(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b), (c), and (d), if any overpayment of tax is refunded or credited within 90 days after the return is filed, or within 90 days after the last day prescribed for filing the return of tax (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing the return), whichever is later, no interest shall be allowed under Section 19340 on the overpayment. For the purposes of this section, “overpayment of tax” includes a refund in excess of tax liability as prescribed in subdivision (j) of Section 17053.5.

(b) In the case of returns which set forth no determination or amount of tax liability, or credits other than that allowed under Section 17053.5, and which are filed solely for the purpose of claiming the renter credit, no interest shall be allowed on refunds made within 90 days from the date on which the return is filed, or within 90 days after the last day prescribed for filing the return, whichever is later. This subdivision applies only when communication with the claimant or other verification is necessary to determine entitlement to the claimed credit.