Purpose


The purpose of the proposed amendments to Rule 12A-1.005, F.A.C. (Admissions), is to provide that charges for individuals traveling in air commerce, such as skydiving, helicopter, or untethered hot air balloon rides, are not subject to the tax imposed on admissions. The purpose of the proposed creation of Rule 12A-1.0144, F.A.C. (Refund of Tax Paid on Purchases of Equipment, Machinery, and Other Materials for Renewable Energy Technologies), is to provide taxpayers information on how to obtain a refund of previously paid sales and use tax on purchases of equipment, machinery, and other materials for renewable energy technologies, as provided in Section 212.08(7)(hhh), F.S., as created by Section 4, Chapter 2012-117, L.O.F., effective July 1, 2012. Section 213.758, F.S., created by Section 8, Chapter 2010-166, L.O.F., and amended by Section 1, Chapter 2012-55, L.O.F., provides for the transfer of tax liability. Sections 3 and 4, Chapter 2012-55, L.O.F., repeal Sections 202.31 and 212.10, F.S., respectfully, regarding the sale of a business and the transfer of liability for communications services tax and for sales and use tax. The purpose of the proposed repeal of Rule 12A-1.055, F.A.C. (Sale or Discontinuation of Business), is to remove the rule containing obsolete provisions relating to the transfer of liability for sales and use tax when a person transfers or quits a business. The purpose of the proposed amendments to Rule 12A-1.056, F.A.C. (Tax Due at Time of Sale; Tax Returns and Regulations), is to implement the provisions of Section 2, Chapter 2012-145, L.O.F., which continues to allow a collection allowance for only those sales and use tax dealers who file electronic tax returns and remit the amounts due on the returns by electronic means for sales tax returns due on or after July 1, 2012. Effective July 1, 2012, dealers who report or remit sales and use tax by any means other than by electronic means will not be entitled to a collection allowance. The purpose of the proposed amendments to Rule 12A-1.087, F.A.C. (Exemption for Power Farm Equipment; Electricity Used for Certain Agricultural Purposes; Suggested Exemption Certificate for Items Use for Agricultural Purposes), is to include the amendments to Section 212.08(5)(e)2., F.S., as amended by Section 8, Chapter 2012-32, L.O.F., which, effective January 1, 2013: (1) provides an exemption for electricity used in packinghouses where fruits, vegetables, or meat from cattle or hogs are prepared for market or for shipment in fresh form for wholesale distribution; and (2) expands the exemption for production or processing agricultural farm products on the farm to include packing agricultural farm products on the farm. The title of the rule is changed to reflect the provisions regarding electricity used for certain agricultural purposes. The purpose of the proposed amendments to Rule 12A-1.096, F.A.C. (Industrial Machinery and Equipment for Use in a New or Expanding Business), is to incorporate the provisions of Section 8, Chapter 2012-32, L.O.F., which, effective January 1, 2013, reduces from 10 percent to 5 percent the increase in productive output needed for expanding businesses to qualify for a sales tax exemption for machinery and equipment. The purpose of the proposed amendments to Rule 12A-1.097, F.A.C. (Public Use Forms), is to adopt, by reference, updates and changes to sales and use tax returns necessary to incorporate the provisions of Section 2, Chapter 2012-145, L.O.F., which continues to allow only those sales and use tax dealers who file electronic tax returns and remit the amounts due on the returns by electronic means may claim a collection allowance for sales tax returns due on or after July 1, 2012.