Butler County farmers may be able to get a larger refund on their taxes for gasoline costs if they meet certain criteria.

The Alabama Department of Revenue has set a deadline date of March 31 for Alabama farmers to file their state gasoline tax refund claims, said State Commissioner of Revenue George E. Mingledorff III.

"The refund claims are based on portions of the state excise tax paid by farmers on gasoline used during 1999 for agricultural purposes. The portion of the gasoline tax that can be refunded applies only to the amount of gasoline that is used in tractors or any auxiliary engines which may be attached to tractors.

Gasoline used in farm trucks is not subject to a refund. But we encourage those farmers who qualify for such a refund to submit claims as soon as possible. The refund claim must be postmarked no later than March 31," Mingledorff said.

Taxes on gasoline purchased from Jan. 1, 1999, through Dec. 31, 1999, will be refunded at the rate of 15 cents per gallon. The refund applies to the tax levied upon gasoline only; it does not apply to any tax levied upon diesel fuel.

County Extension Agent Russty Parrish said that although most farmers here in Butler County use diesel, there may be some who can take advantage of the refund.

"Most farmers today use diesel gasoline and many are not charged tax on that fuel," Parrish said. "However, there may be some who use equipment that operates on gasoline and if so they may be able to get a refund for the money they spent on tax for that gas."

Farmers who are qualified can obtain the proper paperwork to file for the gasoline return at the Butler County Extension Office or by mail.

"Any individual qualifying for a refund who has not received a 1999 claim form may obtain one by writing to the following address: Alabama Department of Revenue, Sales, Use and Business Tax Division, Motor Fuels Section, Post Office Box 327540, Montgomery, AL 36132-7540, or telephone (334) 242-9608," Mingledorff said.

Last year, the Department of Revenue processed 177 claims, resulting in $36,711.44 being refunded to farmers for portions of gasoline taxes paid by them and used only for agricultural purposes in their tractors and other applicable farming equipment.