CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2528Introduced by Assembly Members Diep and Gipson(Coauthors: Assembly Members Low and Quirk-Silva)February 19, 2020 An act to amend Sections 6596 and 21012 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to taxation. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2528, as introduced, Diep. Sales and use taxes: income taxes: written advice.Under the Sales and Use Tax Law, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is authorized to relieve a person from the payment of sales and use taxes, penalties, and interest if the department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to that persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the department, as specified.This bill would require the department to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request. The bill would require the department to provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department.Under existing law, the Katz-Harris Taxpayers Bill of Rights Act, the Franchise Tax Board is authorized to relieve a person from the payment of taxes under the Personal Income Tax Law and the Corporation Tax Law, interest, additions to those tax, or penalties if the Franchise Tax Board finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to that persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board or written advice of a legal ruling by the Chief Counsel of the Franchise Tax Board, as specified.This bill would require the Franchise Tax Board to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the Franchise Tax Board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice and would require the chief counsel to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling. The bill would require the Franchise Tax Board and the chief counsel to provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board or written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel is received.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 6596 of the Revenue and Taxation Code is amended to read:6596. (a) If the board department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, the person may be relieved of the taxes imposed by Sections 6051 and 6201 and any penalty or interest added thereto.(b) For the purpose of this section, a persons failure to make a timely return or payment shall be considered to be due to reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, only if the board department finds that all of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person requested in writing that the board department advise him or her the person whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under this part. The specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction shall be fully described in the request.(2) The board department responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards departments written advice, the person did not do either of the following:(A) Charge or collect from his or her the persons customers amounts designated as sales tax reimbursement or use tax for the described activity or transaction.(B) Pay a use tax on the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of tangible personal property.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before either of the following:(A) Before the board department rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(B) Before a change in statutory or constitutional law, a change in the boards departments regulations, or a final decision of a court, which renders the boards departments earlier written advice no longer valid.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board: department:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board department and a copy of the boards departments written advice.(2) A statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts on which the claim for relief is based.(3) Any other information which the board department may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards departments written advice to that person.(e) (1) The department shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice.(2) The department shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department.SEC. 2. Section 21012 of the Revenue and Taxation Code is amended to read:21012. (a) If a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, the person may be relieved of the taxes assessed or any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, as follows:(1) Taxes shall only be relieved, and any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, if the persons failure to make a timely return or payment was due to a persons reasonable reliance on the written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel, and only if the board itself finds all the conditions satisfied.(2) In the event that the person relied on written advice of other than a chief counsel ruling, taxes shall not be relieved. Interest, additions to tax, and penalties may be waived if the board staff finds all the conditions satisfied.(b) For purposes of subdivision (a), all of the following conditions shall be satisfied:(1) The person or the persons representative requested in writing that the board advise him or her them whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under the tax laws administered by that agency, and the specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction were fully described in the request. If the request is for a legal ruling, the request shall specifically so state.(2) The board responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax. In the case where a chief counsel ruling is issued, the ruling shall be signed by the chief counsel or his or her the chief counsels designee.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards written advice, the person did not remit the tax due.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before the board rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(5) The tax consequences expressed in the boards written advice were not subsequently changed by any of the following:(A) A change in statutory law or case law.(B) A change in federal interpretation in cases where the boards written advice was predicated upon federal interpretation.(C) A change in material facts or circumstances relating to the taxpayer.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board all of the following:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board and a copy of the boards written advice.(2) A statement signed under penalty of perjury, setting forth the facts on which the claim is based.(3) Any other information which the board may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards written advice to that person.(e) If written advice is issued pursuant to this section, it shall include a declaration that the tax consequences expressed in the advice may be subject to change for any of the reasons specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) and that it is the duty of the taxpayer to be aware of any of these possible changes.(f) This section does not apply if the taxpayers request for written advice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) contained a misrepresentation or omission of one or more material facts.