WILBUR, Justice.
[¶ 1.] Citibank, Inc. ("Citibank") filed a tax refund claim with the South Dakota Department of Revenue in 2012 requesting a return of a portion of bank franchise taxes paid for the tax years 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. The Department of Revenue denied the tax refund claim. Citibank requested a hearing with the Office of Hearing Examiners ("OHE"). OHE found that the refund claim was time-barred by the three-year statute of limitations contained in SDCL 10-59-19. Consequently, OHE dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction. The circuit court affirmed OHE. Citibank appeals. We affirm.
[¶ 2.] Citibank
[¶ 3.] The parties to this action stipulated that the State of South Dakota did not have "personal knowledge" of the Federal Tax Returns until March 2012. On March 16, 2012, and within 60 days of the IRS's final decision, Citibank filed amended bank franchise tax returns with the Department reflecting its reduced taxable income for tax years 1999 and 2000 and requested a refund of the bank franchise taxes on returns that were due and paid in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003, for taxable years 1999 through 2002.
[¶ 4.] The Department denied Citibank's request for a refund of bank franchise taxes on April 9, 2012. The Department concluded that the refund claim was filed after the three-year statute of limitations had expired pursuant to SDCL 10-59-19. Citibank requested an administrative hearing before OHE, contending that it had timely filed its refund claim in compliance with ARSD 64:26:02:06. Citibank and the Department stipulated to all material facts and evidence and filed cross motions for summary judgment. The Department also filed a motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction.
[¶ 5.] On March 15, 2013, OHE granted the Department's motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. OHE rejected Citibank's
[¶ 7.] Citibank and the Department stipulated to all materials facts; therefore, our review is limited to "whether the circuit court properly interpreted and applied the law." See Rushmore Shadows, LLC v. Pennington Cnty. Bd. of Equalization, 2013 S.D. 73, ¶ 7, 838 N.W.2d 814, 816. "The interpretation and application of a tax statute is a question of law that we review de novo." Id. "Statutes that `impose taxes are to be construed liberally in favor of the taxpayer and strictly against the taxing body.'" Id. (quoting Butler Mach. Co. v. S.D. Dep't of Revenue, 2002 S.D. 134, ¶ 6, 653 N.W.2d 757, 759).
[¶ 8.] But we have consistently required strict compliance with statutes of limitation. Jorgensen Farms, Inc. v. Country Pride Corp., 2012 S.D. 78, ¶ 30, 824 N.W.2d 410, 419 (quoting Murray v. Mansheim, 2010 S.D. 18, ¶ 21, 779 N.W.2d 379, 389); see also Dakota Truck Underwriters v. S.D. Subsequent Injury Fund, 2004 S.D. 120, ¶ 17, 689 N.W.2d 196, 201 ("Traditionally, compliance with statutes of limitations is strictly required and doctrines of substantial compliance or equitable tolling are not invoked to alleviate a claimant from a loss of his right to proceed with a claim."). "[S]tatutes of limitation ensure a `speedy and fair adjudication of the rights of the parties.'" Murray, 2010 S.D. 18, ¶ 21, 779 N.W.2d at 389 (quoting Moore v. Michelin Tire Co., Inc., 1999 S.D. 152, ¶ 25, 603 N.W.2d 513, 521). "In most cases, this important principle underlining the statute of limitations is appropriately advanced by refusing to judicially modify the harsh effect imposed by a statute of limitations." Dakota Truck Underwriters, 2004 S.D. 120, ¶ 18, 689 N.W.2d at 201. "[T]he United States Supreme Court has recognized, and this Court has embraced, the need to protect the government's strong interest in financial stability and the State's ability to engage in sound fiscal planning as the strong underlying justification for limitations periods for tax refunds." Ernst & Young v. S.D. Dep't of Revenue, 2004 S.D. 122, ¶ 17, 689 N.W.2d 449, 454 (quoting Pourier v. S.D. Dep't of Revenue (Pourier I), 2003 S.D. 21, ¶ 38, 658 N.W.2d 395, 407) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also McKesson Corp. v. Div. of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco, 496 U.S. 18, 44-45, 110 S.Ct. 2238, 2254-55, 110 L.Ed.2d 17 (1990).
