(a) Every taxpayer shall file a privilege tax return, which shall include the public record disclosures required by Section 10-2B-16.22, with the department for every taxable year for which it is subject to the tax levied by this article. A disregarded entity that is owned by an individual, general partnership, or other entity not subject to the tax levied by this article shall file a return and pay the tax levied on it by this article. Except as provided in Section 40-14A-22(f) (4), the return required by this section is due no later than the corresponding federal income tax return as required to be filed as provided under federal law. In the case of a taxpayer's initial return, two and one half months after the taxpayer comes into existence, qualifies or registers to do business, or commences doing business in Alabama as the case may be. A disregarded entity that is required to file a return by this section shall file the return not later than the time its owner is required to file its return. If a taxpayer is required to change its taxable year pursuant to the previous sentence, then it shall file a return for the short taxable year beginning January 1, 2001, and ending on the day before the beginning of its new taxable year, and the return shall be filed no later than the corresponding federal income tax return as required to be filed as provided under federal law. In cases where receivers, trustees in bankruptcy, or assignees are operating the property or business of taxpayers, those receivers, trustees, or assignees shall file returns for the taxpayers in the same manner and form as the taxpayers are required to file returns. Any tax due on the basis of returns filed by receivers, trustees, or assignees shall be collected in the same manner as if collected from the taxpayers for whose business or property they have custody and control. The department may grant a reasonable extension of time for filing returns under rules and regulations prescribed by the department. No extension shall be for more than six months.

(b) The tax provided in this article shall be reported on forms and in the manner as prescribed by the department. The failure to receive a form from the department shall not relieve a taxpayer from liability for any tax, penalty, or interest otherwise due. The tax due, as reported, shall constitute an admitted liability for that amount. The department may compute and assess additional tax, penalty, and interest against a taxpayer as provided in Chapter 2A. Interest on overpayments of business privilege tax will be computed and paid in the manner provided in Section 40-1-44(b)(1)b.

(c) A corporation that is a member of an Alabama affiliated group that has elected to file a consolidated return pursuant to Section 40-18-39 or Section 40-16-3(b), if it is subject to the tax imposed by this article, shall file a separate return reporting and paying tax on its net worth without regard to other members of the affiliated group.