HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIN 2018-08-21 Item 2A - Discussion - Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax RevenueJoiLA' N
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Finance Committee
FROM: Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: August 14, 2018
SUBJECT: Business & Occupation (B&O) Tax Next Steps
ISSUE
Following Committee guidance at the July 17, 2018 Finance Committee meeting, staff has the
following goals for this agenda item:
• Continue discussion with the Committee of the desirability of, and timeline for, enacting a
Business and Occupation tax;
• Report on the first stages of business outreach
•Review preliminary draft legislation; and
• Discuss alternative options for closing the budget gap.
BACKGROUND
Sales tax revenue has not grown in the past two years at the rate anticipated or budgeted.
Additionally, the State's sales tax mitigation payments of approximately $1.1 million annually will
cease in 2019, based on a decision by the state legislature. These two revenue shortfalls have
the potential to create a more than $2 million annual budget gap. This budget gap was discussed
with the Finance Committee in February through May in connection with the Public Safety Plan
financing.
The Administration has directed departments to underspend by 3% in 2018 in order to meet the
revenue shortfall, as well as identify 3% reductions for the next biennium. While the budget will
continue to increase due to contractual obligations, it will not rise as quickly were these reductions
not implemented. In addition, the City is transitioning to Priority Based Budgeting (PBB), which
may help the Administration and Council identify other opportunities for expenditure reductions
as the budget process progresses. However, from what we know today, without adding new
revenue in 2019 the City will have to reduce service levels.
Additional opportunities to better align revenues and expenditures include:
• Establish a B&O tax, which could generate between $700K - $3 million
• Increase the gambling tax rate by 1% - 5%,generating between $380K - $1.9 million
• Transportation Benefit District car tabs, which would provide $200K to $500K annually to
transportation -related projects
• Increase other tax rates to the extent allowed without voter approval
• Reduce General Fund operational expenditures across-the-board at a higher percentage
than 3%
• Reduce the General Fund contribution to the CIP by $500,000 annually
The B&O tax provides the greatest potential additional revenue, better diversifying and stabilizing
the city's revenues. B&O Tax rates are calculated on gross receipts multiplied by the tax rate set
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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by government. The rate can be set at 0.2% or lower. For example, a business with gross revenue
of $1 million would pay $2,000 per year.
At the July 17, 2018 Finance Committee meeting, staff was asked to return to Committee with
information on the outreach efforts, draft legislation and the following:
1. Can more business sectors be used in addition to the standard four — retail, wholesale,
service and manufacturing?
Per a telephone conversation with the Department of Revenue on 8/9/18, multiple sectors can be
used each with a unique rate. A list of the State's B&O classifications is attached to this
memorandum.
2. What is the logic used by other Cities in setting B&O tax rates?
In the City of Kent, rates were set to encourage retail and manufacturing, not services and
warehouses. In Renton, all rates are the same except retail which is lower to encourage retail
development and activity.
3. What are the service impacts from different sectors?
Of the four standard B&O sectors — retail, wholesale, services and manufacturing-- the retail
sector receives the highest calls for service by both the Fire Department and the Police
Department. However, it should be noted that the retail sector also generates the highest tax
amount for the City and also has high foot traffic when compared to the other standard B&O
sectors.
4. Why are we considering a B&O tax and how would the money fund City services?
As mentioned above, sales tax revenue has not grown in the past two years at the rate anticipated
or budgeted. Additionally, the State's sales tax mitigation payments of approximately $1.1 million
annually will cease in 2019 based on a decision by the state legislature. These two revenue
shortfalls have the potential to create a more than $2 million annual budget gap. While the
Administration is proposing reductions, without additional revenues the City would need to reduce
services.
The additional revenue from a B&O tax would allow the current level of service to be maintained,
including several police officers added over the past seven years. Additionally, the revenue would
allow for continued investment in infrastructure including street overlay and bridge inspections.
DISCUSSION
Outreach
The City has had some preliminary meetings with Westfield Southcenter and the Seattle
Southside Chamber of Commerce to discuss a potential B&O tax and to discuss the overall
budget situation of the City. These meetings were intended to help in the creation of an overall
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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outreach strategy (see "DRAFT Potential B&O Implementation Communication Plan, attached to
this memo).
The proposed communications plan is comprehensive. If the City decides to implement a B&O
beginning January 1, 2019, the communications plan would need to be streamlined. Some
businesses may see a January 1, 2019 implementation date as a burden as many businesses
develop budgets in advance of the beginning of the year. Finding the right balance of an
implementation date that meets the City's needs and allows for adequate outreach will be
important.
Preliminary Draft Ordinances
The draft ordinance to implement a B&O is based on the model ordinance produced by the
Association of Washington Cities (AWC). When reviewing the ordinance, keep in mind there are
elements that are mandatory. Notes are included on the draft as comments. They highlight
Council decision points.
The Administrative draft code is provided as a separate chapter and is not included in the B&O
ordinance. This code can remain as a separate chapter or be incorporated into the B&O tax
chapter. By establishing the Administrative code separately for the B&O, the groundwork would
be laid for the City to include administrative code for all taxes in one administrative code chapter
making it easy to reference filing requirements, payment methods, and penalty rates, and
promotes cohesive practices.
Other Revenue Options
Adoption of a B&O tax, along with the previously discussed reductions in expenditures being
proposed for the 2019/2020 budget, could close the budget gap created by the flattening sales
tax and the discontinuation of the sales tax mitigation revenue and allow the City to provide its
current level of service. Further, and importantly, adoption of this tax would better diversify and
stabilize revenues, which would benefit the City long term. Additional revenue could reach $3
million or more. However, implementing a new tax is time consuming and requires significant
education and outreach to the business community.
Should the Council choose to consider other options, raising the Business License fee, in
coordination with increases in other fees and taxes, could generate the goal of $2 million
additional revenue. For example, the 2018 budget for business license revenue is $2.4 million
and the City is on track to collect that and more in 2018. The current business license fee is $70
per full time employee or $35 per part time employee. If the fee were raised to $112 per full time
employee and $56 per part time employee, an additional $1.5 million could be generated. In
comparison, the business license fee for the City of Kirkland is $105 per FTE and $112 for
Redmond — neither city has a B&O tax. Raising the City's fee would bring it in line with these
rates. Another option that has been discussed is raising the gambling tax. If it were raised by 1 %
to 11% - the same rate charged by the City of Kent and in King County's unincorporated areas -
almost $400,000 could be generated in additional revenue.
Revised Proposed Timeline
If the best option is a B&O tax, the schedule below more realistically estimates the implementation
timeframe. The City of Renton used one year to implement. The City of Shoreline hired a tax
accountant effective January 1, 2018 for a January 1, 2019 B&O tax implementation date — thus
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 4
also a year of implementation time. The City of Kent implemented on a shorter time line but
advises against this. The proposed 10-month timeline that, while aggressive, meets the City's
needs to align revenues with expenditures while maintaining high service levels.
REVISED PROPOSED TIMELINE:
Timeframe
Action Item
By Whom
July and August, 2018
Outreach to Seattle Southside Chamber of
Commerce and Westfield Southcenter Mall
Staff
August 21, 2018 Finance
Committee Meeting
Review and discuss revised implementation
schedule, outreach and revenue options.
Finance Committee
September — December
2018
Continued outreach to business community on
B&O tax or increasing existing revenue — see the
Communication Plan attached to this memo.
Council decision to institute a B&O tax or pursue
other revenue options
Staff
Finance Committee
Full City Council
January — June, 2019
• Conduct outreach and education - see the
Communications Plan attached to this
memo
• Research requirements and strategies
• Recruit for a tax accountant if warranted
based on Council decision
• Secure/establish a taxpayer payment portal
• Establish policy and procedures
• Present status updates and solicit policy
decisions from City Council
• Ensure required legislation is enacted
Staff
Finance Committee
Full City Council
July 1, 2020
Effective date of legislation
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee is being asked to provide direction on the next steps that should be undertaken,
if any, to establish and institute a Business & Occupation tax for the City and provide input on
the draft communications plan
ATTACHMENTS
Proposed communications Plan
Preliminary draft Business & Occupation tax ordinance
Preliminary draft Tax Administration ordinance
AWC Local Business (B&O) Tax Rates, Effective January 1, 2018
State of Washington B&O tax rates
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DRAFT Potential B&O Implementation
Communications Plan
Key Messages
The City of Tukwila is committed to developing and adopting a fiscally -sound, balanced
2019/2020 biennial budget.
• The Mayor will formally present his budget to the City Council on Monday, October 1,
following Council review of each departments' preliminary budget during August and
September committee meetings.
• The City Council will deliberate on the Mayor's budget and ultimately pass a balanced
budget prior to the end of the year.
The City's ongoing revenues are not keeping up with ongoing expenditures due to a number
of factors.
• As a matter of course, more than one-third of the City's overall revenues come from
sales tax, but sales tax growth has flattened and not keeping pace with the cost of
ongoing expenditures.
• On top of this, the State funding of sales tax mitigation, which was established to
compensate cities like Tukwila hard-hit by the change to destination -based sales tax, will
end by 2020, resulting in a $2 million shortfall to the 2019/2020 biennium.
• All governments are limited as to what revenues are available, and property tax
increases are restricted to 1% annually, leaving little tools to address the natural rise in
the cost of delivering general government services.
Tukwila's proven performance history of financial management and policies ensures a good
foundation for the upcoming biennial budget.
• The City is exploring all available tools to continue to provide a high level of services for
the broader Tukwila community.
• The City enjoys a strong bond rating of AA by S&P, which was just affirmed in mi-July
due to its "very strong financial management and policies."
The City is exploring a two -pronged approach to address the 2019/2020 budget shortfall that
includes identifying both potential expenditure reductions, as well as additional revenue tools.
• Departments have been asked to undergo an exercise to determine options available to
the city utilizing a 5% underspend in 2019 and 2020.
• The City is also exploring revenue options, including ensuring that taxes and fees are in
line with regional standards, as well sustainable revenue options such as a Business and
Occupation Tax (B&O) on large businesses.
DRAFT B&O Implementation Communications PlanIIII
5
The City is only exploring a B&O on large businesses with gross receipts in excess of $250,000.
o Small businesses would not be affected by the B&O.
o The City has the flexibility to set different rates for different classifications, which may
be explored.
o Tukwila is learning from the great work done by cities who have implemented — some
of which very recently— B&O taxes focused on larger businesses, such as Kent, Renton
and Shoreline.
56% of the City's general fund goes to public safety and infrastructure, which support our
business community.
• The City spends nearly $19 million a year in police services; xx% of calls for services are
in the City's commercial areas.
• The Tukwila Fire Department has earned a Washington State Surveying and Rating
Bureau rating of 3, which allows Tukwila property owners a better insurance record; of
600 fire departments in Washington State, only 35 rate as a3 or above.
• Tukwila has a long history of funding critical infrastructure to support the City's
commercial core; visible — such as roads — and hidden — such as water and sewers — are
regularly maintained in order to support the business and residential community.
• Investing in ongoing public works maintenance has been shown to reduce overall cost
by extending life of roads and critical infrastructure.
The Administration and Council are genuinely committed to a cooperative approach for this
effort, which includes input and ideas from the community, staff and other stakeholders.
• The City will be transparent in all of its decision -making, and steadfast in providing
ongoing, comprehensive communications regarding the budget as it is developed and
deliberated.
• City staff are actively outreaching to the business community to discuss potential service
reductions, revenue options and to better understand what a proposed B&O on large
businesses would mean to the business community.
External Communications Strategy
Goals:
• Undergo outreach to a variety of stakeholders that may be affected by a potential B&O
tax.
• Use this opportunity as a way to educate Tukwila's business community on the City's
budget, revenue limitations and provision of City services.
• Solicit ideas for other revenue sources, how a B&O could be structured and what any
implementation would look like.
• Utilize critical influencers to assist in disseminating outreach.
DRAFT B&O Implementation Communications PlanEl
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Vehicles:
• Partner with both Andrea Reay from Seattle Southside and Becky Smith from Westfield
Southcenter to leverage their relationships within Tukwila's business community to
achieve the most successful outreach. Each will be asked to facilitate meetings in order
for City Staff to reach the broadest stakeholder group.
• One-on-one or small group meetings with the following individuals and companies:
o Mike Hansen, Sabey o Red Dot
o Mark Segale, Segale o Fatigue Technologies
Properties o Seattle Chocolate
o Boeing o Baker Commodities
o Costco o Continental Mills
o Wig Family o Panzenella
o Regency o Industrial Revolution
o Clarion o Other Businesses Identified
o Omar and Christine Lee in meetings with businesses.
o Doubletree
• Small Group Meetings with businesses.