[¶ 10.] To successfully claim a refund of bank franchise taxes, a taxpayer must comply with the provisions of SDCL chapter 10-59: "The provisions of this chapter may only apply to proceedings commenced under this chapter concerning the taxes, the fees, the surcharges, or the persons subject to the taxes, fees, or surcharges imposed by ... [chapter] 10-43." SDCL 10-59-1 (emphasis added). SDCL 10-59-17 provides, "No court has jurisdiction of a suit to recover such taxes, penalty, or interest unless the taxpayer seeking the recovery of tax complies with the provisions of [SDCL chapter 10-59]." SDCL 10-59-19 establishes a three-year statute of limitations for tax refund claims:
(Emphasis added.) OHE concluded and the circuit court affirmed that the three-year statute of limitations imposed by SDCL 10-59-19 barred Citibank's refund claim.
[¶ 11.] The principal assertion by Citibank is that the amended bank franchise tax return was timely filed in March 2012. Citibank contends that its "prompt Refund Claim filed within sixty days of receiving an adjustment to its federal taxable income was timely under the South Dakota statutes and regulations governing refunds of excess bank franchise taxes." Citibank relies predominately on ARSD 64:26:02:06 to support this argument. The South Dakota Legislature authorized the Secretary of the Department to promulgate rules regarding the bank franchise tax:
ARSD 64:26:02:06 (emphasis added). Citibank contends that "ARSD 64:26:02:06 permits a taxpayer to seek a refund of bank franchise taxes ... after an IRS adjustment to federal taxable income irrespective of the timing of the federal adjustment for good reason."
[¶ 12.] In order to resolve the issue of whether the amended bank franchise tax return was timely under the laws and regulations of this State, we must engage in statutory interpretation. Our function in interpreting administrative rules "has long been clear." Westmed Rehab, Inc. v. Dep't of Soc. Servs., 2004 S.D. 104, ¶ 8, 687 N.W.2d 516, 518. "Administrative regulations are subject to the same rules of construction as are statutes. When regulatory language is clear, certain and unambiguous, our function is confined to declaring its meaning as clearly expressed." Id. (quoting Schroeder v. Dep't of Soc. Servs., 1996 S.D. 34, ¶ 9, 545 N.W.2d 223, 227-28).
Paul Nelson Farm v. S.D. Dep't of Revenue, 2014 S.D. 31, ¶ 10, 847 N.W.2d 550, 554 (quoting State v. Hatchett, 2014 S.D. 13, ¶ 11, 844 N.W.2d 610, 614).
[¶ 13.] The plain language in SDCL 10-59-19 is clear, certain, and unambiguous. SDCL 10-59-19 provides, "A taxpayer seeking recovery of an allegedly overpaid tax ... shall file a claim for recovery with the secretary, within three years from the date the tax ... was paid or within three years from the date the return was due, whichever date is earlier." (Emphasis added.) "When `shall' is the operative verb in a statute, it is given `obligatory or mandatory' meaning." Fritz v. Howard Twp., 1997 S.D. 122, ¶ 15, 570 N.W.2d 240, 242. See also SDCL 2-14-2.1 ("As used in the South Dakota Codified Laws to direct any action, the term, shall, manifests a mandatory directive and does not confer any discretion in carrying out the action so directed.") Thus, SDCL 10-59-19 strictly requires that a claim for a refund of overpaid taxes be filed within three years from the date the tax was paid or the return was due. In addition, the three-year statute of limitations is expressly
[¶ 14.] Similarly, the clear, certain, and unambiguous language of ARSD 64:26:02:06 does not support Citibank's argument that ARSD 64:26:02:06 "carves out a limited exception to the three-year limitations period[.]" Citibank contends, "ARSD 64:26:02:06 does not provide that a taxpayer can claim a refund based on an anticipated federal adjustment; to the contrary, it expressly states that a taxpayer may file a supplemental return if a decrease in income `occurs,' including `because of audit and adjustment by the United States.'" Relying on this interpretation, Citibank argues that ARSD 64:26:02:06 therefore allows a taxpayer to file a supplementary return for overpaid bank franchise taxes after the decrease in the taxpayer's net or taxable income occurred and after the expiration of the three-year limitation period contained in SDCL 10-59-19. We disagree.