(g) For purposes of subdivision (a), the board shall waive only that portion of tax, penalties, interest, and additions to tax attributable to the actions taken by the taxpayer after receipt of the written advice of the board which were in reasonable reliance on the written advice.(h) Chief counsel rulings shall be issued as provided in published guidelines.(i) (1) The board shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice. The chief counsel shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling.(2) The board shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board is received by the board. The chief counsel or their designee shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling is received by the chief counsel. CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2528Introduced by Assembly Members Diep and Gipson(Coauthors: Assembly Members Low and Quirk-Silva)February 19, 2020 An act to amend Sections 6596 and 21012 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to taxation. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2528, as introduced, Diep. Sales and use taxes: income taxes: written advice.Under the Sales and Use Tax Law, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is authorized to relieve a person from the payment of sales and use taxes, penalties, and interest if the department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to that persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the department, as specified.This bill would require the department to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request. The bill would require the department to provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department.Under existing law, the Katz-Harris Taxpayers Bill of Rights Act, the Franchise Tax Board is authorized to relieve a person from the payment of taxes under the Personal Income Tax Law and the Corporation Tax Law, interest, additions to those tax, or penalties if the Franchise Tax Board finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to that persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board or written advice of a legal ruling by the Chief Counsel of the Franchise Tax Board, as specified.This bill would require the Franchise Tax Board to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the Franchise Tax Board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice and would require the chief counsel to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling. The bill would require the Franchise Tax Board and the chief counsel to provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board or written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel is received.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20192020 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2528 Introduced by Assembly Members Diep and Gipson(Coauthors: Assembly Members Low and Quirk-Silva)February 19, 2020 Introduced by Assembly Members Diep and Gipson(Coauthors: Assembly Members Low and Quirk-Silva) February 19, 2020 An act to amend Sections 6596 and 21012 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to taxation. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 2528, as introduced, Diep. Sales and use taxes: income taxes: written advice. Under the Sales and Use Tax Law, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is authorized to relieve a person from the payment of sales and use taxes, penalties, and interest if the department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to that persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the department, as specified.This bill would require the department to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request. The bill would require the department to provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department.Under existing law, the Katz-Harris Taxpayers Bill of Rights Act, the Franchise Tax Board is authorized to relieve a person from the payment of taxes under the Personal Income Tax Law and the Corporation Tax Law, interest, additions to those tax, or penalties if the Franchise Tax Board finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to that persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board or written advice of a legal ruling by the Chief Counsel of the Franchise Tax Board, as specified.This bill would require the Franchise Tax Board to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the Franchise Tax Board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice and would require the chief counsel to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling. The bill would require the Franchise Tax Board and the chief counsel to provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board or written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel is received. Under the Sales and Use Tax Law, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is authorized to relieve a person from the payment of sales and use taxes, penalties, and interest if the department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to that persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the department, as specified. This bill would require the department to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request. The bill would require the department to provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department. Under existing law, the Katz-Harris Taxpayers Bill of Rights Act, the Franchise Tax Board is authorized to relieve a person from the payment of taxes under the Personal Income Tax Law and the Corporation Tax Law, interest, additions to those tax, or penalties if the Franchise Tax Board finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to that persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board or written advice of a legal ruling by the Chief Counsel of the Franchise Tax Board, as specified. This bill would require the Franchise Tax Board to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the Franchise Tax Board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice and would require the chief counsel to confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling. The bill would require the Franchise Tax Board and the chief counsel to provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board or written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel is received. ## Digest Key ## Bill Text The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 6596 of the Revenue and Taxation Code is amended to read:6596. (a) If the board department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, the person may be relieved of the taxes imposed by Sections 6051 and 6201 and any penalty or interest added thereto.(b) For the purpose of this section, a persons failure to make a timely return or payment shall be considered to be due to reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, only if the board department finds that all of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person requested in writing that the board department advise him or her the person whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under this part. The specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction shall be fully described in the request.