Ind. Code § 22-4-32-5

Sec. 5. Upon receipt of such protest in writing, the commissioner promptly shall refer the written protest to the liability administrative law judge who shall set a date for a hearing before the liability administrative law judge and notify the interested parties thereof by registered mail. Unless such written protest is withdrawn, the liability administrative law judge, after affording the parties a reasonable opportunity for a fair hearing, shall make findings and conclusions, and, on the basis thereof, affirm, modify, or reverse the initial determination of the department.