Senate Bill 2318

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE RESIDENT INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAXPAYERS TO DESIGNATE ANY PORTION OF THEIR TAX REFUND FOR DEPOSIT INTO THE ANIMAL CARE FUND; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) Each resident individual taxpayer who files a Mississippi income tax return and who will receive a tax refund from the State Tax Commission may designate that a contribution be made to the Animal Care Fund created in Section 69-15-19, by marking the appropriate box printed on the return pursuant to this subsection. In the case of a joint return, each spouse may designate that a portion of the refund shall be paid to such fund.

The State Tax Commission shall print on the Mississippi income tax form for residents a space for designating the contribution in substantially the following form:

"ANIMAL CARE FUND

I wish to contribute ( ) $1 ( ) $5 ( ) $10 ( ) Other $____ of my TAX REFUND TO THE ANIMAL CARE FUND."

(2) The State Tax Commission shall explain in the instructions accompanying the individual income tax form the purposes for which the contributions authorized herein shall be used.

(3) This section shall apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2005.

(4) The Chairman of the State Tax Commission shall determine annually the total amount designated by individuals to be paid to the fund, along with all interest earned thereon, and shall report such amount to the State Treasurer who shall pay such amount into the Animal Care Fund.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.