(2) The board department responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards departments written advice, the person did not do either of the following:(A) Charge or collect from his or her the persons customers amounts designated as sales tax reimbursement or use tax for the described activity or transaction.(B) Pay a use tax on the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of tangible personal property.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before either of the following:(A) Before the board department rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(B) Before a change in statutory or constitutional law, a change in the boards departments regulations, or a final decision of a court, which renders the boards departments earlier written advice no longer valid.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board: department:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board department and a copy of the boards departments written advice.(2) A statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts on which the claim for relief is based.(3) Any other information which the board department may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards departments written advice to that person.(e) (1) The department shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice.(2) The department shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department.SEC. 2. Section 21012 of the Revenue and Taxation Code is amended to read:21012. (a) If a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, the person may be relieved of the taxes assessed or any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, as follows:(1) Taxes shall only be relieved, and any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, if the persons failure to make a timely return or payment was due to a persons reasonable reliance on the written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel, and only if the board itself finds all the conditions satisfied.(2) In the event that the person relied on written advice of other than a chief counsel ruling, taxes shall not be relieved. Interest, additions to tax, and penalties may be waived if the board staff finds all the conditions satisfied.(b) For purposes of subdivision (a), all of the following conditions shall be satisfied:(1) The person or the persons representative requested in writing that the board advise him or her them whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under the tax laws administered by that agency, and the specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction were fully described in the request. If the request is for a legal ruling, the request shall specifically so state.(2) The board responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax. In the case where a chief counsel ruling is issued, the ruling shall be signed by the chief counsel or his or her the chief counsels designee.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards written advice, the person did not remit the tax due.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before the board rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(5) The tax consequences expressed in the boards written advice were not subsequently changed by any of the following:(A) A change in statutory law or case law.(B) A change in federal interpretation in cases where the boards written advice was predicated upon federal interpretation.(C) A change in material facts or circumstances relating to the taxpayer.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board all of the following:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board and a copy of the boards written advice.(2) A statement signed under penalty of perjury, setting forth the facts on which the claim is based.(3) Any other information which the board may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards written advice to that person.(e) If written advice is issued pursuant to this section, it shall include a declaration that the tax consequences expressed in the advice may be subject to change for any of the reasons specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) and that it is the duty of the taxpayer to be aware of any of these possible changes.(f) This section does not apply if the taxpayers request for written advice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) contained a misrepresentation or omission of one or more material facts.(g) For purposes of subdivision (a), the board shall waive only that portion of tax, penalties, interest, and additions to tax attributable to the actions taken by the taxpayer after receipt of the written advice of the board which were in reasonable reliance on the written advice.(h) Chief counsel rulings shall be issued as provided in published guidelines.(i) (1) The board shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice. The chief counsel shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling.(2) The board shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board is received by the board. The chief counsel or their designee shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling is received by the chief counsel. The people of the State of California do enact as follows: ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section 6596 of the Revenue and Taxation Code is amended to read:6596. (a) If the board department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, the person may be relieved of the taxes imposed by Sections 6051 and 6201 and any penalty or interest added thereto.(b) For the purpose of this section, a persons failure to make a timely return or payment shall be considered to be due to reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, only if the board department finds that all of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person requested in writing that the board department advise him or her the person whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under this part. The specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction shall be fully described in the request.(2) The board department responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards departments written advice, the person did not do either of the following:(A) Charge or collect from his or her the persons customers amounts designated as sales tax reimbursement or use tax for the described activity or transaction.(B) Pay a use tax on the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of tangible personal property.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before either of the following:(A) Before the board department rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(B) Before a change in statutory or constitutional law, a change in the boards departments regulations, or a final decision of a court, which renders the boards departments earlier written advice no longer valid.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board: department:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board department and a copy of the boards departments written advice.