State Comptroller TX won't issue me an IFTA-Stuck in Texas

So I've jumped through all the hoops for the last 2 months after the oil industry went bad, trying to get my new rig up and running interstate. My final step is to send in the forms to get my IFTA sticker, so a week ago I faxed it to the state comptroller's office. Today I followed up to check the status and they inform me that back in '94 when my small business folded (fax and copy service), I sent my final filing to the comptroller with an attached note stating that I was no longer in business, and they would not be receiving any more money from me. Well, apparently that wasn't good enough, so since I didn't notify them correctly back when, they auto filed an estimated tax value owed for quarter 2 and 3 (I closed at end of 1st quarter) for an estimated $11,500. So, consequently when I tried to get my IFTA, they saw that I supposedly owe this money, and they won't issue my sticker until it's resolved. I told them I don't owe any money, and they advised me to get a lawyer because, without proof from 21 years ago of detailed information, I owe it. Sure, they said I could work out a payment plan, but I can't see paying what I don't owe, just because they say so. I asked if they could send me the information they have, but they say there is no case on file, because they decided back in '94 not to pursue the issue, but left the liability on file. So, now I have to pay a lawyer to fight a case that is not legally a case. It doesn't make sense to me.

Does anyone have any insight or knowledge that might help me?

Thanks,

MarkChristopher
Stuck in Texas