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What is the Pennsylvania tax amnesty program?
Tax amnesty is a program where taxpayers (businesses and individuals) who owe outstanding taxes can settle with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (“Department”) by paying less than what is owed. Under the program, if the taxpayer pays the entire amount of the outstanding tax due, the Department will waive all penalties and one-half of the interest associated with the underlying tax. This is an incredible opportunity for taxpayers to settle with the Department and take advantage of the savings being offered.
When does the tax amnesty program take place?
From April 21, 2017 through June 19, 2017, the Department will offer tax amnesty to all eligible taxpayers and waive all penalties and one-half interest if the taxpayer is able to pay the underlying tax and the one-half interest that was assessed. This is a strictly enforced sixty (60) day window. There will be no extensions of time to file. All required returns must be filed by the last day of the deadline.
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
Any taxpayer may generally participate in the program so long as they are not:
- A participant in the 2010 Tax Amnesty Program;
- Under criminal investigation relating to the violation of any tax law;
- Prior to the amnesty period been named as a defendant in a criminal complaint alleging a violation of any law imposing a tax administered by the Department; and
- A defendant in a pending criminal action for an alleged violation of any law imposing an eligible tax.
What taxes are eligible?
While not an exhaustive list the following taxes are eligible for the program:
- personal income tax – for the tax period January 1, 2014-December 31, 2014 – Due April 15, 2015
- inheritance and estate tax – Death of decedent March 31, 2015 – Due December 31, 2015
- capital stock or foreign franchise tax – for the tax period January 1, 2014-December 31, 2014 – Due April 15, 2015
- corporate net income tax – for the tax period January 1, 2014-December 31, 2014 – Due April 15, 2015
- gross receipts tax – for the tax period January 1, 2014-December 31, 2014 – Due March 16, 2015
- employer withholding tax – Third Quarter 2015 – Due November 2, 2015
- realty transfer tax – December 31, 2015
- sales and use tax – varies depending on manner collected and when paid
For a complete list click here.
When are payments required to be paid?
All payments under the tax program are required to be paid electronically by the close of the sixty day window – June 19, 2017.
What should I do going forward?
The 2017 amnesty is an incredible opportunity for taxpayers to resolve outstanding debts with Pennsylvania. Going forward, if a taxpayer receives an assessment in the mail for the above tax periods and they are greater than what is being offered by the 2017 amnesty program – don’t settle. Negotiate a deal that is comparable to the program. This is an excellent time for taxpayers who might have not filed all of the required returns or perhaps may have under reported income to come to the table and settle up with the Commonwealth.
If you have any questions regarding the 2017 tax amnesty program or any other issue affecting your business, please feel free to call the attorneys at Danziger Shapiro, P.C. We are available to assist you with your business needs. We look forward to hearing from you.
This entry is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.