[¶ 15.] First, there is no language in SDCL 10-59-19 permitting an exception to the three-year limitation period.
[¶ 16.] Giving the language in ARSD 64:26:02:06 its plain meaning and effect, see Paul Nelson Farm, 2014 S.D. 31, ¶ 10, 847 N.W.2d at 554, we similarly reject Citibank's argument that ARSD 64:26:02:06 does not allow a supplementary return to be filed when the decrease in taxable or net income is anticipated. Under ARSD 64:26:02:06, a taxpayer "may file a supplementary return" when "a subsequent decrease occurs in the taxpayer's net income or taxable income for that tax year, whether because of audit and adjustment by the United States or otherwise [.]" (Emphasis added.) It follows that the inclusion of the "or otherwise" language permits a taxpayer to file a supplementary return prior to the IRS adjustment when the decrease in taxable income is anticipated. Therefore, a taxpayer does not need to wait until completion of the federal audit by the IRS. The only requirement is that Citibank "file a claim for recovery with the secretary" before the expiration of the three-year statute of limitations. See SDCL 10-59-19. Presumably, the decrease in Citibank's net income or taxable income for the 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002 taxable years — for purposes of ARSD 64:26:02:06 — occurred when Citibank changed its method of accounting for the 2001 tax year.
[¶ 17.] Even if we were to recognize that ARSD 64:26:02:06 "carves out a limited exception to the three-year limitations period[,]" that conclusion would serve to expand or supersede the language contained in SDCL 10-59-19. An administrative regulation adopted in contravention of a statute is invalid. Paul Nelson Farm, 2014 S.D. 31, ¶ 24, 847 N.W.2d at 558 (quoting In re Yanni, 2005 S.D. 59, ¶ 16, 697 N.W.2d 394, 400). Likewise, when a regulation implements a statute, "[t]he rule can in no way expand upon the statute that it purports to implement." State Div. of Human Rights, ex rel. Ewing v. Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 273 N.W.2d 111, 114 (S.D.1978). "The power of an administrative officer or board to administer a ... statute and prescribe rules and regulations to that end is not the power to make law ... but the power to adopt regulations to carry into effect the will of [the legislative body] as expressed by the statute. A regulation which does not do this, but operates to create a rule out of harmony with the statute, is a mere nullity." Dixon v. United States, 381 U.S. 68, 74, 85 S.Ct. 1301, 1305, 14 L.Ed.2d 223 (1965) (quoting Manhattan Gen. Equip. Co. v. Comm'r of Internal Revenue, 297 U.S. 129, 134, 56 S.Ct. 397, 400, 80 L.Ed. 528 (1936)). Therefore, Citibank's argument — i.e., ARSD 64:26:02:06 eliminates the three-year statute of limitations for refunds of overpaid bank franchise taxes — would, if accepted, violate a fundamental principle of administrative law by effectively expanding or superseding the three-year limitation period in SDCL 10-59-19.
[¶ 19.] Citibank next argues, "The judgment should ... be reversed because the specific statutes and rules governing the bank franchise tax apply rather than the general three-year limitations period." According to Citibank, "[t]he Legislature adopted general statutes governing the bank franchise tax in SDCL Ch. 10-43[,]" and "directed the Secretary of the Department to promulgate specific regulations addressing the bank franchise taxes." We have held that "the rules of statutory construction dictate that `statutes of specific application take precedence over statutes of general application.'" Schafer v. Deuel Cnty. Bd. of Comm'rs, 2006 S.D. 106, ¶ 10, 725 N.W.2d 241, 245 (quoting Coop. Agronomy Servs. v. S.D. Dep't of Revenue, 2003 S.D. 104, ¶ 19, 668 N.W.2d 718, 723). "We are guided by the principle that a court should construe multiple statutes covering the same subject matter in such a way as to give effect to all of the statutes if possible." Id. (quoting Kinzler v. Nacey, 296 N.W.2d 725, 728 (S.D.1980)).
