(1) The department, by its order, may hold in abeyance the collection of tax from any taxpayer or any group of taxpayers when a question bearing on their liability for tax hereunder is pending before the courts. The department may impose such conditions as may be deemed just and equitable and shall require the payment of interest at the rate of three-quarters of one percent of the amount of the tax for each thirty days or portion thereof from the date upon which such tax became due until the date of payment.

(2) Interest imposed under this section for periods after January 1, 1997, shall be computed on a daily basis at the rate as computed under RCW 82.32.050(2). The rate so computed shall be adjusted on the first day of January of each year. Interest for taxes held in abeyance under this section before January 1, 1997, but outstanding after January 1, 1997, shall not be recalculated but shall remain at three-quarters of one percent per each thirty days or portion thereof.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—1996 c 149: See notes following RCW 82.32.050.

Effective dates—Severability—1971 ex.s. c 299: See notes following RCW 82.04.050.