Comptroller Reminds, “Only One Week Left to Apply For Tax Amnesty”

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (October 23, 2009) - Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot reminds taxpayers that the deadline for the state’s tax amnesty, October 30, is exactly one week from today. Since the amnesty program began on September 1, 2009, his office has received more than 3,000 applications and approximately $5.3 million in back taxes and interest. By this same time during the 2001 tax amnesty period, the Comptroller’s office had received more than 6,200 applications and nearly $7.3 million. The 2001 campaign collected a total of $39.4 million overall.

“Maryland taxpayers should have no expectation that amnesty will be offered again,” Comptroller Franchot said. “I urge delinquent taxpayers to come forward and take advantage of this limited opportunity,” he added.

This year’s tax amnesty gives delinquent taxpayers a final opportunity to pay their Maryland tax liability with only one half of the interest owed and no civil penalties or fear of criminal prosecution. Previously assessed fraud penalties will not be waived. Taxpayers who fail to take advantage of this amnesty period face fines and possible jail sentences if they have not reported, paid, or under reported their tax liabilities prior to December 31, 2008.

Taxpayers who qualify for the program include those who have failed to file a return or pay eligible tax liabilities due on or before December 31, 2008, or have underreported taxes due on or before that date.

Taxpayers under criminal investigation by the Attorney General’s Office, a state prosecutor, or a state’s attorney are not eligible for amnesty.

The following taxes are eligible for amnesty:

• Personal Income Tax
• Employer Withholding Tax
• Corporate Income Tax
• Sales and Use Tax
• Admissions and Amusement Tax

Previous tax amnesty periods were held in Maryland in 1987 and 2001.
Legislative analyst projected this year’s program to bring in $5-10 million for the state’s general fund. Currently, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Oregon and Virginia are also holding amnesty campaigns.

To obtain a tax amnesty application and other tax forms, visit www.marylandtaxes.com or call 410-260-7980 from central Maryland, or 1-800-MD-TAXES from elsewhere. In person help is available at the agency’s 11 local offices. A list of offices can be found on the Comptroller’s Web site.

On October 30, the program’s final day, the Comptroller’s field offices in Hagerstown, Salisbury Wheaton, Baltimore and Annapolis will be open until 8 p.m. and extended phone coverage will be available.