MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Ways and Means

By: Representative Stribling

House Bill 1312

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 27-7-51, 27-7-71 AND 27-7-73, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT WHEN THERE IS A DISPUTE BETWEEN THE STATE TAX COMMISSION AND A TAXPAYER REGARDING THE TAXPAYER'S INCOME TAX LIABILITY BECAUSE THE COMMISSION DISAGREES WITH THE AMOUNT CLAIMED BY THE TAXPAYER AS GAMBLING LOSSES, THE TAXPAYER SHALL HAVE THE BURDEN OF PROVING WITH SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE THE AMOUNT CLAIMED AS GAMBLING LOSSES; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 27-7-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 27-7-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-7-51. (1) If, upon examination of a return made under the provisions of this article, it appears that the correct amount of tax is greater or less than that shown in the return, the tax shall be recomputed. Any overpayment of tax so determined shall be credited or refunded to the taxpayer. If the correct amount of tax is greater than that shown in the return of the taxpayer, the commissioner shall make his assessment of additional tax due by certified mail or by personal delivery of the assessment to the taxpayer, which assessment shall constitute notice and demand for payment. The taxpayer shall be given a period of thirty (30) days after receipt of notice in which to pay the additional tax due, including penalty and interest as hereinafter provided, and if said sum is not paid within the period of thirty (30) days, the commissioner shall proceed to collect same under the provisions of Sections 27-7-55 to 27-7-67, provided that within said period of thirty (30) days the taxpayer may appeal as set out in Sections 27-7-71 and 27-7-73. In the case where there is a dispute between the State Tax Commission and a taxpayer regarding the taxpayer's income tax liability because the commission disagrees with the amount claimed by the taxpayer as gambling losses, the taxpayer shall have the burden of proving with documentary evidence, deemed satisfactory by the State Tax Commission, the amount claimed as gambling losses.

(2) In the case of an overpayment of tax, interest shall be computed under the provisions of Section 27-7-315. In the case of an underpayment of tax, interest at the rate of one percent (1%) per month from the due date of the return shall be added or assessed in addition to the additional tax due as hereinabove provided in subsection (1).

(3) In case of failure to pay any additional taxes as assessed under this section, unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, there shall be added to the additional amount assessed a penalty of one-half of one percent (1/2 of 1%) of the amount of the additional tax if the failure is for not more than one (1) month, with an additional one-half of one percent (1/2 of 1%) for each additional month or fraction thereof during which the failure continues, not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) in the aggregate.

(4) Where the reported net income of a taxpayer is increased by the Internal Revenue Service, a taxpayer who, without action by the commissioner, amends a return filed under this article on the basis of a change in taxable income made by the Internal Revenue Service, and pays the additional tax due thereon within thirty (30) days after agreeing to the federal change (and has received statement of the federal changes to which agreement has been made or payment thereof), shall add interest to the additional tax at the rate of one percent (1%) per month from due date of the original return. If the additional tax, based on changes in taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service, is assessed by the commissioner under subsection (1) of this section, in addition to the interest there may be added a penalty of one-half of one percent (1/2 of 1%) of the additional tax due if the failure is for not more than one (1) month, with an additional one-half of one percent (1/2 of 1%) for each additional month or fraction thereof during which the failure to pay continues, not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) in the aggregate, unless it is shown that the failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.

(5) In the case of a taxpayer who files a bond as provided by Section 27-13-45 in lieu of payment of the additional tax found to be due by the State Tax Commission, and such tax assessment or a part thereof is upheld by the chancery court and/or the Supreme Court, such assessment shall bear interest at the rate of one percent (1%) per month from the due date until paid.

Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing a refund of taxes for claims pursuant to the United States Supreme Court decision of Davis v. Michigan Department of Treasury, 109 S.Ct. 1500 (1989). These taxes were not incorrectly and/or erroneously collected as contemplated by this chapter.

In the event a court of final jurisdiction determines the above provision to be void for any reason, it is hereby declared the intent of the Legislature that affected taxpayers shall be allowed a credit against future income tax liability as opposed to a tax refund.

