CR_09-118 Hearing to consider emergency rules and permanent rules to create s. Tax 1.16, relating to the financial record matching program. EmR0935,  

  • None.
    Describe the type of professional skills necessary for compliance with the rule.
    Familiarity with software such as SNAP Plus and RUSLE2 will be needed for the phosphorus index agricultural performance standard.
    Small business regulatory coordinator
    The Department's Small Business Regulatory Coordinator for this rule may be contacted at Julia.Riley@wisconsin.gov or by calling (608) 264-9244.
    Environmental Analysis
    The Department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch. NR 150 , Wis. Adm. Code. However, based on the comments received, the Department may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the proposal. This environmental review document would summarize the Department's consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives.
    Fiscal Estimate
    Summary
    Proposed rule revision will result in an increased demand on agency staff devoting more time to training, education, grant oversight, enforcement and development of guidance and procedures. The department estimates that a total of 10.5 FTEs will be needed to implement all three rules.
    State fiscal effect
    Increase costs. Costs will not be absorbed within the agency's budget.
    Local government fiscal effect
    Increase costs.
    Types of local governmental units affected
    Towns, Villages, Cities, Counties.
    Fund sources affected
    GPR, SEG.
    Long-range fiscal implications
    State cost-share grants to fully implement the process wastewater performance standard would be $9.3 million or $930,000 annually if awarded over a 10-year period. However, this estimate is dependent upon the availability of cost-share funds to implement the standard.
    Agency Contact Person
    Carol Holden,
    Department of Natural Resources
    P.O. Box 7921
    Madison, WI 53707-7921
    Telephone: (608) 266-0140
    Notice of Hearing
    Revenue
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That pursuant to ss. 71.91 (8) (b) and 227.24 ,Stats., the Department of Revenue will hold a public hearing to consider emergency rules and the creation of permanent rules revising Chapter Tax 1 , relating to the financial record matching program.
    Hearing Information
    The hearing will be held:
    Date and Time     Location
    February 11, 2010   Events Room
    at 9:00 a.m.     State Revenue Building
        2135 Rimrock Road
        Madison, Wisconsin
    Handicap access is available at the hearing location.
    Submission of Written Comments
    Interested persons are invited to appear at the hearing and may make an oral presentation. It is requested that written comments reflecting the oral presentation be given to the department at the hearing. Written comments may also be submitted to the contact person shown under Agency Contact Person listed below no later than February 18, 2010, and will be given the same consideration as testimony presented at the hearing.
    Analysis Prepared by the Department of Revenue
    Statutes interpreted
    Section 71.91 (8) , Stats.
    Statutory authority
    Section 71.91 (8) (b) , Stats.
    Explanation of agency authority
    Section 71.91 (8) (b) , Stats., provides that the department shall promulgate rules specifying procedures to enter into agreements with financial institutions doing business in the state to operate the financial record matching program.
    Related statute or rule
    Sections 71.78 (1) and 77.61 (5) (a) , Stats.
    Plain language analysis
    This proposed rule does the following:
      Provides procedures under which the department and a financial institution doing business in Wisconsin shall enter into an agreement for the exchange of data for purposes of operating the financial record matching program.
      Provides the two methods under which the department and a financial institution doing business in Wisconsin may exchange data under the financial record matching program.
    Comparison with federal regulations
    There is no existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the rule.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    The department is not aware of a similar rule in an adjacent state.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    2009 Wisconsin Act 28 created the financial record matching program. Among the provisions created is a requirement for the department to promulgate rules specifying procedures to enter into agreements with financial institutions doing business in Wisconsin. The department has created this proposed rule order to comply with this statutory requirement.
    Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business
    Currently all financial institutions doing business in the state are required to participate in the financial records matching program according to s. 49.853 , Stats., operated by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. There is no impact on smaller financial institutions.
    Anticipated costs incurred by private sector
    This proposed rule does not have a significant fiscal effect on the private sector.
    Small Business Impact
    This proposed rule order does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses.
    Fiscal Estimate
    The fiscal effect of the financial records matching program was included in the fiscal estimate for 2009 Wis. Act 28 . As such, the rule has no fiscal effect.
    State fiscal effect
    None.
    Text of Proposed Rule
    SECTION 1. Tax 1.16 is created to read:
    Tax 1.16 Financial record matching program. (1) PURPOSE. The purpose of this section is to specify procedures under which the department shall enter into agreements with financial institutions doing business in this state to operate the financial record matching program under s. 71.91 (8) , Stats.
    (2) DEFINITIONS. In this section:
    (a) "Account" has the meaning given in s. 71.91 (8) (a) 1. , Stats.
