96-2255

Sales Tax

Signed 3/11/97

 

BEFORE THE UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION

____________________________________

COMPANY A, :

:

Petitioner, : ORDER

:

v. : Appeal No. 96-2255

:

COLLECTION DIVISION OF THE : Account No. #####

UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION, :

:

Respondent. : Tax Type: Sales Tax

_____________________________________

STATEMENT OF CASE

This matter came before the Utah State Tax Commission for an Initial Hearing pursuant to the provisions of Utah Code Ann. §59-1-502.5, on February 3, 1997. Gail S. Reich, Administrative Law Judge, heard the matter for and on behalf of the Commission. Present and representing Petitioner was PETITIONERS REP.. Present and representing Respondent was RESPONDENT REP. of the Collection Division.

This appeal involves sales tax for April of 1996. A late filing penalty of $$$$$ was imposed with $$$$$ in interest having accrued. The filing was due May 31, 1996. Petitioner filed on June 11, 1996 before the Tax Commission had notified the party of any error. Since the matter was filed and paid shortly after the due date without any notice from the Tax Commission, the Division has recommended waiver of the penalty in this instance. Since the Petitioner and not the Respondent had the benefit of the funds during the interim period, no grounds exist for waiver of the interest.

APPLICABLE LAW

The Tax Commission is granted the authority to waive, reduce, or compromise penalties and interest upon a showing of reasonable cause. (Utah Code Ann. §59-1-401(10).)

DECISION AND ORDER

The Commission has reviewed the position of both parties in this matter. Based upon the information presented at the hearing, and the records of the Tax Commission, the Commission finds sufficient cause has been shown to waive the penalties but not the interest assessed for April, 1996 sales tax.

This decision does not limit a party's right to a Formal Hearing. However, this Decision and Order will become the Final Decision and Order of the Commission unless any party to this case files a written request within thirty (30) days of the date of this decision to proceed to a Formal Hearing. Such a request shall be mailed to the address listed below and must include the Petitioner's name, address, and appeal number:

Utah State Tax Commission

Appeals Division

210 North 1950 West

Salt Lake City, Utah 84134

Failure to request a Formal Hearing will preclude any further administrative action or appeal rights in this matter.

DATED this 11 day of March, 1997.

BY ORDER OF THE UTAH STATE TAX COMMISSION.

W. Val Oveson Richard B. McKeown

Chairman Commissioner

Joe B. Pacheco Alice Shearer

Commissioner Commissioner

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