

by lease, the owner of the property) uses for depreciation purposes when computing his or her

6

federal income tax liability. Comparable rules are used in the case of property acquired by lease to

7

determine the amount of credit, if any, that will be recaptured if the lease terminates prematurely

8

or if the property covered by the lease otherwise fails to be in qualified use.

9

     (g) The credit allowed under this section is only allowed against the tax of that corporation

10

included in a consolidated return that qualifies for the credit and not against the tax of other

11

corporations that may join in the filing of a consolidated tax return.

12

     SECTION 11. Sections 44-32-2 and 44-32-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-32 entitled

13

"Elective Deduction for Research and Development Facilities" are hereby amended to read as

14

follows:

15

     44-32-2. Credit for research and development property acquired, constructed, or

16

reconstructed or erected after July 1, 1994.

17

     (a) A taxpayer shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed by chapters 11, or 17, or

18

30 of this title. The amount of the credit shall be ten percent (10%) of the cost or other basis for

19

federal income tax purposes of tangible personal property, and other tangible property, including

20

buildings and structural components of buildings, described in subsection (b) of this section;

21

acquired, constructed or reconstructed, or erected after July 1, 1994.

22

     (b) A credit shall be allowed under this section with respect to tangible personal property

23

and other tangible property, including buildings and structural components of buildings which are:

24

depreciable pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 167 or recovery property with respect to which a deduction is

25

allowable under 26 U.S.C. § 168, have a useful life of three (3) years or more, are acquired by

26

purchase as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 179(d), have a situs in this state and are used principally for

27

purposes of research and development in the experimental or laboratory sense which shall also

28

include property used by property and casualty insurance companies for research and development

29

into methods and ways of preventing or reducing losses from fire and other perils. The credit shall

30

be allowable in the year the property is first placed in service by the taxpayer, which is the year in

31

which, under the taxpayer’s depreciation practice, the period for depreciation with respect to the

32

property begins, or the year in which the property is placed in a condition or state of readiness and

33

availability for a specifically assigned function, whichever is earlier. These purposes shall not be

34

deemed to include the ordinary testing or inspection of materials or products for quality control,

 

LC002072 - Page 50 of 60

1

efficiency surveys, management studies, consumer surveys, advertising, promotions, or research in

2

connection with literary, historical or similar projects.

3

     (c) A taxpayer shall not be allowed a credit under this section with respect to any property

4

described in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, if a deduction is taken for the property under §

5

44-32-1.

6

     (d) A taxpayer shall not be allowed a credit under this section with respect to tangible

7

personal property and other tangible property, including buildings and structural components of

8

buildings, which it leases to any other person or corporation. For purposes of the preceding

9

sentence, any contract or agreement to lease or rent or for a license to use the property is considered

10

a lease.

11

     (e) The credit allowed under this section for any taxable year does not reduce the tax due

12

for that year, in the case of corporations, to less than the minimum fixed by § 44-11-2(e). If the

13

amount of credit allowable under this section for any taxable year is less than the amount of credit

14

available to the taxpayer, any amount of credit not credited in that taxable year may be carried over

15

to the following year or years, up to a maximum of seven (7) years, and may be credited against

16

the taxpayer’s tax for the following year or years. For purposes of chapter 30 of this title, if the

17

credit allowed under this section for any taxable year exceeds the taxpayer’s tax for that year, the

18

amount of credit not credited in that taxable year may be carried over to the following year or years,

19

up to a maximum of seven (7) years, and may be credited against the taxpayer’s tax for the

20

following year or years.

21

     (f)(1) With respect to property which is depreciable pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 167 and which

22

is disposed of or ceases to be in qualified use prior to the end of the taxable year in which the credit

23

is to be taken, the amount of the credit is that portion of the credit provided for in this section which

24

represents the ratio which the months of qualified use bear to the months of useful life. If property

25

on which credit has been taken is disposed of or ceases to be in qualified use prior to the end of its

26

useful life, the difference between the credit taken and the credit allowed for actual use must be

27

added back in the year of disposition. If the property is disposed of or ceases to be in qualified use

28

after it has been in qualified use for more than twelve (12) consecutive years, it is not necessary to

29

add back the credit as provided in this subdivision. The amount of credit allowed for actual use is

30

determined by multiplying the original credit by the ratio which the months of qualified use bear

31

to the months of useful life. For purposes of this subdivision, “useful life of property” is the same

32

as the taxpayer uses for depreciation purposes when computing his federal income tax liability.