• Use the opportunity to attend boards and commissions meetings, TIBAC, etc. to educate
residents on the B&O and the fact that it would only apply to large businesses.
• The City will produce the following collateral for this effort:
o Slide deck, no more than 10 slides
o Two -pager (front/back) leave behind with an FAQ
o Web page presence; narrated slide deck and leave behind posted
o Single point email for questions
• Should Council deliberate on this topic, staff will ensure stakeholders are well -aware of
opportunities to weigh in at public meetings.
Metrics:
• Meetings held with everyone identified above that was interested in the topic.
• Staff presentation at boards and commissions, TIBAC and other organizations as
possible.
• Materials are developed and disseminated.
• Members of the business community feel part of the process and decision making, even
if unhappy with final decision.
DRAFT B&O Implementation Communications PlanEl
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON; AMENDING TUKWILA
MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 3 "REVENUE AND FINANCE",
IMPOSING A BUSINESS AND OCCUPATION TAX AND
ADOPTING A NEW CHAPTER 3.XX ENTITLED "BUSINESS
AND OCCUPATION TAX CODE"; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, State law authorizes municipalities to impose a Business and Occupation
tax on business activities within the City; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, the Legislature passed EHB 2030 (RCW Chapter 35.102),
establishing a more uniform system of City business and occupation taxes through
mandatory adoption of a model Business and Occupation tax ordinance and subsequently
updated the model in 2012; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Tukwila has considered the City's
anticipated structural budget gap; and
WHEREAS, the City has implemented program cuts and Priority Based Budgeting to
address expenditures; and
WHEREAS, financial forecasts of the General Fund nevertheless project a budgetary
gap due to the elimination of sales tax mitigation payments in 2020 and the
underperformance of other revenue sources;
WHEREAS, the Council wishes to adopt a Business and Occupation Tax Code in
compliance with RCW Chapter 35.102 and the model ordinance;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Title III "Revenue and Finance" of the Tukwila Municipal Code is
hereby amended to add a new Chapter XXX, entitled "Business and Occupation Tax
Code" to read as follows:
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 1 of 23
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Section 2. Section Title.
.010 Purpose. This chapter implements Washington Constitution Article XI, Section 12
and RCW 35A.82.020 and 35A.11.020, which give municipalities the authority to license
for revenue. In the absence of a legal or constitutional prohibition, municipalities have
the power to define taxation categories as they see fit in order to respond to the unique
concerns and responsibilities of local government.
.020 Exercise of revenue license power. The provisions of this chapter shall be
deemed an exercise of the power of the City to license for revenue. The provisions of
this chapter are subject to periodic statutory or administrative rule changes or judicial
interpretations of the ordinances or rules. The responsibility rests with the licensee or
taxpayer to reconfirm tax computation procedures and remain in compliance with the
City code.
.025 Adoption by reference. Where provisions of the Revised Code of Washington
(RCW) are adopted or incorporated by reference in this chapter, the adoption or
incorporation shall be deemed to refer to the provision as it now exists or as it may be
hereafter amended.
.028 Administrative Provisions. The administrative provisions contained in
chapter shall be fully applicable to the provisions of this chapter except as
expressly stated to the contrary herein.
.030 Definitions. In construing the provisions of this chapter, the following definitions
shall be applied. Words in the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural
shall include the singular.
A. "Administrator" shall mean the Finance Director or designee, unless otherwise
specified.
B. "Business. " "Business" includes all activities engaged in with the object of gain,
benefit, or advantage to the taxpayer or to another person or class, directly or
indirectly.
C. "Business and occupation tax." "Business and occupation tax" or "gross
receipts tax" means a tax imposed on or measured by the value of products, the
gross income of the business, or the gross proceeds of sales, as the case may be,
and that is the legal liability of the business.
D. "Commercial or industrial use." "Commercial or industrial use" means the
following uses of products, including by-products, by the extractor or manufacturer
thereof:
1. Any use as a consumer; and
2. The manufacturing of articles, substances or commodities;
E. "Delivery" means the transfer of possession of tangible personal property between
the seller and the buyer or the buyer's representative. Delivery to an employee of
a buyer is considered delivery to the buyer. Transfer of possession of tangible
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personal property occurs when the buyer or the buyer's representative first takes
physical control of the property or exercises dominion and control over the
property. Dominion and control means the buyer has the ability to put the property
to the buyer's own purposes. It means the buyer or the buyer's representative has
made the final decision to accept or reject the property, and the seller has no
further right to possession of the property and the buyer has no right to return the
property to the seller, other than under a warranty contract. A buyer does not
exercise dominion and control over tangible personal property merely by arranging
for shipment of the property from the seller to itself. A buyer's representative is a
person, other than an employee of the buyer, who is authorized in writing by the
buyer to receive tangible personal property and take dominion and control by
making the final decision to accept or reject the property. Neither a shipping
company nor a seller can serve as a buyer's representative. It is immaterial where
the contract of sale is negotiated or where the buyer obtains title to the property.
Delivery terms and other provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (Title 62A
RCW) do not determine when or where delivery of tangible personal property
occurs for purposes of taxation.
F. "Digital automated service," "digital code," and "digital goods" have the same
meaning as in RCW 82.04.192.
G. "Digital products" means digital goods, digital codes, digital automated services,
and the services described in RCW 82.04.050(2)(g) and (6)(b).
H. "Eligible gross receipts tax." The term "eligible gross receipts tax" means a tax
which:
1. Is imposed on the act or privilege of engaging in business activities within
section .050; and
2. Is measured by the gross volume of business, in terms of gross receipts and
is not an income tax or value added tax; and
3. Is not, pursuant to law or custom, separately stated from the sales price;
and
4. Is not a sales or use tax, business license fee, franchise fee, royalty or
severance tax measured by volume or weight, or concession charge, or
payment for the use and enjoyment of property, property right or a privilege;
and
5. Is a tax imposed by a local jurisdiction, whether within or without the State of
Washington, and not by a Country, State, Province, or any other non -local
jurisdiction above the County level.
I. "Engaging in business" -
1. The term "engaging in business" means commencing, conducting, or
continuing in business, and also the exercise of corporate or franchise
powers, as well as liquidating a business when the liquidators thereof hold
themselves out to the public as conducting such business.
2. This section sets forth examples of activities that constitute engaging in
business in the City, and establishes safe harbors for certain of those
activities so that a person who meets the criteria may engage in de minimus
business activities in the City without having to register and obtain a
business license or pay City business and occupation taxes. The activities
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 3 of 23
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listed in this section are illustrative only and are not intended to narrow the
definition of "engaging in business" in subsection (1). If an activity is not
listed, whether it constitutes engaging in business in the City shall be
determined by considering all the facts and circumstances and applicable
law.
3. Without being all-inclusive, any one of the following activities conducted
within the City by a person, or its employee, agent, representative,
independent contractor, broker or another acting on its behalf constitutes
engaging in business and requires a person to register and obtain a
business license.
(a) Owning, renting, leasing, maintaining, or having the right to use, or
using, tangible personal property, intangible personal property, or
real property permanently or temporarily located in the City.
(b) Owning, renting, leasing, using, or maintaining, an office, place of
business, or other establishment in the City.
(c) Soliciting sales.
(d) Making repairs or providing maintenance or service to real or
tangible personal property, including warranty work and
property maintenance.
(e) Providing technical assistance or service, including quality
control, product inspections, warranty work, or similar
services on or in connection with tangible personal property
sold by the person or on its behalf.
(f) Installing, constructing, or supervising installation or
construction of, real or tangible personal property.
(g) Soliciting, negotiating, or approving franchise, license, or
other similar agreements.
(h) Collecting current or delinquent accounts.
(i) Picking up and transporting tangible personal property, solid waste,
construction debris, or excavated materials.
(j) Providing disinfecting and pest control services, employment and
labor pool services, home nursing care, janitorial services,
appraising, landscape architectural services, security system
services, surveying, and real estate services including the listing of
homes and managing real property.
(k) Rendering professional services such as those provided by
accountants, architects, attorneys, auctioneers, consultants,
engineers, professional athletes, barbers, baseball clubs and other
sports organizations, chemists, consultants, psychologists, court
reporters, dentists, doctors, detectives, laboratory operators,
teachers, veterinarians.
(I) Meeting with customers or potential customers, even when
no sales or orders are solicited at the meetings.
(m) Training or recruiting agents, representatives, independent
contractors, brokers or others, domiciled or operating on a job in
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the City, acting on its behalf, or for customers or potential
customers.
(n) Investigating, resolving, or otherwise assisting in resolving
customer complaints.
(o) In-store stocking or manipulating products or goods, sold to and
owned by a customer, regardless of where sale and delivery of the
goods took place.
(p) Delivering goods in vehicles owned, rented, leased, used, or
maintained by the person or another acting on its behalf.
(q) Accepting or executing a contract with the City, irrespective of
whether goods or services are delivered within or without the City,
or whether the person's office or place of business is within or
without the City.
4. If a person, or its employee, agent, representative, independent contractor,
broker or another acting on the person's behalf, engages in no other
activities in or with the City but the following, it need not register and obtain
a business license and pay tax.
(a) Meeting with suppliers of goods and services as a customer.
(b) Meeting with government representatives in their official capacity,
other than those performing contracting or purchasing functions.
(c) Attending meetings, such as board meetings, retreats, seminars,
and conferences, or other meetings wherein the person does not
provide training in connection with tangible personal property sold
by the person or on its behalf. This provision does not apply to any
board of director member or attendee engaging in business such
as a member of a board of directors who attends a board meeting.
(d) Renting tangible or intangible property as a customer when the
property is not used in the City.
(e) Attending, but not participating in a "trade show" or "multiple vendor
events". Persons participating at a trade show shall review the
City's trade show or multiple vendor event ordinances.
(f) Conducting advertising through the mail.
(g) Soliciting sales by phone from a location outside the City.
5. A seller located outside the City merely delivering goods into the City by
means of common carrier is not required to register and obtain a business
license, provided that it engages in no other business activities in the City.
Such activities do not include those in subsection 4.
6. The City expressly intends that engaging in business include any activity
sufficient to establish nexus for purposes of applying the tax under the law
and the constitutions of the United States and the State of Washington.
Nexus is presumed to continue as long as the taxpayer benefits from the
activity that constituted the original nexus generating contact or subsequent
contacts.
J. "Extracting." "Extracting" is the activity engaged in by an extractor and is
reportable under the extracting classification.
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K. "Extractor." "Extractor" means every person who from the person's own land or
from the land of another under a right or license granted by lease or contract,
either directly or by contracting with others for the necessary labor or mechanical
services, for sale or for commercial or industrial use, mines, quarries, takes or
produces coal, oil, natural gas, ore, stone, sand, gravel, clay, mineral or other
natural resource product; or fells, cuts or takes timber, Christmas trees, other than
plantation Christmas trees, or other natural products; or takes fish, shellfish, or
other sea or inland water foods or products. "Extractor" does not include persons
performing under contract the necessary labor or mechanical services for others;
or persons meeting the definition of farmer.
L. "Extractor for Hire" "Extractor for hire" means a person who performs under
contract necessary labor or mechanical services for an extractor.
M. "Gross income of the business." "Gross income of the business" means the
value proceeding or accruing by reason of the transaction of the business engaged
in and includes gross proceeds of sales, compensation for the rendition of
services, gains realized from trading in stocks, bonds, or other evidences of
indebtedness, interest, discount, rents, royalties, fees, commissions, dividends,
and other emoluments however designated, all without any deduction on account
of the cost of tangible property sold, the cost of materials used, labor costs,
interest, discount, delivery costs, taxes, or any other expense whatsoever paid or
accrued and without any deduction on account of losses.
N. "Gross proceeds of sales." "Gross proceeds of sales" means the value
proceeding or accruing from the sale of tangible personal property, digital goods,
digital codes, digital automated services or for other services rendered, without any
deduction on account of the cost of property sold, the cost of materials used, labor
costs, interest, discount paid, delivery costs, taxes, or any other expense
whatsoever paid or accrued and without any deduction on account of losses.
O. "Manufacturing." "Manufacturing" means the activity conducted by a
manufacturer and is reported under the manufacturing classification.
P. "Manufacturer," "to manufacture."
1. "Manufacturer" means every person who, either directly or by contracting with
others for the necessary labor or mechanical services, manufactures for sale
or for commercial or industrial use from the person's own materials or
ingredients any products. When the owner of equipment or facilities furnishes,
or sells to the customer prior to manufacture, materials or ingredients equal to
less than twenty percent (20%) of the total value of all materials or ingredients
that become a part of the finished product, the owner of the equipment or
facilities will be deemed to be a processor for hire, and not a manufacturer.
