VERMONT TO TAX AND INSPECT FIREWOOD SELLERS
MONTPELIER, VERMONT (AP NEWS)
In an effort to curb the growing practice of unrestrained harvest and sales of firewood and wood products, the State Department of Agriculture has proposed an emergency tax and inspection process aimed at firewood processors and sellers. The tax, set by the Legislature at 7-1/2% of the sale price, would be applied to all wood products destined for fuel use by in-state consumers. Beginning today, inspectors will be contacting and visiting all commercial firewood processing operations to determine sales volume and provide new sales tax forms and documentation. A standardized “cord measure” rack will be provided to all processors so that the firewood can be measured accurately, wrapped and barcoded under USDA standards for sale. All commercial processors will be periodically inspected for accurate volume measurements, wood quality, species declaration and moisture content. Those not in compliance could be fined.
Additionally, small processors and individuals not licensed by the State will be restricted to sales not exceeding 3 cords per year. Commercial standards will be enforced on a spot-check basis and the tax for small processors will be at 9-1/2%. According to a State spokesperson, the wrap will not be required but at least five pieces within each cord will need a bar-code sticker. Violators of these standards may be subject to criminal proceedings and fines up to $100,000 and a year’s jail time.
The “wood fuel tax” is also tentatively proposed for wood pellets, chips and other wood products in the immediate future, and may require processors and producers to bag and barcode all wood fuel products and provide product inventory and sales forms to the State.
A spokesperson for the State explained that this tax and inspection process was “to protect the consumer from unscrupulous wood fuel producers”. Further inquiry revealed that Legislative efforts have proposed the tax and inspection process as a way to help reduce the proliferation of unrestricted wood burning appliances in the State.
MONTPELIER, VERMONT (AP NEWS)
In an effort to curb the growing practice of unrestrained harvest and sales of firewood and wood products, the State Department of Agriculture has proposed an emergency tax and inspection process aimed at firewood processors and sellers. The tax, set by the Legislature at 7-1/2% of the sale price, would be applied to all wood products destined for fuel use by in-state consumers. Beginning today, inspectors will be contacting and visiting all commercial firewood processing operations to determine sales volume and provide new sales tax forms and documentation. A standardized “cord measure” rack will be provided to all processors so that the firewood can be measured accurately, wrapped and barcoded under USDA standards for sale. All commercial processors will be periodically inspected for accurate volume measurements, wood quality, species declaration and moisture content. Those not in compliance could be fined.
Additionally, small processors and individuals not licensed by the State will be restricted to sales not exceeding 3 cords per year. Commercial standards will be enforced on a spot-check basis and the tax for small processors will be at 9-1/2%. According to a State spokesperson, the wrap will not be required but at least five pieces within each cord will need a bar-code sticker. Violators of these standards may be subject to criminal proceedings and fines up to $100,000 and a year’s jail time.
The “wood fuel tax” is also tentatively proposed for wood pellets, chips and other wood products in the immediate future, and may require processors and producers to bag and barcode all wood fuel products and provide product inventory and sales forms to the State.
A spokesperson for the State explained that this tax and inspection process was “to protect the consumer from unscrupulous wood fuel producers”. Further inquiry revealed that Legislative efforts have proposed the tax and inspection process as a way to help reduce the proliferation of unrestricted wood burning appliances in the State.
