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TAX MATTERS hi the opinion of Bond Counsel, based upon an analysis of existing laws, regulations, rulings and court decisions, and assuming, among other matters, compliance with certain covenants, interest on the Bonds is excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code ") and is exempt from State of California personal income taxes. Bond Counsel is of the further opinion that interest on the Bonds is not a specific preference item for purposes of the federal individual or corporate alternative minimum taxes, provided however, that for the purpose of calculating federal corporate alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations (as defined for federal income tax purposes), such interest is taken into account in determining certain income and earnings. The Code imposes various restrictions, conditions and requirements relating to the exclusion from gross income for federal income tax purposes of interest on obligations such as the Bonds. The Authority has covenanted to comply with certain restrictions designed to insure that interest on the Bonds will not be included in federal gross income. Failure to comply with these covenants may result in interest on the Bonds being included in federal gross income, possibly from the date of original issuance of the Bonds. The opinion of Bond Counsel assumes compliance with these covenants. Bond Counsel has not undertaken to determine (or to inform any person) whether any actions taken (or not taken) or events occurring (or not occurring) after the date of issuance of the Bonds may adversely affect the value of, or the tax status of interest on, the Bonds. Current and future legislative proposals, if enacted into law, clarification of the Code or court decisions may cause interest on the Bonds to be subject, directly or indirectly, to federal income taxation or to be subject to or exempted from state income taxation, or otherwise prevent Bond Owners from realizing the full current benefit of the tax status of such interest. As one example, the Obama Administration recently announced a legislative proposal which, for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, generally would limit the exclusion from gross income of interest on obligations like the Bonds to some extent for taxpayers who are individuals and whose income is subject to higher marginal income tax rates. Other proposals have been made that could significantly reduce the benefit of, or otherwise affect, the exclusion from gross income of interest on obligations like the Bonds. The introduction or enactment of any such legislative proposals, clarification of the Code or court decisions may also affect, perhaps significantly, the market price for, or marketability of, the Bonds. Prospective purchasers of the Bonds should consult their own tax advisors regarding any pending or proposed federal or state tax legislation, regulations or litigation, and regarding the impact of future legislation, regulations or litigation, as to which Bond Counsel expresses no opinion. Certain requirements and procedures contained or referred to in the Indenture, the Tax Certificate, and other relevant documents may be changed and certain actions (including, without limitation, defeasance of the Bonds) may be taken or omitted under the circumstances and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in such documents. Bond Counsel expresses no opinion as to the exclusion from gross income of interest on any Bond if any such change occurs or action is taken or omitted upon the advice or approval of counsel other than Best Best & Krieger LLP. The Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS ") has initiated an expanded program for the auditing of tax - exempt bond issues, including both random and targeted audits. It is possible that the Bonds will be selected for audit by the IRS. It is also possible that the market value of the Bonds might be affected as a result of such an audit of the Bonds (or by an audit of other similar bonds). Although Bond Counsel is of the opinion that interest on the Bonds is excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes and is exempt from State of California personal income taxes, the ownership or disposition of, or the accrual or receipt of interest on, the Bonds may otherwise affect a Bond Owner's federal or state tax liability. The nature and extent of these other tax consequences will depend upon the particular tax status of the Bondholder or the Bond Owner's other items of income or deduction, and Bond Counsel expresses no opinion regarding any such other tax consequences. A copy of the proposed form of opinion of Bond Counsel is attached hereto as Appendix C. 42