A. Deficiency determinations. If the Division determines that a return is incorrect, that required reports or returns have not been filed or that a Booking Agent or Transient Lodging Intermediary has otherwise failed to comply with the terms of this Chapter, it may compute and determine or estimate the amount required to be paid based on the facts contained in the return or any other information reasonably within its possession. Once a deficiency determination is made, the amount is due and payable within 10 days. The Division may assess penalties and interest as set forth in Section 6.09.060.
1. The Booking Agent or Transient Lodging Intermediary may petition for a redetermination if the petition is filed with 10 days of the postmark date on the written deficiency notice. Nothing prohibits the Division from extending the time for petition beyond 10 days at its sole discretion.
2. Every deficiency determination must be made and notice mailed within five years after a return was originally filed, subsequently amended or the tax was paid, whichever period expires later. In the case of the filing of a false or fraudulent return with the intent to evade this Chapter, a failure to file a required return or willful refusal to remit the fee, a deficiency determination may be made, or a proceeding for the collection of such deficiency may be commenced at any time and is not subject to the 5-year limitation above.
B. Any Booking Agent or Transient Lodging Intermediary against whom a deficiency determination is made or civil penalties are assessed under Section 6.09.100 may petition for a redetermination within the time required in this Section. If a petition for redetermination is filed timely, the Director will consider the deficiency determination or civil penalties and, if requested in the petition, will grant an oral hearing and give 10 days’ notice of the time and place of the hearing.
1. The Director may adjust the amount of the deficiency determination as a result of the hearing and, if an increase is determined, such increase will be payable immediately after the hearing.
2. The Director’s order or decision becomes final 10 days after service upon the petitioner unless an appeal is filed with the Business License Appeals Board or Hearings Officer, if applicable, within 10 days of the postmark date on the written order.
3. No petition for redetermination or other appeal will be accepted and no petition or appeal is effective for any purpose unless the Booking Agent or Transient Lodging Intermediary has first paid in full the amount determined to be due in the deficiency determination or civil penalty assessment that is being appealed.
C. Appeals of penalty and/or interest assessments are not subject to the appeals process outlined in Section 6.09.090. The decision of the Director regarding penalty and interest assessments is final.