[¶ 20.] We held above that SDCL 10-59-19 and ARSD 64:26:02:06 are clear, certain, and unambiguous. See supra ¶¶ 13-14. "When the language in a statute is clear, certain, and unambiguous, there is no reason for construction, and this Court's only function is to declare the meaning of the statute as clearly expressed." Paul Nelson Farm, 2014 S.D. 31, ¶ 10, 847 N.W.2d at 554 (quoting Hatchett, 2014 S.D. 13, ¶ 11, 844 N.W.2d at 614). Thus, we need not engage in canons of statutory construction to determine the meaning of the regulation. Moreover, Citibank cites to no authority supporting the rule of construction that a specific regulation takes precedence over a general statute. Instead, Citibank cites only to cases where we have acknowledged that a statute of specific application takes precedence
[¶ 21.] Furthermore, we addressed the canon of statutory construction that statutes of specific application take precedence over statutes of general application in Ernst & Young, 2004 S.D. 122, 689 N.W.2d 449. The facts of Ernst & Young are similar to the present facts. There, this Court addressed whether the three-year statute of limitations in SDCL 10-59-19 applied, or whether SDCL 10-45-29 — which allows deductions for sales tax previously paid when a refund is made — applied to Ernst & Young's refund claim. Ernst & Young, 2004 S.D. 122, ¶¶ 15-16, 689 N.W.2d at 453-54. Ernst & Young argued that SDCL 10-45-29 is more specific than the general provision of SDCL 10-59-19. Id. However, this Court held that because "SDCL 10-45-29 does not specify a limitations period other than the reporting period, it is subject to the three year limitation for overpaid taxes contained in SDCL 10-59-19." Id. ¶ 16, 689 N.W.2d at 454. Therefore, a statute that does not provide a limitation period, but merely addresses other procedural aspects, cannot be said to be the more specific statute than one that establishes a statute of limitations. See id. Likewise, Citibank's claim that ARSD 64:26:02:06 is the more specific pronouncement on the statute of limitations for bank franchise taxes rather than SDCL 10-59-19 is without merit.
[¶ 22.] Citibank alleges that ARSD 64:26:02:06 constitutes "written advice" and that by citing the three-year statute of limitations in SDCL 10-59-19 to deny Citibank's refund claim, the Department is taking a position contrary to the written advice it provided in ARSD 64:26:02:06. Citibank argues, "If a taxpayer may rely on the Department's written advice, the same applies to the regulations, which have the force of law, and which were promulgated by the Department more than two decades ago." SDCL 10-59-27 provides, "Any taxpayer who has received written advice from the Department of Revenue concerning the taxability of transactions shall be allowed to rely on such advice when filing tax returns." Certainly, a taxpayer is allowed to rely on the written advice of the Department "concerning the taxability of transactions." But Citibank advances no authority to support the broad assertion that a regulation promulgated by the Department constitutes "written advice." Regardless, we held above that SDCL 10-59-19 and ARSD 64:26:02:06 are harmonious and workable. See supra ¶ 15. ARSD 64:26:02:06 does not eliminate the three-year statute of limitations found in SDCL 10-59-19. Therefore, even if we entertained the notion that the regulation constitutes "written advice" by the Department, the Department certainly was not "taking a position contrary" to the regulation when it denied the refund claim.
[¶ 23.] Citibank contends that ARSD 64:26:02:05 — a regulation addressing the
[¶ 24.] The Department points out, however, that much like ARSD 64:26:02:06, ARSD 64:26:02:05 is merely a procedural rule. The Department therefore contends that the rule does not eliminate the three-year statute of limitations in SDCL 10-59-19 when there is an increase in the taxpayer's income that causes the taxpayer to owe more to the State. The interpretation of ARSD 64:26:02:05, however, is not properly before this Court. Accordingly, we decline to interpret the effect, if any, that ARSD 64:26:02:05 has on the three-year statute of limitations contained in SDCL 10-59-19.
[¶ 25.] Citibank claims that the refund should be allowed because audits of large corporations are often not resolved within three years. Thus, Citibank argues that the three-year statute of limitations produces a "catch-22"
[¶ 26.] Nevertheless, Citibank argues that in a matter separate from the present claim, the Department refused Citibank's attempt to file a timely refund claim in 2012 for the 2008 tax year. Citibank filed the refund claim and supplemental tax return for the 2008 tax year before the three-year statute of limitations expired. According to Citibank, the Department denied the refund claim because the claim did not contain closing documents from the federal audit. The Department's letter that allegedly rejected the claim explained: "In order to verify the federal adjustment for the year at issue, this office requires copies of closing documents from the federal audit."