    (b) "Financial institution" has the meaning given in s. 49.853 (1) (c) , Stats.
    (3) PROCEDURES. (a) A financial institution doing business in this state shall enter into an agreement with the department to participate in the exchange of data on a quarterly basis. To the extent feasible, the information required under this agreement shall be submitted by electronic means prescribed by the department. The financial institution shall sign the agreement and return the agreement to the department within 20 business days of receipt of the agreement. The department shall review the agreement and, if all conditions have been met, shall sign the agreement and provide the financial institution with a copy of the signed agreement.
    (b) A financial institution shall elect one of the following options for the exchange of data described in par. (a):
    1. `State matching option.' This option is also known as the "all accounts method." If this option is elected, the agreement described in par. (a) shall include the following:
    a. The financial institution agrees to provide an electronic file to the department or department's agent on a quarterly basis. The file contains the name, social security number or federal employer identification number of all persons having an ownership interest in an account maintained at the financial institution, together with a description of each person's interest.
    b. The department or department's agent will perform a match against the delinquent debtor file. Upon the request of the department or the department's agent, the financial institution shall provide the department, for each delinquent debtor who matches information provided by the financial institution under subpar. a., the delinquent debtor's address of record, account number, account type and the balance of the account.
    c. The department or department's agent agrees not to disclose or retain information received from the financial institution concerning account holders who are not delinquent debtors. Sixty days notice is required for any changes to the conditions of the contract.
    2. `Financial institution matching option.' This option is also known as the "matched accounts method." If this option is elected, the agreement described in par. (a) shall include the following:
    a. The department or department's agent agrees to provide the financial institution an electronic file on a quarterly basis. The file contains the names and social security numbers or federal employer identification numbers of delinquent debtors.
    b. The financial institution agrees to return a file of matched records to the department or department's agent. The return file of matched records contains the delinquent debtor's name, social security number or federal employer identification number, address of record, account number, account type, the nature of the delinquent debtor's ownership interest in the account and the balance of the account at the time that the record match is made.
    c. The financial institution agrees not to disclose or retain information received from the department concerning account holders who are not delinquent debtors.
    (c) A financial institution may request reimbursement from the department for costs associated with participating in the financial record matching program in an amount not to exceed $125 for each calendar quarter that the financial institution participates in the program.
    Agency Contact Person
    Dale Kleven, Dept. of Revenue
    Mail Stop 6-40
    2135 Rimrock Road, PO Box 8933
    Madison WI 53708-8933
    Phone: (608) 266-8253
    Notice of Hearing
    Revenue
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That pursuant to ss. 71.04 (8) , 71.25 (10) , 227.11 (2) (a) , and 227.24 , Stats., the Department of Revenue will hold a public hearing to consider emergency rules and the creation of permanent rules revising Chapter Tax 2 , relating to apportionment and nexus.
    Hearing Information
    The hearing will be held:
    Date and Time     Location
    February 25, 2010   Events Room
    at 1:00 p.m.     State Revenue Building
        2135 Rimrock Road
        Madison, Wisconsin
    Handicap access is available at the hearing location.
    Copies of Proposed Rules
    A copy of the full text of the proposed rule order and the full fiscal estimate may be obtained at no cost by contacting the department. See Agency Contact Person listed below.
    Submission of Written Comments
    Interested persons are invited to appear at the hearing and may make an oral presentation. It is requested that written comments reflecting the oral presentation be given to the department at the hearing. Written comments may also be submitted to the contact person shown under Agency Contact Person listed below no later than March 4, 2010, and will be given the same consideration as testimony presented at the hearings.
    Analysis Prepared by the Department of Revenue:
    Statute interpreted
    Statutory authority
    Sections 71.04 (8) , 71.25 (10) , and 227.11 (2) (a) , Stats.
    Explanation of agency authority
    Section 227.11 (2) (a) , Stats., provides that each agency may promulgate rules interpreting the provisions of any statute enforced or administered by it, if the agency considers it necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute.
    Related statute or rule
    Sections Tax 2.60 to 2.67 , Wisconsin Administrative Code
    Plain language analysis
    This rule does the following:
    1.   Amends s. Tax 2.39 , Apportionment Method, as follows:
      Explains how the rule applies to corporations that are required to use combined reporting, including applicable cross-references.
      Updates s. Tax 2.39 (6) , relating to the sales factor, to reflect applicable changes that were enacted by 2009 Acts 2 and 28 . More specifically, provides that for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2009:
      "Throwback sales" are included in the numerator at their full amount, rather than at 50%.
      Throwback sales are no longer included in the numerator for sales of services or of the use of computer software.