33

     (2) Except with respect to that property to which subdivision (3) of this subsection applies,

34

with respect to three (3) year property, as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 168(c), which is disposed of or

 

LC002072 - Page 51 of 60

1

ceases to be in qualified use prior to the end of the taxable year in which the credit is to be taken,

2

the amount of the credit shall be that portion of the credit provided for in this section which

3

represents the ratio which the months of qualified use bear to thirty-six (36). If property on which

4

credit has been taken is disposed of or ceases to be in qualified use prior to the end of thirty-six

5

(36) months, the difference between the credit taken and the credit allowed for actual use must be

6

added back in the year of disposition. The amount of credit allowed for actual use is determined by

7

multiplying the original credit by the ratio that the months of qualified use bear to thirty-six (36).

8

     (3) With respect to any recovery property to which 26 U.S.C. § 168 applies, which is a

9

building or a structural component of a building and which is disposed of or ceases to be in qualified

10

use prior to the end of the taxable year in which the credit is to be taken, the amount of the credit

11

is that portion of the credit provided for in this section which represents the ratio which the months

12

of qualified use bear to the total number of months over which the taxpayer chooses to deduct the

13

property under 26 U.S.C. § 168. If property on which credit has been taken is disposed of or ceases

14

to be in qualified use prior to the end of the period over which the taxpayer chooses to deduct the

15

property under 26 U.S.C. § 168, the difference between the credit taken and the credit allowed for

16

actual use must be added back in the year of disposition. If the property is disposed of or ceases to

17

be in qualified use after it has been in qualified use for more than twelve (12) consecutive years, it

18

is not necessary to add back the credit as provided in this subdivision. The amount of credit allowed

19

for actual use is determined by multiplying the original credit by the ratio that the months of

20

qualified use bear to the total number of months over which the taxpayer chooses to deduct the

21

property under 26 U.S.C. § 168.

22

     (g) No deduction for research and development facilities under § 44-32-1 shall be allowed

23

for research and development property for which the credit is allowed under this section.

24

     (h) No investment tax credit under § 44-31-1 shall be allowed for research and development

25

property for which the credit is allowed under this section.

26

     (i) The investment tax credit allowed by § 44-31-1 shall be taken into account before the

27

credit allowed under this section.

28

     (j) The credit allowed under this section only allowed against the tax of that corporation

29

included in a consolidated return that qualifies for the credit and not against the tax of other

30

corporations that may join in the filing of a consolidated return.

31

     (k) In the event that the taxpayer is a partnership, joint venture or small business

32

corporation, the credit shall be divided in the same manner as income.

33

     44-32-3. Credit for qualified research expenses.

34

     (a) A taxpayer shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed by chapters 11, or 17 or 30

 

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1

of this title. The amount of the credit shall be five percent (5%)(and in the case of amounts paid or

2

accrued after January 1, 1998, twenty-two and one-half percent (22.5%) for the first twenty-five

3

thousand dollars ($25,000) worth of credit and sixteen and nine-tenths percent (16.9%) for the

4

amount of credit above twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)) of the excess, if any, of:

5

     (1) The qualified research expenses for the taxable year, over

6

     (2) The base period research expenses.

7

     (b)(1) “Qualified research expenses” and “base period research expenses” have the same

8

meaning as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 41; provided, that the expenses have been incurred in this state

9

after July 1, 1994.

10

     (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, “qualified research

11

expenses” also includes amounts expended for research by property and casualty insurance

12

companies into methods and ways of preventing or reducing losses from fire and other perils.

13

     (c) The credit allowed under this section for any taxable year shall not reduce the tax due

14

for that year by more than fifty percent (50%) of the tax liability that would be payable, and in the

15

case of corporations, to less than the minimum fixed by § 44-11-2(e). If the amount of credit

16

allowable under this section for any taxable year is less than the amount of credit available to the

17

taxpayer any amount of credit not credited in that taxable year may be carried over to the following

18

year or years, up to a maximum of seven (7) years, and may be credited against the taxpayer’s tax

19

for that year or years. For purposes of chapter 30 of this title, if the credit allowed under this section

20

for any taxable year exceeds the taxpayer’s tax for that year, the amount of credit not credited in

21

that taxable year may be carried over to the following year or years, up to a maximum of seven (7)

22

years, and may be credited against the taxpayer’s tax for that year or years. For purposes of

23

determining the order in which carry-overs are taken into consideration, the credit allowed by § 44-

24

32-2 is taken into account before the credit allowed under this section.

