If any person liable for the tax imposed under this chapter sells the trade or business, disposes in any manner other than in the regular course of business at least seventy-five per cent of assets of the trade or business, or quits the trade or business, any tax owed by such person shall become due and payable immediately, and the person shall pay the tax under this section, including any applicable penalties and interest, within forty-five days after the date of selling or quitting the trade or business. The person’s successor shall withhold a sufficient amount of the purchase money to cover the amount due and unpaid until the former owner produces a receipt from the tax commissioner showing that the amounts are paid or a certificate indicating that no taxes are due. If a purchaser fails to withhold purchase money, that person is personally liable up to the purchase money amount, for such amounts that are unpaid during the operation of the business by the former owner.

The tax commissioner may adopt rules regarding the issuance of certificates under this section, including the waiver of the need for a certificate if certain criteria are met.