Improvements to which provisions not applicable--Petition and hearing prior to notification of auditor

The provisions of §§ 10-6-145 to 10-6-147 , inclusive, may not be applied to improvements to real property made two or more years prior to the assessment date unless the owner of the real property willfully hid or attempted to hide the improvements from the director for the purpose of evading the taxation of such improvements. Before the director may notify the county auditor of improvements made two or more years prior to the assessment date, the director shall petition the circuit court where such real property is located. The court shall hold a hearing on such petition and shall determine if the owner of the real property hid or attempted to hide the improvements for the purpose of evading the taxation of such improvements. The court shall provide reasonable notice of the hearing to the director and the owner of such real property. The director and the owner of the real property shall be given opportunity to present evidence and be represented by counsel.