The Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate, known as form REV-1220 (TR) 05-20 (FI), serves a crucial role in designating purchases for tax exemption purposes related to state and local sales and use tax, as well as several other specific types of taxes within Pennsylvania. This includes exemptions from the state's 6% and local 1% hotel occupancy taxes, Public Transportation Assistance Taxes and Fees (PTA), Vehicle Rental Tax (VRT), and additional taxes that may apply locally. To ensure compliance and to claim tax exemptions correctly, individuals and organizations should fill out this form with due attention to the stipulated instructions, verifying their eligibility for exemptions under the categories provided.
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Navigating the complexities of tax exemptions in Pennsylvania requires a thorough understanding of the REV-1220 (TR) 05-20 (FI) Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate. This document is crucial for entities seeking relief from specific state and local taxes, including sales and use tax, public transportation assistance taxes and fees, vehicle rental tax, and additional local, city, and county hotel taxes. The form provides a structured method for sellers, vendors, or lessors to validate the tax-exempt status of their transactions, whether they are singular purchases or part of ongoing business activities. It distinguishes between various types of exempt purchasers, including governmental bodies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses qualified under Pennsylvania's stringent tax exemption criteria. Additionally, the form outlines specific uses and conditions under which property or services acquired can rightfully claim exemption status. Incorrect or fraudulent use of this certificate is subject to penalties, underscoring the necessity for accurate and honest completion. The document also includes instructions for sellers on accepting and retaining these certificates, emphasizing the role of good faith in these transactions. This overview provides a guiding light for navigating the essential aspects of the Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate, ensuring compliance while benefiting from tax exemptions lawfully.
REV-1220 (TR) 05-20 (FI)
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PENNSYLVANIA EXEMPTION
CERTIFICATE
STATE AND LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
STATE 6% AND LOCAL 1% HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE TAXES AND FEES (PTA)
VEHICLE RENTAL TAX (VRT)
ADDITIONAL LOCAL, CITY, COUNTY HOTEL TAX *
This form cannot be used to obtain a Sales Tax Account ID, PTA Account ID or Exempt Status.
(Please Print or Type)
Read Instructions
On Reverse Carefully
THIS FORM MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED – VOID UNLESS COMPLETE INFORMATION IS SUPPLIED
CHECK ONE: PENNSYLVANIA TAX UNIT EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE (USE FOR ONE TRANSACTION) PENNSYLVANIA TAX BLANKET EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE (USE FOR MULTIPLE TRANSACTIONS)
Name of Seller, Vendor or Lessor
Street
City
State
ZIP Code
NOTE: Do not use this form for claiming an exemption on the registration of a vehicle. To claim an exemption from tax for a motor vehi- cle, trailer, semi-trailer or tractor with the PA Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, use one of the following forms:
FORM MV-1, Application for Certificate of Title (first-time registrations)
FORM MV-4ST, Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration (other registrations)
Property and services purchased or leased using this certificate are exempt from tax because: (Select the appropriate paragraph from the back of this form, check the corresponding block below and insert information requested).
1.
Property or services will be used directly and predominately by purchaser in performing purchaser's operation of:
2.
Purchaser is a/an:
3.
Property will be resold under Account ID
(If purchaser does not have a PA Sales Tax Account ID, include a
statement under Number 8 explaining why
a number is not required).
4.
holding Sales Tax Exemption Number
5.
Property or services will be used directly and predominately by purchaser performing a public utility service.
PA Public Utility Commission PUC Number
and/or
U.S. Department of Transportation MC/MX
6.
Exempt wrapping supplies, Account ID
(If purchaser does not have a PA Sales Tax Account ID, include
a statement under Number 8 explaining
why a number is not required).
7.
Canned computer software purchased by a financial institution subject to the Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax (Article VII) or the Mutual Thrift
Institutions Tax (Article XV).
8.
Other
(Explain in detail. Additional space on reverse side).
I am authorized to execute this certificate and claim this exemption. Misuse of this certificate by seller, lessor, buyer, lessee or their representative is punishable by fine and imprisonment.
Name of Purchaser or Lessee
Signature
EIN
Date
Please sign after printing.
1.ACCEPTANCE AND VALIDITY:
For this certificate to be valid, the seller/lessor shall exercise good faith in accepting this certificate, which includes: (1) the certificate shall be completed properly; (2) the certificate shall be in the seller/lessor's possession within 60 days from the date of sale/lease;
(3) the certificate does not contain information which is knowingly false; and (4) the property or service is consistent with the exemp- tion to which the customer is entitled. For more information, refer to Exemption Certificates, Title 61 PA Code §32.2. An invalid certifi- cate may subject the seller/lessor to the tax.