      Sales of intangibles or the use or licensing of intangibles are no longer sourced according to where the income producing activity occurs. Instead, they are sourced according to the newly created ss. 71.04 (7) (dj) and (dk) and 71.25 (9) (dj) and (dk) , Stats. In general, these statutes source the transaction to where the customer uses the intangible property.
      Provides rules interpreting ss. 71.04 (7) (dj) and (dk) and 71.25 (9) (dj) and (dk) , Stats. relating to sourcing for intangibles for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2009.
      Clarifies that for purposes of computing throwback sales, nexus for part of a taxable year is recognized as nexus for the entire taxable year.
    2.   Amends s. Tax 2.49 , Apportionment of Apportionable Income of Interstate Financial Institutions, as follows:
      Explains how the rule applies to corporations that are required to use combined reporting, including applicable cross-references.
      Amends the definition of "financial institution" to include credit card banks and investment subsidiaries of banks.
      Provides that s. Tax 2.49 (4) (zs) does not apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2009. This means that for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2009, throwback sales are not included in the numerator except for sales of tangible personal property.
    3.   Amends s. Tax 2.495 , Apportionment of Apportionable Income of Interstate Brokers-Dealers, Investment Advisers, Investment Companies, and Underwriters, as follows:
      Explains how the rule applies to corporations that are required to use combined reporting, including applicable cross-references.
      Provides that s. Tax 2.495 (4) (g) does not apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2009. This means that for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2009, throwback sales are not included in the numerator except for sales of tangible personal property.
    4.   Amends s. Tax 2.502 , Apportionment of Apportionable Income of Interstate Telecommunications Companies, as follows:
      Explains how the rule applies to corporations that are required to use combined reporting, including applicable cross-references.
      Provides that for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2009, the sales factor means the sales factor under s. 71.25(9) , Stats., as in effect for the current taxable year. This statute sources sales based on where the benefit of the service is received.
      Specifies how various types of telecommunications services would be sourced under s. 71.25(9) , Stats.. Under the rule, the location where the benefit of the service is received is determined using principles consistent with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement.
    5.   Amends s. Tax 2.82 , Nexus, as follows:
      Explains how the rule applies to corporations that are required to use combined reporting, including applicable cross-references.
      Defines "loans" for purposes of applying s. 71.22(1r) , Stats.
      Clarifies that nexus for part of a taxable year is recognized as nexus for the entire taxable year.
      Provides that the same nexus standards apply to the recycling surcharge as apply to the corporation franchise or income tax.
    6.   Amends the following rules to explain how they apply to corporations that are required to use combined reporting, including applicable cross-references:
      Tax 2.46 — Apportionment of business income of interstate air carriers
      Tax 2.47 — Apportionment of business income of interstate motor carriers
      Tax 2.475 — Apportionment of net business income of interstate railroads, sleeping car   companies, and car line companies
      Tax 2.48 — Apportionment of net business incomes of interstate pipeline companies
      Tax 2.50 — Apportionment of apportionable income of interstate public utilities
    Comparison with federal regulation s
    There are no existing or proposed federal regulations that relate to apportionment of income among states.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa each have their own unique rules and relating to apportionment and nexus. Following is a summary of how the rules and regulations of these other states have provisions similar to the substantive provisions in this rule order:
    Minnesota:
      Services are sourced to where the benefit of the service is received.
      Holding loans secured by real or tangible personal property in the state creates nexus.
      Loan-backed securities are generally not "loans" that would create nexus.
      Nexus for part of the taxable year is nexus for the entire taxable year.
    Michigan:
      Services are sourced to where the benefit of the service is received.
      For telecommunications services, the location where the benefit of the service is received is determined using principles consistent with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement.
      Loan-backed securities are generally not "loans" that would create nexus.
      Nexus for part of the taxable year is nexus for the entire taxable year.
    Illinois:
      Loan-backed securities are generally not "loans" that would create nexus.
      Nexus for part of the taxable year is nexus for the entire taxable year.
      For telecommunications services, the location where the benefit of the service is received is determined using principles consistent with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement.
      Defines "financial organization" to specifically include credit card banks and their subsidiaries.
    Iowa:
      Services, including telecommunications services, are sourced to where the benefit of the service is received.
      Holding loans secured by real or tangible personal property in the state creates nexus.
      Loan-backed securities are generally not "loans" that would create nexus.