25

     (d) The investment tax credit allowed by § 44-31-1 shall be taken into account before the

26

credit allowed under this section.

27

     (e) The credit allowed under this section shall only be allowed against the tax of that

28

corporation included in a consolidated return that qualifies for the credit and not against the tax of

29

other corporations that may join in the filing of a consolidated return.

30

     (f) In the event the taxpayer is a partnership, joint venture or small business corporation,

31

the credit is divided in the same manner as income.

32

     SECTION 12. Section 44-39.1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-39.1 entitled

33

"Employment Tax Credit" is hereby amended to read as follows:

34

     44-39.1-2. Credit provisions.

 

LC002072 - Page 53 of 60

1

     (a) The credit is not refundable but may be applied against the tax liability imposed against

2

a taxpayer pursuant to chapters 11, 13, 14, 15, and 17 and 30 of this title.

3

     (b) The credit allowed under this chapter for any taxable year shall not reduce the tax due

4

for that year to less than one hundred dollars ($100). Any amount of credit not deductible in that

5

taxable year may not be carried over to the following year. This credit may not be applied against

6

the tax until all other credits available to this taxpayer for that taxable year have been applied.

7

     (c) In the event that the employer is a partnership, joint venture, or small business

8

corporation, the credit shall be divided in the manner as income.

9

     (d) In the event that the taxpayer is liable for taxes imposed under both chapters 14 and 15

10

of this title, the taxpayer must elect the tax against which it wishes to claim credit. This election

11

shall be made as part of the taxpayer’s filings in accordance with §§ 44-14-6 and 44-15-5. The

12

taxpayer may not divide the credit for any year between the two (2) tax liabilities for which it is

13

liable.

14

     SECTION 13. Sections 44-46-1 and 44-46-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-46 entitled

15

"Adult Education Tax Credit" are hereby amended to read as follows:

16

     44-46-1. Adult education tax credit.

17

     A taxpayer who is an employer shall be allowed a credit, to be computed as provided in

18

this chapter, against the tax imposed by chapters 11, 13, 14, 15, and 17 and 30 of this title. The

19

amount of the credit shall be fifty percent (50%) of the costs incurred solely and directly for non-

20

worksite or worksite-based adult education programs as defined in § 44-46-2.

21

     44-46-3. Credits.

22

     An employer shall be allowed a credit as provided in § 44-46-1 up to a maximum credit of

23

three hundred dollars ($300) against taxes otherwise due under provisions of chapters 11, 13, 14,

24

15, and 17 and 30 of this title per paid employee. The employee must remain in the employ of the

25

business for a minimum period of thirteen (13) consecutive weeks, and a minimum of four hundred

26

and fifty-five (455) hours of paid employment before the employer can become eligible for the

27

income credit. The credit shall not reduce the tax under chapter 11 of this title to less than one

28

hundred dollars ($100). The credit is not refundable. Any amount of credit not deductible in that

29

taxable year may not be carried over to the following year. In the event that the employer is a

30

partnership, joint venture or small business corporation, the credit shall be divided in the same

31

manner as income. This credit may not be applied against the tax until all other credits available to

32

this taxpayer for the taxable year have been applied.

33

     SECTION 14. Section 44-47-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-47 entitled "Adult and

34

Child Day Care Assistance and Development Tax Credit" is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

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1

     44-47-1. Tax credit.

2

     (a) A taxpayer that pays for or provides adult or child day care services to its employees or

3

to the employees of its commercial tenants, or that provides real property or dedicates rental space

4

for child day care services, is allowed a credit, to be computed as provided in this chapter, against

5

the tax imposed by chapters 11 and 13, except § 44-13-13, and chapters 14, and 17, 30 of this title.

