Steve Holzheauser

1122 Colorado Suite 220

Austin, TX 78701

Phone (512) 472-3083

Fax (512) 476-6989

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:                 Karen Miller

 

FROM:            Steve Holzheauser

 

DATE:                        May 6, 2008

 

RE:                  Taxable or Tax Exempt Bowling Supplies

 

 

 

This is a memo describing which bowling center supplies are exempt from the sales tax.  It is based on the official position of the Comptroller’s office as outlined by Kevin Koller, Assistant Director of Tax Administration. 

 

The key statute that affects which bowling center items are exempt form sales tax is Section 151.302 of the Tax Code, which reads:

 

151.302.  Sales for Resale

            (a)  The sale for resale of a taxable item is exempted from the taxes imposed by this chapter

            (b)  Tangible personal property used to perform a taxable service is not considered resold unless the care, custody, and control of the tangible personal property is transferred to the purchaser of the service.

 

Mr. Koller made the following determinations in reference to items of question:

 

§         Bowling pins:  The bowling center must pay tax.

 

§         Resurfacing:  There is no exemption when work is just done on an “as needed” basis.

 However, a bowling center that had its lanes resurfaced on a scheduled and periodic basis could claim the exemption.

 

§         Bowling balls and rental shoes:  The bowling center can buy the balls and shoes tax free. 

 

§         Debit cards for video game operation:  A debit card may be used on a video game and it is a tax free transaction.  The same debit card used to get access to the lane is a taxable amusement service.

 

§         Socks:  Whether rented with the bowling shoes or sold separately through a vending machine, this item is taxable.