Sec. 9. (a) A retail merchant, manufacturer, or wholesaler who is registered under this chapter may apply for a direct payment permit. The department may issue the permit subject to such conditions as it deems reasonable. A permit issued under this subsection does not expire and is valid unless revoked under subsection (c).

     (b) A person who possesses a direct payment permit may, at the time of a retail transaction, issue a direct payment certificate to a retail merchant instead of paying the state gross retail or use tax to that merchant. If the person issues a direct payment certificate, the person must then pay the tax on that purchase directly to the department. A retail merchant who receives a direct payment certificate has no duty to collect or remit the state gross retail or use tax on that transaction.

     (c) The department may revoke a direct payment certificate, without cause, at any time.

As added by Acts 1980, P.L.52, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.87-1989, SEC.1.