6

The amount of the credit shall be:

7

     (1) Thirty percent (30%) of the total amount expended in the state of Rhode Island during

8

the taxable year by a taxpayer for day care services purchased to provide care for the dependent

9

children or dependent adult family members of the taxpayer’s employees or employees of

10

commercial tenants of the taxpayer during the employees’ hours of employment;

11

     (2) Thirty percent (30%) of the total amount expended during the taxable year by a taxpayer

12

in the establishment and/or operation of a day care facility in the state of Rhode Island used

13

primarily by the dependent children of the taxpayer’s employees or employees of commercial

14

tenants of the taxpayer during the employees’ hours of employment;

15

     (3) Thirty percent (30%) of the total amount expended during the taxable year by a taxpayer

16

in conjunction with one or more other taxpayers for the establishment and/or operation of a day

17

care facility in the state of Rhode Island used primarily by the dependent children of the taxpayer’s

18

employees or employees of commercial tenants of the taxpayer during that employee’s hours of

19

employment;

20

     (4) Thirty percent (30%) of the total amount foregone in rent or lease payments related to

21

the dedication of rental or lease space to child day care services. The amount foregone shall be the

22

difference between fair market rental and actual rental.

23

     (b) No credit shall be allowed pursuant to this chapter unless the child day care facility is

24

licensed pursuant to chapter 72.1 of title 42, and agrees to accept children whose child care services

25

are paid for in full or in part by the Rhode Island department of human services; and/or the adult

26

day care facility is certified by the department of elderly affairs.

27

     SECTION 15. Section 44-57-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-57 entitled "Residential

28

Renewable Energy System Tax Credit" is hereby amended to read as follows:

29

     44-57-1. Tax credit for principal or secondary residence.

30

     (a) An eligible person, as defined in § 44-57-3, who shall pay all or part of the cost of an

31

eligible renewable energy system, as defined in § 44-57-4, which is installed in a dwelling, as

32

defined in § 44-57-2(13), shall be entitled to a tax credit against the tax liability imposed by chapters

33

chapter 11 and 30 of this title. The credit, which shall be nonrefundable, shall be computed in

34

accordance with § 44-57-5.

 

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1

     (b) The credit shall be claimed in the tax year in which the renewable energy system is

2

placed into service. The credit may be claimed in the tax year the renewable energy system is

3

purchased if the system is placed in service by April 1 of the following tax year.

4

     (c) Any credit not used in accordance with subsection (b) of this section shall not be carried

5

over to any following year or years. The tax credit shall not reduce the tax in any tax year below

6

the minimum tax where a minimum tax is provided by law.

7

     (d) In the event the eligible person is a partnership, joint venture, or corporation, the credit

8

shall be divided in the same manner as income.

9

     SECTION 16. Sections 44-30-19, 44-30-20, 44-30-21, 44-30-22, 44-30-23, 44-30-24, 44-

10

30-26, 44-30-27 and 44-30-37 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-30 entitled "Personal Income

11

Tax" are hereby repealed.

12

     44-30-19. Credit to trust beneficiary receiving accumulation distribution.

13

     (a) General. A resident beneficiary of a trust whose Rhode Island income includes all or

14

part of an accumulation distribution by the trust, as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 665, shall be allowed a

15

credit against the tax otherwise due under this chapter for all or a proportionate part of any tax paid

16

by the trust under this chapter for any preceding taxable year which would not have been payable

17

if the trust had in fact made distributions to its beneficiaries at the times and in the amounts specified

18

in 26 U.S.C. § 666.

19

     (b) Limitation. The credit under this section shall not reduce the tax otherwise due from

20

the beneficiary under this chapter to an amount less than would have been due if the accumulation

21

distribution or his or her part thereof were excluded from his or her Rhode Island income.

22

     44-30-20. Tax credit for installation costs to hydroelectric power developers —

23

Legislative findings and declaration of policy.

24

     (a) The general assembly recognizes and declares that because the worldwide supply of

25

fossil fuel and of other nonrenewable energy resources is limited, it is necessary to encourage the

26

utilization of renewable natural resources for the production of energy; that there are many existing

27

dams which could be retrofitted to generate hydroelectric power; and that a major factor inhibiting

28

the development of hydroelectric power generation is the presently higher capital costs for new

29

construction of hydro plants compared to conventional thermal systems.

30

     (b) It is the policy of this state to support and foster the development of hydropower

31

generating facilities by the establishment of tax incentives for those owners of existing dams who

32

install hydroelectric power generation equipment.

33

     44-30-21. Hydroelectric development tax credit — Definitions.

