(1) Whenever any motor carrier neglects or refuses to make and file any report for any reporting period as required by this chapter or files an incorrect or fraudulent report, or is in default in the payment of any taxes and penalties thereon payable under this chapter, the department, after giving at least 10 days’ notice to the motor carrier, shall, from any information it may be able to obtain from its office or elsewhere, estimate the number of miles driven with respect to which the motor carrier has become liable for taxes due under this chapter including taxes due to the applicable International Registration Plan member jurisdiction and the amount of taxes due and payable thereon, to which sum shall be added the penalties and interest required under this chapter.
(2) In any action or proceeding for the collection of the tax and any penalties or interest imposed in connection therewith, an assessment by the department in the amount of the tax due and the interest or penalties due to the state shall constitute prima facie evidence of the claim of the state, and the burden of proof shall be upon the motor carrier to show that the assessment was incorrect or contrary to law.
