1320-05-01-.15
Energy Fuel And Water
Cite as Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1320-05-01-.15
(1)
All energy producing fuels such as coal, coke, electricity, natural or petroleum gases, fuel oil,
and other combustibles, and water except as indicated in paragraph (3) of this rule, are
subject to the Sales and Use Tax. In the event the purchaser does not pay the applicable
Sales or Use Tax to the vendor, he must report the purchases, and pay the tax due thereon
directly to the department.
(2)
A manufacturer whose principal business at a specified location is fabricating or processing
tangible personal property for resale and for ultimate use or consumption off of his premises
may apply to the Commissioner and be authorized to purchase energy fuel and water for use
at that location at such reduced rate as may be authorized by law. Manufacturers authorized
to purchase energy fuels and water at the reduced tax rate shall furnish a certified or
photostatic copy of the authorization to the vendors of any energy fuel or water being claimed
at the reduced rate of tax, and pay the tax to the vendor if the vendor is qualified to collect the
applicable Sales or Use Tax.
(3)
Manufacturers who qualify for energy fuel or water at the reduced rate may apply for and be
granted authority to purchase those energy fuels or water which are separately metered or
shown to be solely used in a manner coming into direct contact with or as a component part
of an article being fabricated or processed for sale without the payment of any sales or use
tax. Manufacturers authorized to purchase and use energy producing fuels or water shall
furnish a certified copy of the authorization given by the Commissioner enumerating what
energy fuels or water the manufacturer may purchase without paying sales or use tax to the
vendor and shall pay direct to the Commissioner the tax on those energy fuels or water upon
which no tax has been paid to the vendor and which do not come into direct contact with or
become a component part of an article being fabricated or produced for sale.
(4)
Manufacturers claiming the benefits of this rule must submit applications for the reduced rate
or complete exemption for each place engaged in manufacturing or processing tangible
personal property for sale. Energy fuel and water used by manufacturers in other places
where business may be conducted and in those places for which a specific authorization has
not been granted by the Commissioner are subject to the full rate of tax.
STATE SALES AND USE TAX RULES
CHAPTER 1320-05-01
(5)
The Commissioner may from time to time require a manufacturer to furnish additional or
current information concerning the right of one who has been authorized to either purchase
and use energy fuel or water at the reduced rate or to purchase and use energy fuel or water
without payment of tax. Upon notice from the Commissioner, the manufacturer shall
immediately furnish such information as the Commissioner may deem necessary to ascertain
whether the conditions necessary for the authorization have changed, and whether the
manufacturer is or has been entitled to the reduced rate of tax or a complete exemption on
part of the energy fuel or water. Failure to submit any necessary information to the
Commissioner to make this determination shall be a basis for revoking any authorization
given to the manufacturer.
(6)
Vendors selling energy fuels or water to a manufacturer claiming a partial or complete
examination from paying the tax on energy fuels or water shall have appropriate copies of the
authorizations granted by the Commissioner to the manufacturer in their files as evidence to
show why the full tax rate has not been collected and paid to the department. Vendors shall
be liable for any tax due from manufacturers where proper evidence is not obtained from the
manufacturer.
(7)
Vendors shall report the total sales of energy fuel and water sold to manufacturers with any
other sales of energy fuels, water and any other tangible personal property and taxable
services. The total amount of sales of energy fuels and water sold to manufacturers
furnishing certified copies of the appropriate authorizations shall be reported on the forms
and in the manner provided by the Commissioner. Manufacturers purchasing energy fuel and
water without paying the appropriate tax to the vendor, when any is due, shall include and
indicate the amount of purchases of energy fuel and water on their returns, and pay the
appropriate tax direct to the department.
(8)
Manufacturers and processors authorized to buy any energy fuel or water without paying any
tax to the vendor shall maintain accurate records showing what energy fuel or water has
been used in a manner so as to be to totally exempt from tax and the total purchases of such
energy fuel or water. In cases of electricity, natural or artificial gas, water, and any other item
that is metered, accurate meter readings showing readings of the exempt portion and the
total purchases of energy fuel and water at least once each month, preferably at the time the
readings are made by or for the vendor for billing purposes, shall be maintained by the
manufacturer or processor.