In all cases in which a protest is lawfully filed by a taxpayer, the commissioner shall consider the information contained in the protest and information submitted by the taxpayer in conference or hearing before the commissioner or his officers or agents. The commissioner shall proceed to make a final assessment or to fix a final license fee and shall notify the taxpayer of the amount of the assessment or fee, subject to the right of appeal as provided by law.
OCGA § 48-2-47