Source: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/32/103
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 09:51:36+00:00

Document:
(a) The Department of Taxes shall be administered by a Commissioner of Taxes.
(1) Report biennially to the General Assembly. The provisions of 2 V.S.A. § 20(d) (expiration of required reports) shall not apply to the report to be made under this subdivision.
(2) Provide for the security of information required by law to be kept confidential.
(3) Coordinate and integrate the work of the Department of Taxes with other agencies and departments responsible for the administration of taxes.
(4) Advise the Secretary of Administration and the General Assembly on matters relating to tax policy, as requested.
(5) Provide assistance and instruction to taxpayers and tax preparers, within the limits of available resources; provided, however, that in his or her communication with taxpayers, the Commissioner shall educate taxpayers about the available opportunities for resolving tax disputes through abatement, payment plans, offers in compromise, or any other possibilities for informal resolution before a final administrative decision on the merits of the dispute.
(6) Design and make available to all who request them appropriate returns for reporting tax information.
(7) Establish procedures for handling taxpayer appeals.
(8) Establish and maintain a record of tax returns and other data furnished to the Department of Taxes.
(9) Prepare and provide at a reasonable fee to all who request them copies of relevant tax statutes and regulations.
(10) Administer and enforce all taxes within his or her jurisdiction.
(11) From time to time prepare and publish statistics reasonably available with respect to the operation of this title, including amounts collected, classification of taxpayers, tax liabilities, and such other facts as the Commissioner or the General Assembly considers pertinent.
(a) No present or former officer, employee, or agent of the Department of Taxes shall disclose any return or return information to any person who is not an officer, employee, or agent of the Department of Taxes except in accordance with the provisions of this section. A person who violates this section shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both; and if the offender is an officer or employee of this State, he or she shall, in addition, be dismissed from office and be incapable of holding any public office for a period of five years thereafter.
(1) "Person" shall include any individual, firm, partnership, association, joint stock company, corporation, trust, estate, or other entity.
(2) "Return" means any tax return, declaration of estimated tax, license application, report, or similar document, including attachments, schedules, and transmittals, filed with the Department of Taxes.
(3) "Return information" includes a person's name, address, date of birth, Social Security or federal identification number or any other identifying number; information as to whether or not a return was filed or required to be filed; the nature, source or amount of a person's income, payments, receipts, deductions, exemptions, credits, assets, liabilities, net worth, tax liabilities, tax payments, deficiencies or over-assessments; and any other data, from any source, furnished to or prepared or collected by the Department of Taxes with respect to any person.
(4) "Tax administration" means the verification of a tax return or claim for credit, rebate or refund; the investigation, assessment, determination, litigation or collection of a tax liability of any person; the investigation or prosecution of a tax-related crime; or the enforcement of a tax statute.
(5) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Taxes appointed under section 3101 of this title or any officer, employee or agent of the Department of Taxes authorized by the Commissioner (directly or indirectly by one or more redelegations of authority) to perform any function of the Commissioner.
(6) "State" means any sovereign body politic, including the United States, any state or territory thereof, and any foreign country or state or province thereof.
(7) "Authorized representative" means any person who would be considered a designee of the taxpayer under 26 U.S.C. § 6103(c). The signature of a notary public shall not be required for a person to be considered an "authorized representative."
(2) to any one of the several persons filing a joint, partnership, or consolidated return with the Department of Taxes, or any authorized representative of those persons.
(7) to the Joint Fiscal Office pursuant to subsection 10503(e) of this title and subject to the conditions and limitations specified in that subsection.
(1) To any person, provided that the information appears in records that are otherwise available to the general public; it shall not be an abuse of discretion to deny disclosure on the grounds that the information is of the type available at a town clerk's office.
(2) To any person, provided that such disclosure is reasonably necessary for purposes of Vermont tax administration.
(3) To any officer, employee, or agent of any other state or Vermont municipality that administers its own local option sales tax or meals and rooms tax or gross receipts tax under its charter, provided that the information will be used by that state or municipality for tax administration and that state or municipality grants substantially similar disclosure privileges to this State and provides for the secrecy of records in terms substantially similar to those provided by this section.
(4) To any officer, employee, or agent of any law enforcement authority pursuant to a judicial order issued ex parte upon application by the Commissioner for the purpose of determining the location of a fugitive from justice or under circumstances involving an imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury to an individual. Information disclosed under this subdivision shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which disclosure was granted.
(5) To the person whose return information is sought, or any duly authorized representative of that person.
(6) To any person who shall use such return or return information solely in connection with the processing of such a return or return information or in connection with the audit of the books, records, and accounts of the Department of Taxes.
(7) To any person, or his or her duly authorized representative, provided that the information is necessary to determine that person's liability for a tax administered by the Commissioner and cannot reasonably be obtained from another source.