2.REPRODUCTION OF FORM:
This form may be reproduced but shall contain the same information as appears on this form.
3.RETENTION:
The seller or lessor must retain this certificate for at least four years from the date of the exempt sale to which the certificate applies.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO THE PA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE.
4.NONPROFIT EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS:
This form may be used in conjunction with form REV-1715, Exempt Organization Declaration of Sales Tax Exemption, when a pur- chase of $200 or more is made by an organization which is registered with the PA Department of Revenue as an exempt organization. These organizations are assigned an exemption number, beginning with the two digits 75 (example: 75000000).
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Those purchasers set forth below may use this form in connection with the claim for exemption for the following taxes:
a.State and local sales and use tax;
b.PTA rental fee or tax on leases of motor vehicles;
c.Hotel occupancy tax (state 6%, Philadelphia 1%, Allegheny 1%) if referenced with the symbol (●);
d.PTA fee on the purchase of tires if referenced with the symbol (+);
e.Vehicle rental tax (VRT).
EXEMPTION REASONS
1.) Property and/or services will be used directly and predominately by purchaser in performing purchaser's operation of:
A. Manufacturing
B. Mining
C. Dairying
D. Processing
E. Farming
F. Shipbuilding
G. Timbering
This exemption is not valid for property or services used in: (a) constructing, repairing or remodeling of real property, other than real property used directly in exempt operations; or (b) maintenance, managerial, administrative, supervisory, sales, delivery, warehousing or other nonoperational activities. This exemp- tion is not valid for vehicles that are required to be registered under the Vehicle Code, as well as supplies and repair parts for such vehicles, the PTA tire fee, and certain taxable services.
2.) Purchaser is a/an:
+A. Instrumentality of the commonwealth (to include public schools and state universities).
+B. Political subdivision of the commonwealth (includes townships and boroughs).
+l C. Municipal authority created under the Municipality Authorities Acts.
+l D. Electric cooperative corporations created under the Electric Cooperative Law of 1990.
l E. Cooperative agricultural associations required to pay corporate net income tax under the Cooperative Agricultural Association Corporate Net Income Tax Act (exemption not valid for registered vehicles).
+l F. Credit unions organized under Federal Credit Union Act or Commonwealth Credit Union Act.
+l G. U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities.
l H. Federal employee on official business (exemption limited to hotel occupancy tax only. A copy of orders or statement from supervisor must be attached to this certificate).
I.School bus operator (This exemption certificate is limited to the purchase of parts, repairs or maintenance services upon vehicles licensed as school buses by the PA Department of Transportation).
J.Charter Schools and Community Colleges.
3.) Property and/or services will be resold or rented in the ordinary course of purchaser's business. If purchaser does not have a PA Sales Tax Account ID (8 digit number assigned by the department), complete Number 8 explaining why such number is not required. This exemption is valid for property or services to be resold: (1) in original form; or (2) as an ingredient or component of other property.
4.) Renewable Entities beginning
Permanent Exemptions beginning with
Special Exemptions:
with “75”:
the two numbers “75”:
A. Religious Organization
D. Volunteer Fire Company
F. Direct Pay Permit Holder
B. Nonprofit Educational Institution
E. Relief Association
G, Individual Holding Diplomatic ID
C. Charitable Organization
H. Keystone Opportunity Zone
(beginning with two digit 72 account number)
I. Tourist Promotion Agency
Exemptions for exempt organizations are limited to purchases of tangible personal property or services for use and not for sale. Exempt organizations A-E above, shall have an sales tax exemption certificate number assigned by the PA Department of Revenue. Exempt organizations A-E above, are not exempt for purchases used for the following: (1) constructions, improvement, repair or maintenance or any real property, except supplies and materials used for routine repair or main- tenance of the real property; (2) any unrelated activities or operation of a public trade or business; or (3) equipment used to maintain real property.
5.) Property or services will be used directly and predominately by purchaser in the production, delivery or rendition of public utility services as defined by the PA Utility Code.
This exemption is not valid for property or services used for the following: (1) construction, improvement, repair or maintenance of real property, other than real property used directly in rendering the public utility services; or (2) managerial, administrative, supervisor, sales or other nonoperational activities; or (3) vehi- cles, as well as supplies and repair parts for such vehicles, unless the predominant use is for providing a common carrier service; or (4) tools and equipment used but not installed in maintenance of facilities or direct use equipment. Tools and equipment used to repair "direct use" property are exempt from tax.
6.) Vendor/seller purchasing wrapping supplies and nonreturnable containers used to wrap property which is sold to others.
7.) Canned computer software or services to canned computer software directly utilized in conducting the business of banking purchased by a financial institution subject to the Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax (Article VII) or the Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax (Article XV).