(2) A statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts on which the claim for relief is based.(3) Any other information which the board department may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards departments written advice to that person.(e) (1) The department shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice.(2) The department shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department. SECTION 1. Section 6596 of the Revenue and Taxation Code is amended to read: ### SECTION 1. 6596. (a) If the board department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, the person may be relieved of the taxes imposed by Sections 6051 and 6201 and any penalty or interest added thereto.(b) For the purpose of this section, a persons failure to make a timely return or payment shall be considered to be due to reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, only if the board department finds that all of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person requested in writing that the board department advise him or her the person whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under this part. The specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction shall be fully described in the request.(2) The board department responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards departments written advice, the person did not do either of the following:(A) Charge or collect from his or her the persons customers amounts designated as sales tax reimbursement or use tax for the described activity or transaction.(B) Pay a use tax on the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of tangible personal property.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before either of the following:(A) Before the board department rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(B) Before a change in statutory or constitutional law, a change in the boards departments regulations, or a final decision of a court, which renders the boards departments earlier written advice no longer valid.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board: department:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board department and a copy of the boards departments written advice.(2) A statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts on which the claim for relief is based.(3) Any other information which the board department may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards departments written advice to that person.(e) (1) The department shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice.(2) The department shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department. 6596. (a) If the board department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, the person may be relieved of the taxes imposed by Sections 6051 and 6201 and any penalty or interest added thereto.(b) For the purpose of this section, a persons failure to make a timely return or payment shall be considered to be due to reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, only if the board department finds that all of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person requested in writing that the board department advise him or her the person whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under this part. The specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction shall be fully described in the request.(2) The board department responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards departments written advice, the person did not do either of the following:(A) Charge or collect from his or her the persons customers amounts designated as sales tax reimbursement or use tax for the described activity or transaction.(B) Pay a use tax on the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of tangible personal property.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before either of the following:(A) Before the board department rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(B) Before a change in statutory or constitutional law, a change in the boards departments regulations, or a final decision of a court, which renders the boards departments earlier written advice no longer valid.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board: department:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board department and a copy of the boards departments written advice.(2) A statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts on which the claim for relief is based.(3) Any other information which the board department may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards departments written advice to that person.(e) (1) The department shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice.(2) The department shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department. 6596. (a) If the board department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, the person may be relieved of the taxes imposed by Sections 6051 and 6201 and any penalty or interest added thereto.(b) For the purpose of this section, a persons failure to make a timely return or payment shall be considered to be due to reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, only if the board department finds that all of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person requested in writing that the board department advise him or her the person whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under this part. The specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction shall be fully described in the request.(2) The board department responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards departments written advice, the person did not do either of the following:(A) Charge or collect from his or her the persons customers amounts designated as sales tax reimbursement or use tax for the described activity or transaction.(B) Pay a use tax on the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of tangible personal property.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before either of the following:(A) Before the board department rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(B) Before a change in statutory or constitutional law, a change in the boards departments regulations, or a final decision of a court, which renders the boards departments earlier written advice no longer valid.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board: department:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board department and a copy of the boards departments written advice.(2) A statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts on which the claim for relief is based.(3) Any other information which the board department may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards departments written advice to that person.(e) (1) The department shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice.(2) The department shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department. 