SECTION 2. Section 27-7-71, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-7-71. (1) A taxpayer who feels aggrieved at any action of the commissioner under Sections 27-7-49, 27-7-51 or 27-7-53, may appeal to the board of review, as legally constituted and authorized by Section 27-7-79, for a hearing in the matter within thirty (30) days from the date of said action. The board of review shall grant a hearing thereon at the earliest practical date. At said hearing, the board of review shall try the issues presented, according to law and the facts, and shall within thirty (30) days from the date of said hearing make a determination, subject to and with the approval of the commissioner, and notify the taxpayer of its findings. In any such hearing where there is a dispute between the commissioner and a taxpayer regarding the taxpayer's income tax liability because the commissioner disagrees with the amount claimed by the taxpayer as gambling losses, the taxpayer shall have the burden of proving with documentary evidence, deemed satisfactory by the board of review, the amount claimed as gambling losses. Any overpayment of tax determined by the approved order of the board of review shall be credited, or refunded, to the taxpayer. Any tax deficiency, including any penalty and interest, determined by the approved order of the board of review shall be paid by the taxpayer within thirty (30) days from the date of notification to the taxpayer, and, if said sum is not paid within said thirty-day period, the commissioner shall proceed to collect same under the provisions of Sections 27-7-55 to 27-7-67 of this article; provided, that within said thirty-day period the taxpayer may appeal to the State Tax Commission from the decision of the board of review, as hereinafter set out.

(2) A taxpayer who feels aggrieved at any decision by the board of review, may appeal to the State Tax Commission by petition, in writing, within thirty (30) days from the date of said decision, for a hearing upon the action or decision of the board of review, in which petition said taxpayer shall set forth the reasons such hearing should be granted. The State Tax Commission shall promptly consider the petition, grant the hearing, and notify the petitioner of the time and place fixed for the hearing. In any hearing before the State Tax Commission, two (2) members constitute a quorum. At said hearing, the State Tax Commission shall try the issues presented, according to the law and the facts, and shall, as soon as practical thereafter, notify the taxpayer of its determination. In any such hearing where there is a dispute between the State Tax Commission and a taxpayer regarding the taxpayer's income tax liability because the commission disagrees with the amount claimed by the taxpayer as gambling losses, the taxpayer shall have the burden of proving with documentary evidence, deemed satisfactory by the State Tax Commission, the amount claimed as gambling losses. Any overpayment of tax which the State Tax Commission may determine to have been paid shall be credited or refunded to the taxpayer. Any tax deficiency, including any penalty and interest, determined by the State Tax Commission shall be paid within thirty (30) days from the date of notification of the taxpayer, and if said sum is not paid within said thirty-day period, the State Tax Commission shall proceed to collect same under the provisions of Sections 27-7-55 to 27-7-67; provided that within said thirty-day period the taxpayer may appeal from the decision of the State Tax Commission as hereinafter set out.

SECTION 3. Section 27-7-73, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-7-73. The findings of the State Tax Commission shall be final unless the taxpayer shall, within thirty (30) days from the date of the receipt of notice of such findings, file a petition in the chancery court of the county in which the taxpayer is a resident or in which the taxpayer is domiciled, or in the case of a nonresident or foreign corporation in either the county in which a place of business or property is located or Hinds County as the seat of state government, requesting a hearing of the case on its merits, which petition shall be a concise statement of the facts as contended for by the petitioner. The petition shall be accompanied with a bond, to be approved by the clerk of said court, in a sum double the amount in controversy, conditioned to pay the judgment of the court. On filing such petition, the clerk of the court shall give the State Tax Commission notice of the proceedings as required by law by serving the Chairman of the State Tax Commission. The chancery court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine said cause or issue joined as in other cases. In any case where there is a dispute between the State Tax Commission and a taxpayer regarding the taxpayer's income tax liability because the commission disagrees with the amount claimed by the taxpayer as gambling losses, the taxpayer shall have the burden of proving with documentary evidence, deemed satisfactory by the court, the amount claimed as gambling losses. Either the State Tax Commission or the taxpayer, or both, shall have the right of appeal to the Supreme Court as in other cases.

SECTION 4. Section 27-7-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

27-7-17. In computing taxable income, there shall be allowed as deductions:

(1) Business deductions.

(a) Business expenses. All the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business, including a reasonable allowance for salaries or other compensation for personal services actually rendered; nonreimbursable traveling expenses incident to current employment, including a reasonable amount expended for meals and lodging while away from home in the pursuit of a trade or business; and rentals or other payments required to be made as a condition of the continued use or possession, for purposes of the trade or business of property to which the taxpayer has not taken or is not taking title or in which he had no equity. Expense incurred in connection with earning and distributing nontaxable income is not an allowable deduction. Limitations on entertainment expenses shall conform to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

