(a) Every motor carrier subject to the tax imposed by this chapter shall be entitled to a credit on such tax equivalent to the rate per gallon of the Delaware tax which is currently in effect on all gasoline or other motor fuel purchased by such carrier within this State for use in its operation either within or without this State and upon which gasoline or other motor fuel the tax imposed by the laws of this State has been paid by such carrier. Evidence of the payment of such tax in such form as may be required by, or is satisfactory to, the Department of Transportation shall be furnished by each such carrier claiming the credit allowed under this section. When the amount of the credit to which a motor carrier is entitled for any reporting period exceeds the amount of the tax for which such carrier is liable for that same period, such excess shall, upon application within 1 year from the end of said period and supported by such evidence as the Department may require, be allowed as a credit against the tax for which such carrier would be otherwise liable or at the carrier’s request be refunded.

(b) The Department of Transportation shall allow such refund only upon receipt of a bona fide claim subject to criteria established under promulgated regulations. If the Department of Transportation shall refuse to allow a refund in the amount claimed by the applicant, the applicant may request a formal hearing on the application for a refund. Such hearing shall be held by the Department of Transportation after written notice to the applicant of not less than 10 days. Whenever any refund is ordered, it shall be paid out of the General Fund. So much of the moneys received as payment of the tax, interest and penalties under this chapter as shall be necessary for the payment of the refunds provided for in this section is appropriated by this subsection for payment of such refunds. No tax, interest, penalty or fee received or derived from any other tax imposed by the laws of this State shall be used to pay any refund or credit due and payable under the provisions of this section. Prior to any such refund or credit is paid out of the General Fund, the Delaware Transportation Authority shall reimburse the General Fund from the Transportation Trust Fund, on receipt of a notice from the Treasurer reflecting the pending payment of the refund or credit and the amount by which the General Fund must be reimbursed.

(c) If such refund granted under the provisions of this section shall, within 3 years of the date of payment, be determined by the Department to have been erroneously or illegally refunded in whole or in part, the Department of Transportation shall demand restitution from the motor carrier for deposit to the account of the General Fund. Such a demand by the Department shall constitute an assessment pursuant to the terms of § 5218 of this title. Any deposits received into the General Fund pursuant to this subsection shall be credited and deposited in the same fashion as all other taxes, fees, penalties and interest received by the State under this chapter.

30 Del. C. 1953, § 5204; 57 Del. Laws, c. 496, § 1; 58 Del. Laws, c. 467, § 2; 59 Del. Laws, c. 216, § 4; 65 Del. Laws, c. 427, §§ 1-3; 66 Del. Laws, c. 205, §§ 1, 2; 67 Del. Laws, c. 285, §§ 56(b), 56(c); 68 Del. Laws, c. 290, § 184; 70 Del. Laws, c. 210, § 70.