144.155.  Limitation on time period to assess liability of transferee — death effect — transferee defined. — 1.  The liability at law or in equity of a transferee of property of a taxpayer for any tax, addition to tax, penalty or interest due under sections 144.010 to 144.510 and 144.600 to 144.745, shall be assessed, paid and collected in the same manner and subject to the same provisions and limitations as in the case of the tax to which the liability relates except as hereinafter provided in this section.  The term "transferee" includes donee, heir, legatee, devisee and distributee.

  2.  In the case of the liability of an initial transferee, the period of limitation for assessment of any liability expires one year after the expiration of the period of limitation against the transferor; in the case of the liability of a transferee of a transferee, it expires one year after the expiration of the period of limitation against the preceding transferee, but not more than three years after the expiration of the period of limitation for assessment against the original transferor.

  3.  If, before the expiration of the time provided in this section for the assessment of the liability, the director of revenue and the transferee have consented in writing to its assessment after such time, the liability may be assessed at any time prior to the expiration of the period agreed upon or an extension thereof.

  4.  If any person is deceased, the period of limitation for assessment against such person shall be the period that would be in effect had death not occurred.