All the powers and duties now imposed or conferred by law upon sheriffs or tax collectors of any county in this State with respect to the collection of any amounts due the State Department of Revenue, are hereby imposed or conferred upon the department, or its duly authorized representatives. Such portions of the law as have to do with the collection of unpaid taxes, penalties, interest, or costs, and the attachment, levy, and sale of properties for the purpose of enforcing the payment of such amounts which may be due the department, are hereby imposed or conferred upon the department, or its duly authorized representatives. The department, or its duly authorized representatives, shall in all respects and with like effect proceed upon the property and rights to property, both real and personal, as is now provided by law with respect to sheriffs or tax collectors.