95-017

Response July 12, 1995

 

 

Request

February 16, 1995

 

Commissioner

Utah State Tax Commission

210 North 1950 West

Salt Lake City, Utah 84134

 

Dear Commissioners:

 

Regarding: IFTA, IRP, and ICC authority.

 

I spoke with XXXXX last December regarding the following question. It would be helpful it we could get written confirmation of the position he explained to me.

 

We represent XXXXX, a company that leases its trucks from XXXXX. Futura does not have an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) number. Instead, XXXXX has the IFTA number, which is used by XXXXX; and XXXXX does the reporting on behalf of XXXXX. Prior to 1994, XXXXX had an International Registration Plan (IRP) number, but XXXXX did the IRP reporting for XXXXX under the lease contract. Since 1994, XXXXX has had neither an IFTA nor and IRP numbers and has used XXXXX numbers. XXXXX has continued to do the reporting.

 

It is my understanding that the lease payments made to XXXXX by XXXXX should be exempt form sales and use taxes, even though XXXXX must rely on XXXXX IFTA and/or IRP authority. In other words, the commission has allowed the exemption as long as the vehicle itself is operating in interstate commerce under the required authority.

 

I realize leases that began prior to XXXXX do not qualify even if they were in effect after that date.

 

Again, thank you for your attention to our concerns.

 

Sincerely,

 

XXXXX

 

 

July 12, 1995

 

RE: Advisory Opinion - Sales Tax Exemption for Authorized Motor Carrier Vehicles

 

Dear XXXXX,

 

You requested an advisory opinion as to whether XXXXX is eligible for a sales tax exemption on their truck leases. We find as follows:

 

The Utah State Legislature, in its 1995 session, passed House Bill 120 authorizing a sales tax exemption for the lease of vehicles to authorized carriers. An authorized carrier is one who operates under both the International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). The leases described in your letter meet the requirements for this exemption. However, this exemption did not take effect until July 1, 1995, and it does not apply retroactively to lease agreements entered prior to that date.

 

This opinion is based only on the facts presented. If additional facts arise which present you with new questions, please feel free to ask for another advisory opinion.

 

For the Commission,

 

Alice Shearer

Commissioner