(a) As soon as practicable after a tax return is filed, the finance director shall examine it and shall determine the correct amount of tax.

(b) If the amount paid exceeds that which is due, the finance director shall authorize a credit equivalent to the amount of overpaid taxes, plus interest computed at an annual rate equal to the average earnings rate on the investment portfolio of the city for the preceding month, within 90 days after such overpayment is discovered.

(c) If the amount paid is less than the amount due, the difference, together with penalty and interest thereon, shall be paid by the taxpayer within 20 days after notice is issued to the taxpayer by the finance director; provided, however, that within such 20-day period, the taxpayer may petition the finance director for a hearing on such assessment as provided in this article.

(d) Where a taxpayer has reason to believe that he or she has paid taxes in excess of the amount which is due, such taxpayer may submit a written claim to the finance director for a refund or credit of overpaid taxes. Such claim must be submitted within three years of the date of the original remittance. Any claim for refund under this section shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by a statement of facts, including the amount of refund due, upon which such claim is based. Upon receipt of such claim, the finance director shall examine the same, render a decision thereon, and give notice to the taxpayer by written order. An aggrieved taxpayer may petition in writing to the finance director for a hearing regarding his or her claim within 20 days from the date of the denial of the refund. Such hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in this article. (Code 1979, § 36-199)