§ 142.872 RSMo — Diverted fuel, liability

1. In the event a distributor diverts motor fuel removed from a terminal in this state from an intended destination outside this state as shown on the terminal-issued shipping papers to a destination within this state, the distributor, in addition to compliance with the notification provided for in section 142.917 , shall notify and pay the tax imposed by section 142.803 to the state upon the same terms and conditions as in section 142.836 . Each supplier who precollects the tax pursuant to this chapter shall not be subject to any civil penalties or interest imposed pursuant to this chapter for any corrections resulting from a diversion of the motor fuel from the original destination as represented by the purchaser or the agent of the purchaser. However, the supplier and distributor may, by mutual agreement, permit the supplier to assume the liability of the exporter and adjust the taxes of the exporter payable to the supplier. The exporter shall remain liable for all interest and penalties which may accrue on this amount.

2. In the event that a person removes from a bulk plant in this state and exports motor fuel upon which the tax imposed by this chapter has previously been paid or accrued, the exporter may apply for and the director shall issue a refund of the tax upon the exporter providing proof of export satisfactory to the director.

3. In the event that a person diverts motor fuel from a destination outside this state to a destination inside this state after having removed the product from a terminal outside this state, the importer, in addition to compliance with the notification provided for in section 142.917 , shall notify the state and shall pay the tax upon import on the same terms and conditions as set out in section 142.836 . However, an importer who has purchased the product from a licensed supplier may, by mutual agreement with the supplier, permit the supplier to assume the liability of the importer and adjust the taxes of the importer payable to the supplier.

4. In the event of a legal diversion by a distributor from a destination in this state to another state the distributor diverting the product shall apply for a refund from this state in conformity with section 142.815 . The distributor may, by mutual agreement with the supplier, assign the claim to the supplier who may take a credit. In the event of a legal diversion by a supplier, the supplier may take a credit for diversions directed by that supplier for the account of the supplier.

5. In the event that the other state involved in a cross-border shipment has entered into a multistate compact with this state, the distributor or supplier who diverts shall pay or seek refund only upon the difference in state taxes with notice to both states upon proof shown of payment to the actual destination state. The director shall periodically determine procedures for making this adjustment and maintain a list of those states which meet these criteria.