(8) To the Commissioner of Labor for the purpose of establishing the identity or liability of employers for unemployment compensation.
(9) To any person, provided that the disclosure is reasonably necessary to investigate or discipline employee misconduct relating to the failure of an employee of the Department of Taxes to comply with federal or State tax laws.
(10) To any person, provided that the disclosure is reasonably necessary to investigate the truthfulness of a statement made pursuant to section 3113 of this title that a contractor, licensee, or person authorized by the state to conduct a trade or business is in good standing with respect to or in full compliance with a plan to pay any and all taxes due as of the date such statement is made, or to discipline or prosecute any person making a false statement.
(11) To the Joint Fiscal Office or its agent, provided that the disclosure relates to a successful business applicant under chapter 105, subchapter 2 of this title and the incentive it has claimed and is reasonably necessary for the Joint Fiscal Office or its agent to perform the duties authorized by the Joint Fiscal Committee or a standing committee of the General Assembly under that subchapter; to the Auditor of Accounts for the performance of duties under section 163 of this title; and to the Department of Economic Development for the purposes of subsection 5922(f) of this title.
(12) To the Joint Fiscal Office or its agent, provided the disclosure relates to a taxpayer claiming a tax credit pursuant to section 5930n, 5930p, 5930q, or 5930r of this title or the credits claimed thereunder, and the disclosure is reasonably necessary for the Joint Fiscal Office or its agent to perform its duties.
(13) To the Center for Crime Victim Services for the purpose of determining or verifying a defendant's assets and income pursuant to 13 V.S.A. § 7043.
(14) To the Office of the State Treasurer, only in the form of mailing labels, with only the last address known to the Department of Taxes of any person identified to the Department by the Treasurer by name and Social Security number, for the Treasurer's use in notifying owners of unclaimed property.
(15) To the Department of Liquor Control, provided that the information is limited to information concerning the sales and use tax and meals and rooms tax filing history with respect to the most recent five years of a person seeking a liquor license or a renewal of a liquor license.
(16) To the Commissioner of Financial Regulation and the Commissioner of Vermont Health Access, if such return or return information relates to obligations of health insurers under chapter 243 of this title.
(17) To the Department of Financial Regulation, if such return or return information relates to the tax on premiums of captive insurance companies contained in 8 V.S.A. chapter 141, to the tax on surplus lines under 8 V.S.A. § 5035, to the tax on the direct placement of insurance under 8 V.S.A. § 5036, or to the tax on insurance premiums under section 8551 of this title.
(18) To the Agency of Natural Resources, if such return or return information relates to the tax on hazardous waste under chapter 237 of this title, or to the franchise tax on waste facilities under chapter 151, subchapter 13 of this title.
(19) To the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation if such return or return information is necessary to verify eligibility for the matching allocation required by 16 V.S.A. § 2880d(c).
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, information obtained from the Commissioner for Children and Families under 33 V.S.A. § 112(c), from the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation under 16 V.S.A. § 2843, or the Dental Health Program under 33 V.S.A. § 4507, or a job development zone under subsection 5926(c) of this title shall be confidential and it shall be unlawful for anyone to divulge such information except in accordance with a judicial order or as provided under another provision of law.
(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the publication of statistical information, rulings, determinations, reports, opinions, policies, or other information so long as the data is disclosed in a form that cannot identify or be associated with a particular person.
(h) If any provision of Vermont law authorizes or requires the Commissioner to divulge or make known in any manner any return or return information, the person or persons receiving such return or return information (other than information disclosed under subsection (i) of this section) shall be subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section as if such person were the agent of the Commissioner. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to restrict the disclosure of a return or return information by the person to whom it relates.
(i) The Commissioner may, for the purpose of notifying the public of the revocation of a meals and rooms tax license or sales and use tax certificate, disclose the name of the taxpayer and name of the business, the business address and the license or certificate number.
(j) Tax bills prepared by a municipality under subdivision 5402(b)(1) of this title showing only the amount of total tax due shall not be considered confidential return information under this section. For the purposes of calculating adjustments under chapter 154 of this title, information provided by the Commissioner to a municipality under subsection 6066a(a) of this title and information provided by the municipality to a taxpayer under subsection 6066a(f) shall be considered confidential return information under this section.
(3) any other person as long as the taxpayer has filed a written consent to such disclosure with the municipality.
(l)(1) The Commissioner of Taxes and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the Joint Fiscal Office shall enter into a memorandum of understanding in order to provide the Joint Fiscal Office with State returns and return information necessary for the Joint Fiscal Office or its agents to perform its duties, including conducting its own statistical studies, forecasts, and fiscal analysis.
