Form of returns; time for filing; alternative filing formats; rules

(1)(a) For purposes of ORS chapter 316, returns shall be filed with the Department of Revenue on or before the due date of the corresponding federal return for the tax year as prescribed under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto. (b) For purposes of ORS chapters 317 and 318, returns shall be filed with the department on or before the 15th day of the month following the due date of the corresponding federal return for the tax year, as prescribed under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto. (c) The department may allow further time for filing returns equal in length to the extension periods allowed under the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations. (d) If no return is required to be filed for federal income tax purposes, the due date or extension period for a return shall be the same as the due date, or extension period, would have been if the taxpayer had been required to file a return for federal income tax purposes for the tax year. However, the due date for returns filed for purposes of ORS chapter 317 or 318 shall be on or before the 15th day of the month following what would have been the federal return due date for the tax year. (2) There shall be annexed to the return a statement verified as provided under ORS 305.810 by a declaration of the taxpayer making the return to the effect that the statements contained therein are true. (3) Returns shall be in the form the department may, from time to time, prescribe. The department shall prepare blank forms for the returns and distribute them throughout the state. The forms shall be furnished the taxpayer upon request, but failure to receive or secure a form does not relieve the taxpayer from the obligation of making any return required by law. (4)(a) The department may by rule authorize the filing of a return in alternative formats to those described in subsection (3) of this section and may prescribe the conditions, requirements and technical standards for a filing under this subsection. (b) Notwithstanding subsections (1) to (3) of this section, the department may by rule prescribe a different due date for a return filed in an alternative format. (c) The policy of the Legislative Assembly in granting the department rulemaking authority under paragraph (b) of this subsection is to have the department prescribe due dates that mirror the due dates that apply to federal returns filed in alternative formats for federal tax purposes.