1.    Except as provided in section 57-39.2-12 for monthly reports and payments, on or before the last day of the month following the close of the first quarterly period, and on or before the last day of the month following each subsequent quarterly period of three months, the retailer shall make out a return for the preceding quarterly period in the form and manner as may be prescribed by the commissioner, showing the gross receipts of the retailer, the amount of the tax for the period covered by the return, and any further information as the commissioner may require to enable the retailer correctly to compute and collect the tax herein levied. The commissioner, upon request by any retailer and a proper showing of the necessity therefor, may grant unto the retailer an extension of time not to exceed thirty days for making a return. If the extension is granted to any retailer, the time in which the retailer is required to make payment as provided for in section 57-39.2-12 must be extended for the same period    but interest must be charged upon the amount of the deferred payment at the rate of twelve percent per annum from the date the tax would have been due if the extension had not been granted to the date the tax is paid.

2.    The commissioner may require the filing of returns and payment of tax on a monthly, quarterly, annual, or other basis when the commissioner deems it necessary to ensure payment of the tax imposed by this chapter. If the retailer’s filing responsibility has been assumed by a certified service provider, the retailer may authorize the certified service provider to claim on behalf of the retailer all or part of the compensation to which the retailer is entitled under sections 57-39.2-12.1 and 57-40.2-07.1.

3.    Returns must be signed by the retailer or a duly authorized agent of the retailer and must contain a written declaration that they are made and subscribed under the penalties of this chapter. The tax commissioner may prescribe alternative methods for signing, subscribing, or verifying a return filed by electronic means, including telecommunications, that shall have the same validity and consequence as the actual signature and written declaration for a paper return.