      Nexus for part of the taxable year is nexus for the entire taxable year.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    The Department reviewed the statutory provisions enacted by 2009 Acts 2 and 28 and identified existing provisions of chapter Tax 2, Wisconsin Administrative Code, that no longer reflect current law or do not provide useful interpretation of the statutes as amended. The Department studied the laws and regulations of our neighboring states in addition to the model apportionment regulations developed by the Multistate Tax Commission (MTC) to determine how those states have been interpreting statutes that are similar to Wisconsin's. Also, since Michigan and Illinois just updated their apportionment rules for telecommunications companies (in 2008 and 2009, respectively), the Department contacted those states for insight on the industry reaction to those changes.
    Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business
    Nexus and apportionment issues apply only to businesses that are engaged in business in more than one state. Thus, this rule does not have a significant effect on small business.
    Anticipated costs incurred by private sector
    This rule does not result in a significant cost to the private sector.
    Small Business Impact
    This rule order does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses.
    Fiscal Estimate
    This rule order makes various changes to Tax 2.39 through Tax 2.82 to:
    1)   Update rules for apportionment and nexus to reflect statutory changes in 2009 Act 2 and 2009 Act 28 relating to the implementation of combined reporting for affiliated groups of corporations;
    2)   Update rules on the sourcing of sales as well as definitions of certain terms to implement the streamlined sales tax statutory changes contained in 2009 Act 2 ; and
    3)   Certain other changes to administrative rules under the authority of s. 71.04(8) and 71.25(10) , Stats, related to railroads, financial organizations and public utilities.
    The fiscal effects of the rule changes for items 1 and 2 above were included in the fiscal effects for 2009 Act 2 and 2009 Act 28 . As such, these rule changes have no fiscal effect.
    The fiscal effect of the rule changes promulgated under authority of s. 71.04 (8) and 71.25 (10) , Stats., are expected to be minimal.
    Agency Contact Person
    Dale Kleven, Dept. of Revenue
    Mail Stop 6-40
    2135 Rimrock Road, PO Box 8933
    Madison WI 53708-8933
    Telephone: (608) 266-8253
    Notice of Hearing
    Revenue
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That pursuant to ss. 71.255 (6) (b) 2. and (c) 2. , (7) (a) , and (11) and 227.24 , Stats., the Department of Revenue will hold a public hearing to consider emergency rules to create sections Tax 2.60 through 2.67 , relating to combined reporting for corporation franchise and income tax purposes.
    The emergency rule order:
      reflects the changes in Wisconsin's franchise and income tax laws affected by 2009 Act 2 , and
      provides guidance to taxpayers and Department employees so they can properly apply the Wisconsin franchise and income tax laws.
    Hearing Information
    The hearing will be held:
    Date and Time     Location
    February 25, 2010   Events Room
    at 1:00 p.m.     State Revenue Building
        2135 Rimrock Road
        Madison, Wisconsin
    Handicap access is available at the hearing location.
    Copies of Emergency Rule
    A copy of the full text of the emergency rule order and the full fiscal estimate may be obtained at no cost by contacting the department. See Agency Contact Person listed below.
    Submission of Written Comments
    Interested persons are invited to appear at the hearing and may make an oral presentation. It is requested that written comments reflecting the oral presentation be given to the department at the hearing. Written comments may also be submitted to the contact person shown under Agency Contact Person listed below no later than March 4, 2010, and will be given the same consideration as testimony presented at the hearings.
    Analysis Prepared by the Department of Revenue:
    Statute interpreted
    Section 71.255 , Stats.
    Statutory authority
    General rulemaking authority in s. 227.24 , Stats.; specific rulemaking authority granted in s. 71.255 , Stats., as follows:
      Section 71.255(6)(b)2. and (c)2. , Stats., relating to net business loss carryforwards, credits, and credit carryforwards.
      Section 71.255(7)(a) , Stats., relating to identifying the designated agent.
      Section 71.255(11) , relating to the adoption of federal treasury regulations so that transactions among combined group members are treated consistently with transactions among federal consolidated group members.
    Explanation of agency authority
    An agency may promulgate a rule as an emergency rule without complying with the notice, hearing, and publication requirements of the statutes if preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare necessitates putting the rule into effect prior to the time it would take effect if the agency complied with the procedures.
    Related statute or rule
    Sections 71.24 (1) , (1m) , and (7) , 71.29 , 71.44 (1) , (1m) , and (3) , 71.77 , 71.82 , 71.83 , and 71.84 , Stats.
    Plain language analysis
    This rule creates eight new rule sections. The purpose of each rule section is provided below:
    Section Tax 2.60 Definitions Relating to Combined Reporting.
    Provides definitions relating to the other rule sections created by this rule order. Those other sections are ss. Tax 2.61 , 2.62 , 2.63 , 2.64 , 2.65 , 2.66 , and 2.67 .
    Section Tax 2.61 Combined Reporting.
      Explains who must use combined reporting.
