The taxpayer may apply to the municipality or county in which the textile mill site is located for a certification of the textile mill site made by ordinance or binding resolution of the governing body of the municipality or county. The certification shall include findings that the:

(1) textile mill site was a textile mill as defined in § 12-65-20(3);

(2) textile mill site has been abandoned as defined in § 12-65-20(1); and

(3) geographic area of the textile mill site consistent with § 12-65-20(4).

The taxpayer may conclusively rely upon the certification in determining the credit allowed; provided, however, that if the taxpayer is relying upon the certification, the taxpayer shall include a copy of the certification on the first return for which the credit is claimed.