FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Rick Clayburgh, Tax Commissioner 701-328-2770
May 6, 2004	Joan Galster, Supervisor, Motor Fuel Tax Section, 701-328-3139

Tax Department Offers Fuel Tax Workshops

BISMARCK --- Tax Commissioner Rick Clayburgh announced today that the Tax Department is sponsoring fuel tax workshops for fuel dealers during the month of May.

"This summer, the Tax Department will be changing the tax reports and schedules fuel dealers are now using," said Clayburgh. "These workshops will give fuel dealers hands-on instructions on how to complete and file the redesigned tax reports and new schedules."

The fuel tax return will become "schedule-driven" meaning that all gallonage data, except inventories, entered on the return will come from the various schedules. There are several new schedules, including those that will be used to report sales to consumers. And, the paper return has been redesigned to be consistent with the electronic reporting format.

"The redesigned forms will make it easier for fuel dealers to report and file the fuel taxes whether they do so on paper or electronically," said Clayburgh. "And for those who wish to switch to electronic filing, it will be less confusing because the electronic return will look the same as the paper form."

The workshops are designed for all North Dakota fuel dealers - motor vehicle fuel; special fuels such as diesel, natural gas, propane, and kerosene; and aviation fuel. Tax Department staff will provide in-depth training on the redesigned tax reports and new schedules that will be implemented later this summer. In addition, workshop participants will learn about electronic filing options available through the Department's Web site, including the convenience of electronic tax payments, electronic data interchange software, and Excel spreadsheets. There is no fee to attend the workshop.

The workshops will be held at six North Dakota sites:

May 11, 2004, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CDT Seven Seas, Mandan

May 12, 2004, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MDT, Hospitality Inn, Dickinson

May 13, 2004, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CDT, Holiday Inn, Minot

May 18, 2004, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CDT, Dakota Inn, Jamestown

May 19, 2004, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CDT, Expressway Inn, Fargo

May 20, 2004, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CDT, Elks Lodge, Devils Lake

For more information or to register for one of the workshops, please contact the Tax Department by e-mail at fueltax@state.nd.us or call the Tax Department at 701-328-3139.