15-70-711. Tax on compressed natural gas, hydrogen fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, and alternative fuels. (1) An alternative fuel dealer shall collect the tax on compressed natural gas from the user at the time that the compressed natural gas is placed into the supply tank of a motor vehicle.

(2) (a) The total tax due on compressed natural gas is computed according to the formula provided in subsection (2)(b).

(b) T = (R/V) x TV, where:

(i) T is the total tax due;

(ii) R is 7 cents;

(iii) V is 120 cubic feet of compressed natural gas at 14.73 pounds per square inch absolute base pressure; and

(iv) TV is the total volume of compressed natural gas placed into the supply tank of a motor vehicle.

(3) The alternative fuel dealer shall pay the tax to the department as provided in 15-70-714.

(4) An alternative fuel dealer shall collect the tax on liquefied petroleum gas from the user at the time that the liquefied petroleum gas is placed into the supply tank of a motor vehicle.

(5) (a) The total tax due on liquefied petroleum gas is computed according to the formula provided in subsection (5)(b).

(b) T = (C/G) x TG, where:

(i) T is the total tax due;

(ii) C is 5.18 cents;

(iii) G is 1 gallon of liquefied petroleum gas; and

(iv) TG is the total gallons of liquefied petroleum gas placed into the supply tank of a motor vehicle.

(6) The alternative fuel dealer shall pay the tax to the department as provided in 15-70-714.

(7) (a) The total tax due on hydrogen fuel is computed according to the formula provided in subsection (7)(b).

(b) T = KG x R, where:

(i) T is the total tax due;

(ii) KG is the total kilograms of hydrogen placed in the supply tank of a motor vehicle; and

(iii) R is the gasoline tax rate provided for in 15-70-403.

(8) The alternative fuel dealer shall pay the tax to the department as provided in 15-70-714.

(9) A tax is imposed on alternative fuels not listed in subsection (2), (5), or (7). The tax due on other alternative fuels is computed according to the gasoline gallon equivalency by type of alternative fuel based on the current fuel properties comparison chart published by the U.S. department of energy multiplied by the gasoline tax rate provided for in 15-70-403.

(10) The United States, the state of Montana, and any political subdivision of this state are exempt from the levy and imposition of this tax.