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Blank Hotel Tax Exemption Missouri Template

The Hotel Tax Exemption Missouri form, also recognized by its form number 12-302, allows individuals affiliated with certain exempt entities—such as governmental, educational, religious, and charitable organizations—to claim an exemption from hotel occupancy taxes. By completing this form and providing the necessary verification, such as a photo ID or business card, guests can stay in hotels without being charged the state and local hotel taxes typically required. This exemption applies under specific conditions, including the manner of payment and the purpose of travel, with detailed instructions and exemptions outlined on the form itself.

To make your stay more budget-friendly and ensure compliance with Missouri's tax exemption regulations, click the button below to fill out your form.

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Understanding the intricacies of the Hotel Tax Exemption Missouri form is crucial for various entities seeking exemption from hotel occupancy taxes. This comprehensive certificate, officially known as Form 12-302, plays a pivotal role for employees and representatives of exempt organizations, including religious, charitable, educational, and governmental bodies, when traveling on official business. It meticulously outlines the qualifications for exemption, the necessary documentation required to verify an individual's affiliation with an exempt entity, and the specific categories under which exemptions can be claimed. Noteworthy is the flexibility in payment methods allowed for employees of exempt entities and the stipulation that for non-employees to qualify for exemption, payment must directly come from the exempt entity's funds. The form also addresses exemptions for permanent residents under certain conditions, underscoring the diversity in applicability of this exemption. Furthermore, it emphasizes the legal implications of furnishing false information, hinting at the seriousness of the certification process. With detailed guidance on exemption categories, including those for United States Federal Agencies, Texas State Government Officials, and other specific organizations exempt by federal or state law, the document serves as an indispensable resource for eligible entities seeking to navigate the nuances of tax exemption while lodging in Texas.

Preview - Hotel Tax Exemption Missouri Form

12-302 (Rev.4-14/18)

Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate

Provide completed certificate to hotel to claim exemption from hotel tax. Hotel operators should request a photo ID, business card or other document to verify a guest’s affiliation with the exempt entity. Employees of exempt entities traveling on official business can pay in any manner. For non-employees to be exempt, the exempt entity must provide a completed certificate and pay the hotel with its funds (e.g., exempt entity check, credit card or direct billing). This certificate does not need a number to be valid.

Name of exempt entity

Exempt entity status (Religious, charitable, educational, governmental)

Address of exempt organization (Street and number)

City, State, ZIP code

Guest certification: I declare that I am an occupant of this hotel on official business sanctioned by the exempt organization named above and that all information shown on this document is true and correct. I further understand that it is a criminal offense to issue an exemption certificate to a hotel that I know will be used in a manner that does not qualify for the exemptions found in the hotel occupancy tax and other laws. The offense may range from a Class C misdemeanor to a felony of the second degree.

Guest name (Type or print)

Hotel name

Guest signature

Date

Exemption claimed

Check the box for the exemption claimed. See Rule 3.161: Definitions, Exemptions, and Exemption Certificate.

United States Federal Agencies or Foreign Diplomats. Details of this exemption category are on back of form. This category is exempt from state and local hotel tax.

Texas State Government Officials and Employees. (An individual must present a Hotel Tax Exemption Photo ID Card). Details of this exemption category are on back of form. This limited category is exempt from state and local hotel tax. Note: State agencies and city, county or other local government entities and officials or employees are not exempt from state or local hotel tax, even when traveling on official business.

Charitable Entities. (Comptroller-issued letter of exemption required.) Details of this exemption category are on back of form. This category is exempt from state hotel tax, but not local hotel tax.

Educational Entities. Details of this exemption category are on back of form. This category is exempt from state hotel tax, but not local hotel tax.

Religious Entities. (Comptroller-issued letter of exemption required.) Details of this exemption category are on back of form. This category is exempt from state hotel tax, but not local hotel tax.

Exempt by Other Federal or State Law. Details of this exemption category are on back of form. This category is exempt from state and local hotel tax.