(b) Interest. All interest paid or accrued during the taxable year on business indebtedness, except interest upon the indebtedness for the purchase of tax-free bonds, or any stocks, the dividends from which are nontaxable under the provisions of this article; provided, however, in the case of securities dealers, interest payments or accruals on loans, the proceeds of which are used to purchase tax-exempt securities, shall be deductible if income from otherwise tax-free securities is reported as income. Investment interest expense shall be limited to investment income. Interest expense incurred for the purchase of treasury stock, to pay dividends, or incurred as a result of an undercapitalized affiliated corporation may not be deducted unless an ordinary and necessary business purpose can be established to the satisfaction of the commissioner. For the purposes of this paragraph, the phrase "interest upon the indebtedness for the purchase of tax-free bonds" applies only to the indebtedness incurred for the purpose of directly purchasing tax-free bonds and does not apply to any other indebtedness incurred in the regular course of the taxpayer's business. Any corporation, association, organization or other entity taxable under Section 27-7-23(c) shall allocate interest expense as provided in Section 27-7-23(c)(4)(H).

(c) Taxes. Taxes paid or accrued within the taxable year, except state and federal income taxes, excise taxes based on or measured by net income, estate and inheritance taxes, gift taxes, cigar and cigarette taxes, gasoline taxes, and sales and use taxes unless incurred as an item of expense in a trade or business or in the production of taxable income. In the case of an individual, taxes permitted as an itemized deduction under the provisions of subsection (2)(a) of this section are to be claimed thereunder.

(d) Business losses.

(i) Losses sustained during the taxable year not compensated for by insurance or otherwise, if incurred in trade or business, or nonbusiness transactions entered into for profit.

(ii) Limitations on losses from passive activities and rental real estate shall conform to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

(e) Bad debts. Losses from debts ascertained to be worthless and charged off during the taxable year, if sustained in the conduct of the regular trade or business of the taxpayer; provided, that such losses shall be allowed only when the taxpayer has reported as income, on the accrual basis, the amount of such debt or account.

(f) Depreciation. A reasonable allowance for exhaustion, wear and tear of property used in the trade or business, or rental property, and depreciation upon buildings based upon their reasonable value as of March 16, 1912, if acquired prior thereto, and upon cost if acquired subsequent to that date.

(g) Depletion. In the case of mines, oil and gas wells, other natural deposits and timber, a reasonable allowance for depletion and for depreciation of improvements, based upon cost, including cost of development, not otherwise deducted, or fair market value as of March 16, 1912, if acquired prior to that date, such allowance to be made upon regulations prescribed by the commissioner, with the approval of the Governor.

(h) Contributions or gifts. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2)(a) of this section for individuals, contributions or gifts made by corporations within the taxable year to corporations, organizations, associations or institutions, including Community Chest funds, foundations and trusts created solely and exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net earnings of which inure to the benefit of any private stockholder or individual. This deduction shall be allowed in an amount not to exceed twenty percent (20%) of the net income. Such contributions or gifts shall be allowable as deductions only if verified under rules and regulations prescribed by the commissioner, with the approval of the Governor. Contributions made in any form other than cash shall be allowed as a deduction, subject to the limitations herein provided, in an amount equal to the actual market value of the contributions at the time the contribution is actually made and consummated.

(i) Reserve funds - insurance companies. In the case of insurance companies the net additions required by law to be made within the taxable year to reserve funds when such reserve funds are maintained for the purpose of liquidating policies at maturity.

(j) Annuity income. The sums, other than dividends, paid within the taxpayer year on policy or annuity contracts when such income has been included in gross income.

(k) Contributions to employee pension plans. Contributions made by an employer to a plan or a trust forming part of a pension plan, stock bonus plan, disability or death-benefit plan, or profit-sharing plan of such employer for the exclusive benefit of some or all of his, their, or its employees, or their beneficiaries, shall be deductible from his, their, or its income only to the extent that, and for the taxable year in which, the contribution is deductible for federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and any other provisions of similar purport in the Internal Revenue Laws of the United States, and the rules, regulations, rulings and determinations promulgated thereunder, provided that:

(i) The plan or trust be irrevocable.

(ii) The plan or trust constitute a part of a pension plan, stock bonus plan, disability or death-benefit plan, or profit-sharing plan for the exclusive benefit of some or all of the employer's employees and/or officers, or their beneficiaries, for the purpose of distributing the corpus and income of the plan or trust to such employees and/or officers, or their beneficiaries.

(iii) No part of the corpus or income of the plan or trust can be used for purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of employees and/or officers, or their beneficiaries.