(D) the incorporation of penalties for unauthorized disclosures under subsections (a) and (h) of this section.
§§ 3103-3105. Repealed. 1987, No. 243 (Adj. Sess.), § 70, eff. June 13, 1988.
§§ 3106, 3107. Repealed. 1961, No. 217, § 10, eff. July 13, 1961.
(a) Not later than December 15 of each year, the Commissioner shall establish a rate of interest applicable to tax overpayments which shall be equal to the average prime rate charged by banks during the immediately preceding 12 months commencing on October 1 of the prior year, rounded upwards to the nearest quarter percent. An annual rate thus established shall be converted to a monthly rate which shall be rounded upwards to the nearest 10th of a percent. Not later than December 15 of each year, the Commissioner shall establish annual and monthly rates of interest applicable to unpaid tax liabilities, which in each instance shall be equal to the annual and monthly rates established for tax overpayments plus 200 basis points. The rates established hereunder shall be effective on January 1 of the immediately following year. As used in this section, the term "prime rate charged by banks" shall mean the average predominate prime rate quoted by commercial banks to large businesses as determined by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board.
(4) to the extent the overpayment is paid at the direction of the taxpayer to a municipality for credit against the taxpayer's homestead property tax liabilities.
(5) For the purposes of this subsection, a return shall not be treated as filed until it is filed in processible form, which means that such return is filed on a permitted form and such return contains the taxpayer's name, address, and identifying number and the required signature and contains sufficient information (whether on the return or on required attachments) to permit the mathematical verification of the tax liability shown on the return.
(a) The Commissioner may contract with one or more sheriffs or constables for the collection of taxes, by the sheriff's or constable's performing services which he or she is authorized by law to provide, for compensation which may be in lieu of any statutory fees. The compensation terms of such contracts shall be uniform throughout the State unless the Commissioner certifies that differential terms are required because of unusual circumstances in a particular case, and recites such circumstances in the contract. When contracting with the Commissioner under this subsection, constables are authorized to avail themselves of all statutory remedies available to sheriffs to collect taxes. Notwithstanding section 502 of this title, the Commissioner may charge against such collections an agreed-upon fixed rate or percentage of collections.
(b) The Commissioner may also contract with private collection agencies for the collection of taxes owed to the State by taxpayers. The Commissioner may agree to pay such agencies a fixed rate for services rendered or a percentage of the amount actually collected by such agencies and remitted to the Commissioner. Notwithstanding section 502 of this title, the Commissioner may charge against such collections an agreed-upon fixed rate or percentage of collections.
(c) If the Commissioner determines that an employee of a private collection agency has violated any provision of section 3102 of this title, such employee shall, in addition to any other sanctions under section 3102, be barred from acting under any contract with the State and shall be incapable of acting as an agent, employee, or public officer of the State for a period of five years thereafter.
(d) As used in this section the word "taxes" shall include all tax liabilities, license fees, interest, penalties, fees, and any other charges or amounts arising from any tax liability owed to the State.
§ 3109a. Repealed. 2003, No. 70 (Adj. Sess.), § 32, eff. March 1, 2004.
(a) Any payment received by the Commissioner from any taxpayer may, notwithstanding any direction by the taxpayer to the contrary, be applied to the taxpayer's liability for any tax administered by the Commissioner and for any period. Any payment may, with respect to any taxable period, be applied first to the amount of any interest; next to the amount of any penalty; next to the amount of any fee; and finally to the amount of any unpaid tax liability for that period.
(b) The Commissioner may treat any refund payment owed by the Commissioner to a taxpayer as if it were a payment received from the taxpayer and may apply the payment in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
(a) As used in this section, "agency" means any unit of State government, including agencies, departments, boards, commissions, authorities, or public corporation.
(b) No agency of the State shall grant, issue, or renew any license or other authority to conduct a trade or business (including a license to practice a profession) to, or enter into, extend, or renew any contract for the provision of goods, services, or real estate space with any person unless such person shall first sign a written declaration under the pains and penalties of perjury that the person is in good standing with respect to or in full compliance with a plan to pay any and all taxes due as of the date such declaration is made, except that the Commissioner may waive this requirement as the Commissioner deems appropriate to facilitate the Department of Financial Regulation's participation in any national licensing or registration systems for persons required to be licensed or registered by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation under Title 8, Title 9, or 18 V.S.A. chapter 221.
(c) Every agency shall, upon request of the Commissioner, furnish a list of licenses and contracts issued or renewed by such agency during the reporting period; provided, however, that the Secretary of State shall, with respect to certificates of authority to transact business issued to foreign corporations, furnish to the Commissioner only those certificates originally issued by the Secretary of State during the reporting period and not renewals of such certificates. The lists shall include the name, address, Social Security or federal identification number of such licensee or provider, and such other information as the Commissioner may require.
