(1) Returns shall be examined by the commissioner or his duly authorized agents within three (3) years from the due date or the date the return was filed, whichever is later, and no determination of a tax overpayment or deficiency shall be made by the commissioner after the expiration of the three-year period except as provided in this section.

(2) When an examination of a return made under this chapter has been commenced, and the taxpayer notified of the examination by certified mail, or personal delivery by an agent of the commissioner within the three-year examination period provided in subsection (1) of this section, the determination of the correct tax liability may be made by the commissioner after the expiration of the three-year examination period, provided that the determination shall be made within one (1) year after the expiration of the three-year examination period provided for in subsection (1) of this section; however, this limitation and the limitation provided for in subsection (1) of this section shall not apply:

(a) To any tax period for which the taxpayer failed to file a return, in which case the tax, including any applicable penalties and interest, may be assessed by the commissioner at any time and the tax, penalties and/or interest so assessed may be collected by the commissioner as otherwise provided by law.

(b) In the case of a false or fraudulent return with the intent to evade tax. In such a case the commissioner is authorized to compute, determine, and assess at any time the estimated amount of tax due on the return, including any applicable penalties and interest, from any information in his or her possession, and after the tax, penalties and/or interest are assessed, to collect them as otherwise provided by law.

(c) In the case of an agreement in writing entered into by the commissioner and the taxpayer, made prior to the expiration of the applicable time periods provided for in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, consenting to the examination of a return. In such a case the determination of a tax overpayment or deficiency and/or the issuance of an assessment may be made within the agreed upon period. The period agreed upon may be extended by subsequent agreements in writing made before the expiration of the previously agreed upon period.

(d) In a case in which a taxpayer requests an extension of time for filing any return required by this chapter, and the request is granted. In such a case the limitation of time for examining the return and determining any tax overpayment or assessing any tax deficiency from the return shall be extended for a like period.

(3) Taxpayers shall keep and maintain an accurate and complete set of records and other information sufficient to allow the department to determine the correct amount of tax due. The records and other information shall be open and available for inspection by the department upon request at a reasonable time and location. Refusal or delay by the taxpayer to provide documentation for examination upon the department’s request shall result in an assessment being made from any information available, which shall be prima facie correct.

(4) Where the federal income tax return of a taxpayer has been changed by the Internal Revenue Service, the three-year examination period provided in subsection (1) of this section shall not be applicable, insofar as the Mississippi franchise tax liability is affected by the specific changes made by said Internal Revenue Service. However, no additional assessment or no refund shall be made under the provisions of this chapter after three (3) years from the date the Internal Revenue Service disposes of the tax liability in question.

(5) A taxpayer may apply to the commissioner for revision of any return filed under this chapter at any time within three (3) years from the due date, or the date the return was filed, whichever is later.