34

     For purposes of this chapter:

 

LC002072 - Page 56 of 60

1

     (1) “Existing dam” means any dam located in this state or immediately adjacent to it, the

2

construction of which was completed on or before May 20, 1981, and which does not require any

3

construction or enlargement of impoundment structures, other than repairs or reconstruction, in

4

connection with the installation of any small hydroelectric power project;

5

     (2) “Hydroelectric power developer” means any person or corporation who owns or leases

6

an existing dam and who installs hydroelectric power generation equipment and utilizes that

7

equipment to generate hydroelectric power;

8

     (3) “Installation costs” means all expenditures related to the design, construction,

9

installation, or repair of all facilities necessary for hydroelectric power production in this state;

10

     (4) “Small hydroelectric power production facility” means any hydroelectric power project

11

which is located in this state, which uses the water power potential of an existing dam, and which

12

has not more than fifteen thousand (15,000) kilowatts of installed capacity.

13

     44-30-22. Tax credit for installation costs.

14

     (a) A hydroelectric power developer will be allowed an income tax credit for the

15

installation costs of a small hydroelectric power production facility.

16

     (b) For the purposes of this section, a hydroelectric power developer shall be allowed a

17

non-refundable state income tax credit in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the installation costs

18

of a hydropower facility. This credit shall be limited to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000)

19

in expenditures for a maximum income tax credit of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). This income

20

tax credit shall be allowed as either a personal or a corporate income tax credit, depending on the

21

hydropower developer’s income tax filing status on the last day of his or her income tax filing

22

period; provided, that if the installation costs were incurred by a corporation, then a non-refundable

23

corporate income tax credit shall be allowed, and if installation costs were not incurred by a

24

corporation, then a non-refundable personal income tax credit shall be allowed. In no event shall

25

both a corporate and personal non-refundable income tax credit be allowed for installation costs at

26

a single dam site.

27

     44-30-23. Extended credits.

28

     If the allowable credit exceeds the taxes due on the developer’s income, the amount of the

29

claim not used as an offset against the income taxes of that taxable year may be carried forward as

30

a credit against subsequent income tax liability. The provision may not exceed five (5) years from

31

the tax year in which the first credit was applied.

32

     44-30-24. Tax credit for art.

33

     Upon presentation of written certification by the board of curators, an individual shall be

34

entitled to a tax credit. The tax credit shall be equal to ten percent (10%) of each one thousand

 

LC002072 - Page 57 of 60

1

dollars ($1,000) of the purchase price of the art up to a maximum purchase price of ten thousand

2

dollars ($10,000). Any amount of tax credit not deductible in the taxable year of certification may

3

not be carried over to the following year. The credit may not be applied until all other credits

4

available to the taxpayer for that taxable year are applied.

5

     44-30-26. Tax credit for surviving spouse.

6

     An individual who qualifies and files as a “surviving spouse” under the Internal Revenue

7

Code, applicable for the subject tax year, and who was domiciled in the state of Rhode Island for

8

the entire tax year and who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older and has an adjusted gross income

9

of less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) shall be entitled to a two percent (2%) tax credit

10

based on adjusted gross income, up to a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500). This credit is not

11

refundable, and is only available for the year in which it is claimed.

12

     44-30-27. Farm to school income tax credit.

13

     Upon presentation of written certification by a local education agency, an individual or

14

entity domiciled in the state for the entire tax year, shall be entitled to an income tax credit for the

15

purchase of produce grown in the state which shall be furnished or used in connection with that

16

individual’s or entity’s agreement to provide food, services or other products to a local education

17

agency. The income tax credit shall be equal to five percent (5%) of the cost of farm products grown

18

or produced in the state. Any amount of income tax credit not deductible in the taxable year of

19

certification may not be carried over to the following year. The credit may not be applied until all

20

other credits available to the taxpayer for that taxable year are applied.

21

     44-30-37. Credit to trust beneficiary receiving accumulation distribution.

22

     A nonresident beneficiary of a trust whose Rhode Island income includes all or part of an

23

accumulation distribution by the trust, as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 665, shall be allowed a credit

24

against the tax otherwise due under this chapter, computed in the same manner and subject to the

25

same limitation as provided by § 44-30-19 with respect to a resident beneficiary.

26

     SECTION 17. Section 44-43-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-43 entitled "Tax

27

Incentives for Capital Investment in Small Businesses" is hereby repealed.

28

     44-43-3. Wage credit.