6596. (a) If the board department finds that a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, the person may be relieved of the taxes imposed by Sections 6051 and 6201 and any penalty or interest added thereto. (b) For the purpose of this section, a persons failure to make a timely return or payment shall be considered to be due to reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, department, only if the board department finds that all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) The person requested in writing that the board department advise him or her the person whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under this part. The specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction shall be fully described in the request. (2) The board department responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax. (3) In reasonable reliance on the boards departments written advice, the person did not do either of the following: (A) Charge or collect from his or her the persons customers amounts designated as sales tax reimbursement or use tax for the described activity or transaction. (B) Pay a use tax on the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of tangible personal property. (4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before either of the following: (A) Before the board department rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice. (B) Before a change in statutory or constitutional law, a change in the boards departments regulations, or a final decision of a court, which renders the boards departments earlier written advice no longer valid. (c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board: department: (1) A copy of the persons written request to the board department and a copy of the boards departments written advice. (2) A statement under penalty of perjury setting forth the facts on which the claim for relief is based. (3) Any other information which the board department may require. (d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards departments written advice to that person. (e) (1) The department shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the department by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice. (2) The department shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the department is received by the department. SEC. 2. Section 21012 of the Revenue and Taxation Code is amended to read:21012. (a) If a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, the person may be relieved of the taxes assessed or any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, as follows:(1) Taxes shall only be relieved, and any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, if the persons failure to make a timely return or payment was due to a persons reasonable reliance on the written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel, and only if the board itself finds all the conditions satisfied.(2) In the event that the person relied on written advice of other than a chief counsel ruling, taxes shall not be relieved. Interest, additions to tax, and penalties may be waived if the board staff finds all the conditions satisfied.(b) For purposes of subdivision (a), all of the following conditions shall be satisfied:(1) The person or the persons representative requested in writing that the board advise him or her them whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under the tax laws administered by that agency, and the specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction were fully described in the request. If the request is for a legal ruling, the request shall specifically so state.(2) The board responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax. In the case where a chief counsel ruling is issued, the ruling shall be signed by the chief counsel or his or her the chief counsels designee.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards written advice, the person did not remit the tax due.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before the board rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(5) The tax consequences expressed in the boards written advice were not subsequently changed by any of the following:(A) A change in statutory law or case law.(B) A change in federal interpretation in cases where the boards written advice was predicated upon federal interpretation.(C) A change in material facts or circumstances relating to the taxpayer.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board all of the following:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board and a copy of the boards written advice.(2) A statement signed under penalty of perjury, setting forth the facts on which the claim is based.(3) Any other information which the board may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards written advice to that person.(e) If written advice is issued pursuant to this section, it shall include a declaration that the tax consequences expressed in the advice may be subject to change for any of the reasons specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) and that it is the duty of the taxpayer to be aware of any of these possible changes.(f) This section does not apply if the taxpayers request for written advice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) contained a misrepresentation or omission of one or more material facts.(g) For purposes of subdivision (a), the board shall waive only that portion of tax, penalties, interest, and additions to tax attributable to the actions taken by the taxpayer after receipt of the written advice of the board which were in reasonable reliance on the written advice.(h) Chief counsel rulings shall be issued as provided in published guidelines.(i) (1) The board shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice. The chief counsel shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling.(2) The board shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board is received by the board. The chief counsel or their designee shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling is received by the chief counsel. SEC. 2. Section 21012 of the Revenue and Taxation Code is amended to read: ### SEC. 2. 21012. (a) If a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, the person may be relieved of the taxes assessed or any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, as follows:(1) Taxes shall only be relieved, and any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, if the persons failure to make a timely return or payment was due to a persons reasonable reliance on the written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel, and only if the board itself finds all the conditions satisfied.(2) In the event that the person relied on written advice of other than a chief counsel ruling, taxes shall not be relieved. Interest, additions to tax, and penalties may be waived if the board staff finds all the conditions satisfied.(b) For purposes of subdivision (a), all of the following conditions shall be satisfied:(1) The person or the persons representative requested in writing that the board advise him or her them whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under the tax laws administered by that agency, and the specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction were fully described in the request. If the request is for a legal ruling, the request shall specifically so state.