Time Running Out For PA Tax Amnesty

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania tax amnesty – which waives all penalties and half of the interest for those who pay their past-due state taxes – is more than halfway over, Acting Revenue Secretary C. Daniel Hassell reminded taxpayers today. The 60-day program ends at midnight June 19, 2017.

"Only three weeks remain for businesses and individuals to take advantage of the Tax Amnesty program by applying and paying what they owe," said Hassell. "The June 19 deadline is set by law and will not be extended.

"We encourage those with back taxes to not wait until the deadline. After June 19, a 5 percent penalty will be added to what is owed."

More than 21,000 applications for amnesty worth an estimated $72 million have been submitted or are in development by taxpayers. More than 91,000 calls have been answered at the toll-free Tax Amnesty hotline, 1-844-727-8283.

Applications and full payments must be made or postmarked by midnight Monday, June 19, 2017. Payments are accepted by check, money order, credit/debit card or electronic funds transfer.

Act 84 of 2016 authorized a tax amnesty for more than 30 taxes administered by the Department of Revenue, including the corporate net income tax, employer withholding tax, sales tax, and personal income tax.

After Tax Amnesty ends a 5 percent penalty will be added to delinquent taxpayers who were eligible, but did not participate, and the department will continue collections activities that recover more than $600 million a year.

Taxpayers can apply or get more information at backtax.pa.gov or by calling 844-PA-STATE-TAX (1-844-727-8283) from 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Fridays, and 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Kevin Hensil, 717-787-6960

The following is a list of frequently asked questions and a table of Pennsylvania tax delinquents by county. A fact sheet is available at www.backtax.pa.gov.

Who is eligible for PA Tax Amnesty?

1.) Who is eligible for PA Tax Amnesty?

• Individuals and businesses with unpaid or underpaid state taxes as of Dec. 31, 2015.
• Taxpayers who did not file a return for tax periods due on or before Dec. 31, 2015.

2.) Who is not eligible for Tax Amnesty?

• Taxpayers who participated in the 2010 PA Tax Amnesty program.
• Taxpayers under criminal investigation, criminal prosecution, or criminal restitution for allegedly violating a tax law.
• Taxpayers in bankruptcy unless the Bankruptcy Court grants permission.
• Taxpayers with a current voluntary disclosure agreement for periods eligible for the program

3.) How can I find out how much I owe in back taxes so I may apply for PA Tax Amnesty?

• Taxpayers who received a notice from the Department of Revenue should follow the instructions provided in the notice.
• Any taxpayer owing back taxes who did not receive a PA Tax Amnesty notice in the mail can call 1-844-727-8283 for information.

4.) How does a taxpayer apply for Tax Amnesty?

• Visit www.backtax.pa.gov or call 844-PA-STATE-TAX (1-844-727-8283).
• File an application by June 19, 2017.
• File all delinquent returns. (Withdraw active administrative or judicial appeals of a tax amnesty eligible liability.)
• Make the required payment by midnight, June 19, 2017.

5.) What taxes are eligible for the Tax Amnesty program?

• All taxes administered by the PA Department of Revenue are eligible. A complete list is at www.backtax.pa.gov.
• The PA Tax Amnesty program does not include unemployment compensation (administered by the PA Department of Labor and Industry) or any taxes administered by the federal government, another state or local government – including property taxes.

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SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Revenue