2. "To manufacture" means all activities of a commercial or industrial nature
wherein labor or skill is applied, by hand or machinery, to materials or
ingredients so that as a result thereof a new, different or useful product is
produced for sale or commercial or industrial use, and shall include:
(a) The production of special made or custom-made articles;
(b) The production of dental appliances, devices, restorations,
substitutes, or other dental laboratory products by a dental
laboratory or dental technician;
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Draft B&O Ordinance Page 6 of 23
(c) Crushing and/or blending of rock, sand, stone, gravel, or ore; and
(d) The producing of articles for sale, or for commercial or
industrial use from raw materials or prepared materials by
giving such materials, articles, and substances of trade or
commerce new forms, qualities, properties or combinations
including, but not limited to, such activities as making,
fabricating, processing, refining, mixing, slaughtering,
packing, aging, curing, mild curing, preserving, canning, and
the preparing and freezing of fresh fruits and vegetables.
"To manufacture" shall not include the production of digital goods or
the production of computer software if the computer software is
delivered from the seller to the purchaser by means other than tangible
storage media, including the delivery by use of a tangible storage
media where the tangible storage media is not physically transferred to
the purchaser.
Q. "Person." "Person" means any individual, receiver, administrator, executor,
assignee, trustee in bankruptcy, trust, estate, firm, co -partnership, joint venture,
club, company, joint stock company, business trust, municipal corporation, political
subdivision of the State of Washington, corporation, limited liability company,
association, society, or any group of individuals acting as a unit, whether mutual,
cooperative, fraternal, non-profit, or otherwise and the United States or any
instrumentality thereof.
R. "Retailing." "Retailing" means the activity of engaging in making sales at retail
and is reported under the retailing classification.
S. "Retail Service." "Retail service" shall include the sale of or charge made for
personal, business, or professional services including amounts designated as
interest, rents, fees, admission, and other service emoluments however
designated, received by persons engaging in the following business activities:
1. Amusement and recreation services including but not limited to golf, pool,
billiards, skating, bowling, swimming, bungee jumping, ski lifts and tows,
basketball, racquet ball, handball, squash, tennis, batting cages, day trips for
sightseeing purposes, and others, when provided to consumers. "Amusement
and recreation services" also include the provision of related facilities such as
basketball courts, tennis courts, handball courts, swimming pools, and charges
made for providing the opportunity to dance. The term "amusement and
recreation services" does not include instructional lessons to learn a particular
activity such as tennis lessons, swimming lessons, or archery lessons.
2. Abstract, title insurance, and escrow services;
3. Credit bureau services;
4. Automobile parking and storage garage services;
5. Landscape maintenance and horticultural services but excluding (i) horticultural
services provided to farmers and (ii) pruning, trimming, repairing, removing, and
clearing of trees and brush near electric transmission or distribution lines or
equipment, if performed by or at the direction of an electric utility;
6. Service charges associated with tickets to professional sporting events; and
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 7 of 23
15
7. The following personal services: Physical fitness services, tanning salon
services, tattoo parlor services, steam bath services, turkish bath services,
escort services, and dating services.
8. The term shall also include the renting or leasing of tangible personal property
to consumers and the rental of equipment with an operator.
T. "Sale," "casual or isolated sale."
1. "Sale" means any transfer of the ownership of, title to, or possession of,
property for a valuable consideration and includes any activity classified as a
"sale at retail," "retail sale," or "retail service." It includes renting or leasing,
conditional sale contracts, leases with option to purchase, and any contract
under which possession of the property is given to the purchaser but title is
retained by the vendor as security for the payment of the purchase price. It
also includes the furnishing of food, drink, or meals for compensation
whether consumed upon the premises or not.
2. "Casual or isolated sale" means a sale made by a person who is not engaged
in the business of selling the type of property involved on a routine or
continuous basis.
U. "Sale at retail," "retail sale."
1. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" means every sale of tangible personal property
(including articles produced, fabricated, or imprinted) to all persons
irrespective of the nature of their business and including, among others,
without limiting the scope hereof, persons who install, repair, clean, alter,
improve, construct, or decorate real or personal property of or for consumers,
other than a sale to a person who presents a resale certificate under RCW
82.04.470 and who:
(a) Purchases for the purpose of resale as tangible personal property
in the regular course of business without intervening use by such
person; or
(b) Installs, repairs, cleans, alters, imprints, improves, constructs, or
decorates real or personal property of or for consumers, if such
tangible personal property becomes an ingredient or component of
such real or personal property without intervening use by such
person; or
(c) Purchases for the purpose of consuming the property purchased in
producing for sale a new article of tangible personal property or
substance, of which such property becomes an ingredient or
component or is a chemical used in processing, when the primary
purpose of such chemical is to create a chemical reaction directly
through contact with an ingredient of a new article being produced
for sale; or
(d) Purchases for the purpose of consuming the property purchased in
producing ferrosilicon which is subsequently used in producing
magnesium for sale, if the primary purpose of such property is to
create a chemical reaction directly through contact with an
ingredient of ferrosilicon; or
16 Draft B&O Ordinance
Page 8 of 23
(e) Purchases for the purpose of providing the property to consumers
as part of competitive telephone service, as defined in RCW
82.04.065. The term shall include every sale of tangible personal
property which is used or consumed or to be used or consumed in
the performance of any activity classified as a "sale at retail" or
"retail sale" even though such property is resold or utilized as
provided in (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) of this subsection following such
use
(f) Purchases for the purpose of satisfying the person's obligations
under an extended warranty as defined in subsection (7) of this
section, if such tangible personal property replaces or becomes an
ingredient or component of property covered by the extended
warranty without intervening use by such person.
2. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" also means every sale of tangible personal
property to persons engaged in any business activity which is taxable under this
chapter.
3. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" shall include the sale of or charge made for
tangible personal property consumed and/or for labor and services rendered in
respect to the following:
(a) The installing, repairing, cleaning, altering, imprinting, or improving
of tangible personal property of or for consumers, including charges
made for the mere use of facilities in respect thereto, but excluding
charges made for the use of coin -operated laundry facilities when
such facilities are situated in an apartment house, rooming house,
or mobile home park for the exclusive use of the tenants thereof,
and also excluding sales of laundry service to nonprofit health care
facilities, and excluding services rendered in respect to live
animals, birds and insects;
(b) The constructing, repairing, decorating, or improving of new or
existing buildings or other structures under, upon, or above real
property of or for consumers, including the installing or attaching of
any article of tangible personal property therein or thereto, whether
or not such personal property becomes a part of the realty by virtue
of installation, and shall also include the sale of services or charges
made for the clearing of land and the moving of earth excepting the
mere leveling of land used in commercial farming or agriculture;
(c) The charge for labor and services rendered in respect to
constructing, repairing, or improving any structure upon, above, or
under any real property owned by an owner who conveys the
property by title, possession, or any other means to the person
performing such construction, repair, or improvement for the
purpose of performing such construction, repair, or improvement
and the property is then reconveyed by title, possession, or any
other means to the original owner;
(d) The sale of or charge made for labor and services rendered in
respect to the cleaning, fumigating, razing or moving of existing
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 9 of 23
17
buildings or structures, but shall not include the charge made for
janitorial services; and for purposes of this section the term
"janitorial services" shall mean those cleaning and caretaking
services ordinarily performed by commercial janitor service
businesses including, but not limited to, wall and window washing,
floor cleaning and waxing, and the cleaning in place of rugs, drapes
and upholstery. The term "janitorial services" does not include
painting, papering, repairing, furnace or septic tank cleaning, snow
removal or sandblasting;
(e) The sale of or charge made for labor and services rendered in
respect to automobile towing and similar automotive transportation
services, but not in respect to those required to report and pay
taxes under chapter 82.16 ROW;
(f) The sale of and charge made for the furnishing of lodging and all
other services, except telephone business and cable service, by a
hotel, rooming house, tourist court, motel, trailer camp, and the
granting of any similar license to use real property, as distinguished
from the renting or leasing of real property, and it shall be
presumed that the occupancy of real property for a continuous
period of one month or more constitutes a rental or lease of real
property and not a mere license to use or enjoy the same. For the
purposes of this subsection, it shall be presumed that the sale of
and charge made for the furnishing of lodging for a continuous
period of one month or more to a person is a rental or lease of real
property and not a mere license to enjoy the same;
(g) The installing, repairing, altering, or improving of digital goods for
consumers;
(h) The sale of or charge made for tangible personal property, labor
and services to persons taxable under (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and
(g) of this subsection when such sales or charges are for property,
labor and services which are used or consumed in whole or in part
by such persons in the performance of any activity defined as a
"sale at retail" or "retail sale" even though such property, labor and
services may be resold after such use or consumption. Nothing
contained in this subsection shall be construed to modify
subsection 1 of this section and nothing contained in subsection 1
of this section shall be construed to modify this subsection.
4. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" shall also include the providing of competitive
telephone service to consumers.
5. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale"
(a) shall also include the sale of prewritten software other than a sale
to a person who presents a resale certificate under RCW
82.04.470, regardless of the method of delivery to the end user.
For purposes of this subsection (5)(a) the sale of the sale of
prewritten computer software includes the sale of or charge made
for a key or an enabling or activation code, where the key or code is
1 8
Draft B&O Ordinance
Page 10 of 23
required to activate prewritten computer software and put the
software into use. There is no separate sale of the key or code
from the prewritten computer software, regardless of how the sale
may characterized by the vendor or by the purchaser.
The term "sale at retail" or "retail sale" does not include the sale of or charge made
for:
(i) Custom software; or
(ii) The customization of prewritten software.
(b) (i) The term also includes the charge made to consumers for the
right to access and use prewritten computer software, where
possession of the software is maintained by the seller or a third
party, regardless of whether the charge for the service is on a per
use, per user, per license, subscription, or some other basis.
(ii) (a) The service described in b.i of this subsection 5 includes the
right to access and use prewritten software to perform data
processing.
(b) For purposes of this subsection (b)(ii) "data processing"
means the systematic performance of operations on data to
extract the required information in an appropriate form or to
convert the data to usable information. Data processing
includes check processing, image processing, form
processing, survey processing, payroll processing, claim
processing, and similar activities.
6. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" shall also include the sale of or charge made for
labor and services rendered in respect to the building, repairing, or improving of
any street, place, road, highway, easement, right of way, mass public
transportation terminal or parking facility, bridge, tunnel, or trestle which is
owned by a municipal corporation or political subdivision of the state, the State
of Washington, or by the United States and which is used or to be used
primarily for foot or vehicular traffic including mass transportation vehicles of
any kind (public road construction).
7. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" shall also include the sale of or charge made for
an extended warranty to a consumer. For purposes of this subsection,
"extended warranty" means an agreement for a specified duration to perform
the replacement or repair of tangible personal property at no additional charge
or a reduced charge for tangible personal property, labor, or both, or to provide
indemnification for the replacement or repair of tangible personal property,
based on the occurrence of specified events. The term "extended warranty"
does not include an agreement, otherwise meeting the definition of extended
warranty in this subsection, if no separate charge is made for the agreement
and the value of the agreement is included in the sales price of the tangible
personal property covered by the agreement.
8. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" shall also include the sale of or charge made for
labor and services rendered in respect to the constructing, repairing,
decorating, or improving of new or existing buildings or other structures under,
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 11 of 23
19
upon, or above real property of or for the United States, any instrumentality
thereof, or a county or city housing authority created pursuant to chapter 35.82
RCW, including the installing, or attaching of any article of tangible personal
property therein or thereto, whether or not such personal property becomes a
part of the realty by virtue of installation (government contracting).
9. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" shall not include the sale of services or charges
made for the clearing of land and the moving of earth of or for the United
States, any instrumentality thereof, or a county or city housing authority. Nor
shall the term include the sale of services or charges made for cleaning up for
the United States, or its instrumentalities, radioactive waste and other
byproducts of weapons production and nuclear research and development.
10. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" shall not include the sale of or charge made for
labor and services rendered for environmental remedial action.
11. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" shall also include the following sales to
consumers of digital goods, digital codes, and digital automated services:
(a) Sales in which the seller has granted the purchaser the right of
permanent use;
(b) Sales in which the seller has granted the purchaser a right of use
that is less than permanent;
(c) Sales in which the purchaser is not obligated to make continued
payment as a condition of the sale; and
(d) Sales in which the purchaser is obligated to make continued
payment as a condition of the sale.
