Any taxpayer, at any time within four years after the payment of any original or additional tax assessed against the taxpayer may file with the director a claim under oath for refund, in such form as the director may prescribe, stating the ground therefor, but no claim for refund shall be required or permitted to be filed with respect to a tax paid after protest has been filed with the director or after proceedings on appeal have been commenced as provided in this subtitle until after the protest or appeal has been finally determined.
N.J.S. § 54:45-6