29

     (a) There shall be allocated among the entrepreneurs of a qualifying business entity (based

30

on the ratio of each entrepreneur’s interest in the entity to the total interest held by all entrepreneurs)

31

with respect to each entity on an annual basis commencing with the calendar year in which the

32

entity first qualified as a qualifying business entity a credit against the tax imposed by chapter 30

33

of this title. The credit shall be equal to three percent (3%) of the wages (as defined in 26 U.S.C. §

34

3121(a)) in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) paid during each calendar year to employees

 

LC002072 - Page 58 of 60

1

of the entity; provided, that there shall be excluded from the amount on which the credit is based

2

any wages:

3

     (1) Paid to any owner of the entity;

4

     (2) Paid more than five (5) years after the entity commenced business or five (5) years after

5

the purchase of the business entity by new owners, whichever occurs later; or

6

     (3) Paid to employees who are not principally employed in Rhode Island and whose wages

7

are not subject to withholding pursuant to chapter 30 of this title.

8

     (b) The credit authorized by this section shall cease in the taxable year next following after

9

the taxable year in which the average annual gross revenue of the business entity equals or exceeds

10

one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000).

11

     SECTION 18. Chapter 7-1.2 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Business

12

Corporation Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

13

     7-1.2-1805. Confirmation of state fees and taxes.

14

     (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, when any section of this

15

chapter refers to state fees and/or taxes paid, the division of taxation is authorized to respond and

16

share tax information with the secretary of state's office in response to a request from that office

17

regarding an entity's tax status as compliant or noncompliant.

18

     (b) If the secretary of state's office receives notice from the division of taxation that the

19

corporation has failed to pay any fees or taxes due to this state, the secretary of state shall initiate

20

revocation proceedings in accordance with the provisions of §§ 7-1.2-1310 or 7-1.2-1414.

21

     (c) The notice of revocation may state as the basis for revocation that the taxpayer failed

22

to pay state fees and/or taxes to the division of taxation. However, the secretary of state's office

23

shall otherwise protect all state and federal tax information in its custody as required by § 44-11-

24

26.1 and refrain from disclosing any other specific tax information.

25

     (d) For filings remitted and recorded in accordance with any section of this chapter between

26

July 1, 2020 and the effective date of this section that refer to state fees and/or taxes paid, the

27

secretary of state's office may request from the division of taxation a determination as to whether

28

all state taxes and fees were paid as outlined in subsection (a) of this section. If the secretary of

29

state's office receives notice from the division of taxation that the corporation has failed to pay any

30

fees or taxes due to this state, the secretary of state shall begin revocation proceedings in accordance

31

with subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

32

     SECTION 19. Chapter 7-16 of the General Laws entitled "The Rhode Island Limited-

33

Liability Company Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

34

     7-16-77. Confirmation of state fees and taxes.

 

LC002072 - Page 59 of 60

1

     (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, when any section of this

2

chapter refers to state fees and/or taxes paid, the division of taxation is authorized to respond and

3

share tax information with the secretary of state's office in response to a request from that office

4

regarding an entity's tax status as compliant or noncompliant.

5

     (b) If the secretary of state's office receives notice from the division of taxation that the

6

limited-liability company has failed to pay any fees or taxes due to this state, the secretary of state

7

shall begin revocation proceedings in accordance with the provisions of § 7-16-41.

8

     (c) The notice of revocation may state as the basis for revocation that the taxpayer failed

9

to pay state fees and/or taxes to the division of taxation. However, the secretary of state's office

10

shall otherwise protect all state and federal tax information in its custody as required by § 7-16-

11

67.1 and refrain from disclosing any other specific tax information.

12

     (d) For filings remitted and recorded in accordance with any section of this chapter between

13

July 1, 2020 and the effective date of this section that refer to state fees and/or taxes paid, the

14

secretary of state's office may request from the division of taxation a determination as to whether

15

all state taxes and fees were paid as outlined in subsection (a) of this section. If the secretary of

16

state's office receives notice from the division of taxation that the limited-liability company has

17

failed to pay any fees or taxes due to this state, the secretary of state shall begin revocation

18

proceedings in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

19

     SECTION 20. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC002072

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LC002072 - Page 60 of 60

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE

ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT

***

1

     This act would make numerous technical amendments to the statutes on taxes and

2

corporations, associations and partnerships.

3

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002072

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LC002072 - Page 61 of 60