53-19-316. Service provider required to hold fee in trust for state penalty and interest. (1) Each service provider required to collect the fee imposed by 53-19-311 holds the fee in trust for the state of Montana and for payment of the fee to the department as provided in 53-19-311.

(2) (a) A service provider that fails to file the return required in 53-19-311 must be assessed a penalty as provided in 15-1-216. The department may waive any penalty as provided in 15-1-206.

(b) A service provider that fails to make payment or fails to report and make payment as required by 53-19-311 must be assessed penalty and interest as provided in 15-1-216. The department may waive any penalty pursuant to 15-1-206.

(c) Interest on fees not paid when due is assessed in the same manner as taxes not paid when due as provided in 15-1-216.

(3) (a) If a service provider fails to file the return required by 53-19-311 or if the department determines that the report understates the amount of fees due, the department may determine the amount of the fees due and assess that amount against the service provider. The provisions of 15-1-211 apply to any assessment by the department. The service provider may seek review of the assessment pursuant to 15-1-211.

(b) When a deficiency is determined and the amount due becomes final, the department shall mail a notice and demand for payment to the owner or operator. Penalty and interest must be added to any deficiency as provided in 15-1-216.