(d) If the Commissioner determines that any person who has agreed to furnish goods, services, or real estate space to any agency has neglected or refused to pay any tax administered by the Commissioner and that the person's liability for such tax is not under appeal, or if under appeal, the Commissioner has determined that the tax or interest or penalty is in jeopardy, the Commissioner shall notify the agency and the person in writing of the amount owed by such person. Upon receipt of such notice, the agency shall thereafter transfer to the Commissioner any amounts that would otherwise be payable by the agency to the taxpayer, up to the amount certified by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may treat any such payment as if it were a payment received from the taxpayer. As used in this section, "any person who has agreed to furnish goods, services, or real estate space to any agency" includes a provider of Medicaid services that receives reimbursement from the State under Title 33.
(e) No agency of the State shall make final payment of any amount owed under a contract that contemplates the employment of any person within the State or the use of any property within the State, or otherwise release any person from the obligations of any such contract, unless such person shall first obtain a certificate issued by the Commissioner that the person is in good standing with respect to or in full compliance with a plan to pay, any and all taxes due as of the date of issuance of the certificate.
(f) Upon written request by the Commissioner and after notice and hearing to the licensee as required under any applicable provision of law, an agency shall revoke or suspend any license or other authority to conduct a trade or business (including a license to practice a profession) issued to any person if the agency finds that taxes administered by the Commissioner have not been paid and that the taxpayer's liability for such taxes is not under appeal. For purposes of such findings, the written representation to that effect by the Commissioner to the agency shall constitute prima facie evidence thereof. The Commissioner shall have the right to intervene in any hearing conducted with respect to such license revocation or suspension. Any findings made by the agency with respect to such license revocation or suspension shall be made only for the purposes of such proceeding and shall not be relevant to or introduced in any other proceeding at law, except for any appeal from such license revocation or suspension. Any license or certificate of authority suspended or revoked under this section shall not be reissued or renewed until the agency receives a certificate issued by the Commissioner that the licensee is in good standing with respect to any and all taxes payable to the Commissioner as of the date of issuance of such certificate. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the agency may appeal therefrom in accordance with the provisions of 3 V.S.A. chapter 25.
(4) in the case of a licensee, the agency finds that requiring immediate payment of taxes due and payable would impose an unreasonable hardship. If the agency finds an unreasonable hardship, it may condition renewal on terms which will place the person in good standing with respect to any and all taxes as soon as reasonably possible.
(h) Any person who knowingly makes or subscribes any return, statement, or other document under this title which contains or is verified by an unsworn written declaration that is made under the pains and penalties of perjury and which is not true and correct as to every material matter shall be fined not more than $10,000.00 and imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.
(a) When the Commissioner, in his or her discretion, deems it necessary to protect the revenues collectible by the Commissioner, he or she may require any person required to collect, withhold, remit or pay any tax administered by the Commissioner (other than the personal income tax) to file with him or her a bond, issued by a surety company authorized to transact business in this State and approved by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation of this State as to solvency and responsibility, in an amount fixed by the Commissioner, to secure the payment of any tax or penalties or interest due or which may become due from that person. In determining whether a person should be required to obtain a bond, the Commissioner is specifically authorized to consider the filing and payment history, with respect to any tax administered by the Commissioner, of such person or any individual, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity with which such person is or was associated as principal, partner, officer, director, employee, agent, or incorporator.
(b) In the event that the Commissioner determines that such person is to file a bond, he or she shall give notice to that effect, specifying the amount of the bond required and the period for which such bond is required. That person shall file a bond within five days after the giving of the notice unless within those five days he or she shall request in writing a hearing before the Commissioner at which the necessity, propriety and amount of the bond shall be determined by the Commissioner. The determination of the Commissioner shall be complied with within 15 days after the giving of notice thereof. Any person aggrieved by a determination of the Commissioner may appeal therefrom in accordance with section 5885 of this title, but the determination of the Commissioner may be overturned on appeal only for abuse of discretion.
(c) Notwithstanding any appeal to the Commissioner or to the courts, no person shall operate any trade or business with respect to which a bond has been demanded during any period for which such bond is not in effect. In case of operation in violation of this section, the Commissioner may cause to be posted, at every public entrance of the vendor's premises, a notice identifying the person and the location and informing the public that the person has not filed a bond, and that no business may be conducted at that location. No person shall cover or deface the posted notice, and the posted notice may not be removed until the bond is posted or removal is otherwise authorized by the Commissioner or a court.
(1) Adopt, amend, and enforce reasonable rules, orders, and regulations in administering the taxes within the Commissioner's jurisdiction.
