15-30-2604. Time for filing -- extensions of time. (1) A return must be made to the department on or before the 15th day of the 4th month following the close of the taxpayer's fiscal year, or if the return is made on the basis of the calendar year, then the return must be made on or before the 15th day of April following the close of the calendar year. Each return must set forth those facts that the department considers necessary for the proper enforcement of this chapter. There must be attached to the return the affidavit or affirmation of the persons making the return to the effect that the statements contained in the return are true. Blank forms of return must be furnished by the department upon application, but failure to secure the form does not relieve any taxpayer of the obligation to make any return required under this chapter. Each taxpayer liable for a tax under this chapter shall pay a minimum tax of $1.
     (2) (a) Subject to subsections (2)(b) and (2)(c), a taxpayer is allowed an automatic extension of time for filing the taxpayer's return of up to 6 months following the date prescribed for filing of the tax return.
     (b) On or before the due date of the return, the taxpayer shall pay by estimated tax payments, withholding tax, or a combination of estimated tax payments and withholding tax 90% of the current year's tax liability or 100% of the previous year's tax liability.
     (c) The remaining tax, penalty, and interest of the current year's tax liability not paid under subsection (2)(b) must be paid when the return is filed. Penalty and interest must be added to the tax due as provided in 15-1-216.
     (3) The department may grant an additional extension of time for the filing of a return whenever in its judgment good cause exists.
     (4) The extension of time for filing a return is not an extension of time for the payment of taxes.

     History: En. Sec. 29, Ch. 181, L. 1933; re-en. Sec. 2295.19, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 105, L. 1935; amd. Sec. 172, Ch. 516, L. 1973; amd. Sec; 1, Ch. 340, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 84-4919; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 169, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 796, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 560, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 26, L. 1999; Sec. 15-30-144, MCA 2007; redes. 15-30-2604 by Sec. 1, Ch. 147, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 470, L. 2009.