Section 43159 Of Article 1. Returns And Payments From California Revenue And Taxation Code >> Division 2. >> Part 22. >> Chapter 3. >> Article 1.
43159
. (a) If the board finds that a person's failure to make a
timely return or payment is due to the person's reasonable reliance
on written advice from the board, the person may be relieved of the
taxes imposed or administered under this part and any penalty or
interest added thereto.
(b) For purposes of this section, a person's failure to make a
timely return or payment shall be considered to be due to reasonable
reliance on written advice from the board, only if the board finds
that all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The person requested in writing that the board advise him or
her 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 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) The liability for taxes applied to a particular activity or
transaction which occurred before either of the following:
(A) Before the board rescinded or modified the advice so given, by
sending written notice to the person of rescinded or modified
advice.
(B) Before a change in statutory or constitutional law, a change
in the board's regulations, or a final decision of a court, which
renders the board's earlier written advice no longer valid.
(c) Any person seeking relief under this section shall file with
the board all of the following:
(1) A copy of the person's written request to the board and a copy
of the board's 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 may require.
(d) Only the person making the written request shall be entitled
to rely on the board's written advice to that person.