(2) Delegate to any officer or employee in the Department powers the Commissioner deems necessary to carry out efficiently the tax provisions within the Commissioner's jurisdiction.
(3) Hold hearings, administer oaths, and examine under oath any person relating to his or her business or relating to any matter within the Commissioner's jurisdiction.
(4) For the purpose of ascertaining the correctness of any return or making a determination of the tax liability of any taxpayer, examine or cause to be examined by any agent or representative designated by him or her for that purpose, any books, papers, records, or memoranda of the taxpayer bearing upon the matters required to be included in any return. The Commissioner or such designated officers may require the attendance of the taxpayer or of any other person having knowledge in the premises, at any place in the county where the taxpayer or person resides or has a place of business, or in Washington County if the taxpayer is a nonresident individual, estate, trust, or is a corporation or business entity not having a place of business in this State, and may take testimony and require proof material and may administer oaths or take acknowledgment in respect of any return or other information required by this title or the rules, regulations, and decisions of the Commissioner. If an individual, estate, trust, corporation, or other business entity fails after request to provide books, records, or memoranda at either its place of business within the State or Washington County, the Commissioner may charge the person a reasonable per diem fee and expenses for the auditor making the examination out of state. The charges shall be payable within 30 days of the date billed and may be collected in the manner provided for the collection of taxes in this title.
(5) Upon making a record of the reasons therefor, waive, reduce, or compromise any of the taxes, penalties, interest, or other charges or fees within his or her jurisdiction.
(6) Determine the form in which returns and reports shall be filed and what shall constitute a signature on such returns and reports, including those filed in other than paper form, such as electronically or over telephone lines.
(7) Assess, determine, revise, and readjust the taxes imposed in this title.
(8) In cases in which payment of taxes is allowed or required by electronic funds transfer, allow up to six additional days for payment.
(9) Attach property pursuant to section 3207 of this title for payment of an amount collectible by the Commissioner under this title any time after 90 days have run from the end of any applicable administrative appeal period on the underlying tax liability.
(10) Garnish earnings pursuant to section 3208 of this title for payment of an amount collectible by the Commissioner under this title any time after 90 days have run from the end of any applicable administrative appeal period on the underlying tax liability.
(1) At the request of the Commissioner, the Attorney General may bring suit, in the name of this State, in the appropriate court of any other state to collect any tax legally due this State.
(2) The courts of this State shall recognize and enforce liabilities for taxes lawfully imposed by any other state which extends a like comity to this State, and the duly authorized officer of that state may sue for the collection of such a tax in the courts of this State. A certificate by the Secretary of State of the other state that an officer suing for collection of such a tax is duly authorized to collect it shall be conclusive proof of this authority.
(3) As used in this section, the words "tax" and "taxes" include interest, fees, and penalties due under any taxing statute, and liability for the interest, fees, and penalties due under a taxing statute of another state shall be recognized and enforced by the courts of this State to the same extent that the laws of the other state permit the enforcement in its courts of liability for the interest, fees, and penalties due under a taxing statute of this State.
(c) Reciprocal tax agreements. The Commissioner may enter into reciprocal agreements with the taxing authorities of other states, territories, provinces of Canada, countries, or the District of Columbia regarding the administration of taxes.
(2) the taxpayer provides proof satisfactory to the Commissioner that the return was mailed by the due date.
(e) Agreements with certified service providers. The Commissioner may enter into agreements with certified service providers, sellers using certified automated systems, and voluntary sellers for monetary allowances. The tax required to be paid to the shall be net of monetary allowances.
(1) The allowance for a certified service provider shall be funded entirely from money collected by the provider and shall be either a base rate applied to taxable transactions processed by the provider or, for a period not to exceed 24 months following a voluntary seller's registration through the streamlined sales tax agreement central registration process, a percentage of tax revenue generated for the State for which the seller does not have a requirement to register to collect the tax, or both.
(2) The allowance for a seller using a certified automated system shall be for a period not to exceed 24 months following a seller's voluntary registration and may include a base rate applied to taxable transactions and a percentage of tax revenue generated for the State for which the seller does not have a requirement to register to collect the tax.
(a) Failure to pay; interest. When a taxpayer fails to pay a tax liability imposed by this title (except the motor vehicle purchase and use tax) on the date prescribed therefor, the Commissioner may assess and the taxpayer shall then pay a sum of interest computed at the rate per annum established by the Commissioner pursuant to section 3108 of this title on the unpaid amount of that tax liability for the period from the prescribed date to the date of full payment of the liability.
