Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 25, December 13, 2024
Section 03.01.03.08 - Alternative Storage MediaA. For purposes of storage and retention, a taxpayer may: (1) Convert hard-copy documents, received or produced in the normal course of business and required to be retained, to microfilm, microfiche, or other storage-only imaging systems; and(2) After a 3-month period, discard the original hard-copy documents, if the conditions of §B of this regulation are met.B. Requirements. (1) Microfilm, microfiche, and other storage-only imaging systems shall meet the requirements of this regulation.(2) Documentation establishing the procedures for converting the hard-copy documents to microfilm, microfiche, or other storage-only imaging system shall be maintained and made available on request. The documentation shall, at a minimum, contain a sufficient description to allow an original document to be followed through the conversion system as well as internal procedures established for inspection and quality assurance.(3) A taxpayer shall establish procedures for the effective identification, processing, storage, and preservation of the stored documents and for making them available for the period they are required to be retained.(4) A taxpayer shall provide adequate facilities and equipment for reading, locating, and reproducing any documents maintained on microfilm, microfiche, or other storage-only imaging system so that records may be reviewed in a prompt and efficient manner.(5) When displayed on storage-only imaging equipment or reproduced on paper, the documents shall exhibit a high degree of legibility and readability. For this purpose, legibility is defined as the quality of a letter or numeral that enables the observer to identify it positively and quickly to the exclusion of all other letters or numerals. Readability is defined as the quality of a group of letters or numerals being recognizable as words or complete numbers.(6) All data stored on microfilm, microfiche, or other storage-only imaging systems shall be maintained and arranged in a manner that permits the prompt and efficient location of a particular record.C. The Comptroller is under no obligation to use records stored on microfilm, microfiche, or other storage-only imaging system if there is evidence that it lacks authenticity or integrity or does not meet the requirements set forth in §B of this regulation.Md. Code Regs. 03.01.03.08