A retail sale of digital goods, digital codes, or digital automated services under
this subsection [insert reference to section 5(11)] includes any services provided
by the seller exclusively in connection with the digital goods, digital codes, or
digital automated services, whether or not a separate charge is made for such
services.
For purposes of this subsection, "permanent" means perpetual or for an
indefinite or unspecified length of time. A right of permanent use is presumed
to have been granted unless the agreement between the seller and the
purchaser specifies or the circumstances surrounding the transaction suggest
or indicate that the right to use terminates on the occurrence of a condition
subsequent.
12. "Sale at retail" or "retail sale" shall also include the installing, repairing, altering,
or improving of digital goods for consumers.
V. "Sale at wholesale," "wholesale sale." "Sale at wholesale" or "wholesale sale"
means any sale of tangible personal property, digital goods, digital codes, digital
automated services, prewritten computer software, or services described in [insert
reference to "sale at retail" section 5(b)(i)], which is not a retail sale, and any
charge made for labor and services rendered for persons who are not consumers,
in respect to real or personal property and retail services, if such charge is
expressly defined as a retail sale or retail service when rendered to or for
20 Draft B&O Ordinance
Page 12 of 23
consumers. Sale at wholesale also includes the sale of telephone business to
another telecommunications company as defined in RCW 80.04.010 for the
purpose of resale, as contemplated by RCW 35.21.715.
W. "Service." "Service" means any sale or charge made for personal, business or
professional service, including amounts designated as rents, fees, or admissions,
not otherwise included within any other tax classification defined herein; provided
that, the term "service" excludes retail or wholesale services.
X. "Taxpayer." "Taxpayer" means any "person", as herein defined, required to have
a business license under this chapter or liable for the collection of any tax or fee
under this chapter, or who engages in any business or who performs any act for
which a tax or fee is imposed by this chapter.
Y. "Value proceeding or accruing." "Value proceeding or accruing" means the
consideration, whether money, credits, rights, or other property expressed in terms
of money, a person is entitled to receive or which is actually received or accrued.
The term shall be applied, in each case, on a cash receipts or accrual basis
according to which method of accounting is regularly employed in keeping the
books of the taxpayer.
Z. "Value of products." (1)
1. The value of products, including by-products, extracted or manufactured,
shall be determined by the gross proceeds derived from the sale thereof
whether such sale is at wholesale or at retail, to which shall be added all
subsidies and bonuses received from the purchaser or from any other
person with respect to the extraction, manufacture, or sale of such products
or by-products by the seller.
2. Where such products, including by-products, are extracted or manufactured
for commercial or industrial use; and where such products, including by-
products, are shipped, transported or transferred out of the City, or to
another person, without prior sale or are sold under circumstances such that
the gross proceeds from the sale are not indicative of the true value of the
subject matter of the sale; the value shall correspond as nearly as possible
to the gross proceeds from sales in this state of similar products of like
quality and character, and in similar quantities by other taxpayers, plus the
amount of subsidies or bonuses ordinarily payable by the purchaser or by
any third person with respect to the extraction, manufacture, or sale of such
products. In the absence of sales of similar products as a guide to value,
such value may be determined upon a cost basis. In such cases, there shall
be included every item of cost attributable to the particular article or article
extracted or manufactured, including direct and indirect overhead costs.
The Director may prescribe rules for the purpose of ascertaining such
values.
3. Notwithstanding subsection 2 above, the value of a product manufactured or
produced for purposes of serving as a prototype for the development of a
new or improved product shall correspond to (a) the retail selling price of
such new or improved product when first offered for sale; or (b) the value of
materials incorporated into the prototype in cases in which the new or
improved product is not offered for sale.
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 13 of 23
21
AA. "Wholesaling." "Wholesaling" means engaging in the activity of making sales at
wholesale, and is reported under the wholesaling classification.
.040
.050 Imposition of the tax - tax or fee levied.
A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, there is hereby levied upon
and shall be collected from every person a tax for the act or privilege of engaging
in business activities within the City, whether the person's office or place of
business be within or without the City. The tax shall be in amounts to be
determined by application of rates against gross proceeds of sale, gross income
of business, or value of products, including by-products, as the case may be, as
follows:
1. Upon every person engaging within the City in business as an extractor; as
to such persons the amount of the tax with respect to such h6isiness shall
products, extracted
rate of of one percent ( ). The measure of the tax
of the plane of sale or the fact that deliveries magi he made to points
outside the City.
1. Upon every person engaging within the City in business as a manufacturer,
as to such persons the amount of the tax with respect to such business shall
be equal to the value of the products, including by-products, manufactured
within the city, multiplied by the rate of rate of 0.02 of one percent
_(0.002) _. The measure of the tax is the value of the products, including
by-products, so manufactured, regardless of the place of sale or the fact
that deliveries may be made to points outside the City.
2. Upon every person engaging within the City in the business of making sales
at wholesale, as to such persons, the amount of tax with respect to such
business shall be equal to the gross proceeds of such sales of the business
without regard to the place of delivery of articles, commodities or
merchandise sold, multiplied by the rate of _0.02 of one percent
_(0.002).
3. Upon every person engaging within the City in the business of making sales
at retail, as to such persons, the amount of tax with respect to such
business shall be equal to the gross proceeds of such sales of the business,
without regard to the place of delivery of articles, commodities or
merchandise sold, multiplied by the rate of 0.02_of one percent
_(0.002) _.
(ii) both printing and publishing newspapers, magazines, periodicals, books,
music, and other printed items, (iii) publishing newspapers, magazines and
periodicals, (iv) extr ;
persons, the amount of tax on such business shall be equal to the gross
22 Draft B&O Ordinance Page 14 of 23
income of the business multiplied by the rate of 0.02_ of one percent
_(0.002) _.
4 Upon every person engaging within the City in the business of making sales
of retail services; as to such persons, the amount of tax with respect to such
business shall be equal to the gross proceeds of sales multiplied by rate of
_0.02 of one percent _(0.002) _. Upon every other person engaging
within the City in any business activity other than or in addition to those
enumerated in the above subsections; as to such persons, the amount of
tax on account of such activities shall be equal to the gross income of the
business multiplied by the rate of rate of 0.02 of one percent
_(0.002). This subsection includes, among others, and without limiting the
scope hereof, whether or not title to material used in the performance of
such business passes to another by accession, merger or other than by
outright sale, persons engaged in the business of developing, or producing
custom software or of customizing canned software, producing royalties or
commissions, and persons engaged in the business of rendering any type of
service which does not constitute a sale at retail, a sale at wholesale, or a
retail service.
B. The gross receipts tax imposed in this section shall not apply to any person
whose gross proceeds of sales, gross income of the business, and value of
products, including by-products, as the case may be, from all activities conducted
within the City during any calendar year is equal to or less than $20,000, or is
equal to or less than $5,000 during any quarter if on a quarterly reporting basis.
.070 Multiple activities credit when activities take place in one or more cities with
eligible gross receipt taxes.
A. Persons who engage in business activities that are within the purview of two
(2) or more subsections of .050 shall be taxable under each applicable
subsection.
B. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if imposition of the City's tax
would place an undue burden upon interstate commerce or violate
constitutional requirements, a taxpayer shall be allowed a credit to the extent
necessary to preserve the validity of the City's tax, and still apply the City tax
to as much of the taxpayer's activities as may be subject to the City's taxing
authority.
C. To take the credit authorized by this section, a taxpayer must be able to
document that the amount of tax sought to be credited was paid upon the
same gross receipts used in computing the tax against which the credit is
applied.
D. Credit for persons that sell in the City products that they extract or
manufacture. Persons taxable under the retailing or wholesaling classification
with respect to selling products in this City shall be allowed a credit against
those taxes for any eligible gross receipts taxes paid (a) with respect to the
manufacturing of the products sold in the City, and (b) with respect to the
extracting of the products, or the ingredients used in the products, sold in the
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 15 of 23
23
City. The amount of the credit shall not exceed the tax liability arising under
this chapter with respect to the sale of those products.
E. Credit for persons that manufacture products in the City using ingredients
they extract. Persons taxable under the manufacturing classification with
respect to manufacturing products in this City shall be allowed a credit against
those taxes for any eligible gross receipts tax paid with respect to extracting
the ingredients of the products manufactured in the City. The amount of the
credit shall not exceed the tax liability arising under this chapter with respect
to the manufacturing of those products.
F. Credit for persons that sell within the City products that they print, or publish
and print Persons taxable i nder the retailing or wholesaling classification
ur-r
with respect to selling products in this City shall be allowed a credit against
those taxes for any eligible gross receipts taxes pairs with respect to the
printing, or the printing and publishing, of the products sold within the City.
.075 Deductions to prevent multiple taxation of manufacturing activities and prior
to January 1, 2008, transactions involving more than one city with an eligible
gross receipts tax.
A. Amounts subject to an eligible gross receipts tax in another city that also
maintains nexus over the same activity. For taxes due prior to January 1,
2008, a taxpayer that is subject to an eligible gross receipts tax on the same
activity in more than one jurisdiction may be entitled to a deduction as follows:
1. A taxpayer that has paid an eligible gross receipts tax, with respect to a
sale of goods or services, to a jurisdiction in which the goods are
delivered or the services are provided may deduct an amount equal to
the gross receipts used to measure that tax from the measure of the tax
owed to the City.
2. Notwithstanding the above, a person that is subject to an eligible gross
receipts tax in more than one jurisdiction on the gross income derived
from intangibles such as royalties, trademarks, patents, or goodwill shall
assign those gross receipts to the jurisdiction where the person is
domiciled (its headquarters is located).
3. A taxpayer that has paid an eligible gross receipts tax on the privilege of
accepting or executing a contract with another city may deduct an
amount equal to the contract price used to measure the tax due to the
other city from the measure of the tax owed to the City.
B Person manufacturing products within and without. A person manufacturing
products within the City using products manufactured by the same person
outside the City may deduct from the measure of the manufacturing tax the
value of products manufactured outside the City and included in the measure
of an eligible gross receipts tax paid to the other jurisdiction with respect to
manufacturing such products.
24 Draft B&O Ordinance
Page 16 of 23
.076 Assignment of gross income derived from intangibles.
Gross income derived from the sale of intangibles such as royalties, trademarks,
patents, or goodwill shall be assigned to the jurisdiction where the person is domiciled
(its headquarters is located).
.077 Allocation and apportionment of income when activities take place in more
than one jurisdiction.
Gross income, other than persons subject to the provisions of chapter 82.14A RCW,
shall be allocated and apportioned as follows:
A. Gross income derived from all activities other than those taxed as service or
royalties under [insert city code reference to .050(1)(g)] shall be allocated
to the location where the activity takes place.
B. In the case of sales of tangible personal property, the activity takes place where
delivery to the buyer occurs.
C. In the case of sales of digital products, the activity takes place where delivery to
the buyer occurs. The delivery of digital products will be deemed to occur at:
1. The seller's place of business if the purchaser receives the digital
product at the seller's place of business;
2. If not received at the seller's place of business, the location where the
purchaser or the purchaser's donee, designated as such by the
purchaser, receives the digital product, including the location indicated
by instructions for delivery to the purchaser or donee, known to the
seller;
3. If the location where the purchaser or the purchaser's done receives the
digital product is not known, the purchaser's address maintained in the
ordinary course of the seller's business when use of this address does
not constitute bad faith;
4. If no address for the purchaser is maintained in the ordinary course of
the seller's business, the purchaser's address obtained during the
consummation of the sale, including the address of a purchaser's
payment instrument, if no other address is available, when use of this
address does not constitute bad faith; and
5. If no address for the purchaser is obtained during the consummation of
the sale, the address where the digital good or digital code is first made
available for transmission by the seller or the address from which the
digital automated service or service described in RCW 82.04.050 (2)(g)
or (6)(b) was provided, disregarding for these purposes any location
that merely provided the digital transfer of the product sold.
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 17 of 23
25
D. If none of the methods in subsection [insert city code reference to .077(3)] for
determining where the delivery of digital products occurs are available after a
good faith effort by the taxpayer to apply the methods provided in subsections
[insert city code reference to .077(3)(a) through .077(3)(e)], then the city and the
taxpayer may mutually agree to employ any other method to effectuate an
equitable allocation of income from the sale of digital products. The taxpayer will
be responsible for petitioning the city to use an alternative method under this
subsection [insert city code reference to .077(D)]. The city may employ an
alternative method for allocating the income from the sale of digital products if the
methods provided in subsections [insert city code reference to .077(3)(a) through
.077(3)(e)] are not available and the taxpayer and the city are unable to mutually
agree on an alternative method to effectuate an equitable allocation of income
from the sale of digital products.
