Interactive Website Helps Manufacturers Quickly and Painlessly Determine Available Exemption, Complete Paperwork
MADISON, Wis., April 5, 2006 – Effective January 1, 2006, Wisconsin manufacturers can reduce the sales tax they pay on manufacturing related energy consumption. Wisconsin legislation (Act 99) allows manufacturers to exempt the sales tax paid on the energy use—electricity and natural gas—related to manufacturing process operations.. Manufacturers must still pay sales tax on the “non-manufacturing” energy used at their facilities, which is typically lighting, space heating, comfort cooling, and office equipment.
EnVise EnoVation, a Madison-based firm, has developed an interactive web-based tool to help manufacturers simplify and accelerate the tax exemption filing process. The website, which can be found at, http://www.enovationllc.com, offers two service options for obtaining this sales tax exemption. The option chosen depends on the complexity of a manufacturer’s operations and the number of utility service meters at the facility.
On-Line Service. Manufacturing businesses with one or two electric and fuel meters per facility can use EnoVation’s on-line assessment questionnaire and telephone consultation to determine their exemption percentage. The flat fee for this service is $699.
Custom Service. If a facility has multiple utility meters or multiple facility locations, call EnoVation first at (608) 663-3759. Staff members will determine if the on-line assessment questionnaire can be used in combination with telephone consultation or if an on-site visit is required. Based on the complexity of operations, EnoVation will provide a time and materials price quotation to complete this service.
How It Works
EnoVation’s customized software was developed and tested by EnoVation’s experienced energy professionals. The software helps businesses calculate manufacturing-related electric and fuel energy consumption to determine the percentage of energy use that qualifies for tax exemption status. Then, the business or its tax advisor takes this information, fills out the State of Wisconsin Tax Exemption Form S 211, and sends it to the utility for processing. The utility then adjusts the sales tax being charged on the manufacturer’s bill(s).
Our Experience
EnoVation LLC staff have worked with hundreds of manufacturers in other states (such as Minnesota and Michigan) to determine the appropriate energy sales tax exemption percentage. We work with clients to understand their operations and perform the utility usage and engineering calculations required to claim the sales tax exemption. EnoVation staff includes Professional Engineers who work daily with industrial customers in Wisconsin and throughout the United States to improve the financial performance of their manufacturing process operations.
About EnVise EnoVation LLC
EnVise EnoVation develops products and services that help business customers manage rising energy costs, improve energy efficiency, and reduce annual operating expenses. Our services meet the real world needs of company managers and facility operators. EnoVation is a subsidiary of EnVise LLC, a Madison-based energy consulting firm. EnVise helps business customers reduce the risks associated with today’s energy markets and improve their financial performance. Our experience includes optimizing manufacturing processes, negotiating energy supply contracts for natural gas and electricity customers, and developing Management Systems for Energy and integrating these systems into existing environmental management or ISO systems.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Martha Grasty
EnVise LLC
(608) 663-3753
mgrasty@envise.net
TECHNICAL CONTACT:
John Bushman
EnVise EnoVation LLC
203 South Paterson Street, #200
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
(608) 663-3759
jbushman@envise.net
