New California Tax Appeal Office Sets Tone for Future Rulings

California’s new tax appeals panel said it can—but won’t—rehear a sales and use tax case decided by its predecessor in a ruling that sets the tone for more cases to come.

The ruling, from the closely watched Office of Tax Appeals, refunds $721,205 to First American Title Insurance Co. It also sheds light on how the office will referee disputes between taxpayers and the state’s newly reorganized tax agencies.

Although the ruling won’t set a precedent, it signals how the new office might rule in another 12 cases, including the tax appeal of former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson and ...