(b) The operator shall sign the return and transmit it together with applicable taxes on or before the due date. If taxes have not been received by the City by the due date of the return, the operator shall incur a penalty equal to ten percent (10%) of the tax liability. In addition to the aforesaid penalty, interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per year, computed monthly, on the delinquent tax from the date of delinquency until paid shall accrue and be collected in the same manner the delinquent tax is collected.

(c) Every operator engaged in business within the City shall keep and preserve suitable records of all rentals made by him and such other books or accounts to determine the amount of tax he is required to collect. All books and records shall be maintained for a period of three (3) years after any reporting period, and shall be available for examination at reasonable times by the City Finance Director to ascertain the correctness of a return or to determine the amount of tax collected or levied.

(d) In the event the City is unable to ascertain the amount of tax due from an operator because the operator has failed to keep accurate records, to allow inspection of records, failed to file a return or falsified records, then the City shall estimate the tax due based upon any information available to it. The estimate shall become final for the purpose of determining liability of the operator in thirty (30) days unless the operator earlier files an accurate auditable return supported by records indicating a lesser liability or unless a greater liability is shown upon audit. The City’s estimate will include an audit estimate fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) that is payable regardless of whether or not the operator files his/her own returns.