E. For purposes of subsections [insert city code reference to .077(3)(a) through
.077(3)(e)], "Receive" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.32.730.
F. Gross income derived from activities taxed as services and other activities taxed
under [insert city code reference to .050(1)(g)] shall be apportioned to the
city by multiplying apportionable income by a fraction, the numerator of which is
the payroll factor plus the service -income factor and the denominator of which is
two.
1. The payroll factor is a fraction, the numerator of which is the total
amount paid in the city during the tax period by the taxpayer for
compensation and the denominator of which is the total compensation
paid everywhere during the tax period. Compensation is paid in the city
if:
(a) The individual is primarily assigned within the city;
(b) The individual is not primarily assigned to any place of business
for the tax period and the employee performs fifty percent or more
of his or her service for the tax period in the city; or
(c) The individual is not primarily assigned to any place of business
for the tax period, the individual does not perform fifty percent or
more of his or her service in any city and the employee resides in
the city.
2. The service income factor is a fraction, the numerator of which is the
total service income of the taxpayer in the city during the tax period, and
the denominator of which is the total service income of the taxpayer
everywhere during the tax period. Service income is in the city if:
(a) The customer location is in the city; or
(b) The income -producing activity is performed in more than one
location and a greater proportion of the service -income -producing
activity is performed in the city than in any other location, based on
costs of performance, and the taxpayer is not taxable at the
customer location; or
(c) The service -income -producing activity is performed within the city,
and the taxpayer is not taxable in the customer location.
26
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 18 of 23
3. If the allocation and apportionment provisions of this subsection do not
fairly represent the extent of the taxpayer's business activity in the city or
cities in which the taxpayer does business, the taxpayer may petition for
or the tax administrators may jointly require, in respect to all or any part
of the taxpayer's business activity, that one of the following methods be
used jointly by the cities to allocate or apportion gross income, if
reasonable:
(a) Separate accounting;
(b) The use of a single factor;
(c) The inclusion of one or more additional factors that will fairly
represent the taxpayer's business activity in the city; or
(iv) The employment of any other method to effectuate an equitable allocation and
apportionment of the taxpayer's income.
G. The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section.
1. "Apportionable income" means the gross income of the business
taxable under the service classifications of a city's gross receipts tax,
including income received from activities outside the city if the income
would be taxable under the service classification if received from
activities within the city, less any exemptions or deductions available.
2. "Compensation" means wages, salaries, commissions, and any other
form of remuneration paid to individuals for personal services that are or
would be included in the individual's gross income under the federal
internal revenue code.
3. "Individual" means any individual who, under the usual common law
rules applicable in determining the employer -employee relationship, has
the status of an employee of that taxpayer.
4. "Customer location" means the city or unincorporated area of a county
where the majority of the contacts between the taxpayer and the
customer take place.
5. "Primarily assigned" means the business location of the taxpayer
where the individual performs his or her duties.
6. "Service -taxable income" or "service income" means gross income of
the business subject to tax under either the service or royalty
classification.
7. "Tax period" means the calendar year during which tax liability is
accrued. If taxes are reported by a taxpayer on a basis more frequent
than once per year, taxpayers shall calculate the factors for the
previous calendar year for reporting in the current calendar year and
correct the reporting for the previous year when the factors are
calculated for that year, but not later than the end of the first quarter of
the following year.
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 19 of 23
27
8. "Taxable in the customer location" means either that a taxpayer is
subject to a gross receipts tax in the customer location for the privilege
of doing business, or that the government where the customer is
located has the authority to subject the taxpayer to gross receipts tax
regardless of whether, in fact, the government does so.
H. Assignment or apportionment of revenue under this Section shall be made in
accordance with and in full compliance with the provisions of the interstate commerce
clause of the United States Constitution where applicable.
.078 Allocation and apportionment of printing and publishing income when
activities take place in more than one jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding RCW 35.102.130, effective January 1, 2008, gross income from the
activities of printing, and of publishing newspapers, periodicals, or magazines, shall be
allocated to the principal place in this state from which the taxpayer's business is
directed or managed. As used in this section, the activities of printing, and of publishing
newspapers, periodicals, or magazines, have the same meanings as attributed to those
terms in RCW 82.04.280(1) by the Department of Revenue.
.090 Exemptions.
A. Public utilities. This chapter shall not apply to any person in respect to a
business activity with respect to which tax liability is specifically imposed under
the provisions of [local utility tax cite].
B. Investments - dividends from subsidiary corporations. (a) This chapter shall
not apply to amounts derived by persons, other than those engaging in banking,
loan, security, or other financial businesses, from investments or the use of
money as such, and also amounts derived as dividends by a parent from its
subsidiary corporations.
C. Insurance business. This chapter shall not apply to amounts received by any
person who is an insurer or their appointed insurance producer upon which a tax
based on gross premiums is paid to the state pursuant to RCW 48.14.020, and
provided further, that the provisions of this subsection shall not exempt any
bonding company from tax with respect to gross income derived from the
completion of any contract as to which it is a surety, or as to any liability as
successor to the liability of the defaulting contractor.
D. Employees: This chapter shall not apply to any person in respect to the person's
employment in the capacity as an employee or servant as distinguished from that
of an independent contractor. For the purposes of this subsection, the definition
of employee shall include those persons that are defined in the Internal Revenue
Code, as hereafter amended. A booth renter is an independent contractor for
purposes of this chapter.
E. Amounts derived from sale of real estate. This chapter shall not apply to
gross proceeds derived from the sale of real estate. This, however, shall not be
construed to allow an exemption of amounts received as commissions from the
sale of real estate, nor as fees, handling charges, discounts, interest or similar
financial charges resulting from, or relating to, real estate transactions. This
chapter shall also not apply to amounts received for the rental of real estate if the
28
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 20 of 23
rental income is derived from a contract to rent for a continuous period of thirty
(30) days or longer.
F. Mortgage brokers' third -party provider services trust accounts. This
chapter shall not apply to amounts received from trust accounts to mortgage
brokers for the payment of third -party costs if the accounts are operated in a
manner consistent with RCW 19.146.050 and any rules adopted by the director
of financial institutions.
G. Amounts derived from manufacturing, selling or distributing motor vehicle
fuel. This chapter shall not apply to the manufacturing, selling, or distributing
motor vehicle fuel, as the term "motor vehicle fuel" is defined in RCW 82.36.010
and exempt under RCW 82.36.440, provided that any fuel not subjected to the
state fuel excise tax, or any other applicable deduction or exemption, will be
taxable under this chapter.
H. Amounts derived from liquor, and the sale or distribution of liquor. This
chapter shall not apply to liquor as defined in RCW 66.04.010 and exempt in
RCW 66.08.120.
I. Casual and isolated sales. This chapter shall not apply to the gross proceeds
derived from casual or isolated sales.
J. Accommodation sales. This chapter shall not apply to sales for resale by
persons regularly engaged in the business of making retail sales of the type of
property so sold to other persons similarly engaged in the business of selling
such property where
1. The amount paid by the buyer does not exceed the amount paid by the
seller to the vendor in the acquisition of the article and
2. The sale is made as an accommodation to the buyer to enable the
buyer to fill a bona fide existing order of a customer or is made within
fourteen (14) calendar days to reimburse in kind a previous
accommodation sale by the buyer to the seller.
K. Taxes collected as trust funds. This chapter shall not apply to amounts
collected by the taxpayer from third parties to satisfy third party obligations to pay
taxes such as the retail sales tax, use tax, and admission tax.
.100 Deductions. In computing the license fee or tax, there may be deducted from the
measure of tax the following items:
A. Receipts from tangible personal property delivered outside the State. In
computing tax, there may be deducted from the measure of tax under retailing or
wholesaling amounts derived from the sale of tangible personal property that is
delivered by the seller to the buyer or the buyer's representative at a location
outside the State of Washington.
B. Cash discount taken by purchaser. In computing tax, there may be deducted
from the measure of tax the cash discount amounts actually taken by the
purchaser. This deduction is not allowed in arriving at the taxable amount under
the extracting or manufacturing classifications with respect to articles produced
or manufactured, the reported values of which, for the purposes of this tax, have
been computed according to the "value of product" provisions.
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 21 of 23
29
C. Credit losses of accrual basis taxpayers. In computing tax, there may be
deducted from the measure of tax the amount of credit losses actually sustained
by taxpayers whose regular books of account are kept upon an accrual basis.
D. Constitutional prohibitions. In computing tax, there may be deducted from the
measure of the tax amounts derived from business which the City is prohibited
from taxing under the Constitution of the State of Washington or the Constitution
of the United States.
E. Receipts From the Sale of Tangible Personal Property and Retail Services
Delivered Outside the City but Within Washington. Effective January 1,
2008, amounts included in the gross receipts reported on the tax return derived
from the sale of tangible personal property delivered to the buyer or the buyer's
representative outside the City but within the State of Washington may be
deducted from the measure of tax under the retailing, retail services, or
wholesaling classification.
F. Professional employer services. In computing the tax, a professional
employer organization may deduct from the calculation of gross income the gross
income of the business derived from performing professional employer services
that is equal to the portion of the fee charged to a client that represents the actual
cost of wages and salaries, benefits, workers' compensation, payroll taxes,
withholding, or other assessments paid to or on behalf of a covered employee by
the professional employer organization under a professional employer
agreement.
G. Interest on investments or loans secured by mortgages or deeds of trust. In
computing tax, to the extent permitted by Chapter 82.14A RCW, there may be
deducted from the measure of tax by those engaged in banking, loan, security or
other financial businesses, amounts derived from interest received on
investments or loans primarily secured by first mortgages or trust deeds on non -
transient residential properties.
.110 Application to City's business activities. Any department, division, employee
association, or other subsection of the City that engages in any business activity which
if engaged in by any person would under this chapter require a business license and the
payment of any tax or fee shall make application, file returns, and pay any taxes or fees
imposed by this chapter.
.120 Tax part of overhead.
It is not the intention of this chapter that the taxes or fees herein levied upon persons
engaging in business be construed as taxes or fees upon the purchasers or customer,
but that such taxes or fees shall be levied upon, and collectible from, the person
engaging in the business activities herein designated and that such taxes or fees shall
constitute a part of the cost of doing business of such persons.
.130 Severability Clause.
If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held
invalid, the remainder of the chapter or the application of the provision to other persons
or circumstances shall not be affected.
30 Draft B&O Ordinance Page 22 of 23
Section 4. Corrections by City Clerk or Code Reviser. Upon approval of the
City Attorney, the City Clerk and the code reviser are authorized to make necessary
corrections to this ordinance, including the correction of clerical errors; references to
other local, state or federal laws, codes, rules, or regulations; or ordinance numbering
and section/subsection numbering.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or
phrase of this ordinance or its application to any person or situation should be held to be
invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the
remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to any other person or situation.
Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance or a summary thereof shall be published
in the official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect and be in full force five days
after passage and publication as provided by law.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at
a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2018.
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Rachel Turpin, City Attorney
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Published:
Effective Date:
Ordinance Number:
Draft B&O Ordinance Page 23 of 23
31
32
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON; AMENDING TUKWILA
MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 3 "REVENUE AND FINANCE",
ADOPTING A NEW CHAPTER XX, ENTITLED "BUSINESS
AND OCCUPATION TAX ADMINISTRATIVE CODE",
PROVIDING ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES FOR
ADMINISTERING CITY BUSINESS AND OCCUPATION TAX
CODES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, state law authorizes municipalities to impose a Business and Occupation
tax on business activities within the City; and
WHEREAS, in 2001, the Legislature passed EHB 2030 (RCW Chapter 35.102),
establishing a more uniform system of City Business and Occupation taxes through
mandatory adoption of a model Business and Occupation tax ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the 2003 Legislature also directed cities, working in conjunction with the
Association of Washington Cities, to establish and set a model of administrative
procedures in administering their business and occupation taxes based on;
WHEREAS, the Council adopted a Business and Occupation Tax Code in compliance
with RCW Chapter 35.102 and the model ordinance;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section XXX, Administrative Provisions for Business and Occupation
Taxes, of Chapter XXX Business and Occupation Tax, of Title III (Revenue and Finance)
of the Tukwila Municipal Code, is hereby amended as follows:
.010 Purpose. Washington Constitution Article XI, Section 12 and RCW 35A.82.020 and
35A.11.020 (code cities); RCW 35.22.280(32) (first class cities); RCW 35.23.440(8)
(second class cities); and RCW 35.27.370(9) (fourth class cities and towns), which give
municipalities the authority to license for revenue. In the absence of a legal or
Draft B&O Administrative Provisions Page 1 of 16 33
constitutional prohibition, municipalities have the power to define taxation categories as
they see fit in order to respond to the unique concerns and responsibilities of local
government. It is intended that this chapter be as uniform as possible among the various
municipalities and consistent with the mandatory requirements of Chapter 35.102 RCW for
municipalities. Uniformity with provisions of state tax laws should not be presumed, and
references in this chapter to statutory or administrative rule changes do not mean state tax
statutes or rules promulgated by the Department of Revenue automatically apply. This
chapter is to provide administrative specific guidelines and provisions to implement,
administer, and enforce the City Business and Occupation tax code.