8.) Other (Attach a separate sheet of paper if more space is required).
*Employees or representatives of the Commonwealth traveling on Commonwealth duty are exempt from any taxes on hotel stays or room rentals imposed by local governments that are in addition to the 6% state tax and the 1% Philadelphia and Allegheny County hotel occupancy tax.
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Completing the Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate (Form REV-1220) is an essential step for qualifying transactions deemed exempt from state and local taxes. This form is comprehensive, designed to cover a broad spectrum of tax exemptions across various sectors, including sales, use, hotel occupancy, public transportation, vehicle rental, and additional local taxes. It's pivotal to approach this process meticulously, ensuring all information is accurate and pertinent exemptions are claimed correctly. Below are step-by-step instructions to guide you through filling out the form smoothly.
After completing the form, it's important to note that it should not be returned to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Instead, sellers or lessors are required to retain the completed certificate for at least four years from the date of the related exempt sale or transaction. This document serves as a crucial record, ensuring compliance and readiness for any future audits or reviews by the Department of Revenue.
What is the Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate and when should it be used?
The Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate, identified by the form number REV-1220 (TR) 05-20 (FI), is a document that allows businesses to purchase goods or services tax-free, provided these items are to be used in a manner that qualifies for tax exemption under Pennsylvania law. This certificate can apply to state and local sales and use taxes, state and local hotel occupancy taxes, Public Transportation Assistance Taxes and Fees (PTA), Vehicle Rental Tax (VRT), and additional local, city, or county hotel taxes. The form should be used when purchasing property or services that will be used directly and predominantly in operations that qualify for exemption, resold by the purchaser, or used in specific exempt functions like public utility services. It is not valid for securing exemption on vehicle registrations.
How does one determine if a purchase qualifies for exemption under this certificate?
To determine if a purchase qualifies for a tax exemption under this certificate, the buyer must select the appropriate exemption reason listed on the form, which includes uses in manufacturing, mining, processing, public utility services, and items for resale, among others. The certificate details specific operations that qualify, highlighting that it cannot be used for real property construction or non-operational activities among others. It's essential to read through the provided exemption reasons carefully and check the corresponding block that best describes the purpose of the purchase.
What are the responsibilities of the seller in accepting this exemption certificate?
Sellers or lessors are required to exercise good faith when accepting an exemption certificate. This entails ensuring the certificate is properly completed, is received within 60 days from the date of sale or lease, contains no knowingly false information, and that the property or service sold is consistent with the customer's claimed exemption. Accepting an invalid certificate may subject the seller to the tax associated with the sale. Additionally, sellers must retain the certificate for at least four years from the date of the exempt sale.
Can nonprofit organizations use the Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate for tax-exempt purchases?
Yes, nonprofit organizations registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue as exempt organizations can use this form in conjunction with form REV-1715, Exempt Organization Declaration of Sales Tax Exemption, for purchases of $200 or more. These organizations are assigned an exemption number that typically begins with the digits 75. It’s important for these organizations to note that the exemption is limited to purchases of tangible personal property or services used by the organization and not for resale, and it does not extend to all types of purchases, such as those for real property construction or maintenance unless it is for routine repairs.
Filling out the Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate, known as form REV-1220, can be tricky, and mistakes can lead to invalidation of the exemption. One common error occurs when individuals do not fully complete the form. For a certificate to be valid, every field must be thoroughly and accurately filled out. Missing information can make the document void and subject the transaction to tax.
Another frequent mistake is not providing a detailed explanation in section 8 for exemptions that don't fit neatly into the pre-defined categories. The instruction 'Explain in detail' mandates a comprehensive rationale for the exemption claim. Vague or incomplete explanations can lead to the rejection of the exemption, resulting in unintended tax liabilities.
A critical error that individuals often make is using the form for ineligible exemptions. The form clearly states it cannot be used to claim tax exemptions on vehicle registrations with the PA Department of Transportation. Despite this, people sometimes mistakenly submit this form for such purposes. Understanding the specific use cases and limitations of the form is essential to ensure its correct application.
Lastly, not adhering to the timing requirements set forth by the form leads to invalid exemptions. The seller or lessor must have the certificate in their possession within 60 days from the date of sale or lease for the document to be considered valid. Late submission can result in the certificate being deemed invalid, causing tax implications for the transaction.
When it comes to managing taxes and exemptions in Pennsylvania, particularly for businesses or exempt organizations, understanding and correctly utilizing the Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate (REV-1220) is crucial. However, navigating the maze of taxation without additional forms and documents can be challenging. Below are four critical forms and documents often used in conjunction with the PA form, each serving a unique purpose in the broader context of tax management and compliance.