Permanent Resident Exemption (30 consecutive days): An exemption certificate is not required for the permanent resident exemption. A permanent resident is exempt the day the guest has given written notice or reserves a room for at least 30 consecutive days and the guest stays for 30 consecutive days, beginning on the reservation date. Otherwise, a permanent resident is exempt on the 31st consecutive day of the stay and is not entitled to a tax refund on the first 30 days. Any interruption in the resident’s right to occupy a room voids the exemption. A permanent resident is exempt from state and local hotel tax.

Hotels should keep all records, including completed exemption certificates, for four years.

Do NOT send this form to the Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Form 12-302 (Back)(Rev.4-14/18)

Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemptions

See Rule 3.161: Definitions, Exemptions, and Exemption Certificate for additional information.

United States Federal Agencies or Foreign Diplomats (exempt from state and local hotel tax)

This exemption category includes the following:

the United States federal government, its agencies and departments, including branches of the military, federal credit unions, and their employees traveling on official business;

rooms paid by vouchers issued by the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and

foreign diplomats who present a Tax Exemption Card issued by the U.S. Department of State, unless the card specifically excludes hotel occupancy tax.

Federal government contractors are not exempt.

Texas State Government Officials and Employees (exempt from state and local hotel tax)

This exemption category includes only Texas state officials or employees who present a Hotel Tax Exemption Photo Identification Card. State employees without a Hotel Tax Exemption Photo Identification Card and Texas state agencies are not exempt. (The state employee must pay hotel tax, but their state agency can apply for a refund.)

Charitable Entities (exempt from state hotel tax, but not local hotel tax)

This exemption category includes entities that have been issued a letter of tax exemption as a charitable organization and their employees traveling on official business. See website referenced below.

A charitable entity devotes all or substantially all of its activities to the alleviation of poverty, disease, pain and suffering by providing food, clothing, medicine, medical treatment, shelter or psychological counseling directly to indigent or similarly deserving members of society.

Not all 501(c)(3) or nonprofit organizations qualify under this category.

Educational Entities (exempt from state hotel tax, but not local hotel tax)

This exemption category includes in-state and out-of-state school districts, private or public elementary, middle and high schools, Texas Regional Education Service Centers and Texas institutions of higher education (see Texas Education Code Section 61.003) and their employees traveling on official business.

A letter of tax exemption from the Comptroller of Public Accounts as an educational organization is not required, but an educational organization might have one.

Out-of-state colleges and universities are not exempt.

Religious Organizations (exempt from state hotel tax, but not local hotel tax)

This exemption category includes nonprofit churches and their guiding or governing bodies that have been issued a letter of tax exemption from the Comptroller of Public Accounts as a religious organization and their employees traveling on official business. See website referenced below.

Exempt by Other Federal or State Law (exempt from state and local hotel tax)

This exemption category includes the following:

entities exempted by other federal law, such as federal land banks and federal land credit associations and their employees traveling on official business; and

Texas entities exempted by other state law that have been issued a letter of tax exemption from the Comptroller of Public Accounts and their employees traveling on official business. See website referenced below. These entities include the following:

nonprofit electric and telephone cooperatives,

housing authorities,

housing finance corporations,

public facility corporations,

health facilities development corporations,

cultural education facilities finance corporations, and

major sporting event local organizing committees.

For Exemption Information

A list of charitable, educational, religious and other organizations that have been issued a letter of exemption is online at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/exempt/exempt_search.html. Other information about Texas tax exemptions, including applications, is online at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/exempt/index.html. For questions about exemptions, call 1-800-252-1385.

File Properties

Fact Name Description
Document Identification Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate (Form 12-302) revised in April 2014 and 2018.
General Eligibility for Exemption Employees of exempt entities traveling on official business can claim exemption from hotel tax by providing a completed certificate. Non-employees require the exempt entity to complete the certificate and pay with its funds.
Specific Exempt Entities United States Federal Agencies or Foreign Diplomats, Texas State Government Officials and Employees, Charitable Entities, Educational Entities, Religious Entities, and Entities Exempt by Other Federal or State Law can claim exemption, with varying criteria for each category.
Permanent Resident Exemption Guests become exempt from state and local hotel tax starting on the 31st consecutive day of their stay, provided there is no interruption in their right to occupy a room.