.015 Application of chapter stated. The provisions of this chapter shall apply with
respect to the taxes imposed under chapters and under other titles,
chapters, and sections in such manner and to such extent as indicated in each such
title, chapter or section.
.020 Definitions. For purposes of this chapter:
The definitions contained in chapter (tax portion of model ordinance) shall apply
equally to the provisions of this chapter unless the term is defined otherwise in this
chapter. In addition, the following definitions will apply.
A. "Reporting period." "Reporting period" means:
1. A one -month period beginning the first day of each calendar month (monthly);
or
2. A three-month period beginning the first day of January, April, July or October
of each year (quarterly); or
3. A twelve-month period beginning the first day of January of each year
(annual).
B. "Return." "Return" means any document a person is required by the City to file
to satisfy or establish a tax or fee obligation that is administered or collected by
the City and that has a statutorily defined due date.
C. "Successor." "Successor" means any person to whom a taxpayer quitting,
selling out, exchanging, or disposing of a business sells or otherwise conveys,
directly or indirectly, in bulk and not in the ordinary course of the taxpayer's
business, any part of the materials, supplies, merchandise, inventory, fixtures, or
equipment of the taxpayer. Any person obligated to fulfill the terms of a contract
shall be deemed a successor to any contractor defaulting in the performance of
any contract as to which such person is a surety or guarantor.
D. "Tax year," "taxable year." "Tax year" or "taxable year" means the calendar
year.
.021 Definitions -- References to Chapter 82.32 RCW
Where provisions of Chapter 82.32 RCW are incorporated in [insert city
code reference to section .090] of this Title, "Department" as used in the RCW shall
refer to the "Director" as defined in [insert city code reference to section
.030 of the model ordinance — some cities may need to add definition to their .030
provisions from the guidelines] and "warrant" as used in the RCW shall mean
"citation or criminal complaint."
34 Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 2 of 16
.025 Registration/license requirements.
No person shall engage in any business or conduct any business activity without first
obtaining a valid current business registration as required by TMC 5.04.015.
.030 Registration/license certificates.
CITIES WILL INSERT THEIR OWN REGISTRATION/LICENSES CERTIFICATE
LANGUAGE.
.040 When due and payable - Reporting periods - Monthly, quarterly, and annual
returns - Threshold provisions or Relief from filing requirements - Computing
time periods - Failure to file returns.
A. Other than any annual license fee or registration fee assessed under this
chapter, the tax imposed by this chapter shall be due and payable in quarterly
installments. At the Director's discretion, businesses may be assigned to a
monthly or annual reporting period depending on the tax amount owing or
type of tax. Tax payments are due on or before the last day of the next month
following the end of the assigned reporting period covered by the return.
B. Taxes shall be paid as provided in this chapter and accompanied by a return
on forms as prescribed by the Director. The return shall be signed by the
taxpayer personally or by a responsible officer or agent of the taxpayer. The
individual signing the return shall swear or affirm that the information in the
return is complete and true.
C. Tax returns must be filed and returned by the due date whether or not any tax
is owed.
D. For purposes of the tax imposed by chapter (tax portion of model
ordinance), any person whose value of products, gross proceeds of sales, or
gross income of the business, subject to tax after all allowable deductions, is
equal to or less than (1st OPTION: Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) (or
higher threshold as determined by city) in the current calendar year) -or- (2nd
OPTION: Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) (or higher threshold as determined
by the city) in the current quarter), shall file a return, declare no tax due on
their return, and submit the return to the Director. The gross receipts and
deduction amounts shall be entered on the tax return even though no tax may
be due. (Subsection D. is mandatory)
E. A taxpayer that commences to engage in business activity shall file a return
and pay the tax or fee for the portion of the reporting period during which the
taxpayer is engaged in business activity.
F. Except as otherwise specifically provided by any other provision of this
chapter, in computing any period of days prescribed by this chapter the day of
the act or event from which the designated period of time runs shall not be
included. The last day of the period shall be included unless it is a Saturday,
Sunday, or City or Federal legal holiday, in which case the last day of such
period shall be the next succeeding day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday,
or City or Federal legal holiday.
Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 3 of 16 35
G. If any taxpayer fails, neglects or refuses to make a return as and when
required in this chapter, the Director is authorized to determine the amount of
the tax or fees payable by obtaining facts and information upon which to base
the Director's estimate of the tax or fees due. Such assessment shall be
deemed prima facie correct and shall be the amount of tax owed to the City
by the taxpayer. The Director shall notify the taxpayer by mail of the amount
of tax so determined, together with any penalty, interest, and fees due; the
total of such amounts shall thereupon become immediately due and payable.
.050 Payment methods - Mailing returns or remittances - Time extension -
Deposits - Recording payments - Payment must accompany return - NSF checks.
A. Taxes shall be paid to the Director in United States currency by bank draft,
certified check, cashier's check, personal check, money order, cash, or by wire
transfer or electronic payment if such wire transfer or electronic payment is
authorized by the Director. If payment so received is not paid by the bank on
which it is drawn, the taxpayer, by whom such payment is tendered, shall remain
liable for payment of the tax and for all legal penalties, the same as if such
payment had not been tendered. Acceptance of any sum by the Director shall
not discharge the tax or fee due unless the amount paid is the full amount due.
B. A return or remittance that is transmitted to the City by United States mail shall
be deemed filed or received on the date shown by the cancellation mark stamped
by the Post Office upon the envelope containing it. The Director may allow
electronic filing of returns or remittances from any taxpayer. A return or
remittance which is transmitted to the City electronically shall be deemed filed or
received according to procedures set forth by the Director.
C. If a written request is received prior to the due date, the Director, for good cause,
may grant, in writing, additional time within which to make and file returns.
D. The Director shall keep full and accurate records of all funds received or
refunded. The Director shall apply payments first against all penalties and
interest owing, and then upon the tax, without regard to any direction of the
taxpayer.
E. For any return not accompanied by a remittance of the tax shown to be due
thereon, the taxpayer shall be deemed to have failed or refused to file a return
and shall be subject to the penalties and interest provided in this chapter.
F. Any payment made that is returned for lack of sufficient funds or for any other
reason will not be considered received until payment by certified check, money
order, or cash of the original amount due, plus a "non -sufficient funds" (NSF)
charge set by the Director is paid in full. Any license issued upon payment with a
NSF check will be considered void, and shall be returned to the Director. No
license shall be reissued until payment (including the NSF fee) is received.
G. The Director is authorized, but not required, to mail tax return forms to taxpayers,
but failure of the taxpayer to receive any such forms shall not excuse the
taxpayer from filing returns and making payment of the taxes or fees, when and
as due under this chapter.
.060 Records to be preserved - Examination - Estoppel to question assessment.
36 Draft B&O Administrative Provisions Page 4 of 16
Every person liable for any fee or tax imposed by this chapter shall keep and preserve,
for a period of five (5) years after filing a tax return, such records as may be necessary
to determine the amount of any fee or tax for which the person may be liable; which
records shall include copies of all federal income tax and state tax returns and reports
made by the person. All books, records, papers, invoices, vendor lists, inventories,
stocks of merchandise, and other data including federal income tax and state tax
returns and reports shall be open for examination at any time by the Director or its duly
authorized agent. Every person's business premises shall be open for inspection or
examination by the Director or a duly authorized agent.
A. If a person does not keep the necessary books and records within the City, it
shall be sufficient if such person (a) produces within the City such books and
records as may be required by the Director, or (b) bears the cost of examination
by the Director's agent at the place where such books and records are kept;
provided that the person electing to bear such cost shall pay in advance to the
Director the estimated amount thereof including round-trip fare, lodging, meals
and incidental expenses, subject to adjustment upon completion of the
examination.
B. Any person who fails, or refuses a Department request, to provide or make
available records, or to allow inspection or examination of the business premises,
shall be forever barred from questioning in any court action, the correctness of
any assessment of taxes made by the City for any period for which such records
have not been provided, made available or kept and preserved, or in respect of
which inspection or examination of the business premises has been denied. The
Director is authorized to determine the amount of the tax or fees payable by
obtaining facts and information upon which to base the estimate of the tax or fees
due. Such fee or tax assessment shall be deemed prima facie correct and shall
be the amount of tax owing the City by the taxpayer. The Director shall notify the
taxpayer by mail the amount of tax so determined, together with any penalty,
interest, and fees due; the total of such amounts shall thereupon become
immediately due and payable.
.070 Accounting methods.
A. A taxpayer may file tax returns in each reporting period with amounts based upon
cash receipts only if the taxpayer's books of account are kept on a cash receipts
basis. A taxpayer that does not regularly keep books of account on a cash
receipts basis must file returns with amounts based on the accrual method.
B. The taxes imposed and the returns required hereunder shall be upon a calendar
year basis.
.080 Public work contracts - Payment of fee and tax before final payment for work.
The Director may, before issuing any final payment to any person performing any public
work contract for the City, require such person to pay in full all license fees or taxes due
under this title from such person on account of such contract or otherwise, and may
require such taxpayer to file with the Director a verified list of all subcontractors
supplying labor and/or materials to the person in connection with said public work.
Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 5 of 16
37
.090 Underpayment of tax, interest, or penalty — Interest.
If, upon examination of any returns, or from other information obtained by the Director, it
appears that a tax or penalty less than that properly due has been paid, the Director
shall assess the additional amount found to be due and shall add thereto interest on the
tax only. The Director shall notify the person by mail of the additional amount, which
shall become due and shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the date of the notice, or
within such time as the Director may provide in writing.
A. For the purposes of this section, the rate of interest to be charged for any late or
underpayment of taxes and/or assessments shall be in accordance with ROW
82.32.050 as it now exists or as it may be amended.
B. If subsection A of this section is held to be invalid, then the provisions of ROW
82.32.050 existing at the effective date of this ordinance shall apply.
(Mandatory)
.095 Time in which assessment may be made.
The Director shall not assess, or correct an assessment for, additional taxes, penalties,
or interest due more than four years after the close of the calendar year in which they
were incurred, except that the Director may issue an assessment:
A. Against a person who is not currently registered or licensed or has not filed a tax
return as required by this chapter for taxes due within the period commencing 10
years prior to the close of the calendar year in which the person was contacted in
writing by the Director;
B. Against a person that has committed fraud or who misrepresented a material
fact; or
C. Against a person that has executed a written waiver of such limitations.
.100 Over payment of tax, penalty, or interest - Credit or refund - Interest rate -
Statute of limitations.
A. If, upon receipt of an application for a refund, or during an audit or examination of
the taxpayer's records and tax returns, the Director determines that the amount
of tax, penalty, or interest paid is in excess of that properly due, the excess
amount shall be credited to the taxpayer's account or shall be refunded to the
taxpayer. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, no refund or credit
shall be made for taxes, penalties, or interest paid more than four (4) years prior
to the beginning of the calendar year in which the refund application is made or
examination of records is completed.
B. The execution of a written waiver shall extend the time for applying for, or making
a refund or credit of any taxes paid during, or attributable to, the years covered
by the waiver if, prior to the expiration of the waiver period, an application for
refund of such taxes is made by the taxpayer or the Director discovers that a
refund or credit is due.
C. Refunds shall be made by means of vouchers approved by the Director and by
the issuance of a City check or warrants drawn upon and payable from such
funds as the City may provide.
38 Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 6 of 16
D. Any final judgment for which a recovery is granted by any court of competent
jurisdiction for tax, penalties, interest, or costs paid by any person shall be paid in
the same manner, as provided in subsection (3) of this section, upon the filing
with the Director a certified copy of the order or judgment of the court.
E. The rate of interest on overpayments of taxes on refunds or credits of amounts
paid or other recovery allowed a taxpayer shall be in accordance with RCW
82.32.060 as it now exists or as it may be amended.
F. If subsection E of this section is held to be invalid, then the provisions of ROW
82.32.060 existing at the effective date of this ordinance shall apply (Mandatory)
.110 Late payment - Disregard of written instructions - Evasion - Penalties.