[¶ 27.] The Department responds that it indicated to Citibank in a letter dated April 12, 2013, that the claim would be processed upon receipt of the closing documents. At the circuit court hearing, the Department confirmed that it would process that refund claim upon receipt of the closing documents. The Department further acknowledges that Citibank's refund claim for the 2008 tax year — filed within the three-year statute of limitations under SDCL 10-59-19 — satisfied the purpose of the limitation period by providing the State with notice of the potential refund. Consequently, we reject Citibank's argument that the facts of this case cause them to be in an impossible position or "catch-22."
[¶ 28.] Finally, Citibank argues that the Department's interpretation and application of SDCL 10-59-19 raises significant constitutional concerns. Citibank erroneously concludes, however, that the application of the three-year statute of limitations in this case denies Citibank its constitutional due process rights. Citibank contends that it did not have a meaningful opportunity to obtain a refund for the overpaid tax. But, as explained above, Citibank could have filed a supplementary return with the Department within the three-year limitation period. In fact, before the SDCL 10-59-19 statute of limitations expired, Citibank cooperated with the IRS to extend the federal statute of limitations for auditing the Federal Tax Returns. Clearly, Citibank was provided a meaningful opportunity to preserve its refund claim with the Department within the three-year statute of limitations period imposed by SDCL 10-59-19.
[¶ 29.] We have recognized that certain equitable concerns justify the short three-year statute of limitations for tax refund claims:
Pourier I, 2003 S.D. 21, ¶ 54, 658 N.W.2d at 410 (Konenkamp, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part) (majority opinion vacated in part on rehearing by Pourier II, 2004 S.D. 3, 674 N.W.2d 314). Upholding the three-year statute of limitations aligns with "the need to protect the government's strong interest in financial stability and the State's ability to engage in sound fiscal planning as the strong underlying justification for limitations periods for tax refunds." Ernst & Young, 2004 S.D. 122, ¶ 17, 689 N.W.2d at 454 (quoting Pourier I, 2003 S.D. 21, ¶ 38, 658 N.W.2d at 407) (internal quotation marks omitted). As the United States Supreme Court acknowledged:
Rothensies v. Electric Storage Battery Co., 329 U.S. 296, 301, 67 S.Ct. 271, 273, 91 L.Ed. 296 (1946).
[¶ 31.] Because we have concluded that SDCL 10-59-19 applies in this case and that Citibank failed to comply with its provisions, we now address Citibank's request for equitable tolling of the three-year statute of limitations. "If legally authorized, the harsh effect of a statute of limitations can be judicially modified in limited circumstances through the application of the doctrine of equitable tolling." Anson v. Star Brite Inn Motel, 2010 S.D. 73, ¶ 15, 788 N.W.2d 822, 825-26 (footnote omitted).
[¶ 32.] The Department urges us to deny Citibank's motion to remand for three reasons. First, the Department contends that "SDCL 10-59-17 precludes the application of equitable tolling in this case and therefore, a remand to consider additional evidence relating to that argument would be futile." Second, the newly discovered evidence is "immaterial to this case." Third, "Citibank has waived an equitable tolling argument[.]"
[¶ 33.] We review questions of law "de novo with no deference given to the conclusions of law of the circuit court." Dakota Truck Underwriters, 2004 S.D. 120, ¶ 15, 689 N.W.2d at 201 (quoting Homestake Mining Co. v. S.D. Subsequent Injury Fund, 2002 S.D. 46, ¶ 12, 644 N.W.2d 612, 616). "Where relevant facts are undisputed and the district court denied equitable tolling as a matter of law, we review the district court's decision de novo." Id. ¶ 16 (quoting Rouse v. Lee, 339 F.3d 238, 247 (4th Cir.2003)). Moreover, "when the facts are undisputed, as they are here, we will apply a de novo standard of review to the applicability of equitable tolling." Anson, 2010 S.D. 73, ¶ 13, 788 N.W.2d at 825 (quoting Dakota Truck Underwriters, 2004 S.D. 120, ¶ 16, 689 N.W.2d at 201).
