Legislation

Fuel tax study

At the request of the state legislature, we are working with the Department of Revenue (DOR) to study the transfer of fuel tax collection functions to DOR.

The study will examine the costs and benefits of transferring these functions, and will prepare us to answer questions about:

Licensing and bonding
  • Will licensing requirements and application processes change?
  • If I am bonded, do I have to submit new bonds?
  • Will I be issued a new fuel tax license?
Tax reporting
  • How will this impact my tax reporting?
  • What if I have an amended tax return?
  • Will I have any additional tax reports and/or schedules to prepare?
  • Where will I mail my tax reports?
  • Will the due dates for my tax reports changed?
  • If I send EFT monies, will I have to send to a new EFT address?
Refunds
  • Will I have to complete a new application when the section moves to DOR?
  • Will there be a change in how I submit my refund claims?
  • Will I need to apply for a new refund permit number or account with DOR?
  • Where will I mail my refund claim?
General fuel tax issues
  • What functions are staying with DOL and which ones are moving to DOR?
  • What changes to the RCW and WACs will be made that impacts our reporting?
  • What improvements to our processes do you see with the move to DOR?
  • Will there be cost and/or resource increases to tax payers as a result of this move?
  • What are the cost savings in moving fuel tax administration?
  • If no advantages to public and not a cost savings with this move will it still take place?
  • Will data be accessible for reports and statistical requirements of other agencies?
  • Will there continue to be a fuel tax evasion focus by DOR?
  • Will the audit functions remain the same?
  • Will tax payers be mandated electronic filing “edi” of tax returns?
  • How will I be informed of changes to processes?
  • When will the changes occur?
  • If I have questions, who can I call?

The study will also look for efficiencies and ways to improve customer service. A final report with recommendations will be presented to the 2010 Legislature, and the transfer would occur on July 1, 2010.

Tell us what you think

Your feedback is critical to our evaluation of this change. You can help us better understand how you may be impacted by this change by completing our online fuel tax survey. If you have questions, you may leave a message at (360) 664-1874 and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Agency-request legislation

We successfully asked for 2 pieces of legislation in 2009: one authorizes the agency to request FBI-fingerprint background checks for Enhanced Driver License staff and applicants, and the other aligns Commercial Driver License sanctions with Federal Law.

State parks donation

The legislature gave us the responsibility to add a $5 “opt out” donation to vehicle renewal notices in an effort to help fund state parks. Advocates for parks and the state legislature are hopeful this will raise enough money to keep all state parks open.

Business and professional licensing

The 2009 legislature gave our Business and Professions Division (BPD) responsiblity for a new program — tattooing and body piercing. In addition, the funeral directors and cemetery boards were merged into one program to reduce redundancy.