Maine Revised Statutes

1. Definition.  For purposes of this section, "harvest-related transport of forest products" means the transportation of forest products from the forest land where they were harvested to their initial destination involving production or use.

2. Refund authorized.  The State Tax Assessor shall refund to a person that purchases parts and supplies for use in the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles and trailers that are used directly and primarily in the harvest-related transport of forest products the amount of sales tax paid with respect to those parts and supplies upon the person's presenting evidence that the purchase is eligible for a refund under this section. The refund claim must be submitted on a form prescribed by the assessor and must be accompanied by a copy or copies of that portion of the purchaser's most recent filing under the Code indicating that the purchaser is engaged in the harvest-related transport of forest products and such additional information as the assessor may require. The purchase must have been made on or after April 1, 2008 but before October 1, 2008. An application for a refund under this subsection must be filed with the assessor within 36 months of the date of purchase.

3. Purchases made free of tax with certificate.  Sales tax need not be paid on the purchase of parts and supplies for use in the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles and trailers that are used directly and primarily in the harvest-related transport of forest products if the purchaser has obtained a certificate from the assessor stating that the purchaser is engaged in the harvest-related transport of forest products and authorizing the purchaser to purchase parts and supplies for use in the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles and trailers without paying Maine sales tax. The seller shall obtain a copy of the certificate together with an affidavit as prescribed by the assessor, to be maintained in the seller's records, attesting to the qualification of purchases for exemption pursuant to this section. In order for the purchase of parts and supplies to qualify for this exemption, the motor vehicle or trailer to be repaired or maintained must be used directly and primarily in the harvest-related transport of forest products.

4. Audit.  The assessor may audit a claim for refund filed under subsection 2 or the use of a certificate issued under subsection 3. If the assessor determines that the amount of the claimed refund is incorrect or that the certificate has been used inappropriately, the assessor may issue an assessment within 3 years from the date of purchase or the date the claim was filed, whichever is later, or at any time if a fraudulent claim was filed. The claimant may seek reconsideration of the assessment pursuant to section 151.

5. Payment of claims.  The assessor shall pay the approved amount to qualified applicants under this section within 30 days after receipt of a properly completed claim. Interest is not allowed on any payment made to a claimant pursuant to this section.