(a) The Tax Commissioner, or any authorized agent or employee thereof, may examine the books, papers, records and Federal and state income tax returns of any taxpayer or other person that is subject to Sections 891.26 to 891.42 for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of any return made or, if no return was filed to ascertain the tax due as required under those sections. Upon written request by the Tax Commissioner or a duly authorized agent or employee thereof, every taxpayer or other person subject to this section is required to furnish the opportunity for the Tax Commissioner, authorized agent or employee to investigate and examine such books, papers, records, and Federal and state income tax returns at a reasonable time and place designated in the request.
(b) The records and other documents of any taxpayer or other person that is subject to Sections 891.26 to 891.42 shall be open to the Tax Commissioner's inspection during business hours and shall be preserved for a period of six years following the end of the taxable year to which the records or documents relate unless the Tax Commissioner, in writing, consents to their destruction within that period, or by order requires that they be kept longer. The Tax Commissioner may require any person by notice served on that person, to keep such records as the Tax Commissioner determines necessary to show whether or not that person is liable and the extent of such liability for the income tax levied by a municipal corporation.
(c) The Tax Commissioner may examine under oath any person that the Tax Commissioner reasonably believes has knowledge concerning any income that was or would have been returned for taxation or any transactions tending to affect such income. The Tax Commissioner may, for the purpose, compel any such person to attend a hearing or examination and to produce any books, papers, records and Federal income tax returns in such person's possession or control. The person may be assisted or represented by an attorney, accountant, bookkeeper, or any other tax practitioner at any such hearing or examination. This section does not authorize the practice of law by a person who is not an attorney.
(d) No person issued written notice by the Tax Commissioner compelling attendance at a hearing or examination or the production of books, papers, records, or Federal income tax returns under this section shall fail to comply.
(Ord. 19-17. Passed 9-3-19.)