(a) If any operator shall fail or refuse to collect the tax and to make, within the time provided in this chapter, any report and remittance of the tax or any portion thereof required by this chapter, the Treasurer shall proceed in such manner as he may deem best to obtain facts and information on which to base his estimate of the tax due. As soon as the Treasurer shall procure such facts and information upon which to base the assessment of any tax imposed by this chapter, and payable by any operator who has failed or refused to collect the same and to make a report and remittance, he shall proceed to determine and assess against the operator the tax, interest, and penalties provided for by this chapter. In case such determination is made, the Treasurer shall give notice of the amount so assessed by serving it personally, or by depositing it in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the operator so assessed at his last known place of address.
(b) The operator may within ten days after the serving or mailing of the notice make application in writing to the Treasurer for a hearing on the amount assessed. If an application by the operator for a hearing is not made within the time prescribed, the tax, interest, and penalties, if any, determined by the Treasurer, shall become final and conclusive, and immediately due and payable. If an application is made, the Treasurer shall give not less than five day's written notice in the manner prescribed herein to the operator to show cause at a time and place fixed in the notice why the amount specified therein should not be fixed for the tax, interest, and penalties.
(c) At the hearing, the operator may appear and offer evidence why the specified tax, interest, and penalties should not be so fixed. After the hearing, the Treasurer shall determine the proper tax to be remitted, and shall give written notice to the person in the manner prescribed herein of the determination and the amount of tax, interest, and penalties. The amount determined to be due shall be payable after 15 days, unless an appeal is taken as provided in Section 185.09.
(1993 Code 98.37)