§ 2000. Statement of purpose. This article is enacted to establish an independent division of tax appeals within the department of taxation and finance which shall be responsible for providing the public with a just system of resolving controversies with such department of taxation and finance and to ensure that the elements of due process are present with regard to such resolution of controversies. The division shall be responsible for processing and reviewing petitions, providing hearings as prescribed pursuant to this chapter or as a matter of right where the right to a hearing is not specifically provided for, modified or denied by another provision of this chapter, rendering determinations and decisions and all other matters relating to the administration of the administrative hearing process. The administrative hearing process is the process commenced by the filing of a petition protesting a notice issued by the commissioner of taxation and finance of a determination of tax due, a tax deficiency, a denial of a refund or credit application, a cancellation, revocation or suspension of a license, permit or registration, a denial of an application for a license, permit or registration or any other notice which gives a person the right to a hearing under this chapter.