      Provides rules for determining whether a corporation is a member of a "commonly controlled group."
      Explains when a corporation's income is not subject to combination because of the degree of the corporation's activity outside the U.S. ("water's edge" rules).
      Explains how to compute the combined group's combined unitary income, including the applicability of federal regulations that relate to consolidated groups. The following components of the computation are covered:
      Intercompany transactions
      Capital gains and losses
      Charitable contributions
      Dividends
      Stock basis adjustments
      Earnings and profits
      Allocation of expenses and deductions
      Explains how to apportion the combined unitary income and rules that apply to various aspects of the apportionment computation.
      Provides rules for determining the taxable income of combined groups that are not subject to apportionment.
      Describes how to apply net business loss carryforwards, including rules relating to the sharing of net business losses.
      Describes how to apply credits, including rules relating to the sharing of research credits.
    Section Tax 2.62 Unitary Business.
      Explains the concept of a "unitary business" and its relationship to the concept of a "combined group."
      Enumerates several characteristics that are indicators of a "unitary business."
      Lists some key U.S. Supreme Court cases which provide further guidance on the extent to which a business enterprise is considered a "unitary business" under the U.S. Constitution. This is significant because the statute provides that "unitary business" shall be construed to the broadest extent permitted by the U.S. Constitution.
      Provides several presumptions to aid taxpayers in determining whether a unitary business exists.
      Provides specific rules relating to the inclusion of passive holding companies and pass-through entities in the unitary business.
    Section Tax 2.63 Controlled Group Election.
      Explains how to make the election and how to renew it after its 10-year duration.
      Provides rules relating to the department's authority to disregard the election in cases where it has the primary effect of tax avoidance rather than its intended purpose of simplifying the determination of who must be included in the combined report.
    Section Tax 2.64 Alternative Apportionment for Combined Groups Including Specialized Industries.
      Specifies how and when a qualifying group may file a petition for alternative apportionment and what information must be submitted to the department.
      Provides that once the department approves the alternative method, that same method must be used for a 7-year period, subject to a limitation that the tax computation under the alternative method cannot be lower than what it would have been if each corporation apportioned its income separately.
    Section Tax 2.65 Designated Agent of Combined Group.
      Explains how to identify which corporation is responsible to act on behalf of the combined group for matters relating to the combined return.
      Defines the scope and limitations of the agency relationship.
    Section Tax 2.66 Combined Estimated Tax Payments.
      Explains when a combined group member may make its own estimated payments, rather than having the designated agent make the payments on its behalf.
      Provides rules for determining the combined group's required estimated tax payments.
      Provides rules for applying estimated payments and overpayments of prior year estimated payments.
    Section Tax 2.67 Combined Returns.
      Enumerates the required components of a combined return and explains how to report separate entity items.
      Explains how to determine the taxable year of a combined return.
      Provides rules relating to interest, penalties, and statutes of limitations as they relate to combined returns.
    Comparison with federal regulations
    The rules are very similar to the federal regulations relating to consolidated groups. The federal regulations listed below are specifically referenced or adopted in this rule order, but modified to apply to combined groups instead of federal consolidated groups.
      Treas. Reg. § 1.1502 -13, relating to intercompany transactions. This federal regulation was actually adopted by statute (s. 71.255(4)(g) , Stats.), but is interpreted in this rule order (s. Tax 2.61(6)(b) ).
      Treas. Regs. § 1.1502 -22 and 1.1502 -23, relating to capital gains and losses and section 1231 gains and losses (s. Tax 2.61(6)(c) ).
      Treas. Reg. § 1.1502 -24, relating to charitable contributions (s. Tax 2.61(6)(d) ).
      Treas. Reg. § 1.1502 -32, relating to investment (stock basis) adjustments (s. Tax 2.61(6)(f) )
      Treas. Reg. § 1.1502 -33, relating to earnings and profits (s. Tax 2.61(6)(g) ).
    The general purpose of the above federal regulations is to treat the members of a federal consolidated group as if they were divisions of a single corporation. Likewise, the purpose of adopting these rules for Wisconsin purposes is to treat the members of a combined group as if they were divisions of a single corporation.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    Illinois:
    Illinois has comprehensive regulations relating to its combined reporting statute. (including IL Regs. 100.2340, 100.2570, 100.5200, 100.5201, 100.5210, 100.5220, 100.5230, 100.5240, 100.5250, 100.5260, 100.5265, 100.5280, and 100.9700). The following aspects of the rules in this rule order were modeled after the Illinois regulations, with some modifications:
      Adoption of federal consolidated return regulations
      Combined estimated tax payments
      Rules relating to the duties of the designated agent
    Iowa:
    Iowa does not have a statute which permits or allows combined reporting. Thus, it has no rules or regulations relating to combined reporting.
