(a) Time for protest. Within 60 days after the denial of the claim, the claimant may file (i) a protest with the Department or (ii) a petition with the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal, as provided in this subsection (a). A written protest against such denial shall be filed with the Department in such form as the Department may by regulations prescribe, setting forth the grounds on which such protest is based. If such a protest is filed, the Department shall reconsider the denial and, if the taxpayer has so requested, shall grant the taxpayer or his authorized representative a hearing. With respect to protests filed with the Department prior to July 1, 2013 that would otherwise be subject to the jurisdiction of the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal, the taxpayer may elect to be subject to the provisions of the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal Act of 2012 on or after July 1, 2013, but not later than 30 days after the date on which the protest was filed. If made, the election shall be irrevocable. A claimant who, on or after July 1, 2013, wishes to protest a denial that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal shall do so by filing a petition with the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal pursuant to the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal Act of 2012.