A. If payment of any tax due on a return to be filed by a taxpayer is not received by
the Director by the due date, the Director shall add a penalty in accordance with
RCW 82.32.090(1), as it now exists or as it may be amended.
B. If the Director determines that any tax has been substantially underpaid as
defined in RCW 82.32.090(2), there shall be added a penalty in accordance with
RCW 82.32.090(2), as it now exists or as it may be amended.
C. If a citation or criminal complaint is issued by the Director for the collection of
taxes, fees, assessments, interest or penalties, there shall be added thereto a
penalty in accordance with RCW 82.32.090(3), as it now exists or as it may be
amended.
D. If the Director finds that a person has engaged in any business or performed any
act upon which a tax is imposed under this title and that person has not obtained
from the Director a license as required by TMC 5.04, the Director shall impose a
penalty in accordance with RCW 82.32.090(4), as it now exists or as it may be
amended. No penalty shall be imposed under this subsection (4) if the person
who has engaged in business without a license obtains a license prior to being
notified by the Director of the need to be licensed.
E. If the Director determines that all or any part of a deficiency resulted from the
taxpayer's failure to follow specific written tax reporting instructions, there shall
be assessed a penalty in accordance with RCW 82.32.090(5), as it now exists or
as it may be amended.
F. If the Director finds that all or any part of the deficiency resulted from an intent to
evade the tax payable, the Director shall assess a penalty in accordance with
RCW 82.32.090(6), as it now exists or as it may be amended.
G. The penalties imposed under subsections A through E above of this section can
each be imposed on the same tax found to be due. This subsection does not
prohibit or restrict the application of other penalties authorized by law.
H. The Director shall not impose both the evasion penalty and the penalty for
disregarding specific written instructions on the same tax found to be due.
I. For the purposes of this section, "return" means any document a person is
required by the City to file to satisfy or establish a tax or fee obligation that is
administered or collected by the City, and that has a statutorily defined due date.
J. If incorporation into the City code of future changes to RCW 82.32.090 is
deemed invalid, then the provisions of RCW 82.32.090 existing at the time this
ordinance is effective shall apply. (Mandatory)
Draft B&O Administrative Provisions Page 7 of 16 39
.120 Cancellation of penalties.
A. The Director may cancel any penalties imposed under subsections .110 if the
taxpayer shows that its failure to timely file or pay the tax was due to reasonable
cause and not willful neglect. Willful neglect is presumed unless the taxpayer
shows that it exercised ordinary business care and prudence in making
arrangements to file the return and pay the tax but was, nevertheless, due to
circumstances beyond the taxpayer's control, unable to file or pay by the due
date. The Director has no authority to cancel any other penalties or to cancel
penalties for any other reason except as provided in subsection C.
B. A request for cancellation of penalties must be received by the Director within 30
days after the date the Department mails the notice that the penalties are due.
The request must be in writing and contain competent proof of all pertinent facts
supporting a reasonable cause determination. In all cases the burden of proving
the facts rests upon the taxpayer.
C. The Director may cancel the penalties in subsections .110 one time if a person:
1. Was not licensed, and filing returns,
2. Was unaware of its responsibility to file and pay tax, and
3. Obtained business licenses and filed past due tax returns within 30 days
after being notified by the Department.
4. The Director has no authority to cancel any other penalties or to cancel
penalties or interest charged upon amounts due for any other reason except
as provided in subsection C of this section.
.130 Taxpayer quitting business - Liability of successor.
A. Whenever any taxpayer quits business, sells out, exchanges, or otherwise
disposes of his business or his stock of goods, any tax payable hereunder shall
become immediately due and payable. Such taxpayer shall, within ten (10) days
thereafter, make a return and pay the tax due.
B. Any person who becomes a successor shall become liable for the full amount of
any tax owing. The successor shall withhold from the purchase price a sum
sufficient to pay any tax due to the city from the taxpayer until such time as:
1. The taxpayer shall produce a receipt from the City showing payment in full of
any tax due or a certificate that no tax is due, or
2. More than six (6) months has passed since the successor notified the Director
of the acquisition and the Director has not issued and notified the successor
of an assessment.
C. Payment of the tax by the successor shall, to the extent thereof, be deemed a
payment upon the purchase price. If such payment is greater in amount than the
purchase price, the amount of the difference shall become a debt due such
successor from the taxpayer.
D. Notwithstanding the above, if a successor gives written notice to the Director of
the acquisition, and the Department does not within six (6) months of the date it
received the notice issue an assessment against the taxpayer and mail a copy of
that assessment to the successor, the successor shall not be liable for the tax.
40 Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 8 of 16
THE FOLLOWING ARE SUGGESTED APPEAL PROCEDURES. INDIVIDUAL CITIES
MAY ADOPT PROVISIONS SIMILAR TO THESE OR DEVELOP THEIR OWN
PROCEDURES (WE ENCOURAGE CITIES TO CHECK WITH OTHER CITIES AND THE
RCW):
.140 Administrative Appeal.
Any person, except one who has failed to comply with section .060, aggrieved by the
amount of the fee or tax determined by the Director to be required under the provisions
of this chapter may pay the amount due and appeal from such determination by filing a
written notice of appeal with the City Clerk within 30 days from the date written notice of
such amount was mailed to the taxpayer. A filing fee in an amount in accordance with
the fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council shall be submitted with the
appeal, which filing fee is required to process the appeal. The Hearing Examiner shall,
as soon as practical, fix a time and place for the hearing of such appeal, and shall
cause a notice of the time and place thereof to be delivered or mailed to the parties.
The hearing shall be conducted in accord with the provisions of (applicable city
ordinance). The decision of the Hearing Examiner shall indicate the correct amount of
the fee or tax owing.
.150 Judicial Review of Administrative Appeal Decision.
The decision of the Hearing Examiner is final, subject to review by either party under the
provision of RCW 7.16.040, so long as the appealing party files and serves upon all
necessary parties the petition for granting a writ of review within twenty (20) days of the
date of issuance of the hearing examiner's decision. The City shall have the same right
of review from the administrative decision as does a taxpayer.
.160 Director to make rules.
The Director shall have the power, from time to time, to adopt, publish and enforce rules
and regulations not inconsistent with this chapter or with law for the purpose of carrying
out the provisions of this chapter and it shall be unlawful to violate or fail to comply with,
any such rule or regulation.
.170 Ancillary allocation authority of Director.
The Director is authorized to enter into agreements with other Washington cities which
impose an "eligible gross receipts tax":
A. To conduct an audit or joint audit of a taxpayer by using an auditor employed by
the City of Tukwila, another city, or a contract auditor, provided, that such
contract auditor's pay is not in any way based upon the amount of tax assessed;
B. To allocate or apportion in a manner that fairly reflects the gross receipts earned
from activities conducted within the respective cities the gross proceeds of sales,
gross receipts, or gross income of the business, or taxes due from any person
that is required to pay an eligible gross receipts tax to more than one Washington
city.
C. To apply the City's tax prospectively where a taxpayer has no office or place of
business within the City and has paid tax on all gross income to another
Washington city where the taxpayer is located; provided that the other city
Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 9 of 16 41
maintains an eligible gross receipts tax, and the income was not derived from
contracts with the City.
.180 Mailing of Notices.
Any notice required by this chapter to be mailed to any taxpayer or licensee shall be
sent by ordinary mail, addressed to the address of the taxpayer or licensee as shown by
the records of the Director. Failure of the taxpayer or licensee to receive any such
mailed notice shall not release the taxpayer or licensee from any tax, fee, interest, or
any penalties thereon, nor shall such failure operate to extend any time limit set by the
provisions of this chapter. It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to inform the Director in
writing about a change in the taxpayer's address.
.190 Tax declared additional.
The license fee and tax levied within TMC 5 shall be additional to any license fee or tax
imposed or levied under any law or any other ordinance of the City of Tukwila except as
herein otherwise expressly provided.
.200 Public disclosure - Confidentiality - Information sharing.
A. For the purposes of this section, defined terms shall be as set forth in
[reference this chapter] except as otherwise stated:
1. "Disclose" means to make known to any person in any manner whatever a
return or tax information;
2. "Tax information" means:
a. A taxpayer's identity;
b. The nature, source, or amount of the taxpayer's income, payments,
receipts, deductions, exemption, credits, assets, liability, net worth, tax
liability deficiencies, over assessments, or tax payments, whether taken
from the taxpayer's books and records or any other source;
c. Whether the taxpayer's return was, is being, or will be examined or
subject to other investigation or processing; or
d. Other data received by, recorded by, prepared by, or provided to the
City with respect to the determination or the existence, or possible
existence, or liability, or the amount thereof, of a person under the
[City's tax code] for a tax, penalty, interest, fine, forfeiture, or other
imposition, or offense. However, data, material, or documents that do
not disclose information related to a specific or identifiable taxpayer do
not constitute tax information under this section. Nothing in this chapter
requires any person possessing data, material, or documents made
confidential and privileged by this section to delete information from
such data, material or documents so as to permit its disclosure.
42 Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 10 of 16
3. "City agency" means every City office, department, division, bureau, board,
commission, or other City agency.
4. "Taxpayer identity" means the taxpayer's name, address, telephone number,
registration number, or any combination thereof, or any other information
disclosing the identity of the taxpayer.
B. Returns and tax information are confidential and privileged, and except as
authorized by this section, neither the Director nor any other person may disclose
any return or tax information.
C. This section does not prohibit the Director from:
1. Disclosing such return or tax information in a civil or criminal judicial
proceeding or an administrative proceeding:
i. In respect of any tax imposed un [City's tax code] if the taxpayer or its
officer or other person liable under this title is a party in the
proceeding; or
ii. In which the taxpayer about whom such return or tax information is
sought and another state agency are adverse parties in the
proceeding.
2. Disclosing, subject to such requirements and conditions as the
Administrator prescribes, such return or tax information regarding a
taxpayer to such taxpayer or to such person or persons as that taxpayer
may designate in a request for, or consent to, such disclosure, or to any
other person, at the taxpayer's request, to the extent necessary to comply
with a request for information or assistance made by the taxpayer to such
other person. However, tax information not received from the taxpayer
must not be so disclosed if the Administrator determines that such
disclosure would compromise any investigation or litigation by any federal,
state, or local government agency in connection with the civil or criminal
liability of the taxpayer or another person, or that such disclosure would
identify a confidential informant, or that such disclosure is contrary to any
agreement entered into by the Administrator that provides for the
reciprocal exchange of information with other government agencies which
agreement requires confidentiality with respect to such information unless
such information is required to be disclosed to the taxpayer by the order of
any court;
3. Publishing statistics so classified as to prevent the identification of
particular returns or reports or items thereof;
Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 11 of 16
43
4. Disclosing such return or tax information, for official purposes only, to the
mayor, chief administrative officer, or city attorney, or to any city agency,
or to any member of the City Council or their authorized designees dealing
with matters of taxation, revenue, trade, commerce, the control of industry
or the professions;
5. Permitting the City's records to be audited and examined by the proper
city, state or federal officer, his or her agents and employees;
6. Disclosing any such return or tax information to a peace officer as defined
in RCW 9A.04.110 or county or city prosecuting attorney, for official
purposes. The disclosure may be made only in response to a search
warrant, subpoena, or other court order, unless the disclosure is for the
purpose of criminal tax enforcement. A peace officer or county or city
prosecuting attorney who receives the return or tax information may
disclose that return or tax information only for use in the investigation and
a related court proceeding, or in the court proceeding for which the return
or tax information originally was sought or where otherwise allowed to be
disclosed under this section;
7. Disclosing any such return or tax information to the proper officer of the
Internal Revenue Service of the United States, the Canadian government
or provincial governments of Canada, or to the proper officer of the tax
Department of any state or city or town or county, for official purposes, but
only if the statutes of the United States, Canada or its provincial
governments, or of such other state or city or town or county, as the case
may be, grants substantially similar privileges to the proper officers of the
City;
8. Disclosing any such return or tax information to the United States
Department of Justice, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives, the Department of Defense, the Immigration and Customs
Enforcement and the Customs and Border Protection agencies of the
United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Coast
Guard, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau of the United
States Department of Treasury, and the United States Department of
Transportation, or any authorized representative of these federal agencies
or their successors, for official purposes;
9. Publishing or otherwise disclosing the text of a written determination
designated by the Administrator as a precedent pursuant to ROW
82.32.410.
