15-70-223. Estimate allowed for agricultural use -- seller's signed statement acceptable on keylock or cardtrol purchases. - Montana Statutes

     15-70-223. Estimate allowed for agricultural use -- seller's signed statement acceptable on keylock or cardtrol purchases. (1) An applicant whose use qualifies as agricultural use may apply for a refund of the applicable tax on the gallons of gasoline as indicated by bulk delivery invoices or by evidence of keylock or cardtrol purchases as an estimate of off-roadway use. To ensure that the applicant's use qualifies as agricultural use, the department of transportation may request from the department of revenue information on the ratio of the applicant's gross earned farm income to total gross earned income, excluding unearned income, provided that the department of transportation gives notice to the applicant.
     (2) For purposes of application for a refund under subsection (1), the department shall accept, as evidence of keylock or cardtrol purchases, a statement of the sale of gasoline with applicable tax that identifies the purchaser and that is signed by a licensed distributor.
     (3) An applicant may apply for a refund of the applicable tax on gallons of gasoline as evidenced by bulk delivery invoices or by evidence of keylock or cardtrol purchases according to the applicant's ratio of gross earned farm income to total gross earned income, excluding unearned income, as follows:
     (a) if the ratio is 50% or more, the applicant may apply for a refund of 60% of the gasoline tax;
     (b) if the ratio is between 40% and 49%, the applicant may apply for a refund of 50% of the gasoline tax;
     (c) if the ratio is between 30% and 39%, the applicant may apply for a refund of 40% of the gasoline tax;
     (d) if the ratio is less than 30%, the applicant is not eligible for a refund of the gasoline tax under this section.
     (4) If the applicant's ratio in any of the 3 previous years on record is higher than the present year, the highest ratio must be used to calculate the eligible refund.
     (5) If an invoice or evidence is either lost or destroyed, the purchaser may support the purchaser's claim for refund by submitting an affidavit relating the circumstances of the loss or destruction and by producing other evidence that may be required by the department of transportation.
     (6) An applicant whose use does not qualify as agricultural use may not estimate and shall maintain records as required by 15-70-222.

     History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 369, L. 1969; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 13, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 204, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 400, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 200, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 97, Ch. 516, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 80, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 84-1855(part); amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 627, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 356, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 67, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 512, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 245, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 37, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 461, L. 1999.