Every seller and every person storing, using or otherwise consuming in this state tangible personal property purchased from a retailer shall keep such records, receipts, invoices and other pertinent papers in such form as the department may require. The department or any person authorized in writing by it is hereby authorized to examine the books, papers, records and equipment of any person selling tangible personal property and any person liable for the tax imposed by this article and to investigate the character of the business of any such person in order to verify the accuracy of any return made, or if no return was made by such person, to ascertain and determine the amount required to be paid hereunder.

The department is hereby charged with the enforcement of the provisions of this article and is hereby authorized and empowered to prescribe, adopt and enforce rules and regulations relating to the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article and to employ such accountants, auditors, investigators, assistants and clerks as may be determined to be necessary for the efficient administration of this article, under the provision of the merit system.