(a)
An individual may designate on the tax return, under the space titled “Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund,” that a contribution in excess of tax liability, if any, be made to the California Beach and Coastal Enhancement Account established by paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 5067 of the Vehicle Code.
(b)
A contribution shall
be in full dollar amounts and may be made individually by each signatory on a joint return.
(c)
A designation made under subdivision (a) shall be made for any taxable year on the original return for that taxable year, and once made shall be irrevocable. In the event that payments and credits reported on the return, together with any other credits associated with the individual’s account, do not exceed the individual’s tax liability, if any, the return shall be treated as though no designation had been made. In the event that no designee is specified, the contribution shall, after reimbursement of the direct actual costs of the Franchise Tax Board for the collection and administration of funds under this article, be transferred to the General Fund.
(d)
If an individual designates a contribution to more than one account or fund listed on the tax return, and the amount available is
insufficient to satisfy the total amount designated, the contribution shall be allocated among the designated accounts on a pro rata basis.
(e)
The Franchise Tax Board shall revise the form of the return to include a space labeled the “Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund” to allow for the designation permitted under subdivision (a). The form shall also include in the instructions information that the contribution may be in the amount of one dollar ($1) or more and that the contribution shall be used for grants and programs that preserve, protect, or enhance coastal resources and promote coastal and marine educational activities for underserved communities.
(f)
Notwithstanding any other law, a voluntary contribution designation for the Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund shall not be added on the tax return until another voluntary contribution designation is removed or as soon as space
is available.
(g)
A deduction shall be allowed under Article 6 (commencing with Section 17201) of Chapter 3 of Part 10 for any contribution made pursuant to subdivision (a).