(1) Failure to file. When a taxpayer fails to file a tax return required by this title (other than a return required by subchapter 5 of chapter 151 of this title for estimation of nonwithheld income tax), on the date prescribed therefor or the date as extended pursuant to section 5868 of this title, unless the taxpayer affirmatively shows that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, then in addition to any interest payable pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner may assess and the taxpayer shall then pay a penalty which shall be equal to five percent of the outstanding tax liability for each month, or portion thereof, that the tax return is not filed; provided, however, that in no event shall the amount of any penalty imposed under this subdivision exceed 25 percent of the tax liability unpaid on the prescribed date of payment. If the return is not filed within 60 days after the date prescribed therefor, there shall be assessed a minimum penalty of $50.00 regardless of whether there is a tax liability.
(2) Failure to pay estimated tax. When a taxpayer fails to make payments as required by subchapter 5 of chapter 151 of this title (estimations of nonwithheld income tax), the Commissioner may assess and the taxpayer shall then pay a penalty which shall be equal to one percent of the outstanding tax liability for each month, or portion thereof, that the tax liability is not paid in full; provided, however, that in no event shall the amount of any penalty assessed under this subdivision exceed 25 percent of the tax liability unpaid on the prescribed date of payment.
(3) Failure to pay. When a taxpayer fails to pay a tax liability imposed by this title (other than a return required by subchapter 5 of chapter 151 of this title for estimation of nonwithheld income tax) on the date prescribed therefor, then in addition to any interest payable pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner may assess and the taxpayer shall then pay a penalty which shall be equal to for income tax under subchapters 2 and 3 of chapter 151 of this title, one percent, and for all other taxes five percent, of the outstanding tax liability for each month, or portion thereof, that the tax liability is not paid in full; provided, however, that in no event shall the amount of any penalty assessed under this subdivision exceed 25 percent of the tax liability unpaid on the prescribed date of payment.
(4) Negligent failure to pay. When a taxpayer fails to pay a tax liability imposed by this title and the failure is due to negligence or constitutes a substantial understatement of tax, in addition to any interest payable pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner may assess and the taxpayer shall then pay a penalty which shall be equal to 25 percent of that portion of the underpayment. For purposes of this subdivision, "negligence" means any failure to make a reasonable attempt to comply with the provisions of the tax code and "substantial understatement" means an understatement of 20 percent or more of the tax.
(5) Fraudulent failure to pay. When a taxpayer fraudulently or with willful intent to defeat or evade a tax liability imposed by this title, either fails to pay a tax liability on the date prescribed therefor or requests and receives a refund of a tax liability, in addition to any interest payable pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner may assess and the taxpayer shall then pay a penalty equal to the amount of the tax liability unpaid on the prescribed date of payment or received as a refund subsequent to that date.
(6) Violation based on income from illegal activity. The penalties provided in subdivisions (1)-(5) of this subsection shall be doubled if the violation is based on income derived from illegal activity. The penalty provided in this subdivision (6) shall be in addition to any other civil or criminal penalties provided by law.
(a) There is established within the Department of Taxes an Office of the Taxpayer Advocate.
(7) assist individual taxpayers in resolving disputes with the Department of Taxes.
(c) The Taxpayer Advocate shall prepare an annual report detailing the actions the Taxpayer Advocate has taken to improve taxpayer services and the responsiveness of the Department of Taxes. The report shall identify the problems encountered by taxpayers in interacting with the Department of Taxes and include specific recommendations for administrative and legislative actions to resolve those problems. The report shall identify any problems that span an entire class of taxpayer or specific industry, and propose class- or industry-wide solutions. The report of the Taxpayer Advocate shall be submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Ways and Means on or before January 15 of each year. The provisions of 2 V.S.A. § 20(d) (expiration of required reports) shall not apply to the required report to be made under this subsection.
(2) the taxpayer has no available appeal rights or administrative remedies to correct the issue that led to such unfair result or hardship.
(b) As used in this section, "extraordinary relief" means a remedy that is within the power of the Commissioner to grant under this title, a remedy that compensates for the result of inaccurate classification of property as homestead or nonresidential pursuant to section 5410 of this title through no fault of the taxpayer, or a remedy that makes changes to a taxpayer's property tax adjustment or renter rebate claim necessary to remedy the problem identified by the Taxpayer Advocate.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if, in response to the Taxpayer Advocate's recommendation, the Commissioner determines that the taxpayer should receive a refund or other monetary adjustment, the Commissioner shall certify that amount to the Commissioner of Finance and Management who shall issue his or her warrant in favor of the taxpayer for payment by the Treasurer from the appropriate fund.
(d) A recommendation for extraordinary relief shall be in writing, shall be addressed to the Commissioner, and shall include a description of the problem sought to be remedied along with specific recommendations to the Commissioner. The Taxpayer Advocate's decision to make or not make a recommendation for extraordinary relief shall be final and not subject to review.
