State tax amnesty program set for Oct. 15 – Nov. 14

Louisiana Tax Amnesty 2014 grants people a limited opportunity to clear their state tax penalties for the 2015 fiscal year.

Act 822 was passed during the 2014 legislative session, which states no new amnesty program will be implemented by the Louisiana Department of Revenue after the conclusion of next year’s amnesty period. The LDR will not be eligible for another amnesty period until Jan. 1, 2025.

Last year’s amnesty period reached $452 million collected and had approximately 91,000 applications. One of the changes made to this year’s policy is allowing delinquent taxpayers to pay overdue taxes through installments over a six-month period.

“Delinquent taxpayers have more options than ever to satisfy their obligations,” Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Tim Barfield said. “Hopefully, this will encourage everybody who has fallen behind to take this opportunity to make a fresh start.”

The amnesty period stretches from Oct. 15 through Nov. 14. Taxpayers who failed to file a tax return report, to report all income or all tax, claimed incorrect credits or deductions, misrepresented or omitted any tax due and/or certain taxpayers under audit or in administrative or judicial litigation are eligible for the offer.

Taxpayers identified as noncompliant will receive notifications with instructions on applying.

“It is truly a win-win. It is a great opportunity for taxpayers who may not have caught up on their taxes or even file their taxes to have 100 percent of the penalty waived and 50 percent of the interest waived assuming they pay 100 percent of the tax due and 50 percent of the interest due,” Louisiana Department of Revenue Deputy Secretary Jarrod Coniglio said. “This gives people an opportunity to get up to date because you do not want us (LDR) on your back.”

Tax balances prior to Jan. 1, 2014 are eligible.

People could still be eligible with a garnishment on their wages or a levy on their bank account.

For those who have never filed a Louisiana Tax Return, outstanding tax returns must be filed with 50 percent of the interest and all of the tax paid.

Taxpayers who have filed petitions for bankruptcy are eligible.

Call 1-866-782-9241 or visit www.ldrtaxamnesty.com for more information.