(2) The board responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax. In the case where a chief counsel ruling is issued, the ruling shall be signed by the chief counsel or his or her the chief counsels designee.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards written advice, the person did not remit the tax due.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before the board rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(5) The tax consequences expressed in the boards written advice were not subsequently changed by any of the following:(A) A change in statutory law or case law.(B) A change in federal interpretation in cases where the boards written advice was predicated upon federal interpretation.(C) A change in material facts or circumstances relating to the taxpayer.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board all of the following:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board and a copy of the boards written advice.(2) A statement signed under penalty of perjury, setting forth the facts on which the claim is based.(3) Any other information which the board may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards written advice to that person.(e) If written advice is issued pursuant to this section, it shall include a declaration that the tax consequences expressed in the advice may be subject to change for any of the reasons specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) and that it is the duty of the taxpayer to be aware of any of these possible changes.(f) This section does not apply if the taxpayers request for written advice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) contained a misrepresentation or omission of one or more material facts.(g) For purposes of subdivision (a), the board shall waive only that portion of tax, penalties, interest, and additions to tax attributable to the actions taken by the taxpayer after receipt of the written advice of the board which were in reasonable reliance on the written advice.(h) Chief counsel rulings shall be issued as provided in published guidelines.(i) (1) The board shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice. The chief counsel shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling.(2) The board shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board is received by the board. The chief counsel or their designee shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling is received by the chief counsel. 21012. (a) If a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, the person may be relieved of the taxes assessed or any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, as follows:(1) Taxes shall only be relieved, and any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, if the persons failure to make a timely return or payment was due to a persons reasonable reliance on the written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel, and only if the board itself finds all the conditions satisfied.(2) In the event that the person relied on written advice of other than a chief counsel ruling, taxes shall not be relieved. Interest, additions to tax, and penalties may be waived if the board staff finds all the conditions satisfied.(b) For purposes of subdivision (a), all of the following conditions shall be satisfied:(1) The person or the persons representative requested in writing that the board advise him or her them whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under the tax laws administered by that agency, and the specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction were fully described in the request. If the request is for a legal ruling, the request shall specifically so state.(2) The board responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax. In the case where a chief counsel ruling is issued, the ruling shall be signed by the chief counsel or his or her the chief counsels designee.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards written advice, the person did not remit the tax due.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before the board rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(5) The tax consequences expressed in the boards written advice were not subsequently changed by any of the following:(A) A change in statutory law or case law.(B) A change in federal interpretation in cases where the boards written advice was predicated upon federal interpretation.(C) A change in material facts or circumstances relating to the taxpayer.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board all of the following:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board and a copy of the boards written advice.(2) A statement signed under penalty of perjury, setting forth the facts on which the claim is based.(3) Any other information which the board may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards written advice to that person.(e) If written advice is issued pursuant to this section, it shall include a declaration that the tax consequences expressed in the advice may be subject to change for any of the reasons specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) and that it is the duty of the taxpayer to be aware of any of these possible changes.(f) This section does not apply if the taxpayers request for written advice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) contained a misrepresentation or omission of one or more material facts.(g) For purposes of subdivision (a), the board shall waive only that portion of tax, penalties, interest, and additions to tax attributable to the actions taken by the taxpayer after receipt of the written advice of the board which were in reasonable reliance on the written advice.(h) Chief counsel rulings shall be issued as provided in published guidelines.(i) (1) The board shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice. The chief counsel shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling.(2) The board shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board is received by the board. The chief counsel or their designee shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling is received by the chief counsel. 21012. (a) If a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, the person may be relieved of the taxes assessed or any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, as follows:(1) Taxes shall only be relieved, and any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, if the persons failure to make a timely return or payment was due to a persons reasonable reliance on the written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel, and only if the board itself finds all the conditions satisfied.(2) In the event that the person relied on written advice of other than a chief counsel ruling, taxes shall not be relieved. Interest, additions to tax, and penalties may be waived if the board staff finds all the conditions satisfied.