(a) If any certified, short-term
rental business fails to file the returns required by this section or fails or refuses to
remit to the commissioner of the revenue the tax collected and paid under this article at
the time specified in this article, there shall be added to such tax a penalty in the
amount of ten percent (10%) of the tax past due or the sum of ten dollars ($10.00),
whichever is greater. The assessment of such penalty shall not be deemed a defense to any
criminal prosecution for failure to comply with any of the requirements of this article.
(b) Interest on late payments of any taxes due shall be added at the
rate of ten percent (10%) per year. Penalty and interest for failure to file the return or
to pay the tax due pursuant to this article shall be assessed on the first day following
the day such quarterly return and tax payment is due.