(a) Notwithstanding other statutes that provide for levy of execution, trustee process, and attachment, the Commissioner, pursuant to this section, may attach tangible and intangible property of a taxpayer to satisfy amounts collectible by the Commissioner under this title by transmitting a notice of attachment to a financial institution or person holding property belonging to or owed to a taxpayer.
(b) The Commissioner may contact a financial institution to obtain verification of the account number, the names, and Social Security numbers listed for an account, and account balances of accounts held by a delinquent taxpayer. A financial institution is immune from any liability for release of this information to the Commissioner.
(c) At least 30 days prior to attaching a taxpayer's property, the Commissioner shall demand payment from the taxpayer together with notice that the taxpayer is subject to attachment of property under this section. This notice shall be sent by first class mail to the taxpayer's last known address. The mailing of the notice shall be presumptive evidence of its receipt.
(d) A notice of attachment shall direct the financial institution or person to transmit all or a portion of the property in the taxpayer's accounts or owed to the taxpayer to the Commissioner up to the amount owed to the Commissioner. The notice shall identify the taxpayer by Social Security number or federal employer identification number. Upon receipt of the notice, the financial institution or person forthwith shall remit the amount stated in the notice or the amount held or owned by such financial institution or person, whichever is less, to the Commissioner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any financial institution shall surrender any deposits in such bank only after 21 days after transmittal of the notice of attachment. During the 21-day hold period, the financial institution shall not release the attached funds to the taxpayer unless the Commissioner releases the attachment. A financial institution is immune from any liability due to compliance with the Commissioner's notice of attachment.
(e) A copy of the notice of attachment transmitted to the financial institution or person holding property due to the taxpayer shall be sent by certified mail to the taxpayer at the time it is transmitted to the financial institution or person. The taxpayer may, within 15 days of mailing, petition the Commissioner in writing for a hearing under this section. The Commissioner shall grant a hearing on the matter as provided in subsection 5885(a) of this title at which the taxpayer bears the burden of proof. The Commissioner shall notify the taxpayer in writing of his or her decision concerning the attachment and the taxpayer may appeal in the manner provided in subsection 5885(b) of this title, which shall be the taxpayer's exclusive remedy with respect to an attachment under this section.
(4) the taxpayer may propose a collection alternative, including a payment plan or offer in compromise, but only if there has been a change in the taxpayer's Vermont tax liability based on a change in his or her federal tax liability since the Vermont liability was assessed.
(g) The hearing under this section shall be conducted by an officer or employee who is not an employee of the Compliance Division of the Department of Taxes.
(h) If a hearing is requested in a timely manner under this section, the attachment shall be suspended and the financial institution shall not release the attached funds for the period during which the appeal is pending.
(i) After a hearing, the taxpayer may propose a collection alternative, including a payment plan or offer in compromise, but only if there has been a change in the taxpayer's federal tax liability or on a change in the amount that is subject to attachment as a result of the hearing.
(j) Attachment under this section and other collection measures provided by law are cumulative.
(2) when the attachment exceeds the amount permissible under 12 V.S.A. § 2740.
(l) A determination under subdivision 5888(1) of this title will be reflected in the amounts collectible by the Commissioner.
(1) "Financial institution" includes financial institutions as defined in 8 V.S.A. § 11101(32) and credit unions as defined in 8 V.S.A. § 30101(5).
(2) "Intangible property" means property that has no intrinsic value, but is merely the representative of value such as cash, accounts, rents, stocks, bonds, promissory notes, or other instruments that create a payment obligation.
(3) "Person" has the same meaning as in section 3001 of this title.
(a) Notwithstanding other statutes that provide for levy or execution, trustee process, or attachment, the Commissioner may garnish a taxpayer's earnings pursuant to this section to satisfy amounts collectible by the Commissioner under this title, subject to the exemptions provided in 12 V.S.A. § 3170(a) and (b)(1).
(b) The Commissioner may contact an employer to obtain verification of a delinquent taxpayer's employment, earnings, deductions, and payment frequency as necessary to determine disposable earnings. The employer shall be immune from any liability for release of this information to the Commissioner.
(c) At least 30 days prior to initiating wage garnishment, the Commissioner shall demand payment from the taxpayer and notify the taxpayer that he or she is subject to garnishment under this section. This notice shall be sent by first class mail to the taxpayer's last known address. The mailing of notice shall be presumptive evidence of receipt.
(d) After 30 days, a notice of garnishment shall be sent by certified mail to the taxpayer, and the taxpayer may, within 15 days of mailing, petition the Commissioner in writing for a hearing under this section. The Commissioner shall grant a hearing on the matter as provided in subsection 5885(a) of this title at which the taxpayer bears the burden of proof. The Commissioner shall notify the taxpayer in writing of his or her decision concerning the garnishment and the taxpayer may appeal in the manner provided in subsection 5885(b) of this title. This shall be the taxpayer's exclusive remedy with respect to a garnishment under this section.