    Michigan:
    Michigan adopted combined reporting in 2008, when it enacted its Michigan Business Tax. At the time this rule order was authored, Michigan has not yet promulgated rules or regulations relating to its combined reporting statute. However, Michigan has published an extensive amount of guidance in the form of Frequently Asked Questions.
    Minnesota:
    Like Illinois, Minnesota has rules relating to its combined reporting statute (including Rules 8019.0100, 8019.0300, 8019.0405, and 8019.0500, Minn. Rules). The section of this rule order that provides guidance in determining a "unitary business" (s. Tax 2.62 ) is modeled after Minnesota's rule 8019.0100, with some modifications.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    The department developed these rules based upon research of the combined reporting laws, rules, regulations, published guidance, and tax form instructions of other states. The Illinois and Minnesota regulations referenced above were frequently used as a resource, in addition to various law journal articles and tax publications.
    The combined reporting regulations recently promulgated by Massachusetts (830 CMR 63.32B.2) were heavily relied upon. The Massachusetts combined reporting law (M.G.L. c. 63 §32B), like Wisconsin's, is first effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2009, and Wisconsin's law has many similarities with the Massachusetts law.
    The department also studied the regulations under section 1502 of the Internal Revenue Code, relating to consolidated returns.
    Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business
    Combined reporting primarily affects larger corporations, rather than small businesses. Combined reporting is required for regular "C" corporations, but is not required for the types of entities that are more characteristic of small businesses, such as:
      Sole proprietorships,
      Partnerships,
      Limited liability companies taxed as partnerships, and
      S corporations
    Anticipated costs incurred by private sector
    This emergency rule does not have a significant fiscal effect on the private sector independently from the statute it interprets.
    Small Business Impact
    This emergency rule does not have a significant effect on small business.
    Fiscal Estimate
    The proposed rules create Tax 2.60 through 2.67 to incorporate tax law changes included in 2009 Act 2 and 2009 Act 28 related to combined reporting for commonly controlled groups of corporations.
    The fiscal effect from implementation of combined reporting was included in the fiscal effect for Act 2, and the fiscal effect of certain changes to combined reporting that were a part of Act 28 were included in the fiscal effect for the Act. The administrative rules for these provisions have no fiscal effect independent of Acts 2 and 28.
    In addition to the rule changes made necessary by the statutory changes under Acts 2 and 28, the rule also specifies that basis for depreciable assets for corporations that are subject to tax for the first time shall be the federal basis of the assets, except that the basis shall be computed without regard to any bonus depreciation claimed for federal purposes as required by statute. The fiscal effect of this provision is unknown.
    Agency Contact Person
    Dale Kleven, Dept. of Revenue
    Mail Stop 6-40
    2135 Rimrock Road, PO Box 8933
    Madison WI 53708-8933
    Telephone: (608) 266-8253
    Notice of Hearing
    Revenue
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That pursuant to ss. 146.98 (3) , (4) , and (5) and 227.24 Stats., the Department of Revenue will hold a public hearing to consider emergency rules and the creation of permanent rules revising Chapter Tax 1 , relating to the ambulatory surgical center assessment.
    Hearing Information
    The hearing will be held:
    Date and Time     Location
    February 11, 2010   Events Room
    at 1:00 p.m.     State Revenue Building
        2135 Rimrock Road
        Madison, Wisconsin
    Handicap access is available at the hearing location.
    Submission of Written Comments
    Interested persons are invited to appear at the hearing and may make an oral presentation. It is requested that written comments reflecting the oral presentation be given to the department at the hearing. Written comments may also be submitted to the contact person shown under Agency Contact Person listed below no later than February 18, 2010, and will be given the same consideration as testimony presented at the hearing.
    Analysis Prepared by the Department of Revenue
    Statutes interpreted
    Sections 146.98 and 20.566 (1) (gn) , Stats.
    Statutory authority
    Sections 146.98 (3) , (4) , and (5) and 227.24 , Stats.
    Related statute or rule
    Section 50.38 , Stats., imposes a hospital assessment, and s. 50.14 , Stats., imposes an assessment on licensed nursing home beds and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded (ICF-MR).
    Plain language analysis
    This proposed rule does the following:
      Establishes the requirements for administration of the ambulatory surgical center assessment.
      Describes how the amount of the assessment for each ambulatory surgical center is determined.
      Details how the department will collect assessments.
      Provides guidance regarding data required to be submitted to the department to determine assessment amounts.
