The tax imposed under the provisions of this Article and unpaid on the date on which the tax was due and payable shall bear interest at the rate determined in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-241.21 from and after such due date until paid. If any person defaults in any payment of the tax or interest thereon, the amount shall be collected by a civil action in the name of the State and the person adjudged in default shall pay the cost of such action. The Attorney General, at the request of the Commissioner, shall institute such action in the proper court for the collection of the amount of any tax past due under this Article including interest thereon. (1987, c. 815, s. 1; 2007-491, s. 44(1)a.)