(e) If, after 15 days, the taxpayer has not petitioned for a hearing, a notice of garnishment shall direct an employer to transmit a specified portion of the taxpayer's disposable earnings to the Commissioner from each periodic payment that is due to the taxpayer until the taxpayer's obligation is paid in full. The notice shall identify the taxpayer by Social Security number. An employer is immune from any liability due to compliance with the Commissioner's notice of garnishment.
(f) If a hearing is requested in a timely manner under this section, the garnishment which is the subject of the requested hearing shall be suspended for the period during which such appeal is pending. Fifteen days after an appeal is resolved, the notice of garnishment shall direct an employer to transmit a specified portion of the taxpayer's disposable earnings to the Commissioner from each periodic payment that is due to the taxpayer until the taxpayer's obligation is paid in full. The notice shall identify the taxpayer by Social Security number.
(4) the statute of limitations to collect the liability expired before the notice of attachment was sent.
(h) The hearing under this section shall be conducted by an officer or employee who is not an employee of the Compliance Division of the Department of Taxes.
(i) An employer's obligation to transmit garnished wages to the Commissioner shall begin with the first periodic payment of earnings following receipt of the notice of garnishment unless the notice is withdrawn by the Commissioner. An employer who fails to withhold and transmit the garnished earnings to the Commissioner shall be liable for such amounts and may be assessed in the same manner as withholding taxes are assessed under chapter 151 of this title. As soon as reasonably practicable, the employer shall notify the Commissioner of the termination of the taxpayer's employment. No taxpayer may be discharged from employment on account of garnishment under this section against the taxpayer's wages.
(2) when the garnishment exceeds the amount permissible under 12 V.S.A. § 3170(a) and (b)(1).
(k) Wage garnishment under this section and other collection measures provided by law are cumulative.
(1) "Disposable earnings" means that part of the earnings of any individual remaining after the deduction from those earnings of any amounts required by law to be withheld and the amount of any wage garnishment payable to the Office of Child Support.
(2) "Earnings" means compensation paid or payable for personal services, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonus, or otherwise, and includes periodic payments pursuant to a pension or retirement program and proceeds from the sale of milk with respect to an individual engaged in the occupation of farming, but does not include payments from sources which by law are exempt from attachment.
(a) Whenever a person (transferor) required to collect or withhold a trust tax pursuant to chapter 151, 225, or 233 of this title shall make any sale, transfer, long-term lease, or assignment (transfer) in bulk of any part or the whole of the assets of a business, otherwise than in the ordinary course of the business, the purchaser, transferee, or assignee (transferee), shall, at least 10 days before taking possession of the subject of the transfer or before payment therefore if earlier, notify the Commissioner in writing of the proposed sale and of the price, terms and conditions thereof whether or not the transferor has represented to, or informed the transferee that the transferor owes any trust tax pursuant to chapter 151, 225, or 233 and whether or not the transferee has knowledge that such taxes are owed, and whether any taxes are in fact owed.
(b) Whenever the transferee shall fail to give notice to the Commissioner as required by subsection (a) of this section, or whenever the Commissioner shall inform the transferee that a possible claim for tax exists, any sums of money, property, or choses in action, or other consideration, which the transferee is required to transfer over to or for the transferor shall be subject to a first priority right and lien for any taxes theretofore or thereafter determined to be due from the transferor to the State, and the transferee is forbidden to transfer the consideration to or for the transferor to the extent of the amount of the State's claim.
(a) Notwithstanding section 502 of this title, the Commissioner may charge against any collection of any liability any related lien fees specified in subdivision 1671(a)(6) or subsection 1671(c) of this title and any related service of process costs awarded to the Department and paid by the Commissioner. Fees and costs collected under this section shall be credited to a special Fund established and managed pursuant to subchapter 5 of chapter 7 of this title, and shall be available as payment for the fees of the clerk of the municipality and the costs of service.
(a) There is established within the Department of Taxes a Collections Unit. The primary purpose of the Collections Unit is to enforce and collect debt owed the State, including tax debts and debts certified to the Department of Taxes from other branches, agencies, or subdivisions of government under this subchapter.
(a) An agency or any other branch or subdivision of State government may enter into an agreement with the Department of Taxes to collect any debt, other than debts related to property taxes under chapters 123 through 135 of this title, of $50.00 or more under the procedures established by this subchapter.

References: § 20
 § 6103
 § 7043
 § 5035
 § 5036
 § 2880
 § 112
 § 2843
 § 4507
 § 70
 § 10

§ 3109
 § 32
 § 20
 § 2740
 § 11101
 § 30101
 § 3170
 § 3170