Every public utility with property in this state shall through its owner, officer or agent having control of its affairs, before March 20 each year, make a return in writing to the director of property valuation on forms prescribed by the director showing all the information that the director shall require and deem necessary for the appraisal and apportionment of values of said property. If any public utility shall fail to provide the information as required, the director of property valuation shall advise the attorney general of such noncompliance and the attorney general shall proceed against such utility to enforce compliance herewith.