House Bill No. 1039, introduced by Representative Deshotel, aims to amend and reenact several provisions related to local sales and use tax audit procedures in Louisiana. The bill establishes new requirements for local tax collectors, including the necessity to provide written requests for documentation before initiating audits and to inform taxpayers that waiving the prescriptive period is voluntary. Additionally, it allows for the suspension of interest and penalties under certain conditions, specifically when a written agreement is made between the taxpayer and the collector prior to the expiration of the prescriptive period.

Key amendments include the requirement for collectors to provide a detailed written request identifying all necessary documents before estimating taxes due, and the authorization for taxpayers and collectors to agree on suspending the accrual of additional interest or penalties after a waiver of the prescriptive period is executed. The bill also clarifies that interest on unpaid taxes will continue to accrue unless specific conditions are met, and it outlines circumstances under which penalties for late returns may not apply. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance transparency and fairness in the local sales and use tax audit process.

Statutes affected:
HB1039 Original: 47:26(D)(1), 47:1(A), 47:69(A), 47:70(C)(3)
HB1039 Engrossed: 47:26(D)(1), 47:67(C), 47:69(A), 47:70(C)(3)
HB1039 Reengrossed: 47:26(D)(1), 47:67(C), 47:69(A), 47:70(C)(3)