The director of revenue may certify under seal to the attorney general the names and addresses of all persons required to remit any tax, interest and penalties under the provisions of sections 144.010 to 144.510 for the preceding calendar month, or calendar quarter, who are delinquent in the payment of said tax, interest and penalties, together with the amount due from each delinquent and it shall be the duty of the attorney general, and, upon his request, the duty of each prosecuting and circuit attorney to forthwith institute and prosecute suits for the collection thereof as herein provided.