Union Electric Company and Monsanto

Union Electric Company and The Monsanto Company seek an award of interest on sales tax amounts erroneously collected on electricity sold by Union Electric to Monsanto. At issue is whether § 144.190.2, RSMo 1986, authorized payment of interest on amounts credited, rather than refunded, to the taxpayer. The Court holds that interest on sales tax credits is not authorized by the statute and because a credit was issued to Union Electric for the taxes erroneously collected, no interest is due thereon. The order of the Administrative Hearing Commission is affirmed. In the years 1982 through 1986, Monsanto purchased electrical energy for use in the manufacture of silicon from Missouri Edison and its successor corporation, Union Electric. During these years the electricity suppliers collected sales tax from Monsanto and remitted the taxes to the Director of Revenue.