      Specifies the filing, reporting, and payment deadlines for the assessment, and penalties imposed for failure to meet the requirements.
    Comparison with federal regulations
    Federal law 42 CFR §433.68 describes permissible health care-related taxes that states may impose without a reduction in Medicaid Federal Financial Participation (FFP) in the medical assistance program jointly funded by the federal government and the state. The taxes must be broad based, uniformly imposed throughout a jurisdiction, and cannot exceed 5.5% of revenues. Ambulatory surgical center or ASC is defined in 42 CFR §416.2 as "any distinct entity that operates for the purposes of providing surgical services to patients not requiring hospitalization, has an agreement with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in Medicare as an ASC, and meets the conditions set forth in subparts B and C of this part."
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    Illinois imposes health care provider taxes on hospitals, intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded or developmentally disabled, and nursing homes. There is no assessment of ambulatory surgical centers.
    Iowa imposes a health care provider tax on intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded or developmentally disabled. There is no assessment on ambulatory surgical centers.
    Michigan imposes a health care provider tax on hospitals, managed care organizations, nursing homes and community mental health programs. There is no assessment on ambulatory surgical centers.
    Minnesota imposes a health care provider tax on hospitals, intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded or developmentally disabled, managed care organizations, and nursing homes. In addition, a tax of 2% of total gross receipts is imposed on surgical centers.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    2009 Wisconsin Act 28 created s. 146.98 Stats., imposing an assessment on Medicare-certified ambulatory surgical centers in Wisconsin. The statute directs the department of revenue to allocate any assessment imposed among ambulatory surgical centers in proportion to their gross patient revenue. The department may determine the amount of the assessment, collect the assessment, require ambulatory surgical centers to provide any data that is required to determine assessment amounts, establish deadlines by which assessments shall be paid, and impose penalties for failure to comply with the requirements of the statute or any rules promulgated. The department is directed to transfer 99.5 percent of the assessments collected to the medical assistance trust fund and retain 0.5% of the assessment revenues collected to support the administrative costs related to the assessment.
    Within the provisions of s. 146.98 (5) , Stats., is a requirement that the department promulgate rules for the administration of the assessment.
    In consultation with ambulatory surgical centers, the departments of administration and health services, the department has created this proposed rule order to satisfy the above requirements.
    Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business
    This proposed rule is created in accordance with 2009 Wisconsin Act 28 to administer and enforce statutory requirements relating to the assessment of ambulatory surgical centers. As the rule does not impose any significant financial or other compliance burden, the department has determined that it does not have a significant effect on small business.
    Anticipated costs incurred by private sector
    This proposed rule does not have a significant fiscal effect on the private sector.
    Small Business Impact
    This proposed rule does not have a significant effect on small business.
    Fiscal Estimate
    The fiscal effect of the assessment under s. 146.98 , Stats., was included in the fiscal effect of 2009 Wis. Act 28 . Therefore, this rule has no fiscal effect.
    State fiscal effect
    None.
    Local government fiscal effect
    None.
    Text of Emergency and Proposed Permanent Rule
    SECTION 1. Tax 1.17 is created to read:
    Tax 1.17 Ambulatory surgical center assessment. (1) PURPOSE. The purpose of this section is to establish procedures and other requirements necessary for levying and collecting the ambulatory surgical center assessment imposed under s. 146.98 , Stats.
    (2) DEFINITIONS. In this section:
    (a) "Ambulatory surgical center" or "ASC" has the meaning given in s. 146.98 (1) , Stats.
    (b) "Cash basis" is the method of accounting where income is reported in the year that it is actually or constructively received in the form of cash or its equivalent or other property.
    (c) "Department" means the department of revenue.
    (d) "Gross patient revenue" means the gross amount received on a cash basis by the ambulatory surgical center from all patient services.
    (e) "Patient services" include any of the following goods and services provided to a patient or consumer:
    1. Bed and board.
    2. Nursing services and other related services.
    3. Use of the ambulatory surgical center.
    4. Medical social services.
    5. Drugs, biologicals, supplies, appliances and equipment.
    6. Other diagnostic or therapeutic items or services.
    7. Medical or surgical services.
    8. Laboratory services.
    9. Items and services furnished to ambulatory patients not requiring emergency care.
    10. Emergency services including ambulance services.
    (3) REGISTRATION. (a) Ambulatory surgical centers in this state are required to be registered with the department, in the manner prescribed by the department.
    (b) On or before January 1, ambulatory surgical centers in this state shall notify the department of a change in ownership, address change, and any other information pertinent to the ambulatory surgical center's assessment under s. 146.98 , Stats., occurring in the previous calendar year.