(b) For purposes of subdivision (a), all of the following conditions shall be satisfied:(1) The person or the persons representative requested in writing that the board advise him or her them whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under the tax laws administered by that agency, and the specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction were fully described in the request. If the request is for a legal ruling, the request shall specifically so state.(2) The board responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax. In the case where a chief counsel ruling is issued, the ruling shall be signed by the chief counsel or his or her the chief counsels designee.(3) In reasonable reliance on the boards written advice, the person did not remit the tax due.(4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before the board rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice.(5) The tax consequences expressed in the boards written advice were not subsequently changed by any of the following:(A) A change in statutory law or case law.(B) A change in federal interpretation in cases where the boards written advice was predicated upon federal interpretation.(C) A change in material facts or circumstances relating to the taxpayer.(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board all of the following:(1) A copy of the persons written request to the board and a copy of the boards written advice.(2) A statement signed under penalty of perjury, setting forth the facts on which the claim is based.(3) Any other information which the board may require.(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards written advice to that person.(e) If written advice is issued pursuant to this section, it shall include a declaration that the tax consequences expressed in the advice may be subject to change for any of the reasons specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) and that it is the duty of the taxpayer to be aware of any of these possible changes.(f) This section does not apply if the taxpayers request for written advice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) contained a misrepresentation or omission of one or more material facts.(g) For purposes of subdivision (a), the board shall waive only that portion of tax, penalties, interest, and additions to tax attributable to the actions taken by the taxpayer after receipt of the written advice of the board which were in reasonable reliance on the written advice.(h) Chief counsel rulings shall be issued as provided in published guidelines.(i) (1) The board shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice. The chief counsel shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling.(2) The board shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board is received by the board. The chief counsel or their designee shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling is received by the chief counsel. 21012. (a) If a persons failure to make a timely return or payment is due to the persons reasonable reliance on written advice from the board, the person may be relieved of the taxes assessed or any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, as follows: (1) Taxes shall only be relieved, and any interest, additions to tax, and penalties added thereto, if the persons failure to make a timely return or payment was due to a persons reasonable reliance on the written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel, and only if the board itself finds all the conditions satisfied. (2) In the event that the person relied on written advice of other than a chief counsel ruling, taxes shall not be relieved. Interest, additions to tax, and penalties may be waived if the board staff finds all the conditions satisfied. (b) For purposes of subdivision (a), all of the following conditions shall be satisfied: (1) The person or the persons representative requested in writing that the board advise him or her them whether a particular activity or transaction is subject to tax under the tax laws administered by that agency, and the specific facts and circumstances of the activity or transaction were fully described in the request. If the request is for a legal ruling, the request shall specifically so state. (2) The board responded in writing to the person regarding the written request for advice, stating whether or not the described activity or transaction is subject to tax, or stating the conditions under which the activity or transaction is subject to tax. In the case where a chief counsel ruling is issued, the ruling shall be signed by the chief counsel or his or her the chief counsels designee. (3) In reasonable reliance on the boards written advice, the person did not remit the tax due. (4) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or transaction which occurred before the board rescinded or modified the advice so given, by sending written notice to the person of the rescinded or modified advice. (5) The tax consequences expressed in the boards written advice were not subsequently changed by any of the following: (A) A change in statutory law or case law. (B) A change in federal interpretation in cases where the boards written advice was predicated upon federal interpretation. (C) A change in material facts or circumstances relating to the taxpayer. (c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with the board all of the following: (1) A copy of the persons written request to the board and a copy of the boards written advice. (2) A statement signed under penalty of perjury, setting forth the facts on which the claim is based. (3) Any other information which the board may require. (d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled to rely on the boards written advice to that person. (e) If written advice is issued pursuant to this section, it shall include a declaration that the tax consequences expressed in the advice may be subject to change for any of the reasons specified in paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) and that it is the duty of the taxpayer to be aware of any of these possible changes. (f) This section does not apply if the taxpayers request for written advice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) contained a misrepresentation or omission of one or more material facts. (g) For purposes of subdivision (a), the board shall waive only that portion of tax, penalties, interest, and additions to tax attributable to the actions taken by the taxpayer after receipt of the written advice of the board which were in reasonable reliance on the written advice. (h) Chief counsel rulings shall be issued as provided in published guidelines. (i) (1) The board shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice from the board by sending a letter within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request for written advice. The chief counsel shall confirm receipt of a request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling by the chief counsel by sending a letter within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request for written advice of a legal ruling. (2) The board shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice from the board is received by the board. The chief counsel or their designee shall provide a response within 180 days from the date the request by a person for written advice of a legal ruling is received by the chief counsel.