How to Fill Out Hotel Tax Exemption Missouri

Filling out the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate is a straightforward process that allows individuals affiliated with certain exempt entities to avoid hotel tax under specific conditions. It's important for both guests claiming exemption and hotel operators to understand and comply with the requirements for tax exemption verification, including providing necessary identification and documents that affirm the guest's association with the exempt entity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to complete the form accurately.

  1. Enter the Name of exempt entity in the designated space. This should be the official name of the organization claiming the exemption.
  2. Specify the Exempt entity status by selecting from the options provided (Religious, charitable, educational, governmental) and filling it in the next line.
  3. Provide the Address of the exempt organization, including the street and number, city, state, and ZIP code, in the respective fields.
  4. In the Guest certification section, read the statement carefully, acknowledging your understanding of the conditions under which the exemption is claimed, as well as the legal ramifications of fraudulent claims.
  5. Type or print the Guest name in the space provided. This should be the name of the individual staying at the hotel and claiming the exemption.
  6. Enter the Hotel name where the exemption certificate is being submitted.
  7. The guest must sign in the designated signature field to validate the certificate. Ensure the Date of signing is also entered next to the signature.
  8. Under Exemption claimed, check the box that applies to the exemption being claimed based on the guest’s or entity’s eligibility. It’s crucial to refer to the descriptions provided on the form to select the correct category. These categories include:
    • United States Federal Agencies or Foreign Diplomats
    • Texas State Government Officials and Employees
    • Charitable Entities
    • Educational Entities
    • Religious Entities
    • Exempt by Other Federal or State Law
    • Permanent Resident Exemption
  9. For specific categories that require a Comptroller-issued letter of exemption (Charitable, Educational, Religious Entities), ensure that you have this document ready to present if requested by the hotel.

After completing the form, give the certificate to the hotel operator. Remember, the hotel should not send this form to the Comptroller of Public Accounts. Instead, it must retain the form along with other documentation for four years for record-keeping and verification purposes. Always ensure that the information provided on the form is accurate and truthful to avoid legal penalties.

Understanding Hotel Tax Exemption Missouri

What is the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate?

The Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate is a form that allows certain individuals and organizations to claim exemption from hotel taxes when lodging in Texas. This certificate is provided to hotel operators at the time of check-in to certify that the stay is for official business sanctioned by an exempt entity such as religious, charitable, educational, or governmental organizations.

Who is eligible to use the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate?

Eligibility for using the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate includes:

  • Employees of exempt entities traveling on official business, regardless of the payment method.
  • Non-employees, given the stay is directly paid for by the exempt entity (via organization's check, credit card, or direct billing).
  • United States Federal Agencies or Foreign Diplomats.
  • Texas State Government Officials and Employees with a Hotel Tax Exemption Photo ID Card.
  • Charitable, Educational, and Religious Entities with a Comptroller-issued letter of exemption.
  • Entities exempt by other Federal or State law.

How do I obtain a Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate?

The form does not require a specific number to be valid and can typically be obtained from the exempt entity's administrative office or financial department, or downloaded from relevant Texas state websites focused on tax exemption information.

Are all stays exempt from both state and local hotel taxes?

No, not all stays are exempt from both state and local hotel taxes. While certain categories like United States Federal Agencies, Foreign Diploms, and entities exempt by other federal or Texas state laws are exempt from both, categories such as Charitable, Educational, and Religious entities are usually exempt from state hotel tax but not local hotel tax.

What documents are required to verify the exemption at the hotel?

Hotel operators may request a photo ID, business card, or other documents to verify a guest's affiliation with the exempt entity. Additionally, for non-employees to qualify for exemption, the exempt entity must directly pay for the stay and provide a completed exemption certificate.

Can state employees without a Hotel Tax Exemption Photo Identification Card claim exemption?

No, Texas state employees without a Hotel Tax Exemption Photo ID Card cannot directly claim exemption at the time of their stay. However, their state agency may apply for a refund of the taxes paid.

Is there an exemption for permanent residents?