44 Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 12 of 16
10. Disclosing, in a manner that is not associated with other tax information,
the taxpayer name, entity type, business address, mailing address,
revenue tax registration numbers and the active/closed status of such
registrations, state or local business license registration identification and
the active/closed status and effective dates of such licenses, reseller
permit numbers and the status of such permits, North American Industry
Classification System or Standard Industrial Classification Code of a
taxpayer, and the dates of opening and closing of business. This
subsection may not be construed as giving authority to any person
receiving such information to use such information for any commercial
purpose;
11. Disclosing such return or tax information that is also maintained by
another Washington state or local governmental agency as a public record
available for inspection and copying under the provisions of Chapter 42.56
ROW or is a document maintained by a court of record and is not
otherwise prohibited from disclosure;
12. Disclosing such return or tax information to the United States Department
of Agriculture, or successor Department or agency, for the limited purpose
of investigating food stamp fraud by retailers;
13. Disclosing to a financial institution, escrow company or title company, in
connection with specific real property that is the subject of a real estate
transaction, current amounts due the City for a filed judgment, or lien
against the real property;
14. Disclosing to a person against whom the Administrator has asserted
liability as a successor under the City's tax codes any return or tax
information pertaining to the specific business of the taxpayer to which the
person has succeeded;
15. Disclosing real estate excise tax affidavit forms in the possession of the
City, including real estate excise tax affidavit forms for transactions
exempt or otherwise not subject to tax; or
16. Disclosing such return or tax information to the court or hearing examiner
in respect to the Administrator's application for a subpoena if there is
probable cause to believe that records in the possession of a third party
will aid the Administrator in connection with its official duties under this title
or a civil or criminal investigation.
D. 1. The Administrator may disclose return or taxpayer information to a person
under investigation or during any court or administrative proceeding against a
Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 13 of 16
45
E.
person under investigation as provided in this subsection D. The disclosure must
be in connection with the Administrator's official duties under this title, or a civil or
criminal investigation. The disclosure may occur only when the person under
investigation and the person in possession of data, materials, or documents are
parties to the return or tax information to be disclosed.
2. Before disclosure of any tax return or tax information under this subsection D,
the Administrator must, through written correspondence, inform the taxpayer of
the requested disclosure. The correspondence must clearly identify the data,
materials, or documents to be disclosed. The Administrator may not disclose any
tax return or tax information under this subsection D until the time period allowed
in subsection D.3 of this section has expired or until the court has ruled on any
challenge brought under subsection D.3 of this section.
3. The taxpayer has twenty (20) days from the receipt of the written request
required under this subsection to petition the superior court of the county in which
the petitioner resides (or with any court with jurisdiction over the matter that
allows disclosure of information under this subsection D) for injunctive relief
consistent with the provisions of applicable state law governing disclosure of
taxpayer information.
4. Requesting information under this subsection that may indicate that a
taxpayer is under investigation does not constitute a disclosure of tax return or
tax information under this section.
Service of and compliance with a subpoena issued by the court or any
administrative body with authority to issue subpoenas does not constitute a
disclosure of return or tax information under this section. Notwithstanding
anything else to the contrary in this section, a person served with a subpoena
issued by the court or administrative body may disclose the existence or content
of the subpoena and the records therein identified to that person's legal counsel.
F. Any person acquiring knowledge of any return or tax information in the course
of his or her employment with the City and any person acquiring knowledge of
any return or tax information as provided under subsections C.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 9
of this section, who discloses any such return or tax information to another
person not entitled to knowledge of such return or tax information under the
provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. If the person guilty of such
violation is an officer or employee of the City, such person must forfeit such office
or employment and is incapable of holding any public office or employment in this
city for a period of two years thereafter.
.210 Tax constitutes debt.
46 Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 14 of 16
Any license fee or tax due and unpaid under this chapter, and all interest and penalties
thereon, shall constitute a debt to the City of Tukwila and may be collected in the same
manner as any other debt in like amount, which remedy shall be in addition to all other
existing remedies.
.220 Unlawful actions — Violation — Penalties.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person liable for fees under this chapter (or other
chapters as listed):
1. To violate or fail to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter or any
lawful rule or regulation adopted by the Director;
2. To make any false statement on any license application or tax return;
3. To aid or abet any person in any attempt to evade payment of a license
fee or tax;
4. To fail to appear or testify in response to a subpoena issued pursuant to
this chapter;
5. To testify falsely in any investigation, audit, or proceeding conducted
pursuant to this Chapter.
B. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is a gross misdemeanor. Any
person convicted of a violation of this chapter may be punished by a fine not to
exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), imprisonment not to exceed one year, or
both fine and imprisonment. Penalties or punishments provided in this chapter
shall be in addition to all other penalties provided by law.
C. Any person, or officer of a corporation, convicted of continuing to engage in
business after the revocation of a license shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor
and may be punished by a fine not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), or
imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both fine and imprisonment.
Section 2. Section Title.
Section 3. Repealer. Ordinance No. XXXX is hereby repealed. [if applicable]
Section 4. Corrections by City Clerk or Code Reviser. Upon approval of the
City Attorney, the City Clerk and the code reviser are authorized to make necessary
corrections to this ordinance, including the correction of clerical errors; references to
other local, state or federal laws, codes, rules, or regulations; or ordinance numbering
and section/subsection numbering.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or
phrase of this ordinance or its application to any person or situation should be held to be
invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the
remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to any other person or situation.
Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance or a summary thereof shall be published
in the official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect and be in full force five days
after passage and publication as provided by law.
Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 15 of 16
47
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at
a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2016.
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Rachel Turpin, City Attorney
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Published:
Effective Date:
Ordinance Number:
48 Draft B&O Administrative Provisions
Page 16 of 16
Local Business (B&O) Tax Rates
Effective January 1, 2018
City
Phone #
Manufacturing
rate
Retail rate
Services rate
Wholesale
rate
Threshold
Quarterly
Annual
Aberdeen
(360) 533-4100
0.002
0.003 e
0.00375 e
0.003 e
$5,000
$20,000
Algona
(253) 833-2897
0.00045
0.00045
0.00045
0.00045
$10,000
$40,000
Bainbridge Island
(206) 780-8668
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
$150,000
Bellevue
(425) 452-6851
0:001496
0.001496
0.001496
0.001496
$160,000
Bellingham
(360) 778-8010
0.0017
0.0017
0.0044 e
0.0017
$5,000
$20,000
Bremerton
(360) 473-5311
0.0016
0.00125
0.002
0.0016
$160,000
Burien
(206) 241-4647
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
$200,000
Cosmopolis
(360) 532-9230
0.002
0.002
0.002
0.002
$5,000
$20,000
Darrington
(360) 436-1131
0.00075
0.00075
0.00075
0.00075
$20,000
Des Moines
(206) 878-4595
0.002
0.002
0.002
0.002
$50,000
DuPont
(253) 964-8121
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
$5,000
$20,000
Everett
(425) 257-8610
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
$5,000
$20,000
Everson
(360) 966-3411
0.002
0.002
$1,000,000
Granite Falls**
(360) 691-6441
Hoquiam
(360) 532-5700
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
$5,000
$20,000
Ilwaco
(360) 642-3145
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
$20,000
Issaquah
(425) 837-3054
0.00120
0.00120
0.00150
0.00120
$25,000
$100,000
Kelso
(360) 423-0900
0.00100
0.00100
0.00200
0.00100
$20,000
Kenmore
(425) 398-8900
0.00200 *
$5,000
Kent
(253) 856-6266
0.00046
0.00046
0.00152
0.00152
$62,500
$250,000
Lacey
(360) 491-3214
0.00100
0.00200
$5,000
$20,000
Lake Forest Park
(206) 368-5440
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
$5,000
Long Beach
(360) 642-4421
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
$5,000
Longview
(360) 442-5040
0.00100
0.00100
0.00200
0.00100
$20,000
Mercer Island
(206) 275-7783
0.00100
0.00100
0.00100
0.00100
$150,000
North Bend
(425) 888-1211
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
$5,000
Ocean Shores
(360) 289-2488
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
$5,000
$20,000
Olympia
(360) 753-8327
0.00100
0.00100
0.00200
0.00100
$5,000
$20,000
Pacific
(253) 929-1100
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
$5,000
$20,000
Port Townsend****
(360) 385-2700
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
$0
$100,000
Rainier
(360) 446-2265
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
$5,000
Raymond
(360) 942-3451
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
0.00200
$5,000
$20,000
Renton****
(425) 430-6400
0.00085
0.00050
0.00085
0.00085
$500,000
Roy
(253) 843-1113
0.00100
0.00200
0.00200
0.00100
$5,000
$20,000
Ruston
(253) 759-3544
0.00110
0.00153
0.00200
0.00102
$5,000
$20,000
Seattle***
(206) 684-8484
0.00222 v
0.00222 v
0.00427 v
0.00222 v
$100,000
Shelton
(360) 426-4491
0.00100
0.00100
0.00100
0.00100
$5,000
$20,000
Snoqualmie
(425) 888-1555
0.0015
0.0015
0.0015
0.0015
$5,000
South Bend
(360) 875-5571
0.001
0.002
0.002
0.002
$5,000
Tacoma
(253) 591-5252
0.00110
0.00153
0.00400 e
0.00102
$250,000
Tenino
(360) 264-2368
0.002
0.002
0.002
0.002
$5,000
$20,000
Tumwater
(360) 754-5855
0.001
0.001
0.002
0.001
$5,000
$20,000
Westport
(360) 268-0131
0.0025 e
0.005 e
0.005 e
0.0025 e
$5,000
Yelm
(360) 458-3244
0.001
0.002
0.002
0.001
$5,000
(v) = voter approved increase above statutory limit
(e) = rate higher than statutory limit because rate was effective prior to January 1, 1982 (i.e., grandfathered).
*Kenmore's B&O tax applies to heavy manufacturing only.
**Granite Falls repealed its B&O tax for all businesses other than extracting.
*** Seattle changed its rates effective January 1, 2018.
**** Port Tonsend and Renton changed the minimal threshold in 2018
NOTE: Tax rates may apply to businesses categories other than those above. Thresholds are subject to change.
Exemptions, deductions, or other exceptions may apply in certain circumstances. Contact the city finance
department for more information.
Association of Washington Cities
Janual017
50
Business & occupation tax classifications Page 1 of 2
Published on Washington Department of Revenue (https://dor.wa.gov)
Business & occupation tax classifications
Major B&O classifications
B&O classification Rate
Retailing .00471
Wholesaling .00484
Manufacturing .00484
Service & other activities .015
Specialized B&O tax classifications
B&O classification Rate
Extracting, Extracting for Hire .00484
.003424
Extracting Timber, Extracting for Hire Timber
Slaughtering, Breaking and Processing Perishable Meat; Manufacturing Wheat
into Flour; Soybean & Canola Processing
Travel Agent Commission; Tour Operators; International Charter Freight 00275
Brokers; Stevedoring; Assisted Living Facilities
Insurance Agents/Insurance Brokers Commissions; Child Care .00484
Prescription Drug Warehousing; Manufacturing Bio/Alcohol Fuel; 00138
Splitting/Processing Dried Peas
Publication of Newspapers .0035
Processing for Hire; Printing and Publishing .00484
Processing for Hire Timber Products .003424
Sale of Standing Timber .003424
Non -Manufacturing Aerospace Product Development .0090
Federal Aviation Administration (FAR) Part 145 Repair Stations .002904
Manufacturing of Timber or Wood Products .003424
Manufacturing of Aluminum Smelter .002904
Manufacturing of Commercial Airplanes, Components, or Aerospace Tooling .002904
.00138
https://dor.wa.gov/print/46223
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8/15/2018
Business & occupation tax classifications Page 2 of 2
Wholesaling of Commercial Airplanes, Components, or Aerospace Tooling
Retailing of Commercial Airplanes, Component, or Aerospace Tooling
Manufacturers/Processors for Hire of Semiconductor Materials
.002904
.002904
.00275
Royalties .015
Wholesaling of Timber or Wood Products .003424
Wholesaling of Manufactured Aluminum .002904
Warehousing; Radio & TV Broadcasting; Public Road Construction;
Government Contracting; Chemical Dependency Center; Canned Salmon .00484
Labelers
Radioactive Waste Disposal .0330
Public or Nonprofit Hospitals; Qualified Co-ops .015
For Profit Hospitals; Scientific R&D .015
Cleanup of Radioactive Waste for US Government .00471
Service & Other Activities; Gambling Contests of Chance (less than $50,000 a
015
year)
Gambling Contests of Chance ($50,000 a year or greater) .0163
Parimutuel Wagering .0013
Retailing of Interstate Transportation Equipment .00484
Manufacturing or Wholesaling of Solar Energy .00275
Source URL: https://dor.wa.gov/find-taxes-rates/business-occupation-tax/business-occupation-tax-
classifications
52https://dor.wa.gov/print/46223
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