Contributions to all plans or to all trusts of real or personal property (or real and personal property combined) or to insured plans created under a retirement plan for which provision has been made under the laws of the United States of America, making such contributions deductible from income for federal income tax purposes, shall be deductible only to the same extent under the Income Tax Laws of the State of Mississippi.

(l) Net operating loss carrybacks and carryovers.

(i) A net operating loss for any taxable year ending after December 31, 1991, shall be a net operating loss carryback for one (1) taxable year preceding the taxable year of the loss. If the net operating loss for any taxable year is not exhausted by carrybacks for one (1) taxable year preceding the taxable year of the loss, then there shall be a net operating loss carryover to each of the fifteen (15) taxable years following the taxable year of the loss beginning with any taxable year after December 31, 1991.

(ii) A net operating loss for any taxable year ending after December 31, 1992, shall be a net operating loss carryback to each of the two (2) taxable years preceding the taxable year of the loss. If the net operating loss for any taxable year is not exhausted by carrybacks to the two (2) taxable years preceding the taxable year of the loss, then there shall be a net operating loss carryover to each of the fifteen (15) taxable years following the taxable year of the loss beginning with any taxable year after December 31, 1991.

(iii) A net operating loss for any taxable year ending after December 31, 1993, and taxable years thereafter, shall be a net operating loss carryback to each of the three (3) taxable years preceding the taxable year of the loss. If the net operating loss for any taxable year is not exhausted by carrybacks to the three (3) taxable years preceding the taxable year of the loss, then there shall be a net operating loss carryover to each of the fifteen (15) taxable years following the taxable year of the loss beginning with any taxable year after December 31, 1991.

The term "net operating loss," for the purposes of this paragraph, shall be the excess of the deductions allowed over the gross income; provided, however, the following deductions shall not be allowed in computing same:

1. No net operating loss deduction shall be allowed.

2. No personal exemption deduction shall be allowed.

3. Allowable deductions which are not attributable to taxpayer's trade or business shall be allowed only to the extent of the amount of gross income not derived from such trade or business.

Any taxpayer entitled to a carryback period as provided by this paragraph may elect to relinquish the entire carryback period with respect to a net operating loss for any taxable year ending after December 31, 1991. The election shall be made in the manner prescribed by the State Tax Commission and shall be made by the due date, including extensions of time, for filing the taxpayer's return for the taxable year of the net operating loss for which the election is to be in effect. The election, once made for any taxable year, shall be irrevocable for that taxable year.

(m) Amortization of pollution or environmental control facilities.

(i) Allowance of deduction. Every taxpayer, at his election, shall be entitled to a deduction with respect to the amortization of any certified pollution or environmental control facility (as defined in subsection (1)(m)(iv) of this section), based on a period of sixty (60) months. Such amortization deduction shall be an amount, with respect to each month of such period within the taxable year, equal to the amortizable basis of the pollution or environmental control facility at the end of such month divided by the number of months (including the month for which the deduction is computed) remaining in the period. Such amortizable basis at the end of the month shall be computed without regard to the amortization deduction for such month. The amortization deduction provided in this subparagraph shall be in lieu of the depreciation deduction with respect to such pollution or environmental control facility for such month provided by subsection (1)(f) of this section. The sixty-month period shall begin, as to any certified pollution or environmental control facility, at the election of the taxpayer, with the month following the month in which such facility was completed or acquired, or with the succeeding taxable year.

(ii) Election of amortization. The election of the taxpayer to take the amortization deduction authorized in this subsection shall be made only after certification of such pollution or environmental control facility by the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality and notice of such certification is given as further provided in subsection (1)(m)(viii) of this section.

(iii) Termination of amortization deduction. A taxpayer which has elected under subsection (1)(m)(ii) of this section to take the amortization deduction provided in subsection (1)(m)(i) of this section may, at any time after making such election, discontinue the amortization deduction with respect to the remainder of the amortization period, such discontinuance to begin as of the beginning of any month specified by the taxpayer in a notice in writing filed with the Chairman of the State Tax Commission before the beginning of such month. The depreciation deduction provided under subsection (1)(f) of this section shall be allowed, beginning with the first month as to which the amortization deduction does not apply, and the taxpayer shall not be entitled to any further amortization deduction under subsection (1)(m) with respect to such pollution or environmental control facility.

