(a) General rule.--
(1) The department shall not be required to receive or file any document or paper unless the same shall be accompanied by the proper fee, but the department may in its discretion permit the filing of any document or paper without first requiring payment of the fee required by this subchapter when satisfied that the fee will be paid promptly. If any such fee is not paid in the manner and within the time prescribed by regulation of the department, the filing to which such fee relates shall become void.
(2) With respect to filings under 13 Pa.C.S. Div. 9 (relating to secured transactions), paragraph (1) is subject to 13 Pa.C.S. §§ 9516 (relating to what constitutes filing; effectiveness of filing) and 9520 (relating to acceptance and refusal to accept record).
(b) Extension of credit.--The department may make provision by regulation for the extension of credit to persons dealing with it. Any person who shall fail or refuse to satisfy any indebtedness owing to the Commonwealth under this subchapter in the manner and within the time prescribed by regulation adopted pursuant to this subsection shall pay to the Commonwealth, in addition to the principal amount of such indebtedness and interest thereon, liquidated damages in the amount of $500.