Upon application by a project operator to the state board of equalization, the net income of a project may be exempt from state income tax for a period not exceeding five years from commencement of project operations. The application for the exemption must be reviewed as to the eligibility of the project by the department of commerce division of economic development and finance and its recommendations forwarded to the state board of equalization. The project operator shall provide notice to competitors in the manner prescribed by the state board of equalization. The board shall determine whether the granting of the exemption is in the best interest of the people of North Dakota and, if it so determines, approve the exemption. The board shall, after making its determination, certify the findings back to the applicant and to the tax commissioner. Nothing contained herein shall have the effect of exempting the project from filing an annual income tax return.