(a) For purposes of this subchapter, property is used or held for use in the operation of a company as such if it is owned or controlled by a utility or carrier and is being utilized, is capable of utilization, in the operation of a utility or carrier, or is being constructed for future utilization in the utility or carrier operation. However, leased property controlled by a utility or carrier shall not be assessed by a county assessor in this state if the property is assessed for ad valorem tax purposes by the Tax Division of the Arkansas Public Service Commission.

(b)

(1) All property, both real and personal, used or held for use in the operation of the company as such, of carriers, by pipeline, railroads, street railway, express, sleeping car, intercounty bus lines, intercounty motor freight, airline, ferry, interurban, toll bridge, toll road, or water transportation, and by similar carriers, and all telegraph, telephone, electric power, gas, water, and other similar companies shall be assessed for ad valorem taxation by the division.

(2) Each such company doing business or authorized to do business in Arkansas and owning or having control of property, or owning or having control of property in Arkansas, shall, through its owner, president, secretary, general manager, or agent having control of the company's affairs in this state, on or before March 1 of each year, make a statement in writing to the division showing all property subject to assessment and taxation in this state. The statement shall truly show the amount, kind, and value of the property as of January 1 next preceding the filing of the annual statement. However, in the case of motor carriers, the statement and information shall be filed annually with the division on or before March 31.