(a) Each return shall be signed by or for the employer required to deduct and withhold the tax under this article and shall contain or be verified by a written declaration that the return is made under the penalties for false swearing. The return shall be signed and verified by the employer, by a person having control of the payment of wages for the employer, or by a person authorized to make the return for the employer. The fact that a name appears to be signed to a return shall be prima-facie evidence that the name was actually signed by the person named. The fact that a person appears to have signed for an employer shall be prima-facie evidence that the person was authorized to sign for the employer.

(b) The commissioner, as far as possible, shall furnish employers, regularly and without application, copies of the prescribed forms required to be used under this article. No employer is excused from making a return or furnishing a receipt by the fact that no forms had been furnished to the employer.