Failure to file return; alternative assessment procedures; election to file

Sec. 15. (a) In connection with the activities required by section 14 of this chapter, or if a person owning, holding, possessing, or controlling any personal property fails to file a personal property return with the township or county assessor as required by this chapter, the township or county assessor may examine: (1) the personal property of the person; (2) the books and records of the person; and (3) under oath, the person or any other person whom the assessor believes has knowledge of the amount, identity, or value of the personal property reported or not reported by the person on a return. (b) After such an examination, the assessor shall assess the personal property to the person owning, holding, possessing, or controlling that property. (c) As an alternative to such an examination, the township or county assessor may estimate the value of the personal property of the taxpayer and shall assess the person owning, holding, possessing, or controlling the property in an amount based upon the estimate. Upon receiving a notification of estimated value from the township or county assessor, the taxpayer may elect to file a personal property return, subject to the penalties imposed by IC 6-1.1-37-7.