Yes, there is a permanent resident exemption. Guests who give written notice or reserve a room for at least 30 consecutive days are exempt from state and local hotel taxes starting the day they become a permanent resident, which is either from the reservation date or on the 31st consecutive day of their stay. Importantly, any interruption in the resident’s right to a room voids the exemption.

What happens if the certificate is used improperly?

Improper use of the exemption certificate, knowingly using it for stays that do not qualify for exemption, is a criminal offense. The severity of the offense can range from a Class C misdemeanor to a felony of the second degree.

How long should hotels keep completed exemption certificate records?

Hotels are required to keep all records, including completed exemption certificates, for four years. These documents must be made available for inspection upon request by relevant Texas state officials.

Where can I find more information about Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemptions?

Additional information on Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemptions, including a searchable list of entities that have been issued a letter of exemption and other exemption-related resources, can be found online at the Texas Comptroller's official website. For specific questions, the Comptroller's office can be contacted directly.

Common mistakes

When filling out the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate, it's essential to accurately and thoroughly complete all sections to ensure compliance and qualify for the tax exemption. However, individuals often err during this process, which can lead to frustration and the potential loss of tax-exempt status for their stay. Here are seven common mistakes:

  1. Incorrect Identification of Exempt Entity Status: Not clarifying the organization's exempt status (such as religious, charitable, educational, governmental) can lead to confusion regarding the applicability of tax exemptions.
  2. Failure to Verify Affiliation: Guests and hotel operators sometimes neglect the requirement for verifying a guest's affiliation with the exempt entity, such as not providing or requesting a photo ID, business card, or another form of verification.
  3. Incomplete Address Information: Leaving out or inaccurately filling in the address of the exempt organization can result in the disqualification of the application due to insufficient identification of the entity claiming exemption.
  4. Unclear Exemption Qualification: Not checking the appropriate box for the claimed exemption or failing to provide requisite documents, such as a Comptroller-issued letter of exemption for charitable or religious entities, can nullify the exemption claim.
  5. Misunderstanding the Payment Requirement: For non-employees to be exempt, the payment must be made directly by the exempt entity. Mistakes in payment method, such as using personal funds instead of the organization's funds, invalidate the exemption.
  6. Not Acknowledging Guest Certification: Guests are required to certify their stay is for official business sanctioned by the exempt organization and that all information provided is accurate. Overlooking or inaccurately completing this section can lead to legal repercussions.
  7. Permanent Resident Exemption Misinterpretation: Mistakes regarding the permanent resident exemption, such as assuming it applies before the 30 consecutive days requirement is met or misunderstanding the implications of room changes or interruptions, can result in ineligible claims.

To mitigate these errors, rigorous attention to detail, clear understanding of the requirements, and thorough review of the completed form before submission are imperative. Compliance ensures not only eligibility for tax exemption but also adherence to state regulations, safeguarding both the guest's and the organization's interests.

Documents used along the form

Obtaining a Hotel Tax Exemption in Missouri requires careful preparation and the gathering of several adjunct documents to ensure a seamless process. Besides the exemption form itself, individuals and organizations may need to present additional documents that support their tax exemption status or further justify the nature of their stay. Understanding these documents can streamline the application process, making it efficient for all parties involved.

  • Business Card or Identification: Hotel operators often request a business card or photo ID to verify the guest’s affiliation with the exempt entity. This document helps confirm identity and ensures that exemptions are properly claimed.
  • Letter of Exemption: For certain categories like charitable entities and religious organizations, a letter of exemption issued by the Comptroller or relevant authority is necessary. This letter serves as proof of the entity's qualification for exemption from state or local hotel taxes.
  • Direct Billing Agreement: When the exempt entity is covering the cost of the stay, a direct billing agreement between the hotel and the entity may be required. This document outlines payment terms and verifies that the entity, not the individual, is making payments directly to the hotel.
  • Hotel Tax Exemption Photo Identification Card: Texas state government officials and employees must present a Hotel Tax Exemption Photo ID Card to claim their exemption. This card serves as proof that the individual is eligible for the tax exemption under Texas law.
  • Official Travel Orders: For government employees, including military personnel, official travel orders are often needed to justify the tax exemption. These orders detail the nature of the official business and the duration of the stay.
  • Vouchers: Agencies such as the American Red Cross or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide vouchers to cover hotel stays. These vouchers serve as direct payment instruments and typically indicate tax-exempt status.
  • Proof of Permanent Residency: For stays over 30 days, documentation proving the intent to stay at the hotel for an extended period may be required to obtain the Permanent Resident Exemption. This might include a lease agreement or a written statement of intent.

