Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)(p12)

Tax is imposed on the delivery of compressed natural gas (CNG) into the fuel supply tank of the propulsion engine of a motor vehicle or motorboat. See Form 720 for the tax rate. However, there is no tax on the delivery if tax was imposed under the bulk sales rule discussed next, or the delivery is for a nontaxable use, listed in chapter 2. If the delivery is in connection with a sale, the seller is liable for the tax. If it is not in connection with a sale, the operator of the boat or vehicle is liable for the tax.

If CNG is delivered into the fuel supply tank by the seller in connection with the sale of CNG for a nontaxable use, the seller is liable for the tax unless, at the time of the sale, the seller has an exemption certificate from the buyer. The seller must have no reason to believe any information in the certificate is false.

The certificate from the buyer certifies the CNG will be used in a nontaxable use. The certificate may be included as part of any business records normally used for a sale. A model certificate is shown in the Appendix as Model Certificate J.

A certificate expires on the earliest of the following dates.

• The date 1 year after the effective date (which may be no earlier than the date signed) of the certificate.
• The date a new certificate is provided to the seller.
• The date the seller is notified the buyer's right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn.

Tax is imposed on the sale of CNG that is not in connection with delivery into the fuel supply tank of the propulsion engine of a motor vehicle or motorboat if the buyer furnishes a written statement to the seller that the entire quantity of the CNG covered by the sale is for use as a fuel in a motor vehicle or motorboat and the seller has given the buyer a written acknowledgment of receipt of the statement. The seller of the CNG is liable for the tax.

For this purpose, motor vehicle has the same meaning as given under Other Fuels (Including Alternative Fuels), earlier.

The nontaxable uses of CNG are discussed under Other Fuels (Including Alternative Fuels) in chapter 2.