    (c) The department shall update ambulatory surgical center registration using information provided by the department of health services, division of quality assurance.
    (4) ANNUAL GROSS PATIENT REVENUE SURVEY. (a) The department shall annually survey ambulatory surgical centers required to be registered under sub. (3) (a) to obtain any data required by the department needed to determine the amount of the assessment imposed in s. 146.98 , Stats. Survey data filed shall be subject to the confidentiality provisions under s. 71.78 , Stats.
    (b) Ambulatory surgical centers required to be registered shall electronically file the survey annually on or before March 15.
    (c) Ambulatory surgical centers may apply for a 5 day extension of the survey due date. An extension will be granted for good cause only. The application for an extension shall be filed electronically with the department on or before March 15 at https://tap.revenue.wi.gov .
    (d) Failure to electronically file the survey with the department by the due date, including any extension, shall result in a late filing penalty of $500 per day calculated from the day after the unextended due date up to the date the completed survey is received by the department, or April 1, whichever is earlier. Failure to file the survey during the period for the extension shall make the extension null and void.
    Examples: 1) An ambulatory surgical center does not request an extension to file the annual survey and fails to file the survey by April 1, 2010. A daily $500 late filing penalty is assessed for the period of March 16, 2010 through April 1, 2010, for a total late filing penalty of $8,500.
    2) An ambulatory surgical center is granted an extension, and files the annual survey on March 19, 2010. No late filing penalty is assessed.
    3) An ambulatory surgical center is granted an extension to file the annual survey, but files the survey on March 24, 2010, after the expiration of the 5 day extension. A $4,000 late filing penalty is assessed for the period of March 16, 2010 through March 23, 2010.
    (e) The deadline for filing an amended survey is April 1. Information received after April 1 shall not be considered in the determination of the assessment. If any ambulatory surgical center fails, within the time required by this chapter, to file the survey, or files an incomplete or incorrect survey, the department shall make an assessment based upon any other information in the department's possession and according to its best judgment.
    (f) The department may impose a penalty of 25% of the amount of the assessment if the ambulatory surgical center fails to file the survey by April 1, pursuant to s. 146.98 (3) (e) , Stats.
    (5) ASSESSMENT. (a) The assessment shall be calculated using a uniform percentage that satisfies the requirements under 42 CFR 433.68 for collecting an assessment without incurring a reduction in federal financial participation under the federal Medicaid program.
    (b) The department shall electronically notify an ambulatory surgical center of the amount of the assessment on April 15.
    (c) The assessment shall be paid electronically on or before June 1 in a manner prescribed by the department. Failure to pay the assessment by June 1 shall result in a penalty of $500 per day calculated from the day after the due date up to the date the assessment is received by the department, subject to a maximum penalty equal to the amount of the assessment. Payment of the penalty under this subdivision does not relieve the ambulatory surgical center from the responsibility of paying the assessment.
    (d) The department may require estimated pre-payment of the assessment, in a manner prescribed by the department. The department shall notify ambulatory surgical centers at least 90 days before the first estimated payment is due.
    (6) AUDIT. (a) The department may conduct an office or field audit to determine the assessment under s. 146.98 , Stats., or to ascertain the correctness of the information reported on the annual survey required to be filed under sub. (4) (b).
    (b) Ambulatory surgical centers shall retain financial books and records that support the information reported on the annual survey, and provide it to the department pursuant to s. 146.98 (3) ( c), Stats.
    (c) The department may impose a penalty equal to the amount of any unreported gross patient revenue multiplied by the percentage established for that period in sub. (5) (a).
    (7) APPEALS. Ambulatory surgical centers claiming to be adversely affected by the department's action or inaction, other than a rulemaking action or proposal for legislation, may petition the department for a contested case hearing under s. 227.42 , Stats. The request for hearing shall be in writing and served upon the Secretary of Revenue within 30 days after the department's action or inaction complained of.
    Note: Written requests for hearing should be addressed to: Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Office of the Secretary, P.O. Box 8933, Madison, WI 53708.
    (8) COLLECTIONS. (a) Assessments under sub. (5) (c) shall become delinquent if not paid when due, unless the department receives a request for hearing under sub. (7).
    (b) The department may immediately proceed to collect delinquent assessments, including any penalties, in a manner comparable to that described in s. 77.62 , Stats.
    (c) Assessments unpaid for more than 90 days after appeal rights have expired shall be posted on the list on the Internet site maintained by the department under s. 73.03 (62) , Stats.
    Agency Contact Person
    Dale Kleven, Dept. of Revenue
    Mail Stop 6-40
    2135 Rimrock Road, PO Box 8933
    Madison WI 53708-8933
    Telephone: (608) 266-8253