June 9, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Illinois Budget Bill Eliminates Exemptions and Credits. Both Houses of the Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bills 841, 842, and 1733 on May 31, 2003, and Governor Rod Blagojevich is expected to sign the bills as early as this week. In an attempt to raise revenues to fill the deficit gap, these bills eliminate the Manufacturer's Purchase Credit, the Graphic Arts Machinery and Equipment Exemption, the Out-of-State Natural Gas Use Tax Exemption, the Oil Field and Coal Exploration Equipment Exemption, and the Rolling Stock Exemption for motor vehicles.

One of the most significant changes is to eliminate the Manufacturer's Purchase Credit for purchases after June 30, 2003. A qualified purchaser desiring to use the Manufacturer's Purchase Credit must certify to their sellers prior to October 1, 2003 that the purchaser is satisfying their tax liability through utilization of the Credit. A Manufacturer's Purchase Credit reported on any original or amended return after October 20, 2003, shall be disallowed. It is critical that purchasers certify and report all qualifying purchases in a timely manner in order to maximize the amount of Manufacturer's Purchase Credit prior to its elimination.

Other sales and use tax exemptions to be eliminated within the next 30 days include:

• The Graphic Arts Machinery and Equipment Exemption will be eliminated for qualified purchases after July 1, 2003.
  
• The Out-of-State Natural Gas Use Tax Exemption for direct purchases of gas from out-of-state suppliers with respect to contracts executed prior to March 1, 1995, is eliminated for purchases after September 30, 2003.
  
• The Equipment Exemptions with respect to Oil Field and Coal Exploration will be eliminated for purchases after July 1, 2003.
  
• In addition, effective July 1, 2003, motor vehicles do not qualify for the Rolling Stock Exemption.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please call Mr. James Kranjc, Senior Manager in Charge of the Chicago Office of Ryan & Company at 630.515.0477 x173822. Mr. Kranjc can also be reached by e-mail.

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