Together with the Hotel Tax Exemption Missouri form, these documents form a comprehensive package that supports a tax exemption request. Organizing these materials beforehand can facilitate a smooth interaction with hotel staff, ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met and that the exemption process proceeds without complications.

Similar forms

The Hotel Tax Exemption Missouri form is similar to a variety of other tax exemption documents, each serving a distinct purpose but sharing common features in terms of structure, required information, and the verification process. Such forms play a crucial role in ensuring that eligible entities can claim exemptions accurately and efficiently. Let's explore a couple of these documents to understand the similarities better.

Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate: Much like the Missouri hotel tax exemption form, this certificate allows various entities—ranging from government agencies to educational institutions— to avoid state and local hotel taxes under specific conditions. Both forms require detailed information about the exempt entity, including its name, address, and the nature of its exempt status (e.g., governmental, religious). They also require the individual claiming the exemption to certify their eligibility and understand the legal ramifications of falsely claiming an exemption. The key similarity lies in the process these forms facilitate: exempt entities provide these certificates to hotel operators to claim tax exemptions, with the responsibility on hoteliers to verify the claimant's affiliation with the exempt entity through additional documentation such as a photo ID or business card.

IRS Form 1023: While not directly related to hotel tax, IRS Form 1023 is used by organizations seeking exemption from federal income tax as a nonprofit or charitable entity. Similarities to the hotel tax exemption forms include the necessity for detailed information about the organization's purpose, activities, and governance. Both the IRS form and the hotel tax exemption documents require a certification part, where an authorized individual must declare the truthfulness of the provided information under penalty of perjury. Although serving different tax exemption functions—one for income tax, the other for hotel occupancy tax—both types of documents underscore the importance of accurately establishing an entity's eligibility for tax-exempt status.

Dos and Don'ts

When filing the Hotel Tax Exemption in Missouri, it's essential to navigate the process accurately to ensure a smooth and compliant experience. Here are things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do ensure that the exempt entity's name, status, and address are accurately filled in. These details are crucial for the exemption process and must match the records.
  • Don't forget to check the specific exemption claimed. This form caters to various categories, including federal agencies, state officials, and specific organizations like charitable, educational, and religious entities. Choose the one that applies to your situation.
  • Do provide a guest certification, including a declaration that the stay is for official business endorsed by the exempt organization. This is a compliance requirement and confirms the authenticity of the claim.
  • Don't issue the certificate without the guest's signature. The form requires the guest's name (typed or printed) followed by a signature to validate the document.
  • Do realize that for non-employees to benefit from the exemption, the payment must be made directly by the exempt entity. This could be through an organizational check, credit card, or direct billing arrangement.
  • Don't ignore the documentation request from hotel operators. They may require a photo ID, business card, or another form of identification to verify affiliation with the exempt entity.
  • Do understand that claims for exemptions must comply with specified conditions for state and local hotel taxes. Some categories may only be exempt from state hotel tax and not local hotel tax, depending on the entity's nature.
  • Don’t send the completed certificate to the Comptroller. It's specifically stated that this form should be given to the hotel operator, not mailed to the state agency.
  • Do keep records for four years, as recommended. Hotels are advised to retain completed exemption certificates and other pertinent documents for this duration, a practice you should consider emulating to maintain compliance.

Being meticulous and informed about these dos and don'ts can significantly aid in successfully claiming a hotel tax exemption in Missouri, ensuring both compliance and savings for eligible entities and their representatives.

