(a) In the case of a taxpayer who transports any agricultural product donated in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 58501) of Part 1 of Division 21 of the Food and Agricultural Code, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 1996, there shall be allowed as a credit against the “net tax” (as defined by Section 17039), an amount equal to 50 percent of the transportation costs paid or incurred by the taxpayer in connection with the transportation of that donated agricultural product.

(b) If any credit allowed by this section is claimed by the taxpayer, any deduction otherwise allowed under this part for that amount of the cost paid or incurred by the taxpayer which is eligible for the credit that is claimed shall be reduced by the amount of the credit allowed.

(c) Upon delivery of the donated agricultural product by a taxpayer authorized to claim a credit pursuant to subdivision (a), the nonprofit charitable organization shall provide a certificate to the taxpayer who transported the agricultural product. The certificate shall contain a statement signed and dated by a person authorized by that organization that the product is donated under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 58501) of Part 1 of Division 21 of the Food and Agricultural Code. The certificate shall also contain the following information: the type and quantity of product donated, the distance transported, the name of the transporter, the name of the taxpayer donor, and the name and address of the donee. Upon the request of the Franchise Tax Board, the taxpayer shall provide a copy of the certification to the Franchise Tax Board.