[¶ 34.] The United States Supreme Court decision United States v. Kwai Fun Wong, ___ U.S. ___, 135 S.Ct. 1625, 191 L.Ed.2d 533 (2015), is instructive on this issue.
[¶ 35.] The Government, however, must overcome "a high bar to establish that a statute of limitations is jurisdictional." Id. at ___, 135 S.Ct. at 1632. Congress must "clearly state" that the time bar is jurisdictional. Id. "Absent such a clear statement, `courts should treat the restriction as nonjurisdictional.'" Id. (quoting Sebelius v. Auburn Reg'l Med. Ctr., ___ U.S. ___, ___, 133 S.Ct. 817, 824, 184 L.Ed.2d 627 (2013)). Congress need not "incant magical words." Id. (quoting Auburn Reg'l, ___ U.S. at ___, 133 S.Ct. at 824). Instead, "traditional tools of statutory construction must plainly show that Congress imbued a procedural bar with jurisdictional consequences." Id. That is, "Congress must do something special, beyond setting an exception-free deadline, to tag a statute of limitations as jurisdictional and so prohibit a court from tolling it." Id.
[¶ 36.] Here, Citibank failed to comply with the three-year statute of limitations for the "recovery of an allegedly overpaid tax, penalty, or interest" as provided in SDCL 10-59-19. Under the equitable tolling framework established in Kwai Fun Wong, there is a "`rebuttable presumption of equitable tolling' [in] statutes brought against the [State] under a statute waiving sovereign immunity." ___ U.S. at ___, 135 S.Ct. at 1631 (emphasis added) (quoting Irwin, 498 U.S. at 95-96, 111 S.Ct. at 457).
[¶ 37.] The next step in the analysis is whether the three-year statute of limitations is jurisdictional. The Department argues that the "South Dakota Legislature clearly indicated that the statute of limitations in SDCL 10-59-19 is jurisdictional." We agree. SDCL 10-59-17 provides:
(Emphasis added.) Clearly, the Legislature "imbued a procedural bar with jurisdictional consequences" when it enacted this statute. SDCL 10-59-17 plainly states that "[n]o court has jurisdiction" over an action to recover taxes if the taxpayer does not comply with the provisions of SDCL chapter 10-59. The three-year statute of limitations for the recovery of taxes contained in SDCL 10-59-19 is within the provisions of SDCL chapter 10-59. "[L]egislatures may preclude equitable tolling by expressing an intention `to disallow tolling under any circumstances not enumerated in the statute.'" Anson, 2010 S.D. 73, ¶ 37, 788 N.W.2d at 831 (Konenkamp, J., concurring) (quoting Laird v. Blacker, 2 Cal.4th 606, 7 Cal.Rptr.2d 550, 828 P.2d 691, 698 (1992) (en banc)).
[¶ 38.] Citibank disagrees that the Legislature "express[ed] a clear intent to make the limitations period a jurisdictional defect."
[¶ 39.] Citibank contends that the language in SDCL 10-59-19 is similar to the language of the statute of limitations considered in Kwai Fun Wong. See SDCL 10-59-19 ("A claim for recovery not filed within three years of the date the tax was paid or within three years of the date the return was due, whichever date is earlier, is barred." (emphasis added)). According to Citibank, "SDCL 10-59-19 employs classic statute of limitations language[.]" As a result, the "Legislature's use of generic statute of limitations language means equitable tolling can be applied to the limitations period in SDCL 10-59-19." Certainly, the language in SDCL 10-59-19, when viewed in isolation, is similar to language from the statute in Kwai Fun Wong. But SDCL 10-59-19 must be viewed in conjunction with SDCL 10-59-17. "SDCL 10-59-17 and SDCL 10-59-19 touch upon the same subject matter, the recovery of taxes, and are presumed to have been intended to coexist[.]" Ernst & Young, 2004 S.D. 122, ¶ 9, 689 N.W.2d at 452. Therefore, SDCL 10-59-19 is distinguishable from the nonjurisdictional statute of limitations considered in Kwai Fun Wong. Here, SDCL 10-59-17 does not merely speak to "the claim's timeliness[;]" rather, the statute speaks directly to the "court's power" by stating that "[n]o court has jurisdiction ... unless the taxpayer ... complies with the provisions of this chapter."