Misconceptions

There are common misconceptions about the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate that often confuse hotel operators and guests. Understanding these nuances is crucial for correctly applying the exemptions. Here are nine myths debunked:

  • All federal employees are automatically exempt: This is inaccurate. Exemption applies specifically to employees of the United States federal government, its agencies, departments, including branches of the military, federal credit unions, and certain other categories when they are traveling on official business. Federal government contractors, for instance, do not qualify.
  • Any nonprofit organization is exempt from hotel taxes: False. Only charitable organizations that have received a specific letter of tax exemption from the Comptroller of Public Accounts and their employees traveling on official business might qualify. Not all 501(c)(3) organizations fall under this category.
  • Educational institutions are exempt from both state and local hotel taxes: This is not entirely true. While educational entities, including Texas school districts and higher education institutions, are exempt from state hotel taxes, they are not exempt from local hotel taxes unless otherwise specified.
  • All religious organizations are exempt: Only non-profit churches and their governing bodies that possess a letter of tax exemption from the Comptessor of Public Accounts qualify. This exemption also does not extend to local hotel taxes.
  • Direct payment by the exempt entity is not mandatory for exemption to apply: Incorrect. For non-employees to benefit from the exemption, the exempt entity must complete a certificate and directly pay for the hotel accommodations using its funds, such as checks or credit cards issued in the entity's name.
  • Any guest can declare themselves as exempt without verification: Hotel operators should request a photo ID, business card, or other documentation to verify a guest's affiliation with the claimed exempt entity. Proper documentation is vital to validate the exemption claim.
  • <ท>Texas state government officials and employees are always exempt: The exemption specifically applies to those who can present a Hotel Tax Exemption Photo Identification Card. Not all state employees qualify, and state agencies may have to apply for tax refunds on their payments.
  • Permanent residents are exempt from hotel taxes from the first day of their stay: Permanent residents become exempt only after 30 consecutive days of occupancy. Any break in this period voids the exemption, and the exemption starts from the 31st day if the continuous stay criteria are met.
  • Exemption certificates must have a number to be valid: This statement is false. The Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate does not require a numbered certificate to be considered valid.

Correct understanding and application of these details ensure compliance with Texas tax laws, preventing errors in tax exemption claims for hotels and their guests.

Key takeaways

When staying at a hotel in Missouri and wishing to utilize the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption, guests affiliated with exempt entities should be prepared to provide a completed certificate upon checking in. This certificate is pivotal for claiming exemption from hotel tax and must be filled out correctly to ensure the hotel tax is not charged.

To verify eligibility for the exemption, hotel operators are instructed to request a photo ID, a business card, or any other document that can confirm a guest's affiliation with the exempt entity. This step is essential to prevent any misuse of the exemption certificate and to ensure that the benefits are provided to eligible guests only.

The form specifies that employees of exempt entities traveling on official business can use any payment method. However, for non-employees to receive the exemption, the stay must be directly paid for by the exempt entity, which could be via an exempt organization's check, credit card, or through direct billing arrangements. This distinction is crucial for understanding who qualifies for the exemption based on the payment method.

  • The certificate does not require a number to be considered valid, simplifying the process for guests and exempt organizations. This provision makes it easier to claim the exemption without the need for tracking unique certificate numbers.
  • Various entities are eligible for different levels of exemption based on their status. For instance, categories such as United States Federal Agencies, Texas State Government Officials, Charitable Entities, Educational Entities, and Religious Entities each have specific criteria and may be exempt from state hotel tax, local hotel tax, or both.
  • For guests who meet the criteria of being a permanent resident (staying for 30 consecutive days or more), a specific exemption certificate is not required. This rule signifies that from the 31st day onwards, they are exempt from state and local hotel tax, emphasizing the exemption's benefit for long-term stays.
  • All records related to tax exemptions, including completed exemption certificates, should be maintained by hotels for four years. This requirement is vital for audit purposes and to ensure compliance with tax laws.

Understanding the nuances of the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate is crucial for both guests seeking to claim the exemption and for hotel operators. Ensuring that all guidelines are followed correctly can help in avoiding legal complications and ensuring that the tax exemptions are applied properly.

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