(a) The tax levied by this part, except as otherwise provided, shall be due and payable to the Covington County Commission, or Department of Revenue, or other collection agent as may be designated by resolution of the county commission, on or before the 20th day of the month next succeeding the month in which the tax accrues. On or before the 20th day of each month, every person on whom the tax is levied by this part shall render to the designated collection agent on a form prescribed by the agent, a true and correct statement showing the gross proceeds of the business subject to the tax for the then preceding month, together with other information as the designated collection agent requires. At the time of making the monthly report, the taxpayer shall compute and pay to the designated collection agent the amount of tax shown due. A person subject to the tax who conducts business on a credit basis may defer reporting and paying the tax until after the person has received payment of the items, articles, or accommodations furnished. In the event the taxpayer defers reporting and paying the taxes, he or she shall thereafter include in each monthly report all credit collections made during the then preceding month and shall pay the amount of taxes computed thereon at the time of filing the report.
(b) It shall be the duty of every person engaged or continuing in a business subject to the tax levied by this part to keep and preserve suitable records of the gross proceeds of the business and other books or accounts necessary to determine the amount of tax for which he or she is liable pursuant to this part. The records shall be kept and preserved for a period of two years and shall be open for examination at all times by the designated collection agent or by a duly authorized agent, deputy, or employee of the agent.
(c) A person who fails to pay the tax levied by this part within the time required by this part shall pay in addition to the tax a penalty of 10 percent of the amount of tax due, together with interest from the date on which the tax became due and payable at the rate due and payable on the state lodging tax. The penalty and interest shall be assessed and collected as a part of the tax. The designated collection agent may, if good and sufficient reason be shown, waive or remit the penalty or a portion of the penalty.
Last modified: May 3, 2021