Navigating Pennsylvania's tax exemption and compliance requirements can be complex, but with the right forms and a clear understanding of each one's purpose, businesses and organizations can manage their responsibilities more effectively. Whether registering a vehicle for the first time, claiming a sales tax exemption, or applying for a vendor's license, these documents play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania state tax laws.
The Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate (Pa form) shares a similar purpose with the Resale Certificate used by businesses in various states. Both documents allow businesses to purchase goods or services tax-free that are intended for resale, rather than for the company's use. While the Pa form is specific to Pennsylvania and covers a broader range of taxes and uses, including exemptions beyond resale, such as for manufacturing or charitable organizations, the Resale Certificate typically focuses on sales tax exemption for goods intended to be resold by the purchaser. Both certificates require the buyer to provide proof of their eligibility for the tax exemption at the time of purchase.
Similar to the Pa form, the Multijurisdiction Uniform Sales and Use Tax Exemption/Resale Certificate provides a way for businesses to buy or lease goods and services tax-free if those goods and services are intended for resale or as ingredients in products that will be resold. While the Pa form applies within Pennsylvania, offering exemptions from sales and use tax, hotel occupancy tax, among others, the Multijurisdiction Certificate is used across states that participate in this program, helping businesses operate across state lines without unnecessarily paying taxes on items that will be resold.
The Direct Pay Permit is another document that bears similarities to the Pa Exemption Certificate. Holders of a Direct Pay Permit are authorized to make tax-free purchases of tangible personal property and services directly, assuming the responsibility to self-assess and pay the appropriate use tax directly to the state. Like the PA form, which exempts qualified purchases from the state and local sales and use taxes under specific conditions, the Direct Pay Permit gives businesses control over their tax obligations, especially beneficial for those with complex purchasing activities that span multiple tax jurisdictions.
Nonprofit Exempt Organization Declaration forms, such as Pennsylvania's form REV-1715, also share commonalities with the Pa Exemption Certificate. These forms are used by nonprofit organizations to claim exemption from sales tax on purchases of goods and services used for their eligible activities. While the Pa form can be used by various entities—including nonprofits, for exempt purchases under specific conditions—the REV-1715 is exclusively for registered nonprofit entities, highlighting their right to tax exemption under state law, similar to certain sections of the PA exemption certificate tailored for nonprofit use.
The Vehicle Registration Fee and Use Tax Exemption forms, referenced in the Pa form as FORM MV-1 and FORM MV-4ST for different registration scenarios, offer a specialized exemption focused on vehicles. Unlike the broader Pa Exemption Certificate, these forms are specifically designed for tax exemption requests related to vehicle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. They address a niche aspect of tax exemption, illustrating the varied landscape of tax exemption documentation necessary for different types of transactions in Pennsylvania.
Filling out the Pennsylvania (PA) Exemption Certificate, a crucial document for claiming tax exemption, involves key steps to ensure its acceptance and validity. Here are five essential dos and don'ts to guide you through the process:
Do:
Read the instructions on the reverse side of the form carefully before filling it out.
Ensure all information provided is accurate, complete, and corresponds with the exemption you're claiming.
Include your PA Sales Tax Account ID if the goods or services purchased are intended for resale. If you don't possess one, explain why under the appropriate section.
For nonprofit exempt organizations making purchases of $200 or more, remember to include form REV-1715 along with this exemption certificate.
Keep a copy of the completed form for your records, as sellers or lessors must retain it for at least four years from the date of the exempt sale.
Don't:
Use this form for claiming tax exemptions on vehicle registrations. Different forms are provided by the PA Department of Transportation for that purpose.
Leave any sections incomplete. Void certificates result from failure to supply complete information.
Attempt to use the certificate for exemptions not clearly outlined in the instructions or allowed by law.
Sign the certificate without ensuring all printed information is correct and finalized.
Overlook the necessity of obtaining the form within 60 days from the date of sale or lease to maintain its validity.
When it comes to understanding the intricacies of the Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate (PA Form REV-1220), several misconceptions frequently arise. Rectifying these misunderstandings is crucial for businesses and individuals aiming to comply with state tax regulations. Below is a list of seven common misconceptions and their clarifications:
Understanding these key points can substantially aid entities in correctly using the Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate, ensuring compliance with state regulations while rightfully benefiting from tax exemptions where applicable.
Filling out and using the Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate, also known as the PA form, is a crucial process for many transactions involving sales tax. Here are ten key takeaways to ensure you use this form correctly.
Understanding these key points can help ensure that you use the PA Exemption Certificate properly, allowing for a smoother transaction process and compliance with Pennsylvania tax laws.
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