(iv) Definitions. For purposes of subsection (1)(m) of this section:

1. Certified pollution or environmental control facility. The term "certified pollution or environmental control facility" means a new identifiable treatment facility which is used in connection with a plant or other property to abate or control noise, water or atmospheric pollution or contamination by removing, altering, disposing, or storing of pollutants, contaminants, wastes, or heat and which has been certified to by the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality, as provided in subsection (1)(m)(viii) of this section, as having been constructed, reconstructed, erected, or acquired in conformity with the Mississippi program or requirements for abatement or control of noise, water or atmospheric pollution or contamination.

2. New identifiable treatment facility. For purposes of subsection (1)(m)(iv)1 of this section, the term "new identifiable treatment facility" includes only tangible property (not including a building and its structural components, other than a building which is exclusively a treatment facility) which is of a character subject to the allowance for depreciation provided in subsection (1)(f) of this section, which is identifiable as a treatment facility, and which is property:

a. The construction, reconstruction or erection of which is completed by the taxpayer after December 31, 1972; or

b. Acquired after December 31, 1972, if the original use of the property commences with the taxpayer and commences after such date.

In applying the provisions of subsection (1)(m) of this section in the case of property described in subsection (1)(m)(iv)2a of this section, there shall be taken into account only that portion of the basis which is properly attributable to construction, reconstruction, or erection after December 31, 1972.

3. Plant or other property. For purposes of subsection (1)(m)(iv)1 of this section, the phrase "plant or other property" means any tangible property whether or not such property is used in the trade or business or held for the production of income.

4. Buildings. For purposes of subsection (1)(m)(iv)2 of this section, the term "building" generally means any structure or edifice enclosing a space within its walls, and usually covered by a roof, the purpose of which is to provide shelter or housing, or to provide working, office, parking, display, or sales space. The term includes structures such as apartment houses, factory and office buildings, warehouses, barns, garages, railway or bus stations, stores, and other similarly used structures. The term does not include:

a. A structure which is essentially an item of machinery or equipment; or

b. An enclosure which is so closely combined with the machinery or equipment which it supports, houses or serves that it must be replaced, retired or abandoned contemporaneously with such machinery or equipment, and which is depreciated over the life of such machinery or equipment.

5. Structural components. For purposes of subsection (1)(m)(iv)2 of this section, the term "structural components" includes chimneys and other components relating to the operating or maintenance of a building. The term "structural components" does not include machinery or a device which serves no function other than the abatement or control of noise, water or atmospheric pollution.

6. Amortizable basis. For purposes of subsection (1)(m)(i) of this section, the "amortizable basis" of a certified pollution or environmental control facility is the adjusted basis of such facility for purposes of determining gain (Section 27-7-9) reduced by the cost of any pollution or environmental control facility:

a. Completed or acquired by the taxpayer prior to December 31, 1972;

b. Which is a profit-making abatement works; and

c. Requiring allocation of nonpollution or environmental control equipment.

(v) Profit-making abatement works. The Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality shall not certify any property under the provisions of subsection (1)(m) of this section to the extent it appears that by reason of profits derived through the recovery of wastes or otherwise in the operation of such property, its costs will be recovered over its actual useful life.

(vi) Application for certification. Applications for certification for the amortization deduction authorized under subsection (1)(m) of this section for pollution or environmental control facilities shall be submitted to the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality in such manner as such commission may prescribe; shall be signed by the applicant or agent thereof; and shall include the following information:

1. Name, address and federal employer identifying number of the applicant;

2. Type and narrative description of the new identifiable facility for which certification is (or will be) sought, including a copy of schematic or engineering drawings, and a description of the function and operation of such facility;

3. Address (or proposed address) of facility location;

4. A general description of the operation in connection with which such facility is (or will be) used and a description of the specific process or processes resulting in discharges or emissions which are (or will be) controlled by the facility;

5. If the facility is (or will be) used in connection with more than one (1) plant or other property, a description of the operations of the facility in respect to each plant or other property, including a reasonable allocation of the costs of the facility among the plants being serviced, and a description of the reasoning and accounting methods used to arrive at such allocation;

6. Description of the effect of such facility in terms of type and quantity of noise, pollutants, contaminants, wastes or heat, removed, altered, stored, or disposed of by such facility;

7. If the facility performs a function other than removal, alteration, storage, or disposal of pollutants, contaminants, wastes or heat, or noise, a description of all functions performed by the facility, including a reasonable identification of the costs of the facility allocable to removal, alteration, storage, or disposal of pollutants, contaminants, wastes or heat, or noise, and a description of the reasoning and the accounting methods used to arrive at such allocation;

8. Date when such construction, reconstruction, or erection will be completed or when such facility was (or will be) acquired;

9. Date when such facility is placed (or is intended to be placed) in operation;

10. Cost of construction, acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of the facility;

11. Estimated profits reasonably expected to be derived through the recovery of wastes or otherwise in the operation of the facility; and

12. Such other information as the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality deems necessary for certification.