[¶ 40.] Citibank responds that because "the jurisdictional defect language from SDCL 10-59-17 is not included in... SDCL 10-59-19[,] ... the Legislature did not express a clear intent to make the limitations period a jurisdictional defect." We disagree. This argument would render meaningless the express language in SDCL 10-59-17 that "[n]o court has jurisdiction of a suit to recover such taxes ... unless the taxpayer seeking the recovery of tax complies with the provisions of this chapter." Citibank would have us hold that the Legislature must repeat the jurisdictional language from SDCL 10-59-17 in SDCL 10-59-19 in order for it to apply to the three-year statute of limitations. This interpretation of the two statutes does not comport with our traditional tools of statutory construction. See Paul Nelson Farm, 2014 S.D. 31, ¶ 10, 847 N.W.2d at 554 (quoting Hatchett, 2014 S.D. 13, ¶ 11, 844 N.W.2d at 614). "If the Legislature clearly states that a threshold limitation on a statute's scope shall count as jurisdictional, then courts and litigants will be duly instructed and will not be left to wrestle with the issue." Arbaugh v. Y & H Corp., 546 U.S. 500, 515-16, 126 S.Ct. 1235, 1245, 163 L.Ed.2d 1097 (2006) (footnote omitted). In this case, the Legislature clearly stated in SDCL 10-59-17 — a statute waiving sovereign immunity for recovery of overpaid tax — that the three-year statute of limitations
[¶ 41.] Finally, Citibank argues that "when equitable tolling applies, the taxpayer actually satisfies SDCL 10-59-19, and SDCL 10-59-17 does not divest courts of jurisdiction." This circular reasoning confuses the equitable tolling framework established in Kwai Fun Wong. Under Kwai Fun Wong, we do not reach the issue of whether Citibank satisfied the elements of equitable tolling until after determining whether the three-year statute of limitations is jurisdictional. The three-year statute of limitations imposed under SDCL 10-59-19 is jurisdictional. Therefore, equitable tolling is not available to Citibank. Consequently, we reject Citibank's argument that it complied with both SDCL 10-59-17 and SDCL 10-59-19. The circuit court did not err by enforcing the three-year statute of limitations against Citibank "even if equitable consideration would support extending the prescribed time period." See Kwai Fun Wong, ___ U.S. at ___, 135 S.Ct. at 1631. Based on the foregoing and in consideration of the supplementary briefs submitted to this Court, we deny Citibank's request for remand.
[¶ 43.] The three-year statute of limitations found in SDCL 10-59-19 applies to Citibank's request for a refund of bank franchise taxes. Therefore, we do not reach the issue of whether the circuit court erred as a matter of law in affirming the denial of Citibank's motion for summary judgment.
[¶ 44.] The circuit court did not err when it affirmed OHE's dismissal of this action for lack of jurisdiction. Statutory construction confirms that SDCL 10-59-19 is applicable to bank franchise tax refund claims. Moreover, ARSD 64:26:02:06 does not carve out an exception to the three-year statute of limitations nor does it expand or supersede SDCL 10-59-19. Instead, ARSD 64:26:02:06 merely implements SDCL 10-59-19. Therefore, Citibank's March 2012 amended return for bank franchise taxes was time-barred by SDCL 10-59-19. Furthermore, equitable tolling is not available to Citibank in this case. The Department satisfied its burden in establishing that the three-year statute of limitations contained in SDCL 10-59-19 is jurisdictional. See Kwai Fun Wong, ___ U.S. at ___, 135 S.Ct. at 1631 (quoting Irwin, 498 U.S. at 95-96, 111 S.Ct. at 457). The Legislature opted to forbid equitable tolling of the three-year statute of limitations for bank franchise tax refund claims when it enacted SDCL 10-59-17.
[¶ 45.] GILBERTSON, Chief Justice, and ZINTER and SEVERSON, Justices, and KONENKAMP, Retired Justice, concur.
[¶ 46.] KERN, Justice, not having been a member of the Court at the time this action was assigned to the Court, did not participate.