For the purpose of ascertaining the correctness of any tax return, making an assessment where no tax return has been made, determining the liability of any person, firm or corporation for any taxes or fees of any nature whatsoever that may be due or owing to the state of Tennessee, or for determining the liability at law or in equity of any transferee or fiduciary of any person, firm or corporation with respect of any taxes or fees due or owing to the state of Tennessee, or collecting any such liability, the commissioner of revenue, the comptroller of the treasury, or their duly authorized representatives, are authorized to:
(1) Examine any books, papers, records or other data that may be relevant or material to such inquiry;(2) Summon the person, firm or corporation liable for taxes or fees or any officer or employee of such person, firm or corporation, or any person, firm or corporation having possession, custody or care of books of account containing entries relating to the business of the person, firm or corporation liable for taxes or fees, or any other person, firm or corporation the commissioner, the comptroller of the treasury, or their duly authorized representatives, may deem proper, to appear before the commissioner, comptroller of the treasury, or their duly authorized representatives, at a time and place named in the summons and to produce such books, papers, records, or other data, and to give such testimony, under oath, as may be relevant or material to such inquiry; and(3) Take such testimony of the person, firm or corporation concerned, under oath, as may be relevant to such inquiry.Acts 1963, ch. 90, § 1; T.C.A., § 67-5501.