(1) "Electronic funds transfer" means any transfer of funds, other than a transaction originated by check, drafts, or similar paper instrument, which is initiated through an electronic terminal, telephonic instrument, or computer or magnetic tape so as to order, instruct, or authorize a financial institution to debit or credit an account.

     (2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, the electronic funds transfer is to be completed so that the state receives collectible funds on or before the next banking day following the due date.

     (b) A remittance made using the automated clearinghouse debit method will be deemed to be received on the due date if the electronic funds transfer is initiated on or before 11:59 p.m. pacific time on the due date with an effective payment date on or before the next banking day following the due date.

     (3)(a) The department shall adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of RCW 82.32.080 and this section. The rules shall include but are not limited to: (i) Coordinating the filing of tax returns with payment by electronic funds transfer; (ii) form and content of electronic funds transfer; (iii) voluntary use of electronic funds transfer with permission of the department; (iv) use of commonly accepted means of electronic funds transfer; (v) means of crediting and recording proof of payment; and (vi) means of correcting errors in transmission.

     (b) Any changes in the threshold of tax shall be implemented with a separate rule-making procedure.

[2006 c 256 § 4; 1990 c 69 § 3.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Payment of excise taxes by electronic funds transfer -- 2006 c 256: "(1) The legislature recognizes the following with respect to the payment of excise taxes to the department of revenue by electronic funds transfer:

     (a) Taxpayers required to pay their taxes by electronic funds transfer must do so through the use of either the automated clearinghouse debit method or automated clearinghouse credit method;

     (b) For a remittance by electronic funds transfer to be considered timely, the transfer must be completed so that the state receives collectible funds on or before the next banking day following the due date;

     (c) For the state to receive collectible funds on or before the next banking day following the due date, taxpayers using the automated clearinghouse debit method must initiate the transfer before 5:00 p.m. pacific time on the due date;

     (d) The department of revenue receives information identifying the precise date and time the electronic funds transfer is initiated when a taxpayer uses the debit method; and

     (e) The department receives information identifying only the date that the state receives collectible funds when a taxpayer uses the automated clearinghouse credit method.

     (2) The legislature therefore finds that a remittance made using the automated clearinghouse debit method should be deemed to be received on the due date if the transfer is initiated on or before 11:59 p.m. pacific time on the due date with an effective payment date on or before the next banking day following the due date. The legislature further finds that because the department does not receive information about when an electronic funds transfer is initiated when a taxpayer uses the automated clearinghouse credit method, such transfers must be completed so that the state receives collectible funds on or before the next banking day following the due date." [2006 c 256 § 5.]

     Effective dates -- Application -- Savings -- 2006 c 256: See notes following RCW 82.32.045.

     Severability -- Effective date -- 1990 c 69: See notes following RCW 82.32.060.