15-30-2541. Royalty withholding tax remittance schedule -- alternative schedules and methods -- records. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), each remitter is required to file a quarterly return, on a form prescribed by the department, and remit to the department the amount of tax withheld on royalty payments according to the following schedule:

(a) for royalty payments made during January, February, and March of each calendar year, the amount withheld is due on or before April 30 of the year;

(b) for royalty payments made during April, May, and June of each calendar year, the amount withheld is due on or before July 31 of the year;

(c) for royalty payments made during July, August, and September of each calendar year, the amount withheld is due on or before October 31 of the year; and

(d) for royalty payments made during October, November, and December of each calendar year, the amount withheld is due on or before January 31 of the following year.

(2) A remitter may request an alternative remittance schedule other than the schedule required by subsection (1). The department may consider situations, such as administrative and taxpayer convenience and frequency of royalty payments, in determining whether to approve an alternative remittance schedule.

(3) A remitter may elect to remit and file mineral backup withholding electronically in any format established and approved by the department if the remitter obtains prior approval from the department before remitting the tax by electronic funds transfer.

(4) If a remitter remits withholding taxes electronically, the remittance is considered timely if made within 5 days after the due date of the payment.

(5) If the department has reason to believe that collection of the amount of any tax withheld is in jeopardy, it may proceed as provided under 15-1-703.

(6) Each remitter shall keep accurate royalty payment and withholding records containing the information that the department may prescribe by rule. Those records must be open to inspection and audit and may be copied by the department or its authorized representative at any reasonable time and as often as may be necessary. A remitter that maintains its records outside of Montana shall furnish copies of those records to the department at the remitter's expense.