LAC 61:III.317 — Procedures for Arbitration

A. The arbitrator will take necessary steps to avoid delay and to achieve a just, speedy, and cost-effective resolution. The department and taxpayer will cooperate in the exchange of documents, exhibits, and information within either party's control. In addition, the department and taxpayer may conduct discovery as agreed upon by all parties. However, the arbitrator may provide for or place limitations on the discovery as the arbitrator deems appropriate. At the request of the department or the taxpayer, the arbitrator may require the deposition of any person who may possess information vital to the just resolution of the matter.
B. The arbitrator will select a hearing date. Each party must notify the arbitrator in writing at least 10 business days before the initial arbitration session of the following:
1. the party's intention to present witnesses;
2. whether the party will be represented by counsel; and
3. who will be present at the arbitration.
C. The department and taxpayer must submit a brief statement of facts, law, and issues to be resolved. The statement may not exceed 15 legal-size pages without prior approval from the arbitrator.
D. The arbitrator will distribute to the department and taxpayer the information provided in Subsection B and inform the parties of the arbitration process to be followed at least five business days before the initial arbitration session. Except where specified in the regulation, the arbitrator will determine the process to be followed.
E. The rules of evidence in arbitration will be the rules of evidence followed in the state district courts of Louisiana.
F. Any party desiring a stenographic or other recording of the proceedings must make arrangements directly with a stenographer or the person responsible for recording the proceedings. The party seeking to record the proceeding must notify the arbitrator and all other parties of the arrangements at least five business days before the arbitration hearing. The requesting party or parties shall pay the recording costs and the recording or transcript shall be made available to the arbitrator and the other parties for inspection and copying at a date, time, and place determined by the arbitrator.
G. If an arbitration decision is rendered on a case pending in any state court or the Louisiana Board of Tax Appeals, the decision will be entered in the court records.
H. The decision by the arbitrator will be made promptly and, unless otherwise agreed by the parties or specified by law, no later than 30 business days from the date of the closing of the arbitration hearing.