(vii) Requirements for certification. The Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality will certify a facility if it makes the following determinations:

1. It removes, alters, disposes of, or stores pollutants, contaminants, wastes or heat, or noise, which, but for the facility, would be released into the environment.

2. The facility furthers the general policies of Mississippi in the prevention and abatement of pollution and noise.

3. The facility is suitable and reasonably adequate to satisfy the interests and purposes of the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality, and regulations thereunder.

4. The applicant has complied with all the other requirements of subsection (1)(m) of this section and has submitted all requested information.

(viii) Certification. When the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality has certified a facility as a pollution or environmental control facility under the requirements and provisions of subsection (1)(m) of this section, a notice of certification shall be given by mail to the applicant, the Chairman of the State Tax Commission, and the tax assessor of the county or counties in which the facility is located, said notice of certification to contain such information and data as may be required by the State Tax Commission in the proper administration and control of the amortization deduction authorized by subsection (1)(m) of this section.

(ix) Revocation. Certification under subsection (1)(m) of this section may be revoked by the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality on thirty (30) days' written notice to the applicant, served by certified mail, whenever such commission shall determine that the facility in question is no longer being operated consistent with the requirements for certification (subsection (1)(m)(vii) of this section) in effect at the time the facility was placed in service. Within such period of thirty (30) days, the applicant may submit to the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality such evidence, data, or other written materials as the applicant may deem appropriate to show why the certification under subsection (1)(m) of this section should not be revoked. Notification of a revocation under this subparagraph shall be given to the Chairman of the State Tax Commission. The Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality shall consider the issues presented by the applicant, according to law and the facts, and shall within thirty (30) days from the date of the applicant's petition make a determination and notify the applicant of its findings, with a copy of such findings to the Chairman of the State Tax Commission.

(x) Appeals. An applicant may appeal any decision of the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality which:

1. Denies certification; or

2. Disapproves the applicant's suggested method of allocating cost pursuant to subsection (1)(m)(vi) of this section.

The petition for an appeal to the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality shall be in writing and shall be filed with such commission within thirty (30) days from the date of the decision to which the appeal applies. The Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality shall promptly consider the petition, grant a hearing, and notify the petitioner of the time and place fixed for the hearing. At said hearing, the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality shall try the issues presented, according to the law and facts and shall, as soon as practical thereafter, notify the applicant of its determination.

(n) Dividend distributions - investment trusts. Dividends distributed by an investment trust defined in Section 79-15-3, if the dividend distributions meet the requirements of Section 857 or are otherwise deductible under Section 858 or 860, federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The deductions allowed in this paragraph shall be effective for the 1985 taxable year of the investment trust and for each taxable year thereafter.

(2) Individual nonbusiness deductions.

(a) The amount allowable for individual nonbusiness itemized deductions for federal income tax purposes, except the deduction for state income taxes paid, where the individual is eligible to elect, for the taxable year, to itemize deductions on his federal return; or

(b) In lieu of the individual nonbusiness itemized deductions authorized in paragraph (a), for all purposes other than ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business, an optional standard deduction of:

(i) Three Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($3,400.00) through calendar year 1997, Four Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($4,200.00) for the calendar year 1998 and Four Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($4,600.00) for each calendar year thereafter in the case of married individuals filing a joint or combined return;

(ii) One Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($1,700.00) through calendar year 1997, Two Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($2,100.00) for the calendar year 1998 and Two Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($2,300.00) for each calendar year thereafter in the case of married individuals filing separate returns;

(iii) Three Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($3,400.00) in the case of a head of family; or

(iv) Two Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($2,300.00) in the case of an individual who is not married.

In the case of a husband and wife living together, having separate incomes, and filing combined returns, the standard deduction authorized may be divided in any manner they choose. In the case of separate returns by a husband and wife, the standard deduction shall not be allowed to either if the taxable income of one (1) of the spouses is determined without regard to the standard deduction.

(c) A nonresident individual shall be allowed the same individual nonbusiness deductions as are authorized for resident individuals in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection; however, the nonresident individual is entitled only to that proportion of the individual nonbusiness deductions as his net income from sources within the State of Mississippi bears to his total or entire net income from all sources.

(3) Nothing in this section shall permit the same item to be deducted more than once, either in fact or in effect.

SECTION 5. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1998.