Not later than three years after the date on which any contributions or interest thereon was paid, if the employer that paid such contributions or interest thereon shall make application for an adjustment thereof in connection with subsequent contribution payments, or for a refund thereof because such adjustment cannot be made, and the bureau shall determine that such contributions or interest or any portion thereof was collected erroneously, the bureau shall allow such employer to make an adjustment thereof, without interest, in connection with subsequent contribution payments by the employer, or if such adjustment cannot be made, the bureau shall refund said amount, without interest, from the fund. For like cause and within the same period, an adjustment or refund may be made on the bureau’s own initiative.